<p>lefthandofdog - When I read your post, it seemed you were implying that all Minis are standard transmission. That isn’t true. I have an automatic (actually, mine has a switch to drive standard, but I never use it).</p>
<p>I thought the standard I test drove was effortless.</p>
<p>The Fit…well…fits, and I intend to look at it, even though I think it’s rather ugly. Pretty cheap too, which although it’s nice for the pocket, I have some money to spend and I’d rather get something of high quality that could last me in late 20s/early 30s. Hence why I’m leaning towards the Clubbie.<br>
Manual is how I will go, regardless. Seems like autos on all of these smaller cars are $1500 extra and I’ve driven stick since Day 1 and like it. I got 20 year old calves on these legs, might as well flex one!</p>
<p>I am holding out for the MINI Countryman which comes out after the first of the year. It is just a little bit bigger, with 4 doors. I drive a VW bug, and next year it will be 8 years and 100,000 miles old, and I will be ready for something new. I don’t want to be one of the first with a new model, so I way wait until the bug gets to 120,000.</p>
<p>No, I realize Minis come in automatic, but the OP preferred standard. I was just concerned if OP had never driven a standard that it might not be the best to learn on - but OP is a veteran so I withdraw my concern.</p>
<p>I am on my second Mini Cooper S. The first was a standard but I have started having some hip pain so when the first car was ready to be replaced I switched to an automatic hoping that it would help (it has). The automatic has been getting 30 mpg overall - The negative is that it takes premium gas. It is a very responsive and happy little car to drive and with the two back seats down can transport a surprising amount. We have another car that we use when there is significant winter weather so I cannot report on driving in the snow. </p>
<p>You can’t be in a bad mood when you drive this thing…his name is Myles. :-)</p>