Manual v Automatic

lucy_w86

I am looking into getting a car within the next 6 months, hopefully but am unsure what to go for.

I passed my test a few years ago in a manual but havent driven since. I am a nervous driver and recently had refresher lessons in an automatic and loved it. But obviously automatics are more expensive to buy.

Should I try to re-gain my confidence, if possible, in a manual or stick with automatic?

benjus

I believe that Automatics are not just more expensive to buy, but also more expensive to maintain and less fuel efficient.

Being able to drive a manual will give you more flexibility if you ever want to hire or borrow a car. Even if you buy an automatic, it's worth re-learning your skills in driving a manual if you have the opportunity.

So I would personally get a manual. But that doesn't mean it's the right choice for you - you need to feel comfortable and confident on the road.

TiTheRev

Would have to agree with benjus, I would never own an auto for the same reasons as stated, but you need to be confident on the road and if you are doing town miles it may be easier on the stop-start than a manual

pennymakespounds

absolutely go for the automatic !!.. and it'll help you so much with your confidence , stress levels ..quality of driving etc .

Never mind a bit of differrence on purchase price or fuel consumption ... far more "valuable" to have a much better "quality of life" behind the wheel .

Having said that purchase price not the important part .. it's purchase price versus depreciation when you sell it ... i can't say any of our automatic cars have ever been "more expensive".

All 4 of us in our family drive automatics .. teenage kids took their tests in manuals .. but then bought automatics .. we all feel the same .. can't understand why anyone would want all the hard work of a manual ... particularly these days where most of life is spent in traffic jams .

Automatics are just so easy & relaxing to drive . You said it .. " loved it" ... go for it .. no contest !.

frugallass

Hi I was a very reluctant and nervous driver and passed my test in an auto in 2000, I have had 4 automatic cars since and have found them to be just as economical as DH's manuals - I think a lot depends on how you drive the car as to how economical it can be. They were no more expensive to service than our manual cars either.

Saying all that I have (reluctantly) taken the plunge and will be booking some lessons in the hope that I will eventually get my manual licence but I've got my eye on a nice auto 4wd

LandyAndy

Rather than waste your time replying to this thread take five minutes to read this OP's threads over the past eighteen months. and then ask yourself if a further reply is needed.

Road_Hog

It is a completely personal choice.

I used to have my company car changed every 3 months and used to choose an automatic once in a while if I could have a higher spec'd car because of it.

Autos are great in town and traffic, a lot less tiring, but not so good on motorways or open roads and are terrible for overtaking as they have a mind of their own. Yes, I know most have the ability to choose a gear but that defeats the object of having the auto box.

They do cost more, have lower mpg and slightly higher maintenance costs when the mileage gets higher.

That said, if you're not a confident driver, that is your problem and something that needs to be addressed as it means that you are a danger to other drivers. Roads are a lot busier these days and lack of confidence equals poor driving.

lucy_w86

I was very confident in an automatic and seem to panic in a manual because there is more to think about. My instructor when doing my refresher lessons said he would be confident for me to be able to drive alone. So I guess I am going to be better in an auto.

moonrakerz

LandyAndy wrote: »

Rather than waste your time replying to this thread take five minutes to read this OP's threads over the past eighteen months. and then ask yourself if a further reply is needed.

'nuff said !

lucy_w86

moonrakerz wrote: »

'nuff said !

Sometimes its nice to get a refreshed view....

TiTheRev

Nothing wrong with that,it's obviously someone's 'time' and they're a bit grouchy at the moment :rolleyes: