automatic vs manual transmission

sanya1995

Hi, This is for all the knowledgeable people about cars out there.
Wifey dear has manual honda civic, but due to our shift to bristol recently, driving in the traffic is just becoming too tiring. the options that come to mind are changing it to another car with automatic gear box, but the space in the honda civic has impressed her so much that she is unwilling to buy any other model. honda civic with automatic are rather rare for a second sale but available. i was wondering whether it was possible to get the transmission changed on the same car and whether it would be cheaper as an upgrade might cost upto 2-3000 pounds.

thanks for all the replies in advance

joshm_2

Changing the gearbox in your existing car will almost cetainly be more expensive and more hassle than trading your model in for an auto version.

Gorgeous_George

Have you considered using public transport?

Probably cheaper than using a car and no parking worries. Even using taxis may work out cheaper and be convenient.



GG

cajef

We have had a Honda Civic auto for three years now, bought due to my wife having shoulder problems and being unable to change gears in a manual.

First auto we have had, my wife loves it both the car and the auto gearbox, and we would not go back to a manual now, so much easier and relaxing to drive especially in heavy traffic.

I would certainly recommend one if you can find one, they do become available second hand, though ours was new and our local Honda dealer keeps trying to get us to change it, but I now cannot get my wife to upgrade she likes this one so much.:(

alanrowell

If you need a small automatic look at ex-Motability cars. They generally are low mileage and have been well looked after.

Minerva69

alanrowell wrote: »

If you need a small automatic look at ex-Motability cars.

Would you happen to know a good place to look for ex-Motability cars? I am learning to drive in an auto and am looking to buy a car soon hopefully. If there is anywhere online that I could look that would be even better.

vansboy

Certainly Motability is THE best fleet for small automatics.

Rather than buy from a dealer, British Car Auctions regularly hold sales of this operator, at most sites UK wide. If you go to http://www.honestjohn.co.uk, there is a link to Auctionview, which is the database of EVERY vehicle entered in BCA nationwide. It is a pay for service, but not expensive & saves lots wasted journeys & petrol!!

& think about an Astra, as value for money automatics!!

VB

nearlyrich

My car is automatic, it's fab in traffic and on long trips, I have Fibromyalgia and it saves my knees and arms. It's really quick off the mark when pulling away from traffic lights etc, I can wind up the boy racers as they slow down when they change gear and I can just keep going LOL.

Throbbe

As a general rule, never make a modification to a car if the manufacturer has already done it for you. It very unlikely to be cheaper than just paying the extra for a new (to you) car.

I've just sold my auto Civic, and was very sorry to see the back of it. Good choice.

Hermione54

The Mitsubishi Lancer 1.6 automatic is only £500 more than the manual version. These are very well equipped cars with a terrific reputation for reliability and come in at around £10 K new.

pippamannequin

Just one word of caution with Auto's....Mine has just died
Literally just got it back from the garage, as the first gear was sticking, they did diagnostics and both the first and fourth gears have failed..auto gearboxes cant be repaired and replacing them costs more than the car..Im so upset I cant tell you how much, but now i just dont know what to do. I love my car its a hyundai coupe and now i just feel its worthless