Have you switched from a manual car to an automatic? Do you like it?

[LindorDoubleChoc]

Asking because I drive a large, heavy clutch, quite old manual estate car. It's hard on my knees and ankles. The clutch doesn't engage until almost fully up and it's a big clunky car, quite difficult to park.

I have a new job which requires me to drive the company car. It's an automatic Golf, only a couple of years old. It's like a whole new driving experience! Although I have some experience of driving automatics on holiday, every car I've owned in the UK has been manual. So it's taken some adapting. It feels like if I literally brush my foot over the brake pedal we go into an emergency stop! I can't seem to set off smoothly either - lots of kangaroo jumps - the car speeds away from me as if I have no control and I'm terrified of smashing into cars parked just infront of me as I set off.

But once on the road and cruising around - it's lovely! I'm always driving in a slow urban environment so constantly stopping and starting and not having to go up and down through the gears all the time is something I could get used to.

Remind me again - what are the disadvantages of automatic cars?

I've never driven an automatic 😳

I don't like the thought of having to pay more attention to doing stuff with the car controls. I never drive where there are no other cars and no lights, even the highway isn't like that here, and I would much rather have all my attention free to focus on the road and other drivers. I'm not a nervous driver but I am only a month off my P plates (ie three years). I don't need in-car distractions.

I think what bothers me if you have the majority of the population only learning and driving automatics, what would happen if you had to drive a manual in an emergency? But I guess as EVs come in it will become a lost skill and irrelevant? Still at this stage I'd prefer my children to learn to drive a manual car.

I’ve never had an emergency that’s required me to drive a manual vehicle. In the extremely unlikely event it would be the same as if I’d had a few drinks or never learnt to drive. There are plenty of non drivers around.

It’s pretty much irrelevant in the states now and almosr everyone just drives Autos. Go to the VW dealership for instance and they don’t sell any manuals at all and haven’t years.

Unless of course you’re a country singer and then it appears to be a condition of getting a record deal that you write a song about a stick shift chevrolet Silverado.

I went from manual (30 years) to automatic this year. It's a totally different drive. Wasn't sure at first but wouldn't go back now. Mine jumps too. Well, more lurches than jumps. I have to set off quite slowly which is a pain but I've got used to it now.

I do feel more like the car is driving itself somehow and that I don't have the same level of control, but it's very easy and I wouldn't swap for my old car now (would have, for the first few weeks!)

Peugeot, MG and others disagree

They might. But if you, or Peugeot, can explain to me how a car with no gears to change and no need for a clutch is any way “automatic”, I’m all ears.

The car isn’t doing anything for you, because there is nothing to do.

Same in Australia. Nobody is going to be required to drive a manual when so few are around and we all learn in automatics.

Automatic wins hands down.

The only down side is that you can't leave a roundabout as fast in an automatic. That magic first gear to second gear speed cannot be replicated unfortunately.

Automatic is still better though.

Don't ever think about getting an automatic car!

Just go out there and get one.

I have no idea what heel-and-toe or double declutching are, but the way you're writing doesn't sound like driving you should be doing on busy roads, it sounds very dangerous. Perhaps stick to a race track. No-one (sensible) likes driving around idiots who are going too fast.

I’ve upgraded to an auto recently and I love it. I mostly drive to and from work in peak hour traffic so it means I don’t have to constantly shift between first, second and third gears.

I would love to get an automatic. Never driven one but I find changing gear so boring. What's the point? I also have a bad left foot so could do without a clutch. Sadly I can't afford one but I definitely see the point of them.

That poster's comment reminds me of the other thread with the arrogant and probably dangerous confident DP who shouts GO GO GO! at the OP whenever she's entering a roundabout.

Exactly this. Had only ever owned manuals and looked down on automatics (not sure why!) but reluctantly ended up with one as a towing vehicle since they tend to be able to pull higher weights. Absolutely love it, it's just so easy to drive. Can't imagine ever going back to a manual now!

Taking a car by the scruff of the neck and kicking the shit out of it just feels so right in a manual.

I've always wondered why so many cars are ruined before they hit 100k miles, and now I know.

Adore automatics and now as people I know are getting older they’re getting them to save their knees etc, it is a pity they’re still not the norm though, you definitely have to search for an automatic!

Whereas my automatic Toyota Corolla is twenty years old and had done 94000km and was in perfect shape when I bought it three years ago!

We live in very mountainous area, and snowy. Drove manual first 5 years we lived here. Swapped to Electric Automatic and it’s amazing. So much easier to go up and down steep narrow hills all day without constantly changing gear to pull over and let cars pass whilst driving uphill

Love my dodgem and won’t be going back to manual

My everyday car is an auto and I wouldn't have anything else for those journeys but I also have a (cheap) classic car which is a manual and I do love driving it. I just don't like creeping along in rush hour traffic in it!

Snap! Mine is 22 years old, had it for 5 years, just hit 95k. Best vehicle I've ever owned. If you treat it well and are happy to replace any bits that wear out there's no reason it can't last forever.

We hace an automatic and a manual. Manual hands down for me

We swapped over last year and I love it. Now we are looking to get a second car as DD will start lessons and will go back to manual. I am actually dreading it.

Corolla high five! 😄