Automatic versus Manual Cars

[Silver_Shiney]

I have to say I was glad of a slush-box when I hired a car in Florida - it was one less thing to worry about. I still kept putting my hand in the door pocket to put the hand-brake on though!

[Not so ancient mariner]

I have to say I was glad of a slush-box when I hired a car in Florida - it was one less thing to worry about. I still kept putting my hand in the door pocket to put the hand-brake on though!

Strangely enough, when I hired a Clio in Spain, I too found the handbrake awkward, yet changing gear with my right hand was no problem at all.

[royalprincess]

Always owned an automatic but passed test on manual which I found difficult to drive. When passed test instructor suggested that I buy an automatic and offered a couple of free lessons on his automatic. Easy peasy to drive. Couldn't drive a manual now. OH has manual but has decided when he changes it he will get an automatic as it is stress free driving.

[kaymar]

We have both - a 1996 Nissan manual and a 2000 Mercedes automatic (together worth almost £200)

When we first got the Merc, my wife would have nothing to do with it but in a very short time it became her transport of choice, leaving me with the Nissan (it's OK, my golf clubs fit into it more easily). Once you accept the fact that you don't need a handbrake for hill starts, life becomes that much easier.

On any type of journey, urban, rural or motorway, the automatic is so much easier and more relaxing to drive and, in 12 years, we have had not the slightest trouble with it.

The only downside to the automatic is that it is useless in ice and snow. Our drive is slightly uphill and when there is snow on the ground, forget it. There is a "winter" driving mode but it makes little if any difference and, without the ability to "slip" the clutch, the wheels simply spin. We no longer even try, just leave it where it is and use the manual until the snow goes. Fortunately, if we get two or three day's snow a year, we are unlucky.

Apart from that minor issue, after a short time to get used to it, automatic every time.

[barney]

I've driven an auto for years as my day to day car but have a manual (MG) for a bit of fun weekend car

I prefer a larger size car and most Jags, Mercs etc come in auto as standard.

I'm currently driving a CLK320 coupe which is the most useless, impractical car ever made.
It's huge but really only has two useable seats. The boot is tiny and it drinks fuel for fun.

But I love it. An absolute pleasure to drive and as Clarkson would say, 'goes like stink'

It would be a hell of a car to get me back to a manual as an everyday car.
Unless anyone has a DB7 they are looking to pass on

[Not so ancient mariner]

We have both - a 1996 Nissan manual and a 2000 Mercedes automatic (together worth almost £200)


On any type of journey, urban, rural or motorway, the automatic is so much easier and more relaxing to drive and, in 12 years, we have had not the slightest trouble with it.

You have motorways in the I.O.M? Seriously though, the one thing I find almost indispensable for motorway driving, is cruise control. It saves you having to keep your foot in a constant position all the time: - and since my right ankle is 'well screwed' these days, that makes life a lot easier for me.

[kaymar]

We have both - a 1996 Nissan manual and a 2000 Mercedes automatic (together worth almost £200)


On any type of journey, urban, rural or motorway, the automatic is so much easier and more relaxing to drive and, in 12 years, we have had not the slightest trouble with it.

You have motorways in the I.O.M? Seriously though, the one thing I find almost indispensable for motorway driving, is cruise control. It saves you having to keep your foot in a constant position all the time: - and since my right ankle is 'well screwed' these days, that makes life a lot easier for me.

No, nsam, but we do have car ferries

[Deefitz]

Coming over to the I.O.M for the TT, but hiring a car, but trying to get an automatic is a nightmare. We have been told to try again in the New Year. If we can't get an auto, it will be fun over there learning to drive a manual again. (Note to self, remember to say hello to the Fairy's.)

[emjay45]

I would seem to be in the minority here, I have driven both Automatic and Manual cars over the years, both large and small, and for me I much prefer a car with a 5 gear manual gearbox.
I love to drive a car, not just sit behind the steering wheel, that I find boring.
I can understand why a lot of women prefer automatics

Don't worry Delboy you haven't offended me. I'm also in the minority. My husband has had automatics for years now, and much prefers them. I've always had a manual. My OH says it's more relaxing on a long drive to have an automatic. I only drive on the island now and leave all the motorway driving to him.

Coming over to the I.O.M for the TT, but hiring a car, but trying to get an automatic is a nightmare. We have been told to try again in the New Year. If we can't get an auto, it will be fun over there learning to drive a manual again. (Note to self, remember to say hello to the Fairy's.)

Let us know if you can, when you are out and about, so we can take evasive action in case you can't remember how to use a clutch

[jay-ell71]

I too have been driving automatics for many years and would never go back to a gear stick. I find autos nippy in town traffic and so easy on motorways.

I can't understand why drivers in the UK are so reluctant to drive autos - a macho thing? In the States there are very few manual cars so people who hire cars are going to have to drive an automatic which could prove difficult if they haven't driven one before and have to drive in the right-hand lane.

Brenda

Automatics tend to be thirstier than their manual equivalents, and are often one tax bracket higher as well. They may be easier in town traffic, but on motorways I hardly need to change gear at all, so an auto would be no advantage there. I don't particularly like them because (unless they have improved over the past few years) they have a disconcerting habit of changing gear when you are neither wanting nor expecting them to!
Admittedly changing to an automatic from a manual box does take a bit of getting used to - but is nothing compared to going the other way.

