Hi!

I am seriously considering getting a used cooper i found. Specifically, it's a 2008 Mini Cooper S with automatic transmission and 65,000 miles. I've been researching problems with mini coopers after 65,000 miles and haven't found anything super specific, but i did find alot of problems experienced with people's coopers that I wasn't expecting. i did read some reviews though from people with an automatic transmission mini cooper with no problems at all. Is it possible, or true, that the automatic transmission experience less overall mechanical issues than the manual?


P.S. I have been really disappointed actually, with the reviews I have found on the car, so any positive reviews would be appreciated as well!

 

I've had a number or cars..Honda Civic Si, Infiniti J30, Acura CL Type-S, Volvo S60R...and all have had more issues than my 2010 MINI Cooper S (manual). Generally speaking, the reliability is partly inherent, but mostly going to come down to how the car was cared for. I'd make sure that you get the service records and make sure any recall work was completed. The Carfax will be helpful, but not always accurate, which is why I suggested you get the service records. The MCS handles amazingly and the R56 has the 6 speed automatic, which is a fantastic transmission. I love my manual trans MINI, but I wouldn't hesitate to purchase the auto if need be.

Best of luck and I hope it works out!

 

MINI's auto transmissions have been fine as long as it's not the CVT, which hasn't been available since 2006.

 

With ANY used car, how previous drivers drove, and cared for the car is paromont.
Since the MINI brand tends to have folks that tend to drive their cars pretty enthusiasticly, finding a lightly used, well careed for one can be a challenge.
Simply look for a car that does not show unusual wear for the miles, or has clues to tge fact it was ridden hard....

 

IMO the auto box is awful, it was the #1 reason i traded in my 2012 MCS w/ only 3k miles in for one with a regular gearbox. the downshifts are jerky, especially from 3 to 2 since the car does not rev match that well. DEF test drive it a few times to make sure you are happy with what you are buying

 

I actually LOVE my auto. 2007 MCS, chipped, intake and exhaust, all from Alta. There are SO many different ways to drive the car. Personally, I like putting it in sport mode and shifting myself either via the paddles or the shifter itself. I love how it can start in 2nd gear and does this automatically when your in manual mode. I love the rev matching! yes sometimes it doesn't get it perfectly but 90% of the time its seamless. I've had 0 problems with mine all together, this includes the transmission.

I do sometimes wish for the 3rd pedal, just to really get the most out of what i believe my driving skill to be, but I also LOVE being able to put it back in auto mode when i get into slow traffic, or i don't feel like sporting it around.

the ONLY issue I'd say i dislike with the auto, is that its a dog off the line. Say - your trying to turn out of the grocery store onto a busy street and you need to punch it. Its a dog through like 10 mph, but then its a freaking demon thereafter.

I doubt you'll be disappointed. Hope this helps.

 

What you are describing is not accurate. The "dog" (extreme hyperbole alert) is due to turbo lag, an inherent characteristic of turbocharged vehicles. It has nothing at all to do with being an automatic transmission, which is equal in speed, and sometimes tested as quicker than the manual transmission.

 

There's seems to be quite a few threads related to manual clutch failure here...

 

Automatics have progressed quite a bit...
the best can usually match a stick in mpg, and occasionally do 0-60 starts a few tenths of a second....but keep in mind that is the best of the best....
in general ANY automatic is a life limited compotent....inside it has a bunch if clutches that spin, and wear....a stick has a single clutch....so net result, a stick USUALLY costs less to drive in the long run when driven right....folks sometimes are amazed at the $$$ to change a stick's clutch, but compared to a rebuilt auto, it is cheap.
buying a used stick, you kinda, imo, have to assume the clutch will need a replacement soon....on an auto, they generally last for most of the life of tge car if the fluid is changed...but if abused...$$$, or in high mile situations, again $$, so for either, a stick can limit risk.....if you are concered, you could get a high deductible auto warrenty to just cover $500+ or even $1000+ items......but imo you should be ale to selfinsure any auto repair...if you cannot, you cannot afford the car...mx and breakdowns are part of carownership, just like gas and oil.

 

Lol- DUH!!!! I know it's the turbo lag- what I was saying is that because it's an auto you can't compensate with revs and a clutch to get up quicker, all you can do is just mash the pedal, yielding the same results everytime regardless of the importance of rapid accel or not.

Regarding quickness I believe the manual is actually faster with apples to apples horsepower and torque, the auto is just more consistent in shifts.

 

Just rolled 20,000 miles on my 2012 (yah I drive a lot) and love it.

 

I've never had an issue with turbo lag on my car, and the auto shifts very smoothly. Most automatics last a very long time without problems, especially the ones that are made in Japan as is the MINIs. I would not hesitate to get one. I live in an area with lots of traffic and hills. Used to drive a stick, but it gets old fast in stop and go traffic.

 

I have experienced jerkyness with the downshifting in 2012 MCa in stop and go traffic. Is this normal. I have been considering taking it in. But if it is normal than ok. Just a note. I didn't notice it before because there wasn't construction on the route I take before so the speeds were generally higher (I-25N).

Thanks.

 

I have an MCa and off the line my car has weak acceration. Mashing the pedal makes it worse. I push it 1/4 to 1/3 down and let it build speed then push more. But it isn't fast off the line even in sport mode (Especially with the AC on). My daughters Sentra with a 2.5L is like a rocket in comparison.

 

I think that what many people say is turbo lag is really the dead spot in the throttle mapping for the first part of gas pedal travel. Putting it in sport mode helps, but adding a Sprint Booster, a D1 Spec throttle controller, or an Alta access port will eliminate the throttle lag.

D1 Spec throttle controller
http://www.aj-racing.com/shop/bmy_se...and=Mini&type=

Sprint Booster
http://www.sprintboosterusa.com/c-63-mini.aspx

Access Port
http://www.altaperformance.com/clubm...port-ecu-tuner

Our twin scroll turbochargers are pretty small and are designed with minimal turbo lag in mind. I haven't noticed any turbo lag with my MINI.

Dave

 

Just wait till a real MINI comes your way. One with a manual transmission :-)

 

The autos in the second gen Cooper are very decent and seem to have very few problems.

Mine car is at 65k, no problems with the tranny.

If you get that one you mentioned, I would recommend changing the tranny fluid.

 

You haven't noticed ANY turbo lag? So from dead stop, to 6k rpms, it has the same exact pull?

Think you might be the first person on earth with no turbo lag. Gotta say, I'm jealous

 

In sport mode, no, I get no turbo lag from a dead stop to the rev limit. Out of sport mode, I get the dead gas pedal for the first 3/8" of pedal travel, then it takes off. The turbo doesn't show boost on the boost/vacuum gage, until around 2000 to 2500 rpm, but it comes on smoothly with no noticeable bumps in acceleration. It'll spin the tires from a stop, if I just mash the gas pedal.

No, MINIs do not exhibit turbo lag, they can have accelerator lag though.

Dave