Reliable automatics

bengalknights

The ZF gearboxes found in BMW's, Jaguars and Mercedes are generally quite reliable.

Does need oil maintenance though.

noclaf

bengalknights said:

The ZF gearboxes found in BMW's, Jaguars and Mercedes are generally quite reliable.

Does need oil maintenance though.

Does that include the modern models e.g: 1/3 series over the last 5/6 years?
I'd love a E46 330ci but need to be sensible and practical

Goudy

If you're not after style and you aren't a brand snob, what about a Suzuki Baleno auto?
Proper torque convertor, small 1.0 turbo engine that's modern, clean, reliable and is a little rorty..
They're well built if a little dull and plasticy (or hard wearing) inside.
They stopped selling them last year as the new Swift filled it's market, but for your money you should be able to get a 17 or 18 plate low mileage car.
Look for a SZ5 model and it'll come with all the bells and whistles like parking sensors/camera, sat nav, adaptive cruise, radar brake support and so on.
Could be the cheapest way into a late plate auto that's safe and modern that hasn't got interstellar mileage on it.

born_again

facade said:

Hyundai and Kia still use torque converters, 

KIa use DCT on their entire range now. And given Hyundia is their parent company I would guess they do as well.
KIA debuted the DCT in 2015.

Mercdriver

born_again said:

facade said:

Hyundai and Kia still use torque converters, 

KIa use DCT on their entire range now. And given Hyundia is their parent company I would guess they do as well.
KIA debuted the DCT in 2015.

I wouldn't assume it's the case across the range.

chelseablue

Maybe check out the Kia Stonic too, a friend has one and are really pleased with it 

Alexd52

My wife has just changed her car and got an automatic for the first time, for much the same reasons as you. She bought a new model vauxhall corsa and she is well impressed with it. It's turbocharged 1.2 engine is quite nippy and the economy is similar to her old nissan note

noclaf

Thanks all for the suggestions, I will also consider the previous model Astra....1.4T even in auto form seems to be quite nippy and in Elite trim is available with leather seats...hmm

shinytop

noclaf said:

Thanks all for the suggestions, I will also consider the previous model Astra....1.4T even in auto form seems to be quite nippy and in Elite trim is available with leather seats...hmm

I went through the same thought process as you and I now have a 2016 Mazda 3 Automatic.  2 litre non turbo petrol, old style 4 speed Auto. 9 months and 15,000 miles later no complaints so far.   

noclaf

shinytop said:

noclaf said:

Thanks all for the suggestions, I will also consider the previous model Astra....1.4T even in auto form seems to be quite nippy and in Elite trim is available with leather seats...hmm

I went through the same thought process as you and I now have a 2016 Mazda 3 Automatic.  2 litre non turbo petrol, old style 4 speed Auto. 9 months and 15,000 miles later no complaints so far.   

Funny enough I've been considering this very car, some versions come with leather seats and there is a rarer 165bhp version. Assuming you have the more common 120bhp, how do find the car for town driving, is there enough torque even with the autobox?