Things have changed.........
A) Golf Mark 7 Auto 1.4. does 42mpg regularaly driving around town

B) Tax on above £30 per annum ........................ Nuff said.

[Delboy]

Manual transmission
By far the most popular choice of car transmission in the UK.
If you like complete control of the car and better fuel economy, manual transmission is the way to go. A manual licence in the UK will allow you to drive both manual transmission and automatic transmission cars.

However, if the thought of driving doesn't fill you with joy, an automatic is by far the easiest option. A lot of town or city driving means lots of gear changing.

The advantages of a manual licence means if a courtesy car is essential, the need for finding a garage that can provide a an automatic is not essential.

An automatic transmission is much more complicated than a manual. As it is more complicated, a like for like model is more likely to malfunction with an automatic gearbox. Any problems with a manual transmission are likely to cost far less than its automatic counterpart.

Although automatic transmissions are significantly more advanced than they once were, an automatic is likely to need servicing more frequently than manual.

Speed is important when choosing my car
If you like more control and speed out of your engine, manual transmission is the way to go. Many tend to find automatics boring to drive as the gear change is made for you.

CVT transmissions are a modern form of automatic gearbox that allow for better fuel economy and speed if needed.

Automatics and manuals in snow and ice
Manuals do offer a distinct advantage over automatics when driving in snow and ice. Engine brake is an important factor when driving on a slippery surface such as snow and ice. Using the footbrake as little as possible is essential in reducing the risk of a skid when slowing down or stopping. As manual transmission vehicles allow you full control over gears and speed by using clutch control, engine braking can be mastered, giving you maximum control in such dangerous conditions.

Manumatic refers to an automatic gearbox which also offers manual gears for better control. These types of automatic transmission offer a great deal of control over the car and its speed. Although you have a certain amount of control over the automatic gearbox, there is not nearly as much control as a manual.

Fuel economy is important
If this is the case, a car fitted with a manual transmission is likely to be your choice. It's not always the case, but on average, based on a like for like model, the manual version will produce 1 to 3 MPG more than the automatic.

This does of course depend on your driving habits and if you eco drive, or if you know how to eco drive.

[Jan Rosser]

Delboy what a very interesting and informative post but I disagree with you on some points I drive a Mini Cooper S 1.6 automatic not because I don't enjoy driving but simply because I do - it is such a fun car to drive - very nippy and I could certainly leave most cars standing at the lights if I was childish enough to rise to the bait (some of these boy racers are put out by the sight of little old me driving a souped up car ). I do have paddles on the steering column for changing up and down if I choose to and my new car also now has cruise control - very handy on the motorways although the number of occasions I have been reduced to a crawl on the M5 and M6 due to accidents etc. I'm just glad I don't have to change gear.

I passed my test driving a manual transmission car so have no problem with gears - I just don't enjoy the experience any more. I agree fuel economy is better on a manual but that doesn't really bother me either as I am retired now and don't do a high mileage. Driving in ice and snow is a big no no for me - I live on a steep hill and don't even bother to get the car out of the garage onto the drive in bad weather and wouldn't contemplate driving in those conditions - I'd never get home

My insurance costs are not high probably again because of my age and although I could have a Mini with nil road tax I could probably walk faster - I like to feel some power beneath my feet I feel safer and more in control. The argument could go on and on - everyone has different needs and preferences - that's what makes us all so interesting

[kaymar]

Coming over to the I.O.M for the TT, but hiring a car, but trying to get an automatic is a nightmare. We have been told to try again in the New Year. If we can't get an auto, it will be fun over there learning to drive a manual again. (Note to self, remember to say hello to the Fairy's.)

Deefitz - have you tried

http://www.athol.co.im/ph-bookform.shtml

[Capt Black]

I have never owned an automatic transmission car, and as long as they make manual gearboxes, it will always be my gearbox of choice.

I have occasionally driven auto gearboxes, they do have their place, especially in delivering passenger comfort when changing gear. My gear changes aren't always as smooth as they should be.

[Delboy]

Delboy what a very interesting and informative post but I disagree with you on some points I drive a Mini Cooper S 1.6 automatic not because I don't enjoy driving but simply because I do - it is such a fun car to drive - very nippy and I could certainly leave most cars standing at the lights if I was childish enough to rise to the bait (some of these boy racers are put out by the sight of little old me driving a souped up car ). I do have paddles on the steering column for changing up and down if I choose to and my new car also now has cruise control - very handy on the motorways although the number of occasions I have been reduced to a crawl on the M5 and M6 due to accidents etc. I'm just glad I don't have to change gear.

I passed my test driving a manual transmission car so have no problem with gears - I just don't enjoy the experience any more. I agree fuel economy is better on a manual but that doesn't really bother me either as I am retired now and don't do a high mileage. Driving in ice and snow is a big no no for me - I live on a steep hill and don't even bother to get the car out of the garage onto the drive in bad weather and wouldn't contemplate driving in those conditions - I'd never get home

My insurance costs are not high probably again because of my age and although I could have a Mini with nil road tax I could probably walk faster - I like to feel some power beneath my feet I feel safer and more in control. The argument could go on and on - everyone has different needs and preferences - that's what makes us all so interesting

Jan

Feel free to disagree, because the answer really is: it depends on the driver and their preference.

