Help!! Stick or Auto???

[wwwest]

I have already ordered an 07MCSa but am concerned I should go back to stick. I live in an area that has real winters, and it is not unusual to get 3 to 6 inches of snow at a time, sometimes more. We have a fairly steep 2 block long hill on the way to our house. I have never had an automatic and only got a 20 minute test drive in one. I wouldn't have ordered it except it has the full manual mode. The other reason I went with automatic is my wife doesn't drive a stick, and I am not sure she is willing to learn. I would also have a problem teaching her, cause it sure isn’t going to happen in our new Mini-not even sure you can rent a stick easily. We have an all wheel drive automatic Subaru which we will keep for much of the driving when the weather is really bad.

Up to this point I have had several fun cars, WRX, STi etc, all stick, so my wife has never really gotten into this whole fun to drive thing. Currently she is OK as long as the car gets her from point a to point b. I'd love her to become half the enthusiast I am which is the main reason I ordered the auto Mini.

When I ordered the auto, I missed the detail that you cannot get LSD with an automatic transmission. So I am back to wondering if the auto will pull that hill when the snow and ice comes. I am ordering it with all season tires and plan to get winter tires as well. My salesman says he has had two Minis both without LSD and he takes them skiing all the time and doesn’t have a problem. I am really concerned especially when I noticed the inability of getting the LSD with the automatic.

To make things worse if I hold out for a stick I miss my November delivery and may have to wait for an 08 and probable price increases. What have been your experiences in slick conditions with an auto Mini or a stick Mini without LSD? Thanks for your input.

[adam_Randell]

stick!

[kahlil]

stick. no question about it.

[iain cooper]

really depends what the " full manual mode " offers in terms of control over the gear selection ?

I would find out or get a drive in one before you change your mind and revert to a stick shift.

you may not need the lsd with the auto box ?

[FergusM]

Spec full DSC and it might compensate for lack on LSD on the auto ?

[stuvoi]

Ask yourself the following quesiton?

Do I have less than two arms?

Yes? - then go for Automatic

If No then ask youself another question:

Have my muscles in my arms atrophied?

If Yes - then get yourself an Automatic

Therefore if you answer NO to both quesitons you should get a manual gearbox.

Stu

[I love MINI, Laura]

I have an automatic Sept 2006 MCS (used car that I wanted had the auto box no other option but to have it) and its amazing! The MINI auto gear box is so amazing my partner and I are complete MINI auto converts. I have done a few hill starts and theres been no problem. I can't comment on the snow as we don't have that sort of climate but the auto is amazing!

[yorkslad]

Quote: Originally Posted by stuvoi (original)

Ask yourself the following quesiton?

Do I have less than two arms?

Yes? - then go for Automatic

If No then ask youself another question:

Have my muscles in my arms atrophied?

If Yes - then get yourself an Automatic

Therefore if you answer NO to both quesitons you should get a manual gearbox.

Stu

Do I like my foot to ache when in long queues of start/stop traffic?

Yes - then get yourself a manual

Have you every driven a tip-tronic auto that gives you the best of both worlds depending on what driving mood your in?

No - then get yourself a manual

[Tigger, Eeyore & Roo]

I'm a complete manual (stick) enthusiast and would never want an auto myself, but.... if you would like you wife to get into the MINI thing, having it as an auto is likely to be a great ally.

Though I love the LSD on my own S, on the occasions that I have driven an auto in the snow, I've always found creep to be a great help.

Tigger.

[stuvoi]

Quote: Originally Posted by I love MINI, Laura (original)

I have an automatic Sept 2006 MCS (used car that I wanted had the auto box no other option but to have it) and its amazing! The MINI auto gear box is so amazing my partner and I are complete MINI auto converts. I have done a few hill starts and theres been no problem. I can't comment on the snow as we don't have that sort of climate but the auto is amazing!

Actually my wifes car is an automatic and it's quite and easy drive, doesn't always do what I want it to do with gear stuff, but it it is easier in traffic jams

My post was just meant as a light hearted thing, not a real dig at automatics.

(We're considerng the Traveller and if wife has a choice, it would be an automatic

Stu

[The Tangman]

I've gone for the auto but that is because I live in London and have to drive nine miles through the city to get to my office so I spend most of the time going 1st, 2nd, 3rd stop 1st, 2nd, 3rd stop and so on and on (Bl**dy traffic lights!!) if they got rid of half the traffic lights in London they would cut CO2 emissions in half!!

I was actually getting knee pain from the stiff clutch in my company Golf - main reason why I opted out and typically just as I am opting out and getting rid of it, it has started to loosen up!!

I guess it depends how you drive - I felt like being lazy, and the knee pain was affecting my running, but I also look forward to the paddle shift option out on the country roads!!

[yorkslad]

Quote: Originally Posted by The Tangman (original)

... but I also look forward to the paddle shift option out on the country roads!!

Currently have (until mid October) a Smart Brabus Roadster and use paddle shift all the time so am quite looking forward to Mini.

Dealer told me the auto aspect was really smooth so I will probably end up drifting around in auto but thats the really great thing you still have a degree on manual control

[The Tangman]

Quote: Originally Posted by yorkslad (original)

Dealer told me the auto aspect was really smooth so I will probably end up drifting around in auto but thats the really great thing you still have a degree on manual control

I will let you know on Monday when I pick mine up!! I have booked two weeks off work to play with it!! I won't be able to sleep on Sunday night!

[yorkslad]

Quote: Originally Posted by The Tangman (original)

I will let you know on Monday when I pick mine up!!

Excellent! You went for a really nice colour, DS/B was my favorite combi but they dont do it on Doopers so Ive gone for my second choice PW/B

Look forward to hearing what you think

[The Tangman]

Quote: Originally Posted by yorkslad (original)

Excellent! You went for a really nice colour, DS/B was my favorite combi but they dont do it on Doopers so Ive gone for my second choice PW/B

Yeah i thought it was the best choice but i have has some post order nerves and have seen a few PW and think....should i have?....but then i quickly dispel that thought and convince myself that a white car in London is a bad choice!!