Any one own(ed) or driven R56 Cooper S Auto?

[Goatex]

As the title says - any one had experience of an automatic Cooper S? Can't find any quality reviews of them online and no cars available to drive nearby. Test drove a manual and very nice it was too however, as I'm getting lazy in my old age and my commute involves some stop start traffic, I'd consider the auto if it was deemed half decent. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

[Maracus]

Yes, I have one.

We bought it 2 months ago from Boston MINI, 3 years old 29k. I wanted a manual R56, but due to my wife's arthritis we had to get an auto. She couldn't put it the manual in reverse.

I have to say, I'm very impressed with it. It's great for urban driving, which is where is spends most of its time, but put it in sport mode and the gear changes are superb, no different to a manual speed wise. You get the pops and bangs malarky when downshifting using the steering wheel paddles AFAIK it's a Toyota auto, I may be wrong though.

It's a rare variant, probably to do with a manual being the default choice for an 'S'.

I can't really fault it. If you were local I'd offer you a drive

[CobraPaul]

Goatex, I have owned a 2005 R53 Cooper S auto for a couple of years now. I know it's not an R56 but I think it maybe the same box?? Overall I have been very happy with it, it has the sports mode and flappy paddles. I find it easy to get along with on the daily commute while still being pretty quick. The only time I'm not keen is on track days, it manages ok but I would have better control with a manual (not a problem for most). To summarise, I would buy another.. Hope that helps? Paul

[Goatex]

Thanks both for your input - greatly appreciated. Will let you know how I get on...

[12TS]

Maracus said:

Yes, I have one.

We bought it 2 months ago from Boston MINI, 3 years old 29k. I wanted a manual R56, but due to my wife's arthritis we had to get an auto. She couldn't put it the manual in reverse.

For what I guess I supposed to be an easy car to drive, I'm surprised how difficult it is to select reverse.

[Maracus]

12TS said:

Maracus said:

Yes, I have one.

We bought it 2 months ago from Boston MINI, 3 years old 29k. I wanted a manual R56, but due to my wife's arthritis we had to get an auto. She couldn't put it the manual in reverse.

For what I guess I supposed to be an easy car to drive, I'm surprised how difficult it is to select reverse.

It's easy to drive, but after having rheumatoid arthritis for 25 years selecting reverse in a MINI is extremely difficult for her.

[12TS]

Agreed. I'm just surprised how awkward reverse is - it's out of keeping with the design of the rest of the car.