MINI2

wwwest · Sep 16th, 2007, 11:00 PM

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 · Sep 16th, 2007, 11:48 PM

stick!

kahlil · Sep 20th, 2007, 12:19 AM

stick. no question about it.

iain cooper · Sep 20th, 2007, 08:53 AM

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 · Sep 20th, 2007, 09:05 AM

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

stuvoi · Sep 20th, 2007, 12:25 PM

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 · Sep 20th, 2007, 12:39 PM

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 · Sep 20th, 2007, 02:07 PM

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 · Sep 20th, 2007, 05:25 PM

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 · Sep 20th, 2007, 08:38 PM

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 · Sep 20th, 2007, 10:19 PM

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 · Sep 21st, 2007, 10:28 AM

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 · Sep 21st, 2007, 10:41 AM

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 · Sep 21st, 2007, 12:47 PM

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 · Sep 21st, 2007, 01:11 PM

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!!

yellowmininy · Sep 21st, 2007, 04:44 PM

Minis are great in the snow, particularly with snow tires. I've got a 2003 standard Cooper (no ASC/DSC) in Rochester NY (90" annual snowfall). I'm not sure how the automatic compares for snow driving, though. The only snow I've been stuck in is the plowed salted snow that the plows move into the driveway, so I've learned to keep the shovel in the car and make sure to shovel it before parking.

I guess it may come down to whether you want your wife to be able to enjoy driving the Mini as well as you, and if you have a 4WD vehicle also, this would be a reasonable tradeoff.

Mister · Sep 21st, 2007, 07:03 PM

I've always gone with a manual transmission, but only because I know what I'm doing. As Yorkslad asked...

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

No, my foot doesn't ache because I keep the car in neutral when in a long queue and only pop it into first when there's actual movement involved and then back into neutral.

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

Yes, and I felt like the car wasn't as powerful starting off.

It's a tough call, though. If your wife will be driving the car, it's best to keep her happy.

Sep 16th, 2007, 11:00 PM	#1
wwwest MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Jul 2007 Local Time: 12:14 PM Posts: 1 Offline	Help!! Stick or Auto??? 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.

Sep 16th, 2007, 11:48 PM	#2 (permalink)
adam_Randell 07' Cooper My Classifieds Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Droitwich Local Time: 08:14 PM Posts: 1,071 Offline	stick! adam_randell www.midzmodified.com[/url]

Sep 20th, 2007, 05:25 PM	#9 (permalink)
Tigger, Eeyore & Roo I'm Back! My Classifieds Join Date: May 2004 Location: Kernow, near England Local Time: 08:14 PM Posts: 4,525 Offline	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. Unintimated and I'm back!! For sunshine, fun and Cornish Pasties: New MINI Kernow Cornish Oggy Run 2009!

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search
Rate This Thread
Rate This Thread:

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
SoCal Freeways - Auto or stick, what would you choose now?	john swain	Southern California Region	12	Sep 24th, 2005 04:47 PM
cooper vs cooper s; auto vs. stick	rbridges	General Discussion	5	Jul 19th, 2004 02:38 PM
autoglass replacing a heated/auto wipers/auto dimming mirror windscreen??	ashton	Faults & Fixes	4	Feb 19th, 2004 12:46 PM
Auto-wipers, auto-dim mirror not included in cold weather combo	TheFU	General Discussion	3	Jan 29th, 2003 08:02 PM
Stick or auto?	jcuthell	General Discussion	2	Jan 10th, 2002 04:07 AM

MINI2

Fuel for your MINI obsession

Use this forum to discuss MINI topics which are not related to other forums. Posts may be moved from here to alternative forums by the moderators without notice

Today
Sponsors	Sponsored Links Registered members do not see Google Ads posts, they can also post messages, pictures, and classified adverts. Register your free account today and become a member of MINI2 - MINI Forum

Sep 20th, 2007, 12:19 AM	#3 (permalink)
kahlil MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Sep 2007 Local Time: 03:14 PM Posts: 4 Offline	stick. no question about it.

Sep 20th, 2007, 08:53 AM	#4 (permalink)
iain cooper MINI2 Regular Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: near Glasgow Local Time: 08:14 PM Posts: 295 Offline	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 ?

Sep 20th, 2007, 09:05 AM	#5 (permalink)
FergusM MINI2 Senior My Classifieds Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Glasgow Local Time: 08:14 PM Posts: 697 Offline	Spec full DSC and it might compensate for lack on LSD on the auto ?

Sep 20th, 2007, 12:25 PM	#6 (permalink)
stuvoi MINI2 Senior Join Date: Jul 2004 Local Time: 08:14 PM Posts: 374 Offline	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

Sep 20th, 2007, 12:39 PM	#7 (permalink)
I love MINI, Laura MINI2 Master Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Portsmouth,Hampshire Local Time: 08:14 PM Posts: 3,219 Offline	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!

Sep 20th, 2007, 02:07 PM	#8 (permalink)
yorkslad MINI2 Regular Join Date: Jul 2007 Local Time: 08:14 PM Posts: 67 Offline	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

Sep 20th, 2007, 08:38 PM	#10 (permalink)
stuvoi MINI2 Senior Join Date: Jul 2004 Local Time: 08:14 PM Posts: 374 Offline	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

Sep 20th, 2007, 10:19 PM	#11 (permalink)
The Tangman MINI2 Regular My Classifieds Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: London Local Time: 08:14 PM Posts: 72 Offline	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!!

Sep 21st, 2007, 10:28 AM	#12 (permalink)
yorkslad MINI2 Regular Join Date: Jul 2007 Local Time: 08:14 PM Posts: 67 Offline	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

Sep 21st, 2007, 10:41 AM	#13 (permalink)
The Tangman MINI2 Regular My Classifieds Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: London Local Time: 08:14 PM Posts: 72 Offline	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!

Sep 21st, 2007, 12:47 PM	#14 (permalink)
yorkslad MINI2 Regular Join Date: Jul 2007 Local Time: 08:14 PM Posts: 67 Offline	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

Sep 21st, 2007, 01:11 PM	#15 (permalink)
The Tangman MINI2 Regular My Classifieds Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: London Local Time: 08:14 PM Posts: 72 Offline	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!!

Sep 21st, 2007, 04:44 PM	#16 (permalink)
yellowmininy QQJ's Social Secretary Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Upstate NY Local Time: 02:14 PM Posts: 7,018 Offline	Minis are great in the snow, particularly with snow tires. I've got a 2003 standard Cooper (no ASC/DSC) in Rochester NY (90" annual snowfall). I'm not sure how the automatic compares for snow driving, though. The only snow I've been stuck in is the plowed salted snow that the plows move into the driveway, so I've learned to keep the shovel in the car and make sure to shovel it before parking. I guess it may come down to whether you want your wife to be able to enjoy driving the Mini as well as you, and if you have a 4WD vehicle also, this would be a reasonable tradeoff.

Sep 21st, 2007, 07:03 PM	#17 (permalink)
Mister Uranus is composed of gas My Classifieds Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Ghettoville, CA Local Time: 12:14 PM Posts: 3,068 Offline	I've always gone with a manual transmission, but only because I know what I'm doing. As Yorkslad asked... "Do I like my foot to ache when in long queues of start/stop traffic?" No, my foot doesn't ache because I keep the car in neutral when in a long queue and only pop it into first when there's actual movement involved and then back into neutral. "Have you ever driven a tip-tronic auto that gives you the best of both worlds depending on what driving mood your in?" Yes, and I felt like the car wasn't as powerful starting off. It's a tough call, though. If your wife will be driving the car, it's best to keep her happy.

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)