R56 Newbie Hello everyone. I have searched tons and read. I can always find tons of great first post material asking a similar question as mine but the threads seem to go sideways soon after and I never found a great answer for the questions relating to the auto transmissions (6 Speeds) in the mini cooper bases and the S models.


I am looking at both the Base and S models for a third car for my wife and I. I LOVE the 6 speed manuals would drive it all day. My wife won't touch one.


That being said, are the 6 speed autos a more robust transmission than the CVTs in the earlier models? And will both models (base and S) drive relatively spirited even with the autos? I would like to tune the S for a little more power if we find one in the price range-are the auto transmissions capable of handling increased power?


Thanks
George


If anyone can point me to a buyers guide or "problems to look for with an R53 or R56 purchase" that would be great. I can continue reading

 

I only have anecdotal evidence from some other owners, but I have heard to stay away from the CVT Minis at all costs due to their not particularly stunning reliability record.
I personally am a fan of CVT vehicles, if I was ever in the market for an automatic car I would definitely look at CVTs first, but I am also a strange person.

I haven't yet seen an R56 purchase guide but google would probably be your friend there.

 

If you are interested in either an R53 or R56, neither could be had with a CVT.
Does that help ?

If you search around this forum, this question has been posed about 100 + times. I'll look around for some links but you should as well.

Thanks!

 

Thanks guys for the replies. I have done a lot of reading and it seems like anything else when you are short of time the links and threads escape you. I did find a few threads that were instructive. I do think my wife will win the argument over the trans choice (auto) and it appears like it's just as stout if it's taken care of.

I'll keep looking and reading. I think these are cool cars and remind me of my autocross and track day years. Be fun to drive something with some soul again instead of the company car appliances I've been driving.

 

Here - https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...-cooper-s.html

Here - https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...-look-for.html

Here - https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...53-vs-r56.html

Here - https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...iscussion.html

Here - https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...etter-buy.html

Here - https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...-cooper-s.html

Here - https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...need-info.html

Here - https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...used-mini.html

Found these in about 3 mins.

 

I have a 2010 MCS with the auto. I came from a 2008 Mazdaspeed3. (6 speed MT)

The auto with the paddle shifter and set to "Sport" mode is so much fun. You won't win many races, though. I didn't think I could have this much fun with an auto transmission. The shifts are crisp and pretty much instant when using the paddles. Even just driving it in "normal" mode, it's fun and quick.

Overall it is a bucket of fun!

 

YOU>me..


No time here brother- special needs child and small business owner owns my time to even search. Lame excuses I know but that's all I got. I read some of those a week or so ago but you've got a lot more info there than I was able to even look at..


Thank you so much. I will sneak my phone under the covers tonight for some reading time since phones don't work so well in the shower


I am looking forward to finding a car soon. I love my RAM but it doesn't exactly handle ....

 

This is good stuff Ketchup..! I was a road racer years ago before kids. I got most of it out of my system on racing. My wife wants an auto and I want a 3rd car that is FUN not an appliance.


Any recalls on yours that had to be done? The N14 engine is ok once these are done I have read. I was looking at post 2012 models for the "improvements" and I also like the 4 door cooper S -they seem to be a good it more loot $$.

 

Welcome, along with what MiniToBe said above about the ALL4, you have to remember as well that these tiny engines were made for the much lighter hardtop. The Countryman is a big heavy pig, but I love mine! Get a tune! It will make feel like it lost a bunch of weight. Talk to Mariokart, he’s the dude!
A catless downpipe won’t really make the car louder, just give it a deeper tone. If you remove the second cat and resonator, then it gets loud, like mine is. Heh.
Im happy to answer what I can about them.