Automatic vs Manual

Dunkyboy_2

Will be changing motors later this year and i fancy a auto cause i now hate driving, (your constantly stuck in trafic), are autos much heavier on fuel, and do they still snatch and jerk, or should i stick with the manual.
Or is it relative to the model/manufacturer, ie is a merc auto ok, and a F**d not so good.

Ted_Hutchinson

Although I can manage a manual gearchange but found it was getting more difficult and moving to automatic has been the best decision I've taken recently.

Finding diesel autos is very difficult. I've a Peugeot 306 AUTO petrol at the moment and although the fuel consumption isn't a brilliant compared to a diesel it isn't disastrous. Auto is much less stressful. Getting away at lights and busy road junctions is much simpler. I don't notice the gearchange at all though if you concentrate, or watch the rev counter you can detect it.

I have less trouble with my left leg since the change. I just wish I hadn't been so pigheaded and had made the move sooner.

I test drove a Skoda Octavia Diesel auto recently and found that was incredibly fast, quiet and smooth, would be a much better tow car for me but unfortunately a bit pricey, especially as I don't know if I am going to manage the caravan much longer.

Sterling_827

I've been driving for about 25 years now and for certainly at leaast the last 15 have only owned autos. Around town it is a no-brainer, the auto wins hands down. On the motorway it doesn't matter what gearbox the car has, and for the five miles I do every year when a manual would be nice, well...
A modern auto will be very slightly heavier on fuel and if they snatch and jerk, there is something wrong, the changes should be *almost* seamless.
Merc autos are very good, especially when coupled to the diesel, so are Honda and VW. Ford, I wouldn't have one of those regardless of what gearbox they nailed in.
The main thing to remember if looking at new is that the autobox won't seem at its best until it has done a few thousand miles and all the friction components are bedded in together.

Pal

Anyone know if you can get american style gear shifts (off the steering wheel) for any automatic cars in the UK?

It always seems to me to be a waste of potential storage and floor space having the automatic gearlever on the floor.

Dunkyboy_2

Looking at a diesel Zafira Auto, according to honest john web-site these cars are recommended, but doesn't really say about automatics specifically.

Have never had a auto before, so what should i bear in mind when at the dealers :eek: .
Will my insurance be any different.
Thankyou.

vansboy

Most people that go auto, don't usually switch back to manual - a bit like diesel, drivers - they rarely revert to petrol.

As mentioned, not too many diesel autos around & I'm uncertain if Zafira is available, in this combination.

When you think about it, it's surprising why there aren't more automatics on the road.. smoother driving style, more relaxed, less engine wear - it'll always be at optimum operating speed, plus the option to use the gears manually, to a degree, if you wish too.

There is a fuel consumption penalty - 10 - 15 % maybe, but not usually too much to worry about.

& if you were going luxury car ranges - you'll have great difficulty in selling a manual Jaguar or big BMW.

Best take some loooooooooong test drives in a few different models, first, to see which suit you.

VB

Fortyfoot

Hi there, I have had a Volvo S70, R reg for 3 years now. I would not go back to manual.
Fortyfoot

kazd

Actually we went back to manual. We bought our car back with us from the US, when it went to car heaven we bought a manual, basically I shopped around for a dealership deal and they usually have manuals for showroom models.

Having said that I am up for auto next time, I'm okay in my car (fiesta) but when I drive dh's (peugeot 406) I find that one much heavier and it aggravates my knee (sign of old age)

bunking_off

I generally prefer autos, but then again I do like cars with big engines so the penalty's not as pronounced.

Many modern autos (e.g. Mercedes, Jag, Peugeot - at least on the 307cc) allow you to use the auto box as a manual if that takes your fancy, but in my experience it's a bit of a gimmick you don't use after the first week.

Dave_G_5

My wife can only drive automatics, but I still prefer a manual, though most modern auto's are very smooth, including the cvt ones I've driven. I've also owned a few diesels, including a bmw 325 tds se auto, but I didn't really like it. To me, a diesel is all about torque, but the bmw would always feel like ti was dropping a gear or not letting the torque converter lock up, so hence your were driving with more revs than you would in a manual and not getting the benefit of the torque of the diesel engine at low revs.

Our latest car is a new megane auto for my wife, which is very nice and smooth to drive, but I've got a high revving manual Honda crx for my daily commute which I love!! Even better than the Alfa diesel I had!!

Luis

I had a mini auto, which would go for ever on a whiff of petrol, and an old style vauxhall Astra auto, which was like driving a bath.

I now drive manual, simply because of the range available to me and the fuel economy on diesel etc - but loved my autos too (specially the min).