Automatic is a good choice if your significant other needs to use your vehicle at times. This is seriously a very good automatic considering it isn't a dual-clutch type.

To the guy saying if you had to drive auto you wouldn't drive a MINI: I'd rather drive an automatic MINI than an automatic Camry, that's for sure!

 

Thanks for all the advice... I test drove both this afternoon... about a 20 mile loop with each car... I HAVE to get a manual... The automatic was fine and maybe a bit faster overall, but that stick is SO much fun!!! What a blast! It was also my first time driving a 2nd gen MCS. Totally different car than the non-S car... I'm in love... I've located a few low mile 09 MSCs, I should be pulling the trigger sometime next week once the funds arrive...

Thanks again everyone!

 

Auto,the ultimate short shifter.Q

 

Personally, I would never buy a Mini in automatic. It takes a lot of the fun away from the car.

The manual in these cars are one of the best I've ever driven. It is super easy to drive, and even in traffic it is never a hassle, always a joy. Shifting is smooth, clutch feel is perfect, and you get full control of the car. No problems yet with my 6 speed with almost 4,000 miles.

 

Like others have said its up to you, they both offer advantages and disadvantages. But mostly, its up to your driving conditions and driving style. I have an auto, but I almost never drive it a non-shift mode. For me, paddles are just as fun as a 'proper' manual shift. Reminds me of Ferrari F1 & Lamborghini E-Gear transmissions. But thats just me...

 

Uh let me think about it for a moment.............STICK STICK STICK STICK STICK!

 

I'd really be worried about the lift of the auto transmission. Since BMW went to ridiculous lift time transmission fluids, the autos seem to last about 100K miles.

I bet a clutch is cheaper to replace than an automatic transmission...


So... How long you want to own it? If less than 100K fine, it'll be somebody else's problem.

 

Stick to the Auto!

 

One more hooray for manual. There is just no comparison!

 

well at least people are being civil in this thread

 

yeah, what a nice change of pace!

 

 

Maybe that's true for the 1st gen CVTs, but I doubt you'd have any solid data to back up that claim for the Aisin.

 

Manual. No problems just fun at 27,000 miles.

 

+1 for the manual transmission. I have driven all the late model MINIs with Automatic transmissions as loaner cars. I prefer a MINI with a manual transmission. I think a manual makes the car more fun to drive.

 

Clubman Auto here and we love it - except - 2 downsides for me:
One is that it can not be towed 4 wheels down. May have to trade it off soon if a motorhome shows up in the driveway.
Two is that Sport Mode locks out 6 th gear.

 

I beg 2 differ. I drive an '06 MCS Auto/Paddles and she's a blast 2 drive! I personally think ANY MINI is fun 2 drive--it's a characteristic inherent 2 the car, period.

 

Don't get me wrong... I didn't say they are boring to drive. But if you think the automatic MCS is fun, just think how much more fun the manual would be.

And paddle shifters get boring quick. I had it for 2 years on my VW, and the fun wore out fast. I wanted a manual again. For someone who has driven a manual for most his life (like me) there is no substitution!

 

I really can not see the difference between putting the auto in manual mode and shifting gears and the "stick shift" shifting gears except not having to push on the clutch, which I don't really equate with fun or consider to be intrinsic to the "soul of the car". I think I can probably shift gears as fast as the stick shifters especially when I only have to move the lever about 3" back or forward or 1/2" with a paddle to shift gears and there is no lag in the shift action. The only thing I can't do is to go from 6th to 2nd directly but believe me I can notch the lever very quickly the 3 times necessary to accomplish that move and do a better job of matching the RPM's in that radical a speed move.

Now when I tire of playing boy racer, shift back into "D" and let george do it. So you pays your money and takes your choice. I choose AUTOMATIC!!

 

eeeeehhhhh wrong. my auto with the JCW tune kit is FAR more fun than my 2005 MCS manual, esp on the track, the twisties and the standing 1/4 mile. plus I dont have to worry about shattered (plastic) t/o bearings, failed master cylinders, warped DM flywheels, and all the other manufacturer (LuK) defects that plauged my 05.

To each his own, dude. But dont tell me my auto is less fun to drive than my previous manual MINI; that comes off as preachy and arrogant.

Edit: this video is on another thread, but I had to post it here. looks like the driver of the MCSa--bone stock I might add--had some BIG fun smoking these other hot hatches and the S2000S. Reminds me of what I can do at the track. Sorry, Japanese only. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2c72J9gLYJA

 

I had the experience of driving an auo Clubman base car as a loaner yesterday. Am I glad hat i drive stick. At least two orders less exciting than a manual transmission. In general automatics tend to hunt through the gears without givving the driver a choice. As far as he paddle shifter, it is no substitute for the satisfaction of using a clutch and planning ahead. Also, the pain of having to remember to put the thing in park to remove the key or to have to put your fut on the brake to start it. It felt like i was driving an applicance. NO automatic for me.

 

Question - have you ever driven a stick? Not trying to be malicious, btw, if you have or haven't, it's your opinion. But I think if you've ever driven stick you basically feel a direct connectedness with your vehicle right away that you do not have with clutch-less vehicles. That's undeniable, imo.

 

You have done your homework well. Put the same type of due diligence into making sure that the rest of the car is as good as it can be. You know, take it to a trusted mechanic, or someone who can go through it. Minimize problems for you down the road.

Have fun with your new ride!!

 

My MCS manual was in the shop for a week (timing chain tensioner) and they gave me a Clubman with an auto. I was so happy to have my manual back at the end of the week.

Before then, I had thought that paddle shifters were a cool idea. If the MINI auto were dual clutch type, rather than a slush-box, I might have gone that way. However, I got bored with the paddle shifters on the loaner Clubman very quickly and stopped using them.

Perhaps it has something to do with the hand-feet coordination of shifting, but I like stick shifting so much more.

 

Congrats on making a decision. Give us an update once you get the new ride!