MINI2

busterbaxter · Apr 22nd, 2004, 11:49 PM

Hello,

I am planning to buy a Mini Cooper and can't make up my decision. When I first learnt driving 7 years ago I used a stick-shift car. Since then I seldom drive stick anymore as all the cars I purchased are automatic. Now I am thinking if I should go back to stick and buy an S, or just get the CVT Cooper instead? Is the stick-shift in Mini easy to operate? The Japanese stick-shift I drove 7 years ago were a pain to row.

I don't have any chance to test drive the S but in my 20 minutes with the CVT Cooper I really like it. I do know the difference of them in spec but I don't have any real life experience to compare them.

Thanks for any help.

Baxter

Paul! · Apr 23rd, 2004, 12:23 AM

Although you will get just about everyone telling you to get a stick, the CVT really isn't bad at all. Took mine on a twisty road the other day and put the CVT into steptronic mode. I was whipping around the twists and turns with the best of 'em.

Than I put it into auto, and slogged my way home through DC traffic.

But, I gotta admit, if I was in a place w/o so much f'in traffic, I'd probably get a stick!

-Paul!

LizL · Apr 23rd, 2004, 12:45 AM

Well- it doesn't sound like you enjoy a stick, so why get one? Personally, I've never owned an automatic, I find it boring and I feel I have more control over the car in adverse driving conditions, plus its a more fun driving experience. I find the MINI is a little interesting in 1st- it definately wants more gas than any other car I've driven, but its so great to drive.

I guess your other consideration is if you want hands free driving! I know a lot of people feel like they need an S, but I love my MC!

Good luck in your desicion.

busterbaxter · Apr 23rd, 2004, 12:58 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by LizL

Well- it doesn't sound like you enjoy a stick, so why get one? Personally, I've never owned an automatic, I find it boring and I feel I have more control over the car in adverse driving conditions, plus its a more fun driving experience. I find the MINI is a little interesting in 1st- it definately wants more gas than any other car I've driven, but its so great to drive.

I guess your other consideration is if you want hands free driving! I know a lot of people feel like they need an S, but I love my MC!

Good luck in your desicion.

I love shifting gears but my left leg is really weak (in terms of energy and synchronization). When I learnt driving using a stick car I had some problem with the clutch. I experience the same left-leg coordination/energy problem when I learnt ski. The SMG box might seem to be my perfect solution to the S w/ stick.

I can tolerate automatic in all my other cars but for the Mini I'd love to get more involved, to have more control of the car and a stiffer suspension. I like the CVT Cooper that I test drove but am just wondering what's the "extra" in the S.

Thanks!

obehave · Apr 23rd, 2004, 01:08 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by busterbaxter

I love shifting gears but my left leg is really weak (in terms of energy and synchronization). When I learnt driving using a stick car I had some problem with the clutch. I experience the same left-leg coordination/energy problem when I learnt ski. The SMG box might seem to be my perfect solution to the S w/ stick.

I can tolerate automatic in all my other cars but for the Mini I'd love to get more involved, to have more control of the car and a stiffer suspension. I like the CVT Cooper that I test drove but am just wondering what's the "extra" in the S.

Thanks!

It seems your missing a bit here. You can get a 5 speed in the Cooper as well.

As someone pointed out earlier a lot will depend on your local traffic. If I was stuck in the metro jam every day I'd rethink a stick as well.

That said unless you have an actual disability with your left leg you will build up strength and it won't be a problem.
Ultimately you have to determine what's best for you, long term.

miniman marshall · Apr 24th, 2004, 06:48 AM

Manual all the way!!! I just think the MINI is a lot more fun to drive just because you are 100% in control

I have driven an automatic lots before, but I enjoy my MINI more!! But i guess its up to you and what you need the car for ...

P_E_P · Apr 27th, 2004, 08:57 PM

4 months ago I learned to drive a manual just for my MINI Cooper.

Damo · Apr 29th, 2004, 11:03 AM

I find the clutch quite stiff (in a good way) on the cooper, but the S's clutch is heavier than the Cooper's clutch, quite a bit heavier. So I say test drive it.

If your after a manual I'd suggest test the Cooper Manual AND the Cooper S manual, you may find the Manual Cooper is ok but not the S's?

