Advice on choosing an automatic

embraman

Lord, how I hate choosing and buying a car...

However, needs must - and I would welcome some help with the choosing part.

We currently have a Citroen picasso 1.8 but need to move to an automatic.

We have two kids, both beyond the car seat stage, so we don't need something big. Just needs to fit a family of four plus suitcases, when we're going away on holiday and be comfortable enough for a regular 4-hour drive that we make.

Any recommendations as to car types to look at gratefully accepted.

gilbert_and_sullivan

Maybe offer a budget and some preferences eg...new/used, petrol/diesel, car/mpv.

The biggest question however is do you want a smooth proper auto or the gearbox from hell...the automated manual.

zzzLazyDaisy

I have a Honda Civic (the old model) and would certainly recommend them. I've had mine from new, it is 5 years old now, and has never let me down once (touch wood!)

It has a proper auto gearbox - I agree with the poster above, I wouldn't touch a semi-automatic, or any of the variants.

Daisy

Pew_Pew_Pew_Lasers!

Generally speaking, automatic gearboxes are better partnered with larger engines. I'd be looking at a minimum of a 1.9 Diesel, or 2.0 Petrol.

I'd take a good long look at Volvo, BMW, and Mercedes estates.

harveybobbles

Get an auto thats just an auto. Not some !!!!!! DSG, CTV, Multitronic bollox.

jeannieblue

Rav 4? Honda CRV?

jeannieblue

Avensis estate? Octavia?

embraman

gilbert_and_sullivan wrote: »

Maybe offer a budget and some preferences eg...new/used, petrol/diesel, car/mpv.

The biggest question however is do you want a smooth proper auto or the gearbox from hell...the automated manual.

I think I'm looking for something 1-3 years old, unless there's a fantastic deal on a particular new car. Not fussed over diesel/petrol or car/mpv. By 'automatic', I'm thinking of the sort of thing I've driven in the US, which I'm guessing is not the 'automated manual' that you speak of:-)

Our maximum budget would be around £10K - I would find it difficult to spend more on a car. Truth is, I just see it as something to get me from A to B, reliably and in reasonable comfort, rather than something which will be my pride and joy. I'm missing out, I know...

movilogo

For £10k budget, go for Kia Ceed. You can buy 1-yr old with 6-yr warranty remaining. Also it is a conventional automatic.

gilbert_and_sullivan

You're obviously not a badge snob and are easy going so long as the cars reliable and roomy enough and you don't need/want anything too big.

Some good suggestions above and i like the Avensis a lot its a big car mind, the Octavia unless my memory is playing up won't be a proper auto but has a loyal following.

I reckon you could do far worse than look at a Kia Ceed or Carens if you prefer a bit more headroom, petrol or Diesel versions, proper auto boxes and the icing on the cake a 7 year warranty on the Ceed, Carens had 5 year until this january when all Kia's get 7 but that would probably be over budget.
Also consider Kia Magentis, Hyundai Sonata as well, larger proper 3 box saloons which some prefer, they come with 2 litre Diesels too if you prefer Diesel auto, high depreciation so buy well, but they do have good reputations for long life.

There are many other makes but many of the medium auto's are now no longer torque converter proper auto's and IMO much the worse for it.

As correctly noted above, larger engines preferably 5/6 cylinder make nicer auto drives but you are really getting into MB and BMW territory then and the cars will be out of warranty at the budget you speak of, one BMW i would consider though is a 3 series 318/320 Diesel with auto, excellent car lovely to drive and very economical, not the compact thats too cramped for four in comfort, and needs to be a non sport/M model with sensible tyre sizes for a softer ride.

Good luck, do let us know what you think of.

EDIT Movilogo had the same thought about the Ceed, and i'm fairly certain approved used Ceeds get the warranty topped up to a full 7 years, but that needs checking out.

iolanthe07

I tried a Mitsubishi Colt auto last week and it was terrible. It had some kind of automated clutch rather than a torque converter and lurched every time you changed gear unless you lifted your foot off the throttle, and even then it was jerky. I can't understand why they have done this as Mitsu auto boxes always had a very good reputation. I agree with the other posters - stick to a proper torque converter. They use more fuel but are much smoother. You should be OK with a 1.5 or 1.6, but I would avoid lower.My wife had a 1.2 auto Micra and it was very sluggish.