Automatic or Manual, your opinion

iolanthe07

I would never go back to a manual. Driving an automatic is just so much less stress, and perfect for city driving or being stuck in a jam on the motorway. The difference in fuel consumption is trifling. Actually, I tend to getter better mileage with an auto because I drive more gently. Mine has a sports mode manual override for those 'back to being an adolescent' moments.

AdrianHi

bluedove wrote: »

I'm looking at buying a Hyundai Matrix 1.6 ltr engine, cos of kids and tight budget.

I cannot see the option for an automatic gearbox on the Matrix no matter which of the 2 engines you choose.
5 year warranty appealing.

tanith

I have to disagree with most of the others, I have always preferred manual and I have driven in London all my life. I used to switch between the two on a daily basis when I was working which was ok but for personal use It just doesn't feel like 'driving' when in an auto... but thats just my own preference..

Inactive

Question; Do you have an Automatic or a Twin Tub washing machine?:D

Bobl

I have driven Auto's for 14 years now and would never have a manual. I feel much more relaxed and now cannot understand why anyone would want to keep pressing the clutch and going up and down gears - but that's just my preference.

I currently have a Volvo XC90 which is so smooth in Auto, but can also be driven as a manual (tiptronic) if you want to pull away fast.

AdrianHi

If I was driving a vehicle small/medium sized petrol engine I'd stick with manual, as a rule the auto makes them so slow it's frustrating and with few exceptions they do loose a lot on fuel consumption.
If I was driving, oh, say a big diesel like a Volvo XC90 D5, BMW 530d - no question automatic.
Sports coupe, even with bigger 6 cylinder engine, then I probably want to drive it and not just ride in it so it would be manual.

mark5

Dont like auto's one bit I would choose manuel every time.

bluedove

Personally, i think that fuel consumption has more to do with individual driving habit and revs???

AdrianHi

bluedove wrote: »

Personally, i think that fuel consumption has more to do with individual driving habit and revs???

OK say consider same driver, same driving route, conditions and habits. Pick the automatic version of many cars (but not all) and your using more fuel.

hillcats

TBH, I didnt ever think I would like an auto box, I always had manual vehicles whilst growing up until I met her indoors, we then had two cars, my manual diesel mondeo 1.8TD whilst she had a petrol auto Renualt Laguna. (SWMBO only got an auto licence)
we very quickly realised that we didnt actually need two cars, as she drove only in the week school runs / shopping etc, and I only drove to work at weekends (Shift worker) as otherwise used the train.
We chopped both in for one newer car and now currently own a VW PASSAT 1.9TDI AUTO DIESEL TIPTRONIC (05) absolutely superb, I have really taken to auto driving now and find it a bit of a pain when I have to drive any manual vehicle.

Buy a VW, you wont regret it, we haven't and its our second one. (Golf TDI AUTO next ?)

Another thought: how often do you see a VW (VAG) vehicle broken down on the roadside??