I'm not allowed to say manual is more fun to drive, but you're allowed to tell me that I'm wrong and your auto is more fun to drive? Oh yeah, that doesn't make you sound arrogant at all.

By the way, any MINI can be fun on the track. I never said auto MINIs are boring. But I don't see how stomping on the gas and steering your car is more fun than operating a manual transmission, rowing through the gears and controlling the car...not having the computer control it. Sounds to me your just trying to justify your purchase and spending more on the auto.

 

The manual is the better choice.

 

You CAN shift yourself, ya know. Its Steptronic. So not quite a mash and steer kind of deal. I have never driven my car in such a fashion (mash and steer.)

(i know, im a 1st Genner, but whatever)

 

I know that. I owned a VW with DSG for 2 years (which is one of the best "steptronic" type transmissions out). Theres a huge difference from pressing a button and operating a clutch. Its still computer controlled. And the fact that you can not downshift from 5-3, for example, is another way you are not in full control. You'd have to shift 5-4-3, cause thats what the computer will allow you to do. Plus most people (me included) get over the whole paddle shifters quick and leave it in D and let it do its thing.

Just wanted to mention-- I got nothing against autos. The autos in these cars are pretty solid. I'm currently driving a loaner 328i with an automatic, and its a nice drive. Less exciting, but good nonetheless. It just not the transmission I prefer.

But it looks like the OP drove both and decided for himself which is better for him. Not surprised he chose the 6-speed.

 

It may not be possible with VW DSG, but you CAN jump gears with Mini's Steptronic: 5-2 or 2-5 with paddles, just hold the paddles or flip it quickly. You can do that with +/- shift lever too but it's designed to do sequential shifting, I can only jump 1 gear 2-4 or 4-2 with the shift lever.

 

From what I remember, Sequence had a bad experiences with the clutch on his R53 that permanently swayed him toward non-CVT slushboxes. That's why he argues for the autobox.

 

1atom12: Congrats on the new MINI! It sounds like you got some solid advice and did due diligence to find yourself a great car.

For all you MINI auto transmission owners, here's a shameless plug for the MINI AuTOs club!

 

I have an '07 auto MCS and never drive it in D or SD as I always use the shifter (not even the padles). This is the only way I can drive this car. The car can be driven aggressively (I only get 25.5 mph as I hold on to gears a lot longer and don't care about mpg that much). I compared the stick and auto and auto feels a little torquer for some reason. This auto is very good and do not take away any fun from driving the Mini in my opinion.
You can't compare this auto to all autos. From my recent driving experience: drove Lexus IS 250: this thing has paddle shifters and regardless of the gear you are in it's not even slowing down, it just revs higher and just keeps on driving by itself. And this is what I can't accept. If the Mini's auto was configured in similar fashion I would've sold it long time ago.

 

When I/we (others who drive these autos) are in M mode using pads or stick the only computer control is the automatic downshift to second below about 10 mph--if I/we allow it. Otherwise I/we are in full control of how I/we wish to up/downshift all the way thru the cycle. It's called rolling thru the gears and controlling the car--just in a different way, with both hands on the wheel.

The only time Ive let the computer shift for me was at the track, standing 1/4 mile. The JCW Tune Kit remaps the Aisin's shift points for faster and crisper upshifts at higher rpms, with no boost loss, and there's no way any human can shift gears faster.

Oh and I need not justify my purchase to you nor anyone else.

 

That, and a partial disablity in my left knee that might require additional surgery. I wanna motor during recovery, FCOL!

 

Just a note to DrewN, yes in my 72 years I have owned and driven 16 cars with 4 (and a few with 5) on the floor and 6 domestics with 3 on the tree. 5 of the 4 and 1 of the 5's were road racing sporty cars and 2 of the others were formula junior cars. So I guess the answer to your question yes I am familiar with manual transmissions. I stick to my comments!

Quote: "Thats undeniable, imo."

 

I wouldn't own my car if it was automatic. Ive tried them, had rentals/loaners that were auto. Fun? Yes. Own? No way.

Manual for life. I actually have that tattooed across my stomach new york hardcore style.

That's my two cents.

 

 

Another vote for the "stick". Even in traffic the clutch very light. I really like the 5th to 3rd gear change on a sharp turn keeping the revs up and turning the wheel tight. It's sweet and can't be done with an auto, shifters or not.

 

Try being informed instead of just opinionated

 

QFT

 

can you explain why it CAN'T BE DONE with an auto? I did just that (5-3, not 5-4-3) 4 hrs ago with my MCSa .

 

Just an update. I picked up my new 2010 MCS today with manual transmission. Thanks again for all the comments and suggestions...

We can all let this tread die a quiet death now...

 

Let's motor.

 

Today I returned my loaner which was auto MCS (I had it for a week), got my manual MCS back. I'm so glad that I didn't get an auto, I would have been one disappointed owner if I have done so...