I have been reading and searching the forums till my eyes are bleeding while I continue the hunt for my first Mini.

My latest question is regarding transmission choices. I know the 1st gen cars had issues with the auto trannys. How are the 2nd gen trannys?

Truth be told, I prefer a manual, but I am reading allot of threads here regarding clutch failures on 2nd gen cars. I have driven manual transmissions all my life and would like to keep it that way, however, I would consider an auto if it is going to be more reliable...

BTW, if it matters, I will be purchasing an MCS...

 

I have both "manual" and "auto". Yeah my 2008 MCS replaced clutch because of the 3rd to 2nd noise and so far so good. Actually I like "auto" more to drive.... it's more fun to drive IMHO

 

1st gen cars had two types of automatics, the CVT on the base Cooper (not so dependable) and the Aisin 6-speed (very dependable) on the Cooper S from about mid-2005 on. The CVT is no longer offered, thank god. Buggy little tranny.

Although I grew up on sticks and have driven them most of my life, I had soooo many defective clutch and flywheel issues with my 05 MCS I bailed for an 09 MCSa (automatic) with the Aisin 6-speed.

I couldnt be happier. those that cry out that one loses "touch with the road" and "driver involvement" with an automatic have no clue what they are talking about; my auto is no less fun than my manual, it may be even more so because the turbo maintains boost while shifting

The Aisin is lightning quick with downshifts, and is a blast in manual mode with the steering wheel paddles (only available on the S), especially on the track and the curves where it's super sweet to shift gears while keeping both hands on the wheel. Ask any F1 driver about that benefit!

good luck. While y'll have fun either way, yes MINI clutches and flywheels are spotty in reliability at best, while the only real documented few and far between problems with the Aisin Automatic (Aisin International is majority owned by Toyota) have been interface (Steptronic) software issues, quickly fixed.

 

Stick a JCW Tune Kit on that Auto and feel the fun factor multiply big-time!

 

You should drive them both and decide for yourself. But a small car like a Mini is very entertaining with a stick.

Since you'll have warranty protection for several years, don't let reliability concerns sway your auto/manual decision.

 

I have driven regular auto coopers and my manual cooper S, and while it's a bit of an unfair comparison, manual is way more fun since you can really control how often you're in your Mini's sweet spot.

 

Sorry but manual all the way for me.

 

Personally I like stick.

But you should go with whichever you prefer to drive, after all, its YOUR mini. I wouldn't say reliability issues are bad enough to let it sway your decision. Especially if you're buying new with the warranty.

Oh and with stick you save some gas too!

 

What kind of driving do you do?

I ended up getting an auto because about half of my driving time is in traffic. I have never regretted the decision.

 

Stick.

 

Your car, your choice.

But - the "S" with stick is so much fun to drive, if I had to have an auto, I would not have a Mini.

 

Something to keep in mind since you seem to want a *manual. If you have to have the clutch replaced you can have it done for less than the $1250 costs of the slush. So even having to replace the clutch you will still be positive on monies spent.

*IMO some cars should be a manual and some should be a slush. To me the MINI SHOULD be manual.

 

I'm very happy with my manual, no complaints except that the gearing is not as well suited for cruising as the auto. I have the same revs at about 72 mph on my manual as an auto has at 80 mph (approximated).

My auto impressions from 2 S loaners and 1 non-S:

-The auto is pretty smooth typically, but can be a little jerky in the lower gears and can surge a little.
-Mileage is about the same, +/- a mpg or two. My first S loaner got horrible mileage but I suspect that car was treated very badly. I averaged 20 mpg for the few days I had it. The non-S loaner I had was very smooth and was a good match to the engine I felt. The last S I had surged when coming to a stop, but mileage was amazing. I was driving 90 with the top down for most of my freeway driving and mileage was only 2 mpg less my typical commute mileage driving at more normal speeds.
-Auto feels a little quicker, maybe because I feel more comfortable beating on the loaner.
-The paddle shifters are odd and slow to shift down multiple gears. I prefer the paddles on DSG, SMG, ect.

Anyways my last 2 loaner experiences have improved my impressions of the auto. It's a great transmission, but I doubt you'll have any serious issues with the manual anyways unless you're thrashing it. I don't personally know anyone with a MINI who's had premature clutch failure. Just get what you enjoy more.

 

I have a manual 09 Cooper S with LSD and my Wife has an 09 Justa-Clubman Automatic. I love driving them both, the chassis isn't diminished at all with the A/T IMO, but it's one of the best Automatics I've driven too. Buy what you like, I commute with my 6 Spd in Chicago traffic without issue but I'd be happy with an auto too as long as I could still have a LSD.

 

stick shift snob here

 

6 speed.

My car as at the dealer right now, and I have a loaner that's an auto. I gotta say I'm starting to miss the 6 speed more every time I drive this thing. Although it's not that terrible.

 

I went from an '06 MCS 6spd to a '10 MCSAuto. If I had my druthers, I'd have stuck with the stick. (Heck! It was paid for!!) A bad left knee forced out of the stick shift, especially in stop-and-go traffic. In LA, that it most of the time....I now own my first car w/an auto trans. I've only had it a couple of months, but I am favorable impressed with it. I can feel it downshifting itself on a downhill close to home. First auto trans car I have felt that on.

Bottom line(s)?

Fun - yes
Different - yes
Fuel economy - almost the same ?!

Which one should you get? Determine which works best for you. Find a GOOD test drive route that can show the best (and/or worst) traits of each.

When I was looking for the '06, I had a VW salesman lay out a great test drive. City streets; freeeway; interchanges; on-ramps; off-ramps; low speed; higher speeds. As good as the GTI was, the drive proved to me that Mini was more of smile producer.

Good luck finding a good course, and knowing that however things workout for you, you get a good car and a short-ton of smiles with it....

 

Manual.

 

Can't hypermile with an automatic...

 

is this seriously up for discussion? flip a coin

 

You have driven manual trasmission a lot. You know the advantage of it.

 

Stick FTW!!

 

manual 37000 on mine works great!!

 

Chicks dig the stick. :D

 

I love the 6 speed manual with my '09 MCS convertible. Simplly a blast to drive. Easiest shifting manual I have even owned.

The auto is a really good one but when I drove an S loaner with the automatic it seemed to have a bit more vibration in the drive train under hard acceleration than the manuals I have driven.

I'd drive them both and then decide. They are both great trannies.

I don't worry about possible clutch issues. The danger of message boards is that people with problems are generally more likely to post and it is impossible to know what percentage of owners have a specific problem.

Happy motoring!!