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Post by minijoe on Feb 10, 2017 18:10:30 GMT
Just as the title states. I've been looking for a Mini for some time now and everyone I talk to tells me to stay away from the Automatic trans. I do enjoy driving a manual but i have found a few Minis that i like with an automatic transmission. I am mechanically inclined so i'm not worried about doing any work, but from what I've heard, there are not many options in the US for repairs on autos. Anyways, this site has told me otherwise (obviously) and it would be nice for some seasoned vets to chime in! Thanks!!
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Post by notamini on Feb 10, 2017 20:50:35 GMT
Hi Joe. Welcome to the group. We first need to ask you where you are. Obviously in the USA but which state? I'm from Canada but I rely heavily on many people in the USA. We have a section on this forum for How To. In the thread Manuals and Leaflets available for download/email you will find a place to collect lots of information. You can also find help on the Austin America site He has a specific article on overhauling the AP transmission. Cheers, Mark M Ontario, Canada |
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Post by notamini on Feb 10, 2017 20:53:37 GMT
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Post by minijoe on Feb 10, 2017 22:19:32 GMT
Hi Joe. Welcome to the group. We first need to ask you where you are. Obviously in the USA but which state? I'm from Canada but I rely heavily on many people in the USA. We have a section on this forum for How To. In the thread Manuals and Leaflets available for download/email you will find a place to collect lots of information. You can also find help on the Austin America site He has a specific article on overhauling the AP transmission. Cheers, Mark M Ontario, Canada I am located in Southern California. I have read through the Austin America site as well as found where i can acquire all of the parts for an Auto. My only problem is now, i love driving manual cars and would probably (some people cover your ears) convert an Auto to a manual one day. Anyways, its hard to know the condition of the trans until I take everything apart. And when looking to buy, one never knows how long the oil has been sitting in the trans. That being said, I'm an open book! |
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Post by 69hcode on Feb 11, 2017 2:21:34 GMT
Autos just need more frequent oil changes with the proper oil. I'm going to be rebuilding one from a 92 Japan spec mini soon. It already has the extra forward clutch disc from the factory. I'm a tall guy and the wife doesn't like manuals. I compromised so she would be able to drive it. I don't have to worry about my knees hitting the wheel when I release the clutch. Now the little auto has really grown on me.
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Post by jockduck on Feb 11, 2017 10:34:08 GMT
I would probably say that auto minis are not for everybody and unless you can afford to have someone competent to look after it then it will require some sympathetic input from yourself. I have driven a number of manual minis over the years and they were fun cars to own. Autos are a little different they don't handle quite as sharply as a manual because the auto box is a bit heavier than the manual and the fuel consumption is a bit worse. I only have one mini now and its an auto and I love driving it. The autobox is reasonably simple to work on once its out of the car! and if repaired and maintained correctly then it has a good life expectancy. My only worry is sourcing of spare parts.
Jock
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Post by 69hcode on Feb 11, 2017 15:10:18 GMT
Martin on here should be able to help you out with parts. And lots of technical help. He's a stand up guy.
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Post by minijoe on Feb 11, 2017 17:42:57 GMT
Autos just need more frequent oil changes with the proper oil. I'm going to be rebuilding one from a 92 Japan spec mini soon. It already has the extra forward clutch disc from the factory. I'm a tall guy and the wife doesn't like manuals. I compromised so she would be able to drive it. I don't have to worry about my knees hitting the wheel when I release the clutch. Now the little auto has really grown on me. I'm a tall guy myself (6'2") and thought it would be a god idea to get an auto so my wife can drive as well. It's nice to know that there are people on here that know what they are doing. I've worked on plenty of cars in my time but never a Mini. My only worry with buying one now is the question...how long has the oil been sitting in the trans. But the reality of it is, I wont know until I take the trans apart |
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Post by 69hcode on Feb 11, 2017 20:45:52 GMT
I bought seat extenders but had to take them out. I needed to lean the seat back more to keep from hitting the roof with every tiny bump. The seat hit the pockets in back where the belt mounts. I tore the seat cover before I realized they were hitting.
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Post by limby2000 on Feb 12, 2017 11:11:07 GMT
Hi, there,s two types of people that buy auto mini,s. 1) there car was cheap as it was automatic, no one else wanted it,maybe it was damaged. 2) it was a mental ,not mental (crazy) decision to maybe buck the trend and be different. When you tell other mini owners your car is auto they look down their nose at you but dont say anything. The more people say "are you going to change to manual", the more i want to keep it auto. The rate that their getting changed means they are going to be an extinct specie in 10-15 years. Be proud to own an auto not ashamed,lol. Oh and welcome to the register. Regards Terry.
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Post by mra-minis on Mar 28, 2017 20:50:02 GMT
Hi, there,s two types of people that buy auto mini,s. 1) there car was cheap as it was automatic, no one else wanted it,maybe it was damaged. 2) it was a mental ,not mental (crazy) decision to maybe buck the trend and be different. When you tell other mini owners your car is auto they look down their nose at you but dont say anything. The more people say "are you going to change to manual", the more i want to keep it auto. The rate that their getting changed means they are going to be an extinct specie in 10-15 years. Be proud to own an auto not ashamed,lol. Oh and welcome to the register. Regards Terry. 3) Those that for various reasons cannot drive a manual (stick shift) |
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Post by limby2000 on Mar 28, 2017 20:56:30 GMT
Oh, and that one too.
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