Do you prefer driving an automatic or a manual?

[Kualma]

I recently changed cars and now drive an automatic. Wish I got one years ago - so easy to drive! What do other people prefer and why?

Manual

I don't like not being in control.

Autos are a pain on hill starts, parallel parking, windy country roads.

Automatic. Would never go back to a manual

Automatic 100%. Adaptive cruise control, any bells and whistles. Have only recently started driving again after 25 years out (health related)... soooo much easier.

Can't wait for cars that drive themselves.

I’ve recently got an auto and I wish I’d got the same car in manual.

Automatic. Definitely.

Different cars for different days. Winter slog to work the automatic Skoda superb is brilliant in its all seasons tyres. Summers day the manual civic type r with the P zeros on the wheels is a much more fun car to drive.

Depends on the car. Big wafty thing — auto is generally better. Little sports car or hot hatch — manual. You can’t beat a good short-throw gearbox in a sports car.

Drove a manual for many years but finally gave in due to shoulder pain and bought an auto. So much easier to drive!

Have you ever actually driven a recent automatic? Doesn’t sound like it!!!

Automatics. I would never go back to manual again

Always had a manual, never tried an automatic. In the past I would have assumed it’s because the driver could not pass the manual test but appreciate many reasons now.

I’ve got an automatic Golf and I love it. It’s very nifty and responsive. Absolutely no problems with parallel parking or windy country roads @caroleanboneparte - I think you must have driven an automatic many years ago!

I cannot imagine what that means? how? as pp says doesn't sound like you've driven one recently. for my part I've had one for 10 years after a manual recently scrapped and waiting to afford another- automatic definitely

I have plenty of experience with both kinds, but auto all the way for me. I get how manual would be the obvious choice if you see driving as a thrill experience, but I don't want to have the extra faff and effort, personally.

Nobody these days yearns to have manual chokes back, so that they can be in control of the fuel mixture. Nobody wants a starting handle on the front rather than a key you turn or a button you press. I doubt anybody wishes they didn't have ABS or power steering, or remote central locking.

Unless you specifically see driving as something to excite you, rather than just a practical way of moving yourself, your family and your stuff around, why would you want to make more work for yourself - any more than you'd want one of those old washing machines that you have to keep emptying out and refilling yourself in place of a modern one where you press a few buttons and leave it to it?

Auto, can't see the point of manuals anymore.

I drive both. Prefer the manual TBH.

Basically this. I would never buy a sports car in automatic. And I really don't see the point of my Skoda superb ever being sold with a manual box. Likewise tyres, there is no point having super sticky summer rubber on the Skoda and on the civic type r no point fitting vague feeling all seasons tyres.

Manual. I would never have an automatic.

I like to feel I’m operating a car and I believe I have more control when I accelerate and when I turn corners.

For me, it’s a much more pleasurable driving experience with a manual.

Automatic for me. Most automatic cars nowadays give you the option to changes gears yourself if wanted.

Now - automatic 100% and won't go back

In my youth and smaller car days - manual. Loved it.

I got an automatic at the same time I got a larger car and it's wonderful. Have had several cars in recent years and will only drive automatic now. So easy.

Hill starts - absolute piece of cake. Car has built in tech so it cannot roll back.

Gear changes are seamless.

Just a joy to drive! One pedal for go, no faffing. What's not to love?!

I prefer manual but probably out of habit. I drive DPs automatic occasionally and feel like I'm not in control but I know that's because of 29 years of driving routine formed in manual cars! When I upgrade again I might try automatic.

Manual.
Dh drives automatics with all the bells and whistles and it is a lovely drive; but like cruising in an armchair.

I really like manual though. I like the instantaneous response. I like how the car feels like an extension of me. I don’t think it’s particularly logical. I also love clacking on an old typewriter and kneading bread by hand.

I suspect it might be related to adhd - having something to do with my hands and feet makes it easier for me to concentrate on the road. Trying not to jam the keys, makes it easier to keep focus on what I’m writing.

Husband has an automatic which I really like and I’ve got a battered manual golf. Both fine. I’d be happy getting an automatic when I change cars but wouldn’t specifically look for one.

like a PP can’t wait for facts that fully drive themselves. Specially at night.

Definitely auto!