Automatic vs manual car - which is cheaper to maintain?

vikramrkin

Hi All,

I am thinking of buying a used car and I am thinking whether to go with an automatic or manual transmission. From the point of comfort, I prefer automatic. But I am not sure about the below aspects of automatic vs manual car:

- Initial cost (I guess automatic is slightly more expensive)
- Running cost (Fuel)
- Diesel or Petrol??
- Maintenance cost
- Resale value

Thanks for looking at this post. Any inputs will be greatly appreciated.

Vikram

mcjordi

i cant comment tbh
ive always driven manuals

Nilrem

From what I recall Manual tends to be cheaper to maintain (less complex), slightly better fuel consumption if you're driving properly, and usually a little cheaper to buy initially.

Rallydriver

Autos are more expensive to fix when they go wrong and less reliable than a manual though this is relative as gearboxes hardly ever fail. It would come down to a risk v reward decision or would it be under warranty for most of your ownership?

Auto gearboxes require periodic changing of the gearbox oil, done as part of a major service every couple of years you're probably looking at an extra £40 on those services.

Any premium in purchase price will, provided its maintained correctly and not malfunctioning at the time of sale, carry over at sale time. It really depends on the individual car model as to what premium, if any, the auto commands.

Major difference in cost will be the fuel and typically the difference is about 5% worse economy from an auto, but look at the fuel consumption figures given for individual models.

harveybobbles

There is no correct answer for this...

If you bought a BMW 5 series auto, 3 yr old, decent miles etc, you'd pay about 1000 more than a manual one. It'll probably be better on fuel due to better gearing etc.

A small auto - saxo for example will probably cost the same to buy as a manual one. Running costs will be similar, tho you may get thru more brake pads/discs in an auto. Though you could argue and say that the cost of maybe 5 sets of discs and pads out-weighs the cost of a clutch in a manual car

jeannieblue

harveybobbles wrote: »

There is no correct answer for this...

If you bought a BMW 5 series auto, 3 yr old, decent miles etc, you'd pay about 1000 more than a manual one. It'll probably be better on fuel due to better gearing etc.

A small auto - saxo for example will probably cost the same to buy as a manual one. Running costs will be similar, tho you may get thru more brake pads/discs in an auto. Though you could argue and say that the cost of maybe 5 sets of discs and pads out-weighs the cost of a clutch in a manual car

I agree - which is unusual in itself...

I drive auto now.. and have no intention of going back to a manual, I do not find that it costs me more in fuel - but I may need brake pads just a tad more often than a manual would (so what?)!

Resale value will be higher as auto's are more desirable.

Ralyldriver said auto's cost more to fix? Why?

Transmission oil needs to be changed, er yes ... well so too does gear box oil. The problem is??

The only disadvantage could be is that road tax could be more than a manual. Allegedly ... auto's are giving out more emissions and destroying the planet and we will all die..................... allegedly...........

All the more reason to buy one I say! :rotfl:

harveybobbles

A Vectra 1.9cdti auto chucks out more co2 than a Vectra 1.9cdti manual.

I only know this cos I taxed one for a customer a few weeks back...

jeannieblue

harveybobbles wrote: »

A Vectra 1.9cdti auto chucks out more co2 than a Vectra 1.9cdti manual.

I only know this cos I taxed one for a customer a few weeks back...

But one cow chucks out more than about a million Vectra's, allegedly. But you can't tax a cow - yet. Give it time...

verityboo

It also depends on the type of auto box as there are quite a variety. Traditional, CVT, twin clutch etc. Older automatics tend to have less gears which make them more thirsty so it make a difference how the vehicle is you are thinking of buying

The twin clutch DSG auto boxes in VW group cars are superb, in several road tests I have read they give the same economy as the equivalent manual but with a faster 0-60 time. Other manufacturers are also introducing similar boxes. We had one in a Skoda Octavia and after driving it a really don't see the point in manual cars. To me having to manually change gear is like having to manually advance and retard the ignition.

jeannieblue

Just avoid the manual gear boxes with the electronic clutch - awful things.

OP - just get what you want - if you want an auto, go for it.

negg

Avoid any CVT autos and make sure you are getting at least a 5 speed auto. Try and find out how the computer onboard decides to change gear if you can.

One model of car changed gear at 3,000 revs regardless of how you drove it. The only exception was in 'kickdown' mode and it changed at 6,000 revs. That was it. Not ideal for fuel consumption.

I have a C-Class auto (5-speed) and it changes gear according to how you drive. Push the accelerator fast and it will drop down one or two gears. Ease at a good pace on the pedal and you will drop down one gear. Taking 3 or 4 seconds to move the pedal to the floor (well, to the kickdown button) and it won't even change down. Press it past the 'kickdown' button and it will drop into the lowest possible gear. Fuel economy is pretty good.

On a good auto, you can achieve good mpg and similar to the manual depending on how you drive. Unfortunately, the CO2 emission are not measured on how you drive but a pre-defined test so tax may be a little higher.