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Original poster

Which automatic car?

24 replies

housemdwaswrong · 09/01/2020 00:53

I'm having trouble driving as my joints are becoming less enthusiastic about fighting the sodding lupus off. My feet absolutely kill Abbas feel le it's bone on bone throughout, and my ankles feel like they are going to snap. I have to drive, no option.

I currently drive a mazda 2, which I love but is a manual and I need an automatic.

Any recommendations? Looked online, and fabia, seat, Kia vw polo all come out on top. I'd love to buy another Mazda if the suspension was softer, but feeling ancient and need more comfort now.

Any info gratefully received.

OP posts:

Original poster

housemdwaswrong · 09/01/2020 08:46

and feel like it's bone on bone

OP posts:

Foxyloxy1plus1 · 09/01/2020 08:46

If you want comfort, I would say that my Skoda is the most comfortable car I’ve had. It’s automatic, with a DSG gearbox. (No, I don’t know what that means, but apparently it’s a GOOD THING).

PhoneLock · 09/01/2020 08:52

If you want comfort, I would say that my Skoda is the most comfortable car I’ve had. It’s automatic, with a DSG gearbox. (No, I don’t know what that means, but apparently it’s a GOOD THING)

It's only really a good thing until they go wrong. If you get one make sure the car is still under warranty.

I'd also recommend a test drive as I didn't like the feel them at at all, particularly at low speeds in traffic. DSGs may have improved over the last three years but I much prefer a conventional automatic.

Mrsducky88 · 09/01/2020 08:59

I’ve had Kia automatics, if you buy new or approved used you get a 7 year warranty which is hard to ignore. Generally autos only in the mid and higher specs which are comfy and have all the gadgets you need.

Currently have a Kia Ceed SW and husband has a Rio. Have also had or driven the picanto, sportage and soul. All comfy, nice to drive and smooth Auto gearbox

Xiaoxiong · 09/01/2020 09:04

I miss my old Saab. It drove and felt like a huge comfy sofa on wheels. They don't make them anymore so I am making do with a Vauxhall which is perfectly functional if uninspiring.

I second the recommendation to try a Skoda, I had a lift in a friend's one the other day and it was very comfy indeed.

AlunWynsKnee · 09/01/2020 09:06

The DSG boxes in VW, Audi etc are good ones. We have 2 that are over a decade old and never been any trouble. I have also gone over to auto because of illness.

inwood · 09/01/2020 09:06

We have had autos for years, mainly VW and Vauxhall. Can't fault any of them. I think you need to go and test drive several to see what driving position you like. My mum currently has a VW but regrets it as it is so low to the ground and they're getting in a bit now so getting in and out is harder for them.

TreestumpsAndTrampolines · 09/01/2020 09:08

The best automatic I've ever driven was a Volvo. Everything just worked.

I've got a Ford and a Golf now - both auto. The Golf is lovely, and I'd previously had an auto Polo which was fine. The Ford is good, and has carplay (so I can plug in my iphone) which the VWs didn't have. I'd say that the Automatic-ness of the Ford and the VWs was similar, but that the general kit and caboodle of the VWs was better (carplay excluded) - but the volvo is what I would buy if I had a totally free choice.

Gwilt160981 · 09/01/2020 09:09

My old car was a peugeot 1007. I felt like an old granny driving it lol they're nifty little cars but I couldn't take to it. The only cool thing was the electric slide doors but mechanics would just shove them open save waiting a few seconds and buggered the electrics up. 🙄 I got rid of it in end. I passed my test in a mini. Now that car I loved driving.

MsRinky · 09/01/2020 11:13

I have a VW Beetle and love it.

BonnyConnie · 09/01/2020 11:15

Mercs have a really soft suspension and the gear changing (that’s probably not the right word for automatic, mode changing?) thing is near the starting wheel (same as lights and wipers) so very easy to change.

MrsHusky · 09/01/2020 11:16

we've got a Honda Jazz at the moment, and tbh its a lovely drive, I just wish the engine was a bit bigger xD

Damntheman · 09/01/2020 11:42

My neighbours have a Nissan Leaf which seems to be a sturdy thing, it takes everything that Norway throws at it and more.

PlanDeRaccordement · 09/01/2020 11:47

I’d say Volvo is a good choice. Very comfortable and safe. Good emissions. Fuel efficient.

chocolateisavegetable · 09/01/2020 11:49

Would you consider an electric car? It depends on how many miles you do as to whether it's a good idea or not.

Damntheman · 09/01/2020 11:57

Oh wow I'm an idiot, I do apologise. I thought you were asking about electric all along!

IHaveBrilloHair · 09/01/2020 12:00

I have a Mini and love it.
Would also never drive a manual again.

pinkstar01 · 09/01/2020 12:02

We've ordered a Toyota Corolla Hatchback hybrid and can't wait! Good for the environment, great fuel economy, and automatic.

SunshineAngel · 09/01/2020 12:05

I have an auto Clio and I really like it. Nice and comfortable to drive, and actually relatively good for fuel consumption too. Decent boot space and back seats. I have the 5 door version. I bought mine brand new in 2016 because I like the comfort of having a full warranty, and I'm just about to finish paying my finance now and there's no reason at all that I need a new one - I think this will do me for a few more years, yet!

amusedbush · 09/01/2020 12:50

I have a VW Polo TSI with a DSG gearbox. My brother is a mechanic and he raves about my car, it's one of the few cars he actually makes any encouraging noises about

My last car was an automatic Fiat 500 Lounge and I got rid of it after six months. Utter garbage.

MadMadMad · 09/01/2020 12:59

I've just swapped from a Ford to a Kia and I love it.
it is quite high spec, a "4" but it is so comfortable and so smooth to drive, would definitely recommend test driving one. Ours is petrol automatic as we didn't want a diesel.

UnfamousPoster · 09/01/2020 13:00

We drive a DSG gearbox car and a BMW, both autos. I much prefer the BMW auto box to the DSG. It feels much smoother and responsive to me.

Drove a few Honda autos as courtesy cars and hated all of them - they're continual "gears" rather than real gears being changed automatically and I just found them really sluggish and unnerving to drive.

DSGs are an absolute pig to drive in the snow or ice as there's no manually selecting second gear to start off in. The BMW does allow you do start in 2nd gear, but as a rear wheel drive car it adds a different type of trickiness to driving in snow. I find it easier to drive the BMW in snow than the DSG.

BlaueLagune · 09/01/2020 13:03

I find the seats in Toyotas are very good, I have a Yaris.

Also Honda Jazz. Not cool but very comfortable!

BlaueLagune · 09/01/2020 13:04

I prefer the "continuous variable transmission" type of automatic over the gearbox you hear changing. You need to test that out if you think one or the other will annoy you. My last car was a normal automatic gear box but my Yaris is CVT.

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