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Old Oct 9th, 2003, 07:09 PM   #3
valnmike
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Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Silver Spring, MD
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Quote: Originally Posted by ssimms
Mike,
Am I sensing frustration with an automatic or are you accustomed to an automatic in other small cars that you think you like better?

It may be frustration, but that is not how I would characterize my sentiments. I like the CVT and enjoy the capabilities it offers. I am just wondering if the MINI CVT could be better than it is. The automatics I have current experience with are in a 1981 Accord, 1994 Quest and 2001 Odyssey. I expect the performance of the MINI to at lest match the Accord, yes? When I get into one of the minivans (which I avoid at great effort), I have to relearn how to modulate my right foot. e.g., in the Odyssey, I am squealing the tyres on take off because I am so accustomed to 1) the half-second lag, and 2) the lack of throttle response that requires me to nearly floor it to get going. I accept that a minivan has a lot more available space for a larger engine than the MINI and so one may expect more torque from its engine. But I would like the MINI to be no so -how do I express this- I do not like the pause before it responds to throttle input.

As noted, I have not had it in for any service since delivered; a testament to improved quality over the 02's I'd say. So part of my question is I suppose implied -does it sound like there is a software upgrade out there that will correct some of my issues? The other part is of course, I think it would be nice if there was a different behaviour that could be programmed into it.

-=Mike=- laissez les bons temps rouler
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