[jimelb]

Hi guys,
I'm interested in buying a new cooper. I am not too sure about which transmission to choose tho, as cooper is not that powerful. How does the auto compare with the manual?? Thoughts please... Thanks

[Tigger, Eeyore & Roo]

If you don't actually need an auto, is there a good reason to consider one? It's a genuine question as it does hurt the fuel economy, performance, emissions and driving involvement.

I've not driven a current MINI R56 automatic, but the gearchange and clutch on the R56 manual is extremely light, easy to use and rewarding

[85NIXMIN]

I drive a R50 auto... I love it

[SupeRub]

I would say if you can drive a manual then go manual!!! Mcuh more fun to drive and can keep the engine above 4000rpm where ther real fun starts!!

my 2cents

[DaFlake]

Kind of a personal choice really.

[minigolf]

Automatic MINIs make baby Jesus cry.

[adam_Randell]

Manual. You cant have an automatic MINI, you wouldnt appreciate it as much.

[I love MINI, Laura]

/\/\/\ Rubbish! Have you ever driven an automatic MINI? My MCS is a auto and my old One was a Manual. The Auto box is amazing and I am a complete convert! Love it so much, Manual when you want it but auto in jams and very slow traffic. Its a dream!

[swamos]

Ok, let's put it like this. If you can drive a manual, buy one and put the $2k towards something usefull... like bigger wheels...airbox...stripes....etc etc. Or just keep it in the piggy bank.

Let's keep in mind the manual is 1 second faster 0-100 and will use about 1 litre of fuel less per 100k you travel for the life of the car. Why would you want to pay for that?

[Minipnut]

im sorry but its called "poo ftermatic" because only girls get Auto

[Drewuk]

I drive an 03 cooper auto and find it great fun to drive. Arrange a test drive of both and see what you prefer afterwards. I'm sure you won't be dissapointed with either of them.

Drew

[Minipnut]

i have a courtesy car coop atm Auto, with the flappy paddles, even in sport mode it seems lacking, and you cant chirp in an auto !

[21Blue]

go for whatever you feel comfortable in... I had an auto Cooper and it was still fun. People on MINI runs didnt even realise it was an auto..

[85NIXMIN]

I wouldn't change my auto for anything!!! I guess it does just come down to personal choice....

[Minipnut]

so after having the auto coop for 2 days im soooooo glad i have my car back, it was nice, but the auto box was so painful when i went to overtake and even quite scary with oncomming traffic, even in manual mode with the paddles, id tell it todo one thing and it'd have a mind of its own, like id be doing say 50, have it in 2nd, put my footdown, it would pause, chnage back to 1st for about .5 of a second Pause again go back to 2nd pause again then finally give me power, about 4 seconds after i asked for it, goooooo for the manual !, also slighty off topic, i am never swapping my S for a standard coop, i hated no feeling any torque, and it sounded like the poor coop was dying at 6 grand

[Drewuk]

Totally agree with you 85NIXMIN. Personal preference is a big factor and from driving both can say they do drive differently but with you being a girl and I a poo fter we obviously posess the skills to drive autos very well.

[jazzaj2003]

My mini has both, I can drive it in Auto or manually change gears with paddles or just push the gear stick forward and back to get gear change.
I never, use manual though. Sydney city start stop driving....I assure you...makes Auto wonderful.

[85NIXMIN]

Who'd want a manual these days with the traffic on the roads!!!!!!!!!!

[n00b]

Quote: Originally Posted by 85NIXMIN (original)

Who'd want a manual these days with the traffic on the roads!!!!!!!!!!

That's what back roads are for, The Italian Job style

[85NIXMIN]

haha nice