Ok, laugh:
I'm on a wait list for a MCS and realize that the Turbo is stick. Err, umm
I've NEVER driven stick before. Any suggestions (and no I do not know anyone who drives a stick shift automobile!).
Cheers!

 

Try a driving school, or ask your MINI dealer, see how good your salesperson
really is. Or try "rent a wreck", better you should screw up someone else's car.
The MINI has one of the easiest clutch's I've ever driven and the stick has a wonderful short throw. You'll figure it out and LOVE IT.

GOOD LUCK

 

Welcome to MCO! I didn't know how to drive a stick when I bought my Cooper, but learned rather quickly! Just ask around and see if any friends know of anyone who is willing to teach ya! And just be patient...it will take time and tears (more than likely,) but you'll be motoring along in your MCS before you know it!!

 

Errrrr....the turbo is actually supercharged not turbo...either way, its speedy

The best (only) way to learn a stick is to do it, you will need to find a car to practice in, if all else fails you can learn in your MINI.

The trick is to learn to increase throttle while also releasing clutch in such a way that the power is transferred smoothly to the axles. Once you GET it you won't forget.

Be patient and give yourself some time. It'll come.

Any chance of renting a manual tranny car to practice in?

Good Luck!

 

Suggestion 1: take your time. You don't need to double clutch or anything fancy right out the gate.

Suggestion 2: Remember it's supercharged, not turbocharged Coming from a turbo heritage, I know there's a HUGE difference between the 2, especially below 3000 RPM.

Suggestion 3: Find a large empty parking lot like a church on wednesdays.

Suggestion 4: Starting off is the hardest part - going between gears is much easier. Getting into first will be 90% of your trouble. What you should try to do is slowly release the clutch until the car starts rolling, then release it more until eventually you're rolling with the clutch disengaged. Do this a few times until you're comfortable with the clutch pedal's motion.

Suggestion 5: Move the gas down as the clutch goes up, it's not exactly one-to-one but the two motions should go together. Try turning while you start, so you get used to doing multiple motions at the same time.

Suggestion 6: It's better to burn out than to stall - give it more gas before you give it too little - if you hesitate you'll starve the engine and it will stall.

Those were the most important to me when I was learning - and I learned on a '77 Corvette. You'll do fine

 

I've only driven a stick once! I'm looking forward to learning on my MINI. I've heard that the MINI likes a bit more throttle than other cars (when getting into 1st). Has anyone noticed this?

_________________
2003 MCS (EB/W) w/white stripes, Sport & Cold Packages, Sensing Wipers & Auto Dim Mirror, Magnesium Door Casing, Space Cloth Seats, Park Distance Control

<b>Little MINI, Big Adventures!</b>

 

>>I've only driven a stick once! I'm looking forward to learning on my MINI. I've heard that the MINI likes a bit more throttle than other cars (when getting into 1st). Was anyone noticed this?

i generally give mine a lot more gas starting from 0 then i did my old car

 

Hey! Welcome...

I'd driven a stick maybe 2-3 times (and not with such a fabulous outcome) prior to driving my S off the lot. The majority of my seat time was in a Jetta, which I liked, and an Integra, which made me want to rip out my hair and change my car order.

The Cooper is a piece of cake! Takes a wee bit getting used to, clutch engages pretty quickly compared to the other dastardly vehicles I practicen on, but it's soooooooooo much nicer. Far easier, in my opinion. So don't sweat it--you'll be fine and your car will be fine.

[/b]Just remember: Mr. Clutch is your friend!

Happily,
~Kelley

_________________
Ollie.... '03 IB/W MCS, H/K, Premi/Cold packs, fog lamps, 16" run-flats... DOB 20Dec02, Adopted 18Jan03. 1 sister: Goldie, '86 Dodge Omni. Such a happy little family :smile:

 

Do yourself a favor and find a rental car agency where you can rent a stick shift. Take the rental out all day and get the hang of it before wrecking the new MINI's clutch.

 

>>I've only driven a stick once! I'm looking forward to learning on my MINI. I've heard that the MINI likes a bit more throttle than other cars (when getting into 1st). Was anyone noticed this?

Yes, but it's smooth and easy to get used to, also first will take you much faster than the "normal" first gears that I have driven before a need for second. If there is more than one or two dealers in the area you could go in and test drive theirs every couple of days for practice

 

OK, this is'nt rocket science. I sold Hondas for about 4 years and both men and women would buy a CRX Si or Prelude Si and they had never driven a Manuel Trans. I would take them to a nearby parking lot and teach them how to drive it. I felt it was just part of the service I offered as the Top Salesperson in the Dealership. I know you can do it!!

 

not to point out the obvious.. but how did you buy a car and not even relize it was a manual? had you never driven one? BTW you coudl always learn through the highschool course behid teh wheel it usually liek 50-100 bucks , or a driving school, or i you have friends with freinds.. or freinds parents. tehy migh tbe willgin to show you.. you coudl also try goign to an autoclub. or contacting your nearest miniclub.. or rentigna a car. r ask someone at work if they teach you for you treating them to dinner.. or something.. oh and if theere a girl your guy you liek maybe he hasa stick it coudl be a good way to get to knwo someone

 

I've actually called a lot of rental agencies, but NONE of them had sticks! It's not that easy to find them anymore!

 

To maximize the FUN, stick is the only way to go!

I've driven different manuals and I found the MINI clutch very easy to get along with. :smile:

 

>>I've actually called a lot of rental agencies, but NONE of them had sticks! It's not that easy to find them anymore! <<

You might not like this idea, but it is pretty easy to find a stick-shift U-haul!

The added benefit here is that if you learn a stick on a tough transmission/clutch, then you'll appreciate and have an easier time with the MINI!

 

>>>>I've actually called a lot of rental agencies, but NONE of them had sticks! It's not that easy to find them anymore! <<
>>
>>You might not like this idea, but it is pretty easy to find a stick-shift U-haul!