For me it's a manual, as I feel more in control of the car, also don't do high mileage these days, last year less than 4,000 miles.

Although a few weeks ago, I did a trip to North Wales, in a 2.0 L Zetec petrol engine, covering approx 1,300 miles, 5 gear manual gear box. It certainly was not boring, no aching limbs, although with an Automatic I may have had more time to look around and admire the scenery.

I could also have saved a fortune in road tax, as at the moment I pay top rate

[Deefitz]

Coming over to the I.O.M for the TT, but hiring a car, but trying to get an automatic is a nightmare. We have been told to try again in the New Year. If we can't get an auto, it will be fun over there learning to drive a manual again. (Note to self, remember to say hello to the Fairy's.)

Deefitz - have you tried

http://www.athol.co.im/ph-bookform.shtml

Thank you, I hadn't tried them and I have heard of them, but forgot about them. Their site isn't very good for enquiring though!!
There's a company that do smart cars that are semi auto's and they have full auto's but I have to wait for the New Year until they get their insurance sorted for next year. My husband isn't too keen on being seen driving one of these though.

Very expensive hiring a car for TT week though.

[Delboy]

[IMG] I could also have saved a fortune in road tax, as at the moment I pay top rate [/quote]

Since writing the above, I have since checked the rates, I paid £260 (band J) end of June, so no not the top rate, but still expensive.

[Romig1]

Twice a day, each day (apart from school holidays) I sit in a 10-15 traffic queue at a pinch point (2 lanes into 1). Since having an automatic, life is soooo much easier. I occasionally get a reminder of the bad old days when I have a manual courtesy car when mine is in for servicing etc.

[Not so ancient mariner]

Twice a day, each day (apart from school holidays) I sit in a 10-15 traffic queue at a pinch point (2 lanes into 1). Since having an automatic, life is soooo much easier. I occasionally get a reminder of the bad old days when I have a manual courtesy car when mine is in for servicing etc.

I just don't see what is so onerous about having to raise and lower your left foot a bit every so often to inch your way forward in a traffic jam.

[Jan Rosser]

Twice a day, each day (apart from school holidays) I sit in a 10-15 traffic queue at a pinch point (2 lanes into 1). Since having an automatic, life is soooo much easier. I occasionally get a reminder of the bad old days when I have a manual courtesy car when mine is in for servicing etc.

I just don't see what is so onerous about having to raise and lower your left foot a bit every so often to inch your way forward in a traffic jam.

Ooh perish the thought - all that effort

[Not so ancient mariner]

Not that much effort; Yes the car has pedals that make it go (and stop), but it has a diesel engine to provide the power - I don't have to!! .

[Romig1]

Twice a day, each day (apart from school holidays) I sit in a 10-15 traffic queue at a pinch point (2 lanes into 1). Since having an automatic, life is soooo much easier. I occasionally get a reminder of the bad old days when I have a manual courtesy car when mine is in for servicing etc.

I just don't see what is so onerous about having to raise and lower your left foot a bit every so often to inch your way forward in a traffic jam.

It also wears out the clutch.

[Quizzical Bob]

Twice a day, each day (apart from school holidays) I sit in a 10-15 traffic queue at a pinch point (2 lanes into 1). Since having an automatic, life is soooo much easier. I occasionally get a reminder of the bad old days when I have a manual courtesy car when mine is in for servicing etc.

I just don't see what is so onerous about having to raise and lower your left foot a bit every so often to inch your way forward in a traffic jam.

It also wears out the clutch.

And your left knee.

[suespud]

I didn't pass my test till I was forty .
I tried to learn to drive when I was in my twenties, but it seemed I just wasn't coordinated and couldn't do it !!!
My OH passed his test when he was 17 in a manual car.
He had a company car on loan, good few years later, it was an automatic. He then decided to get an automatic when he got his own company car. His company told him he could get anything up to ..cant remember the amount, but he got a Toyota Previa automatic.. eight seater. (We had 3 kids of our own and looked after another 2 so we needed a big car.)
I had a test drive down a back lane..and I found I could drive it
I then leant to drive in an automatic car, passed my test at second attempt, in the space of a few weeks.
My OH has had automatic audi's ever since, and I have had a variety of different automatics since.
Sadly his latest car, which is HIS toy, is a manual Z4. which only comes out of garage on special occasions .

[The Tinker]

Twice a day, each day (apart from school holidays) I sit in a 10-15 traffic queue at a pinch point (2 lanes into 1). Since having an automatic, life is soooo much easier. I occasionally get a reminder of the bad old days when I have a manual courtesy car when mine is in for servicing etc.

I just don't see what is so onerous about having to raise and lower your left foot a bit every so often to inch your way forward in a traffic jam.

That's cause you don't need a knee replacement like OH - our decision to buy automatic was purely on health reasons.