learner driver automatic?

iolanthe07

I have two vehicles, one auto and one manual. I much prefer the auto for driving around town and when stuck in traffic, but agree with those who have advised you to learn on a manual if you possibly can so you leave your options open. My auto only uses slightly more fuel than its manual equivalent and is just as reliable. Avoid clutchless 'semi-automatics' that rely on input from the engine management system. Go for a straight forward torque converter model if you do buy an automatic. I am told that Mitsubishi automatics are particularly highly regarded in the trade.

Inactive

jeannieblue wrote: »

He's got his cute side.........

Awwwwww....:blushing:

Pssst

jeannieblue wrote: »

He's got his cute side.........

His big end...?

jeannieblue

Pssst wrote: »

His big end...?

That could be interpreted to pay him a BIG compliment...

Inactive

jeannieblue wrote: »

That could be interpreted to pay him a BIG compliment...

:rotfl::rotfl:

Sirbendy

I'd agree with all points..but I'm a disabled driver with an auto-only license..heh.

To be fair, I had one company (forget who) offer me an hour in a manual and an hour in an auto for a very good price...but I'd already been assessed on a simulator for reflex speed etc..at 17, I had the reflexes of a 40 year old.

So I chose full-auto for my own peace of mind.

I'm still a HUGE fan of "old school" torque converter autos..BUT..make sure you get at LEAST a 4 speed, as 3 speeds as a rule have no "lock up" function and start to fret at higher speeds, as well as hammer the fuel. Anything modern (2000 on) SHOULD be a 4-speed. If the selector says "PRND321", it's a good start. D is 4th.

I've had 4 3 speeds (2 renault, 2 rover) and 2 4 speeds (both Astras)..loved them all, but Renault cost a lot to fix. Astra's haven't so far!

Fuel economy..I can take a lot of manual Vauxhalls to the cleaners..400 miles to a tank, or in the course of a normal month, a 3-3.5 week tank. There are teachers at work with manuals (and my assistant with a new corsa!) that can't get any more than 250-300 miles from a tank.

As said, the 'boxes if looked after can last for the life of the car..I've had one at 117k that was perfect until written off, and one at 200k+ before the engine blew up..:rotfl:

A good rule is to change the gerbox fluid every 1-2 years..EVEN IF the dealer/manufacturer/handbook says it's not needed. Virtually every auto I've seen in the breakers had got fluid that's filthy. It's cheap insurance..:) Remember, manufacturers by nature want the car to die so you have to buy another.

I'm also not a fan of the electronic clutch semi-autos, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF the VW/Audi/Skoda/Seat DSG 6 speed semi/full auto gearbox..I had a Golf for a week with one of those in, and didn't want to hand it back. Fuel economy was great, smoothness gave a full-auto a run for the money, ease of use was incredible, and SO much fun with 6 gears in the "semi-auto" mode...I damn near soiled my trousers when I gave it some welly on an empty road and hit 80 in 3rd VERY rapidly.:eek:

I'd say try both, go with whichever makes you feel happiest. I find manuals slow to take off from rest, jerky, and all in all stone-age..;) I like my smooth drive and can laugh in slow moving traffic jams..:D And snow, come to that..

jedisarah

Hi, i'm in my 20s and just passed an automatic test. I was the same i needed a quick pass to get me on the road. I passed first time and did it in 3 months. I've got an old corsa which is fine, i'll look at getting something newer in 12 months, i've had the same advice about japanese autos so i'll be looking for one. I'd advise you to do manual if you can but i had loads of trouble with gears so i chose auto, ive had no problems finding cars, they're priced the same as manual.

jeannieblue

jedisarah wrote: »

Hi, i'm in my 20s and just passed an automatic test. I was the same i needed a quick pass to get me on the road. I passed first time and did it in 3 months. I've got an old corsa which is fine, i'll look at getting something newer in 12 months, i've had the same advice about japanese autos so i'll be looking for one. I'd advise you to do manual if you can but i had loads of trouble with gears so i chose auto, ive had no problems finding cars, they're priced the same as manual.

Good for you! Too much pressure is put on people these days to conform to what 'society' (or motoring forum ) says. If you want to drive an auto - who is to say that is wrong? We live in a free country - yeah right :rolleyes:

goldspanners

jeannieblue wrote: »

Good for you! Too much pressure is put on people these days to conform to what 'society' (or motoring forum ) says. If you want to drive an auto - who is to say that is wrong? We live in a free country - yeah right :rolleyes:

i honestly think there should be no auto or manual test unless the student is disabled and will need to drive an auto or specially adapted vehicle.
able bodied folk should take one driving test in a manual car,then once you pass this test drive an auto or a manual. there is no point in restricting yourself to only autos or similarly retake the manual test it just means more money later on. learning the gears is a simple thing and takes very little time.

delain

I found i forgot how to work the gears if i didn't drive for 2 weeks (i'm a learner too!) and i'd be looking at my feet and driving towards trees...

now i've got an auto ford galaxy (don't even ask about the insurance as i'm 24 and its huge) and i love driving it. it takes all the stress away. A local driving instructor takes me out in it at a reduced rate of £15 per hour as i'm paying the petrol and insurance!

I think going auto was the best thing i ever did! Now i may actually pass my test someday!