I am looking to this forum for soem serious help. I am in search of my next car that I will be driving close to 800 miles per week and I am struggling with what to get. I cant seem to bring myself to buy an econobox so I finally test drove a Mini and loved it. My driving is a mix of highway, twisty roads and NYC traffic. I am concerned about the drivability of a manual in heavy traffic and the long term maintenance coats and reliabilty. I currently drive a G35x and the gas mileage is killing me. The MINI seems to be the only car out there that gets great gas mileage and is still a blast to drive. Any thoughts or advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for your reply.

 

I've been doing 80 miles a day commuting in 2 MINIs for 5 years now, and have not regretted one minute. Do it!!

 

That was my impression. I drove an Acura RSX, Honda S2000, and a VW GTI. The MINI Cooper S was way ahead of them in fun-to-drive, IMO.

Long term reliability is unknown, but initial indications look good.

I've driven my MCS in a few Los Angeles rush hour jams and didn't mind the manual transmission, but I've been driving stick for a very long time. Since you will be driving twisty roads as well as NYC traffic I would choose manual. The MINI is not a difficult stick to drive. If it were a something like a Cobra, the heavy clutch might get a bit tiring, but the MINI is not that stiff.

 

I'm considering getting the automatic. I used to drive a vw jetta GLI 6-speed manual. 65 miles to work round trip. similar traffic conditions NJ RT 287 to 208 to Rt 4 to the last exit before the George Washington bridge - always some type of traffic. I then made the mistake of buying an 07 Dodge Ram w/ the Hemi, terrible gas mileage but I do prefer the automatic in traffic. So now I'm looking to get rid of my 9 month old RAM for a mini with automatic. Also the 08 automatic transmission option came down $200 from 07, I'm pretty much sold.

 

I've got the 07 MC with Auto and I drive 80 miles EACH way to work here in Los Angeles. My mini is fun to drive. I recommend it to everyone!!! The auto makes it real easy to deal with stop and go and the Navigation with traffic has saved my butt more than once. I also recommend heated seats. That really helps my back to relax for my drive! Oh and of course, Mellow Yellow is the best

 

I may be the odd one, but I hate driving automatics in heavy traffic. I feel like I am constantly having to go from brake to gas and back and forth. With a stick I don't follow so close in stop and go and just use the accelerator most of the time to modulate speed. When I rent cars or get a MINI loaner with an auto I am really happy to get rid of it.
I have a 04 G35 coupe and 07 MCS. I haven't been driving the G much since the MCS gets 10+ mpg more. They feel about the same speed wise. The G is a nice touring sports car and the mini is a sporty small car that feels bigger than it is. Compared to the G it is so much easier to see out of, park, and just drive in traffic.
Greg

 

I'm in the same boat, on average doing a little over a thousand miles each week, mostly Seattle rush hour and suburbs traffic. I eventually chose an MCS for the same reasons as everybody else has already mentioned and haven't regretted it one bit!

The engine in the 07's is great, lots of power and torque through the whole RPM range, all the way down to 1,000 RPM. so there's less shifting than you might expect in traffic if you manage the throttle and your following distance well. The only nitpick I have so far is that first gear is soooo tall that it's rough to make long crawls at slower than 5mph when going uphill, making extra stops necessary now and again.

The throw in the manual is nice, and shifting hasn't become monotonous even though I'm switching from an automatic for commuting. The clutch is easy, not too light and doesn't feel stiff or need excess pressure. One friend who's fairly new to manuals says the friction point is tough to find, but he got the hang of it within a few miles and I had no trouble at all. My only manual trans comparisons are beaters through, so my base comparison is probably off a bit

I'll second the vote on the heated seats, they're really nice for a long drive.

 

Just got my Mini two weeks ago - have had a truck for the past 30 years. I "Choose" the 6 speed because that is what I wanted. Just last night the wife was driving the Mini and she made the comment about heavy traffic and the 6 speed - I told her - people who get the standard are the ones that Want it - therefore we like/enjoy or deal with the shifting... We are all different - get what YOU like and will enjoy...

 

I only get annoyed with a manual going up a steep hill in traffic. Modern manuals really are simple to drive, I don't notice spending any more effort with the manual. Gas mileage is good, but I know I am still concerned with reliability. It was okay with me cause I wont put on so many miles ill have the 4 years of the warenty. Not really sure you have much other options if you want something with good gas mileage and still fun.

 

The R56 MCS is my 1st manual car ever and I drive it in the wonderful LA traffic everyday(#1 ranked worst traffic). I love it because its fun to be able to to conquer a task such as this. Until I'm over 79 yrs old I will never go auto again.

 

Have driven both manuals and autos in the past. I do feel that in stop and go traffic the manual trans/clutch is a pain but in the open road is enjoyable. I chose the MCS auto w/paddle shifters and feel that I have the best of both worlds. If I want to go manual I just click the shifter over to DS and shift with the paddles and if in traffic just let the auto do its thing. Good luck with your decision.

 

Thanks for all th responses and please keep them coming. I am definately leaning towards the 6-speed for two reasons. During my test drive it was just a blast rowing throught the gears again and the manual seems to get slightly better gas mileage at least thats what I keep telling myslef. I truly appreciate your real world feedback and would love to hear more. Your helping me get closer and closer to my first MINI. Thanks to everyone.

 

I'd go for an MC (non S) w/ 6 speed. In traffic you won't have a problem, and in the twisties you'll have just as much fun without the turbo as it will challenge your driving skills.

I'd also make daily calls to ASK-MINI till they bring the MCD into the country.