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.

Why?

what a weird thing to think.

Saw this and thought of this recent thread...

www.thetimes.co.uk/article/learner-drivers-shift-to-automatics-spells-death-of-manual-gearbox-7q8lvsslj

It’s easy enough to “force” an auto to change gear as you need it to if you know how your car responds and you can read the road. Plus newer autos often have a manual mode anyway, and older ones had kickdown for those “accelerate out of here sharpish” moments.

Happy driving OP! I switched from manual to automatic about 25 years ago and would never go back.

Soon you won't have a choice as all electric cars are autos.

Not at all soon. We are a very long way off the mark when it comes to having electric only cars

I've held my manual licence for more than 25 years.

All my own cars have always been manual, which is my preference: when I've driven friends' or hired automatic cars, I've found the experience curiously... infantalising, for want of a better word.

However, that is a me problem, so go with whatever you prefer!

People who enjoy driving?

I'm on my second automatic car and honestly don't think I'll ever go back to a manual - though I could if I had to

I'm also very lucky to have a lease car through my employer, so repairs are included - this might be something to think about if automatics are more costly to maintain than manuals

If I were you, I'd be leaning towards an automatic, they just make driving so much easier - but definitely do your homework in terms of the cost of upkeep

No it was because a pp had said ‘there are some who say it’s not proper driving’ - who cares if it’s proper driving, I still get where I’m going in my auto I don’t care whether I ‘properly drove’ there or not.

The only thing I'd think about is if it's used, be careful and get it checked as automatic gear boxes cost a fortune to fix compared to manual.

I've always had manuals apart from the odd test or courtesy car and always preferred manuals - the fun of changing gear as I'm quickly accelerating etc. I'm now about 3 weeks into an auto and struggled at first (putting my foot on the foot rest or reaching for the non-existent gearstick occasionally) but now I really enjoy it. Helps that it's an amazing car that goes super quick but certainly easier in traffic etc. it was automatic before so I didn't "think" about it but now there's no thought at all 😂

Tell your family to stick it and go for the auto.

Eh? Same as you do going forward!

Accelerator and brake.

I’ve not driven manual for years. Autos are now quicker and sometimes more efficient than manuals. They used to use more fuel but they are so much better now. Both mine have 8 speed boxes and are really smooth and easy to drive.

DH learnt to drive in a manual but has been driving automatics for about 25 years. He would never go back to a manual, although when we go on holiday he always hires a manual as it's cheaper and the roads are much quieter in most places we visit. He adapts immediately to gear changing again, along with driving on the opposite side of the road to the UK.

Thanks everyone for the feedback - I was really excited about buying a car and I am glad that if I went for an automatic it would be a good decision.

I have decided against buying a car though.

I have two parking spaces and a garage, but you can't get through to them with where my neighbour parks his car and van. It's a 1999 build where we each have our own driveways but there is a funnel into our driveways and he parks in the funnel so nothing can get through and is not a nice person. We legally share the funnel so I don't have any ability to push back.

It's my own fault for not thinking about this when buying the house!

I have decided to move on and forget about buying my nice car but thanks everyone for your advice.

Wtf

OP that’s absolutely disgraceful that you think you can’t buy a car because your neighbour blocks in your space

If the neighbour knew you didn’t have a car then I can almost understand why he thought it would be ok to park there (but he was still unreasonable). You need to politely tell him you’re getting a car so will be starting to park there soon. Otherwise you’ll be blocking him in with your new car.

you definitely need to sort this before you sell the house or the issue will put off all driving (and possibly non driving) prospective buyers

Yes, I appreciate that many of those who prefer automatics are concerned more about arriving at the destination than the journey to get there. But for those of us who enjoy driving, or "proper driving", the actual journey is the enjoyable part. And that's fine by me. I prefer a manual because I enjoy driving. I like changing gears.

I'm a fan of a manual car but I don't think I'm better than anyone who only drives auto. It's not 'proper' driving, just different. Honestly people will use anything to put others down

I’ve driven both over the years and am happy with my current manual…what I would say though is like everything, some autos are better than others…

I drove my dad’s auto Renaults a lot -he had 3 over the years-and they were , without exception SHITE.

I’ve also driven auto Golfs, Minis, Mercedes, Range Rover, and they were all really good, and would happily have any of them, or a manual, but I’d not have an auto Renault if you gave me one as a gift!

Automatic cars used to be terrible and frankly you had to be a really bad driver before they were the better option. That is not the case now. I drive and automatic as I had a long commute and I very rarely have that sensation of wishing I could take over (which was the case when I drove one in 2009).
Your family should butt out.

It's like the people who sneer at Sat Navs 'Well in my day we used a map'
try navigating by map if you're alone in the car.

Yes, I like changing gears too.

I love having a good song on the stereo and timing a shift to it. It's just satisfying.

I genuinely think if you speak to him and say you have a cat now, he will stop parking there. He probably just does that because he can for now.

Thanks everyone.

Regarding the neighbour - I won't turn this into a parking thread (because I don't know how to upload a diagram!) - but I have tried speaking with him multiple times because he prevents visitors, plumbers etc. from being able to access my parking spaces but he unfortunately continues (and is one of those pompous people who knows every inch of the law and how weak it is in England for civil parking disputes).

I was really excited at the thought of getting a car but I live by myself (other than my pet rabbit) and when I weigh up the positives of being able to drive to places I haven't been to in years versus the daily aggro I am going to encounter - I have decided to continue with things as they are.

If I do get a car in the future it will definitely be an automatic. I really appreciate everyone's comments and help on this.

I LOVE my automatic

We got one as my dh learned late (in his 30s 🙄) and was not a super confident driver.

Honestly its great and i dont think ill buy a manual ever again!!!