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Original poster

Talk to me about automatic cars.

72 replies

Worldsworstdriver · 21/04/2024 12:21

I passed my test over 30 years ago……eventually - it didn’t come naturally and it was a means to an end - just for local driving to work friends and back. I have never gone on a long journey or wish to. My husband loved driving and I was content for him to do it although he always tried to encourage me to drive more.Then he died……and so I am driving again. I have bad habits - mainly to do with my foot is always on the clutch - I know it’s bad but it’s a habit I am trying to stop. The car has just been in for a service and did need a new clutch and I can’t get used to the new one - it’s so sensitive and I keep stalling - I just feel even more anxious. Friends keep saying I might be better with an automatic.
so what I am asking for is thoughts on an automatic and will someone explain in idiot terms how best to use clutch- not asking in real life as ashamed of my lack of knowledge and the fact I have been driving for years- I am just on edge all the time when I drive but my work is in quite an isolated place.

OP posts:
PotteringAlonggotkickedoutandhadtoreregister · 21/04/2024 12:23

Buy an automatic. Honestly, it will solve your problem.

selondon28 · 21/04/2024 12:24

Automatics are so easy to drive and sound like a great solution for you. They remove such a big chunk of the thinking you have to do when driving and you can concentrate more on the road and things you need to be aware of around you.

Savoyafternoon · 21/04/2024 12:24

Automatic is so so easy to drive.
But would you also consider paying for a couple of driving lessons to boost your confidence?

TellmethestoryofO · 21/04/2024 12:25

Another vote for just buying an automatic!
I enjoy driving and always had a manual but got an automatic a few years ago and it's amazing, so easy to drive.

GCAcademic · 21/04/2024 12:25

Most new cars are automatic now, so you may as well take the plunge. I was against automatic cars until I had to replace my last one and had no choice (the only car available immediately in the model I wanted was automatic). I wouldn't go back now, it's so easy to drive.

spanieleyes · 21/04/2024 12:26

I passed my test in a manual but have driven automatics now for over 20 years. It is SO much easier, no worries about stalling, rolling backwards or having to deal with impatient drivers behind you! Just get one!

AGodawfulsmallaffair · 21/04/2024 12:26

Buy an auto, you may need a bit of adjustment getting used to only using one foot, but it’s basically stop and go, a thousand times easier.
I would book a driving lesson on an automatic car - it would be sensible anyway but you would find out if you prefer it. You will though!

Whatevershallidowithmylife · 21/04/2024 12:27

Live an automatic car! You just tick your left leg out the way and only need to use your right to either accelerate or brake just as you do now!

Justbrowsing2024 · 21/04/2024 12:27

I passed in a manual but got a good deal on an automatic. I'd never go back. Really easy to drive.

LlynTegid · 21/04/2024 12:30

For you it seems to be a good choice. Just recognise you will probably never drive a manual car again or want to, and assuming it will only ever be your car (no hire cars on holiday) it should work.

Original poster
Worldsworstdriver · 21/04/2024 12:30

Thank you all - for not laughing at me. I will look at getting an automatic- good idea to have lessons in one .

OP posts:
Xmasbaby11 · 21/04/2024 12:30

Definitely get an automatic. So much easier to drive!

I am like you and not a natural driver so the switch to automatic was helpful for me.

Justkeepingplatesspinning · 21/04/2024 12:32

I always had a manual until we got an automatic as our other car. It's soooo easy to drive, and I didn't realise how much concentration went into changing gear until I didn't have to do it.
Trade in the car for a wee automatic. It'll make your driving life so much more enjoyable and less stressful.

70isaLimitNotaTarget · 21/04/2024 12:32

Great for hill starts and you just glide onto a roundabout Grin

Though I had one a few years ago but went back to manuals after that .

Lovelynames123 · 21/04/2024 12:34

Just buy an automatic, I love mine. I've been driving for years, absolutely no problem driving a manual but can't see me changing from automatic now

PotatoPudding · 21/04/2024 12:36

I passed in a manual 20 years ago but have mostly driven autos for the last 16 years. It would take a lot for me to make the switch back.

Several manufacturers only make autos now (Mercedes, Volvo, Mini and, as of next year, BMW) and electric cars don’t have gearboxes, so are all auto.

I doubt you will regret making the switch.

minimo15 · 21/04/2024 13:04

I changed to an automatic 2 years ago, I would never go back to a manual!

ThePoshUns · 21/04/2024 13:05

I've just switched to an automatic after 35 years of driving. I'd never go back. It makes driving so easy.

OhGoodItsRainingAgain · 21/04/2024 13:07

Love an automatic. Leaves the left hand free to hold the cappuccino!

Disclaimer: this is a joke and I am in no way advocating the dangerous practice of driving one handed whilst swigging a hot beverage. Honest 😁

spanieleyes · 21/04/2024 13:10

You CAN get auto hire cars, usually a little more expensive and definitely need to book in advance but they are available!

Caterina99 · 21/04/2024 13:15

I have an automatic and I’d never go back!! DH was a bit scornful as he loves driving, but honestly I just want to get from A to B in the safest way, and for me it is so much easier not having to worry about gears as well.

I assume if I HAD to, I’d be able to drive a manual again with a bit of practice, but it’s been about 10 years now and it’s never been an issue. I don’t feel limited.

Seems like lots of cars are automatic now. My parents have one, and my in-laws now

IvorTheEngineDriver · 21/04/2024 13:16

Passed on a manual in the 1970s and haven't driven once since.

Get an automartic and forget this 3 pedal nonsense. It is a much, much more relaxing way to drive.

35965a · 21/04/2024 13:19

Automatic is the best. They’re not hard to find any more, insurance wasn’t any more expensive (even as a new driver 3 years ago) and you don’t have to worry about the clutch and gears so driving becomes much more pleasant. You’ll never look back.

ontheflighttosingapore · 21/04/2024 13:27

GCAcademic · 21/04/2024 12:25

Most new cars are automatic now, so you may as well take the plunge. I was against automatic cars until I had to replace my last one and had no choice (the only car available immediately in the model I wanted was automatic). I wouldn't go back now, it's so easy to drive.

No they arnt !