Great info thanks! Keep it coming!

I checked the manual again and I think JDZ is right about the manual recommending downshifting for descending steep hills but not necessarily in all situations. It is a little confusing because the paragraph about downshifting is in a separate column but it is clearly under the "Hills" heading.

As for shift points, I think I have been shifting a little early to save gas and because I am still in the break-in period and wary of revving too high. I haven't even used the sport button yet! My starts from first seem kind of sluggish right now, but hopefully that will improve once I can enter Sport mode.

 

Hit that button!

Seriously, though, all it really does is tighten up the throttle response and steering response. Your starts from first will likely be a bit smoother as you won't have to push the pedal as far for the RPMs to start climbing.

Give it a shot!

 

Found this on the 'net:

http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a980227.html

Thought it was pretty funny and the first bullet under advantages seems apropos.

 

I am going to be buying mine next year. The only manuals I have driven have been on big, torquey, V8 trucks which require no effort to launch easily but much more effort to engage the clutch and shift. So this is a good thread for me.

To the OP, I would recommend www.standardshift.com. Lots of good info and tons of people who want to have their babies with the manual transmission.

 

Exact same experience here - and I've been driving a stick for 20-odd years. Every once in a while (presumably when the A/C compressor is on) it lugs enough to almost stall, but doesn't.

'08 JustaCooper with no sport button.

 

I can see downshifting to control going down a hill, another important use for it is in the snow. It's really nice to be able to slow the car using the transmission in heavy snow so that way you don't have to worry about the brakes locking up and you sliding. I haven't driven a new mini with the electronic brake control but I can't imagine a better way of driving in the snow.

 

There's a dramatic difference launching with the Sport button on, the difference is night and day. Additionally being in Sport mode 100% of the time results in a minimal loss of mpg (example), but if you have any doubts try hand-calculating a full tank with Sport mode on.

You will definitely not struggle from idle at all with Sport mode on.