9 replies to this topic

[GW]

I havn't found people talking about auto boxes really, although some people have mentioned using them.

For medical reasons my missus can only drive auto, so my next mini will prob be auto so she can join the fun......I wandered what the boxes are like as in most small autos economy and performance are both compromised by the gear ratios, is this the case with mini's?

And am I correct in thinking they are all 4 speed whether fitted to a 1275 or 998?

Your comments and experience are very much appreciated as I want to get the missus interested so she doesn't moan about me spending lots of money! lol.

Cheers

[minicooper1.3i]

I'm pretty certain that all auto boxes will be 4 speed. I've not had any personal experience with auto's but you should be able to find your self a good range of motors which have them.

TMF member 'GuessWorks' is probably the best bloke to speak to. He's definately in the know on all things 'manual', and I expect he knws a fair bit about auto's too.

If he doesn't post on here in the next few days, drom him a PM and ask.

Cheers!

P.S. Know exactly where you're coming from with the 'get-the-missus-a-mini-to-stop-her-moaning-about-my-spending-all-my-money-on-my-other-lady-and-not-on-her' angle! Picking hers up in a couple of weeks

[minislapper]

My first mini was a 998 auto. Bog standard and went well. They're especially great for driving around town, especially in traffic.

It wasn't as revvy as my manual 998 but it just about held its own on the motorway etc. Fuel consumption was about the same as the manual 998.

I would say go for a 1275 if you can find one as I did find the 998 a bit restrictive sometimes. Yes, all 4 speed. They do need more maintenance than a manual box though. You need to treat them with care and change the oil more often.

[Guess-Works.com]

Quite simply, if you go looking for one.....

IT MUST HAVE A FULL SERVICE HISTORY AND LOW MILEAGE

otherwise you're asking for trouble.

[Nickh_16]

My sis has a 998 mini city e auto, heavy on petrol of course due to the autobox, but it's still just as fun as my mini! You can still select 1st 2nd and 3rd individually as in a manual, so if you need to hold a gear a bit longer you can, they're still nippy and the kickdown function is a hoot (hit the pedal right to the floor below 50 and it drops a gear and away you go!!)

Her car is low milage so no problems yet, and it's still fun to drive!

[GW]

Thanks for your advices, I had read that every 3000 is reccomended for oil and filter, and I'm not surprised that you only get 30mpg if your going everywhere at a ton lol

Guessworks, I would have gone low mileage if buying an auto but rarely see FSH minis for a reasonable price! Are there any specific signs I should look for when test driving? I take it they are a bit more fragile, and able to handle less tuning?

Cheers guys

[mk1leg]

When you find a mini auto you should do this ......
1..purchase 2 bottles of engine flushing oil..............
2..remove drain plug and take out 1lts oil and put drain plug back..............
3..then pour in 1 bottle of flushing oil and place trolly jack under gearbox and lift untill wheels are just off ground............
4..start engine and run for to mins moving through auto gears back and forth severl times this activates tiny plungers in box and cleanse them.....
5..after 20 mins switch off and drain oil (carefull very hot) and remove filter. check old oil for brass flakes, if there are any then your box may need a rebuilb .......
6..if not replace drain plug and fit new oil canister and put 2nd bottle of flushing oil in and top up with cheap oil and go for a 20 mile drive and then drain and put in a good guality oil there no need to put new canister in .............
good luck..................

[Guess-Works.com]

Guessworks, I would have gone low mileage if buying an auto but rarely see FSH minis for a reasonable price! Are there any specific signs I should look for when test driving? I take it they are a bit more fragile, and able to handle less tuning?

With auto's because of their reputation, sometimes misplaced, they are generally cheaper....In preference I'd go for a 1275 auto... They use the last generation of the auto box which is the strongest of the lot. They are not so much fragile, but if not maintained machincally will go down hill VERY fast.

Talking of going fast, they do that too, many have a long final drive which makes for really good cruising speeds, and don't suffer from the poor acceleration which long finaldrive manuals do.

[Holly]

I Drive a 1988 mayfair auto (998cc) I have had it for 3 years and not had any problems with it starts on the button! Im averagin about 37mpg which i dont think is bad at all ITs done 40.000 miles now but when we brought it it had only done 30,000 it was on a farm in need of a fair bit of cosmetic only work the shell was pretty solid and cost £600

[GW]

Sounding good guys, thanks for all your helpfull comments. The engine flush certainly sounds like a very wise plan of attack!

The long final drive is also appealing as i do have to cruise up the dual carriageway for work, and a few motorway miles each weekend to see family, so very much a bonus there!

I would have hoped for a bit more than 37 to the gallon, but its still better than the last couple of motors i've had! Lol

Cheers