AmRov · Apr 29th, 2004, 04:36 PM

I love the stick, but it is a bear in heavy stop-n-go traffic. The "S" is very worth it, for a lot of reasons. Even if the CVT had been available in the S, I would have gone for the stick. To me, that's how a sports car should be.

I had a Steptronic in my last car (BMW X5), and it was OK -- you could drive it in a semi-manual mode if you wanted, but it didn't have the same "feel" as a real stick.

It's all a matter of personal preference, of course, but the S really rocks for so many reasons...

lespurgeon · May 6th, 2004, 03:37 PM

If you had trouble with a Japanese manual, you won't find the MINI any easier. On my test drive, I found the cooper gearing/clutch a little easier than the S - but neither as "easy" as my Honda. Both were very smooth, but took a bit of clutch pressure, and had a very solid feal. I'm a standard transmission guy 100% - and the MINI transmissions have a solid good-quality to them - but I would rather learn on a Honda.

veggivet · May 9th, 2004, 10:43 PM

I vote for the stick, 100%. You won't regret it unless you live in L.A.

sleslie · May 12th, 2004, 05:48 PM

I was in your "seat" a few weeks ago. I learned to drive with a shift. My first car, out of college was a shift. My other cars have been automatics. My girlfriend just bought a MC-manual and I could not decide whether to pay the $1300.00 more for an automatic. I did and and I'm glad.

I don't live in a big city, but I just didn't want to constantly shift. My MC-CVT has 600 miles and I have absolutely NO regrets. I love the car. I love the CVT. I love the color. I love everything about it. So far, it has been a sheer joy to drive. The only thing I don't like....I have stopped doing much else. I wash it, drive it, read about, chat about it...it is VERY addictive. Be prepared!!!!

Enjoy! Oh-either way you can't go wrong. My girlfirend loves the manual as much as I love the CVT, so we are all different. Good thing.

MC/BLK
Chili
Black Leathertte
Anthracite
Black Bumper Inserts
3 Packages

minni · May 12th, 2004, 08:37 PM

I agree wtih SLeslie (and by the way, I have the same mileage on my car -- got it last week).

I wondered if I'd feel like I'm missing out by not having a stick. But now that I'm stuck in summer road work traffic -- on top of regular highway commuting delays -- I am thrilled not to be shifting. So far, the CVT seems to have a lot more power than I thought. Plus, how am I supposed to talk on the phone and sip on my coffee while shifting? I spend a lot of my day in traffic -- and I don't live in LA -- so for me it was really worth it.

I don't feel cheated one bit having a CVT and the car is simply darling. This is the first car I ever remember enjoying so much.

SLeslie: How has your mileage been so far? Just curious as I'm trying to suss it out myself.

Laurie

---------------------------------

Chili red/white, premium, sports and cold packages, CVT, chrome inserts, black leatherette, silver

sleslie · May 12th, 2004, 08:47 PM

Minni-

I think I've been getting around 29 miles per gallon. Honestly, I've never cared before. My previous SUV made me keenly aware that all I was doing was getting my tank filled.

I agree that I like my hand free to drink my coffee and when my friend is in her Mini, we walkie talkie. She has a manual and seems to be able to manage, but I just wanted to not worry about shifting.

I got my car April 27th. Besides the CVT, my sleepless nights were over the color combos. I was so torn. It is said that never give someone more than three choices. Well, I finally was given little choice because of the availabilty. I didn't want to wait. I'm happy, though.

Sounds like you are enjoying your Mini!

charlief1975 · May 12th, 2004, 09:10 PM

I went with CVT because of traffic. If it wasn't for the highway backups I would have gone manual.

Apr 22nd, 2004, 11:49 PM	#1
busterbaxter MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Apr 2004 Local Time: 01:03 AM Posts: 2 Offline	newbie purchase question: stick S or automatic Cooper Hello, I am planning to buy a Mini Cooper and can't make up my decision. When I first learnt driving 7 years ago I used a stick-shift car. Since then I seldom drive stick anymore as all the cars I purchased are automatic. Now I am thinking if I should go back to stick and buy an S, or just get the CVT Cooper instead? Is the stick-shift in Mini easy to operate? The Japanese stick-shift I drove 7 years ago were a pain to row. I don't have any chance to test drive the S but in my 20 minutes with the CVT Cooper I really like it. I do know the difference of them in spec but I don't have any real life experience to compare them. Thanks for any help. Baxter

