How easy is it to switch to driving an automatic car?

[Communionmom]

I’m looking for a new car and I like the fuel efficiency of the hybrid Toyota Yaris Cross but it’s automatic.

I’ve never driven an automatic, is it easy to get used to?

Takes a day or so to get used to, love automatics. Like a dodgem.
Switching back to a manual after 6yrs of automatics took way longer to get used to, 3 weeks at least.

Its very easy, did spend a few days reaching out to change gear but that goes away

Yep this is what I do. I absolutely love my automatic. I would still drive a manual but I'd have to do a little practice drive first 😂

It's easy but I wish I could operate it with my left foot, being left handed.

Get on with a DSG gearbox, then you can either use gears or auto. No way would I go back to manual. I even got used to no handbrake in one car.

In our case we still have some manual sports cars, where the manual gearbox is part of the feeling of interaction with the car.

Much easier to drive an automatic especially in traffic! I drove manuals for years but for the past ten or so have only had automatic and can’t imagine having to go back to manual now!

I switched over to a Toyota hybrid about 5 years ago. I sometimes drive manual hire cars but would never go back to having one as my own car.

I always said I would never enjoy driving an automatic - until I bought one. Now I'll never go back. I don't think I've ever used the manual option on the car and I've had it 3 years.

I switched to auto 6 years ago and I don't think I will ever drive a manual again.

In fact, I'm thinking of encouraging my children just to learn on an auto.

I've been driving Automatics since about a year after I passed my test in a manual. I will never go back!! Love an Automatic, it takes the stress out of driving for me.

One point worth making is that the first time you drive one you may get a slight feeling that it’s “running away with you.”

In a manual car, a constant throttle input in a particular gear will generally see the car accelerate up towards the red line, then stick at that speed. It’s not a great way to drive, but it’s what some people do.

In an automatic the car will keep changing up gears and accelerating. It means that an accidental very hard press on the accelerator instead of the brake has a different effect.

You just have to remember that if the car ever does seem to be accelerating hard for no reason it’s because you’ve jammed your foot hard down on the accelerator, and it’s still there.

We’re a 2 car household and DH has a manual and will do for quite a while yet. I’m changing from an old VW 1.9 TDI diesel so I imagine it’s going to be a bit of a change.

Very easy. I drive a manual, DH has an automatic and I recently took his on holiday - loved it so much I don't know if he'll get it back.

Incredibly easy

This is good to read. I'm picking my new car up next week and it's my first auto. I got it because over the last few years I've turned into a nervous wreck and it's all centred around my clutch control. It's completely irrational, the only time I've ever stalled was on my test 18 years ago . It's really affected me, any hills (they don't even have to be steep) it's a no. Heavy traffic, it's a no. Even the queue for McDonald's sends me into a panic.

Everyone else seems to love if, butni never did get used to mine. Hated every

Doh! Hated every minute of it. It was a powerful engine which probably contributed, but I sold it after 3 years having never really felt I had proper control of it. You're never quite sure what it's going to do!

As easy as lying down on a nice cosy bed for a nap.

It took me five minutes, and I have never looked back.

just traded in our manual pug estate for a volvo automatic. Two weeks in and I'm getting used to it. its so odd and feels counter intuitive! I still want to put it in first to pull away but have to remember to pull the gear stick back to engage drive!
Left foot feels odd! I've always driven manual but it is easier! Husband bought the car and it is powerful and smooth. Still prefer manual!
The big test is when we take our caravan out. I'm not convinced an auto can tow as well as a manual!

It's a piece of piss! You won't look back.

This reminds me of when I bought my automatic! There was a guy at the garage buying a manual car, and we ended up leaving at the same time. He'd been taking the piss, and called to me as he drove off "Enjoy your dodgem car!" He stalled spectacularly as soon as he said it. It was perfect

Tuck your left leg away from the pedals and off you go. Stop-go driving is lovely! I have to remember about needing to use left leg/clutch when I get in a manual now. Love driving my little Yaris Auto!

We switched to an automatic last year. I was really anti it after 45 years of driving manual. Well I've had to eat humble pie. It's a dream! So easy, no gear changes. It's surprising how quickly you adapt.
After only ever having one car though we decided to get a second small car as my husband goes fishing loads and I'm car less. It's a bloody manual! Back to crunching gears again! I realise it's more of an effort driving a manual.
Very lucky though to have both cars I know.
Buy the automatic!