R56 Never driven a manual.. is it a bad idea to buy one?
#52
02-23-2011, 05:09 PM
6th Gear
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A quick add...
- I've never used the emergency brake on hills. I play a game on hills, though...how well can I balance the gas and clutch to not move forward without using the brake. I'm looking forward to my new MINI's hill assist on some of the steeper hills here in Atlanta (and ATL has some seriously steep hills)
- I've never understood when people say "I'd hate having a manual in traffic" I drive in traffic all the time. So you have to use your left leg a bit more - why is this such a big deal? Driving a stick has never bothered me in traffic, and it is so much more fun on open road.
- I've never used the emergency brake on hills. I play a game on hills, though...how well can I balance the gas and clutch to not move forward without using the brake. I'm looking forward to my new MINI's hill assist on some of the steeper hills here in Atlanta (and ATL has some seriously steep hills)
- I've never understood when people say "I'd hate having a manual in traffic" I drive in traffic all the time. So you have to use your left leg a bit more - why is this such a big deal? Driving a stick has never bothered me in traffic, and it is so much more fun on open road.
#53
02-23-2011, 05:21 PM
#54
02-23-2011, 05:28 PM
5th Gear
I don't like how the automatic MINIs look though. 
#55
02-23-2011, 05:31 PM
Well I made my trip to the dealer today and walked out with a new 2011 S .. manual. I got to try it out in one of their storage lots and it wasn't bad at all (I only stalled it twice!). I'll be picking it up Saturday after they prep it and get my bonnet stripes on. It's going to be a fun weekend!
You won't regret it.
#56
02-23-2011, 06:02 PM
Getting new S and u want the stick
Get a current S driver to take u out and show u the technique. Try turning on the Sport mode if you have it as it's addictive.
If you in Cincinnati, SanFrancisco, or another hillytown u may want the auto as a novice can wear out a clutch on hills.
There are many stick driving help videos about the MINI on Utube..
If you in Cincinnati, SanFrancisco, or another hillytown u may want the auto as a novice can wear out a clutch on hills.
There are many stick driving help videos about the MINI on Utube..
#57
02-23-2011, 06:31 PM
#58
02-23-2011, 07:44 PM
2nd Gear
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#59
02-23-2011, 08:24 PM
I'm not militant about it, but there are legitimate reasons to buy a manual just like there are legitimate reasons to buy an auto, though most of the time it's personal preference.
#60
02-23-2011, 08:29 PM
#61
02-23-2011, 09:10 PM
I was just giving a couple other reasons why SOME people might choose not to go with the auto.
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