Apr 29th, 2004, 04:36 PM	#9 (permalink)
AmRov Scoopersized! Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Heart of Texas Local Time: 04:03 AM Posts: 1,521 Offline	I love the stick, but it is a bear in heavy stop-n-go traffic. The "S" is very worth it, for a lot of reasons. Even if the CVT had been available in the S, I would have gone for the stick. To me, that's how a sports car should be. I had a Steptronic in my last car (BMW X5), and it was OK -- you could drive it in a semi-manual mode if you wanted, but it didn't have the same "feel" as a real stick. It's all a matter of personal preference, of course, but the S really rocks for so many reasons... Look at that little S car go! [Sold 2/06]

May 12th, 2004, 08:37 PM	#13 (permalink)
minni MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Central MA Local Time: 04:03 AM Posts: 43 Offline	I agree wtih SLeslie (and by the way, I have the same mileage on my car -- got it last week). I wondered if I'd feel like I'm missing out by not having a stick. But now that I'm stuck in summer road work traffic -- on top of regular highway commuting delays -- I am thrilled not to be shifting. So far, the CVT seems to have a lot more power than I thought. Plus, how am I supposed to talk on the phone and sip on my coffee while shifting? I spend a lot of my day in traffic -- and I don't live in LA -- so for me it was really worth it. I don't feel cheated one bit having a CVT and the car is simply darling. This is the first car I ever remember enjoying so much. SLeslie: How has your mileage been so far? Just curious as I'm trying to suss it out myself. Laurie --------------------------------- Chili red/white, premium, sports and cold packages, CVT, chrome inserts, black leatherette, silver Mini Owner: 5-4-04

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Apr 23rd, 2004, 12:23 AM	#2 (permalink)
Paul! Ride The Dragon! Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Columbia, MD Local Time: 05:03 AM Posts: 306 Offline	Although you will get just about everyone telling you to get a stick, the CVT really isn't bad at all. Took mine on a twisty road the other day and put the CVT into steptronic mode. I was whipping around the twists and turns with the best of 'em. Than I put it into auto, and slogged my way home through DC traffic. But, I gotta admit, if I was in a place w/o so much f'in traffic, I'd probably get a stick! -Paul!

Apr 23rd, 2004, 12:45 AM	#3 (permalink)
LizL MINI2 Regular Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Vermont Local Time: 04:03 AM Posts: 84 Offline	Well- it doesn't sound like you enjoy a stick, so why get one? Personally, I've never owned an automatic, I find it boring and I feel I have more control over the car in adverse driving conditions, plus its a more fun driving experience. I find the MINI is a little interesting in 1st- it definately wants more gas than any other car I've driven, but its so great to drive. I guess your other consideration is if you want hands free driving! I know a lot of people feel like they need an S, but I love my MC! Good luck in your desicion.

Apr 23rd, 2004, 12:58 AM	#4 (permalink)
busterbaxter MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Apr 2004 Local Time: 01:03 AM Posts: 2 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by LizL Well- it doesn't sound like you enjoy a stick, so why get one? Personally, I've never owned an automatic, I find it boring and I feel I have more control over the car in adverse driving conditions, plus its a more fun driving experience. I find the MINI is a little interesting in 1st- it definately wants more gas than any other car I've driven, but its so great to drive. I guess your other consideration is if you want hands free driving! I know a lot of people feel like they need an S, but I love my MC! Good luck in your desicion. I love shifting gears but my left leg is really weak (in terms of energy and synchronization). When I learnt driving using a stick car I had some problem with the clutch. I experience the same left-leg coordination/energy problem when I learnt ski. The SMG box might seem to be my perfect solution to the S w/ stick. I can tolerate automatic in all my other cars but for the Mini I'd love to get more involved, to have more control of the car and a stiffer suspension. I like the CVT Cooper that I test drove but am just wondering what's the "extra" in the S. Thanks!

Apr 23rd, 2004, 01:08 AM	#5 (permalink)
obehave Mini Mod Join Date: Sep 2002 Local Time: 05:03 AM Posts: 9,388 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by busterbaxter I love shifting gears but my left leg is really weak (in terms of energy and synchronization). When I learnt driving using a stick car I had some problem with the clutch. I experience the same left-leg coordination/energy problem when I learnt ski. The SMG box might seem to be my perfect solution to the S w/ stick. I can tolerate automatic in all my other cars but for the Mini I'd love to get more involved, to have more control of the car and a stiffer suspension. I like the CVT Cooper that I test drove but am just wondering what's the "extra" in the S. Thanks! It seems your missing a bit here. You can get a 5 speed in the Cooper as well. As someone pointed out earlier a lot will depend on your local traffic. If I was stuck in the metro jam every day I'd rethink a stick as well. That said unless you have an actual disability with your left leg you will build up strength and it won't be a problem. Ultimately you have to determine what's best for you, long term.

