Cars - Automatic vs Manual

[RJ2023]

I am 44 years old and after a few years out I really want to start driving again. I can finally afford to buy (an okay) used car and am really, really excited about the freedom it will give me.

I am getting my eyes tested next week to check I am still legal on the numberplate test etc. I am going to arrange some refresher lessons with a driving instructor.

I want to buy an automatic (although I can drive a manual) but it is just for convenience.

My Mum and Dad, sister etc. are insisting I have to buy/drive a manual and keep sending me links to used cars on that basis. I keep telling them my preference but it is ignored.

Is there some kind of stigma associated with driving an automatic?

The roads are a lot busier and (in my opinion) more aggressive these days and the thought of not having to worry about gear changes really appeals to me.

Just wanted an opinion on this - thanks.

Definitely go for an automatic. The roads are so busy these days that not having to change gear is one less thing to worry about.

Maybe wait until you have had these refresher lessons before deciding. I've never driven an automatic so have no opinion either way.

Yes I only drive automatics and everyone always goes on about how manuals are better and whenever I go to buy a new car the salesman will 100% always try to sell me a manual.

Autos are great, I love them. I’ve had small cheap ones and big expensive ones and they have all been brilliant.

Why on earth do they get a say? I have bought automatics because all the stop/ start , hills , traffic queues etc were just wearing on me. Automatic is so much nicer in traffic. Just be sure to test drive it on roads you will use to see how much torque it has and how smooth the automatic box is.

In my experience replacing an automatic gearbox is a LOT more expensive than a manual.

I had one once and it wasn't an experience I'd choose to repeat.

Also, do you think if you go for an auto will you lose the skill of being able to manage a manual?

It's up to you.Automatic will probably be more expensive and you'll have less choice. I don't think you have to think about changing gear once you get used to it again, just a reflex action.

Automatic. We drive electric now so it’s automatic also.
Its much nicer to drive

Automatic all the way for me! I haven’t driven a manual since I was in my late 20s/30.

automatics are much nicer and more modern. I can't believe they still make manuals!

I drove a manual for 20 years and ended up getting an auto last year just because one came up that was decent/ in budget etc when we last replaced our car. Not sure I'll ever go back! So much easier for city driving.

When I upgraded recently to an Audi electric 4x4, I shopped around and found a fair bit of choice for me, in my budget in the range of cars I fancied. This was after years of having an older car as I’m just not into cars! Had to get a new one because of ulez and made more sense to buy new all round.

We just changed to an automatic. They don’t make the car we wanted with a manual gearbox. EVs are automatic only too.

Other than trying to change a nonexistent gearstick a few times it’s been great and I’m not missing it. So much easier to drive in town.

Get what you want to get. It’s your car.

Go for automated, much easier!

It's very backwards to insist on manual, like why do you want to do things the hard way 🤷

I love automatic although I learned to drive on manual many moons ago.

automatics are the majority where I live but I’d always choose one over a manual if I had to choose.

Thanks everyone so much - this is really helpful for me :)

I learned to drive in a manual and drove one for several years. My last few cars have been automatic though and I'll never go back to manual.

Automatic for sure. Hill starts are work of the devil and the car does it for me.

Everyone I know drives auto now, except my brother who insists on manual only for ‘proper driving’ whatever the hell that means.

Are you overthinking it? You don't need your eyes tested unless you're going anyway - just look at a number plate that's a bit away and if you can see it, you're ok.

Stigma is a strong word but some people judge that autos are just steering and not driving.

You say you can finally afford - how tight is money? A simple petrol engine with a manual gearbox is probably best for repairing costs etc and if I was short of money this is what I would go for as auto gearbox failures cost a shitload. They also cost more to tax due to emissions from memory.

If you have a comfortable budget and are able to buy new enough or from a dealer then tell them thanks for your help but I will be getting an auto. If not, you can still tell them that. Your money, your car, your choice.

I've driven manual cars, vans and lorries. I've also driven auto cars vans and lorries.
Much prefer auto 🙌🏻

To add, I've just moved to auto after 20 years of manual and I'm really not sure. It is easier but it feels weird. I find the brake and accelerator are quite close and my brain doesn't have the clutch pedal for spatial awareness or to space which pedal is which. On the very first drive when I was parking on my drive, I pressed the accelerator instead of the brake and it's scared me a little. I think that's a habit thing tho. Once or twice I've reached over for the gearstick and then realised I don't have one (it a slider type thing which is annoying). I'm also scared I've not put it in park and I'll come back and my car is somewhere else entirely when I return.

These are my deepest, darkest driving secrets which I'm embarrassed about as I'm normally very competent until I had this car.

Thanks everyone for your feedback - I understand the maintenance costs of an auto gearbox may be higher but I am going to go ahead with buying a car with an auto gearbox.

I really appreciate your help and I will be ignoring comments from my family members that say I have to buy a manual for reasons that I still don't really understand.

Thanks again for your help.

Good for you!

PMSL at ‘proper driving’ like who cares??

I've driven automatic for the last 15 years or so. I haven't lost the skill of changing gear - occasionally when I have had a courtesy car from a garage it's been a manual gearbox and the knack is quick to come back. I like the simplicity of an automatic and recommend it. Am on my 3rd such and they've all been lovely. but I buy used cars that are no more than 3 years old and plan to replace them when they are 8-10 years old. I would be cautious about an automatic that was older than 12 years as repairs start getting expensive.

Both dh and I have automatics and never going back to manual