Apr 24th, 2004, 06:48 AM	#6 (permalink)
miniman marshall MINI2 Regular Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Calgary, AB Local Time: 02:03 AM Posts: 212 Offline	Manual all the way!!! I just think the MINI is a lot more fun to drive just because you are 100% in control I have driven an automatic lots before, but I enjoy my MINI more!! But i guess its up to you and what you need the car for ...

Apr 27th, 2004, 08:57 PM	#7 (permalink)
P_E_P MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Apr 2004 Local Time: 05:03 AM Posts: 4 Offline	4 months ago I learned to drive a manual just for my MINI Cooper.

Apr 29th, 2004, 11:03 AM	#8 (permalink)
Damo MINI2fosi My Classifieds Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: MINItorque.com Local Time: 10:03 AM Posts: 10,650 Offline	I find the clutch quite stiff (in a good way) on the cooper, but the S's clutch is heavier than the Cooper's clutch, quite a bit heavier. So I say test drive it. If your after a manual I'd suggest test the Cooper Manual AND the Cooper S manual, you may find the Manual Cooper is ok but not the S's?

May 6th, 2004, 03:37 PM	#10 (permalink)
lespurgeon Off changing a nappy... Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: HI, USA Local Time: 11:03 PM Posts: 1,069 Offline	If you had trouble with a Japanese manual, you won't find the MINI any easier. On my test drive, I found the cooper gearing/clutch a little easier than the S - but neither as "easy" as my Honda. Both were very smooth, but took a bit of clutch pressure, and had a very solid feal. I'm a standard transmission guy 100% - and the MINI transmissions have a solid good-quality to them - but I would rather learn on a Honda.

May 9th, 2004, 10:43 PM	#11 (permalink)
veggivet MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Sep 2003 Local Time: 04:03 AM Posts: 13 Offline	I vote for the stick, 100%. You won't regret it unless you live in L.A.

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

May 12th, 2004, 05:48 PM	#12 (permalink)
sleslie MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Mar 2004 Local Time: 09:03 AM Posts: 16 Offline	I was in your "seat" a few weeks ago. I learned to drive with a shift. My first car, out of college was a shift. My other cars have been automatics. My girlfriend just bought a MC-manual and I could not decide whether to pay the $1300.00 more for an automatic. I did and and I'm glad. I don't live in a big city, but I just didn't want to constantly shift. My MC-CVT has 600 miles and I have absolutely NO regrets. I love the car. I love the CVT. I love the color. I love everything about it. So far, it has been a sheer joy to drive. The only thing I don't like....I have stopped doing much else. I wash it, drive it, read about, chat about it...it is VERY addictive. Be prepared!!!! Enjoy! Oh-either way you can't go wrong. My girlfirend loves the manual as much as I love the CVT, so we are all different. Good thing. MC/BLK Chili Black Leathertte Anthracite Black Bumper Inserts 3 Packages

May 12th, 2004, 08:47 PM	#14 (permalink)
sleslie MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Mar 2004 Local Time: 09:03 AM Posts: 16 Offline	Minni- I think I've been getting around 29 miles per gallon. Honestly, I've never cared before. My previous SUV made me keenly aware that all I was doing was getting my tank filled. I agree that I like my hand free to drink my coffee and when my friend is in her Mini, we walkie talkie. She has a manual and seems to be able to manage, but I just wanted to not worry about shifting. I got my car April 27th. Besides the CVT, my sleepless nights were over the color combos. I was so torn. It is said that never give someone more than three choices. Well, I finally was given little choice because of the availabilty. I didn't want to wait. I'm happy, though. Sounds like you are enjoying your Mini!

May 12th, 2004, 09:10 PM	#15 (permalink)
charlief1975 MINI2 Regular Join Date: May 2004 Location: Chicago, IL Local Time: 04:03 AM Posts: 121 Offline	I went with CVT because of traffic. If it wasn't for the highway backups I would have gone manual.