Nervous about switching from manual Fiat 500 to automatic Fiat 600

[LeFxX]

As the title suggests I’m just about to do the switch and I’m anxious about it as my current car is all I’ve ever driven. Well, it’s a Fiat 500 and I’ve had 3 over the years (been driving for 16 years in total) and I’ve never driven an automatic before so I’m nervous about it.

As you can probably tell I’m a nervous driver in general and I’ve had long periods (few months here and there) of not driving before as I put myself off. Recently though I’ve been really good and haven’t stopped in 2 years. I now drive further and further away from my hometown and my confidence is the best it’s ever been.

That being said I have 3 kids. And whilst I only usually have the 2 with me - as the oldest is at school and dad picks him up on his way home from work - the Fiat 500 is just feeling way too ridiculous and cramped. So I’m switching to a Fiat 600.

Any experiences from those who’ve driven both auto and manual? Even better if you were also an anxious driver? I’m worried I’m trying to fix something that isn’t broken.

Honestly you will be fine! Sure it’ll be different, but take it slowly to begin with and I guarantee you’ll get the hang of it in no time at all

you’ll never want to go back to manual again!

Auto is like driving a go kart, so easy.
I was nervous too when I changed, it took all of 5 minutes to get used to it and I'd never go back now.

I love an automatic, when I drove our neighbours manual car to the airport im so, so happy to get back into my automatic.

In January I was in meltdown because our manual lease car had come to the end of its term and we had decided not to renew as the monthly payments were going to increase. This meant I’d have to drive my dh’s Mini Cooper that’s automatic. The fuss! Hate driving anyway. OMG it’s amazing! A dream machine. So easy. I absolutely love it. You think you’re going to stall as you slow to take a corner but you don’t!!! The car does it all for you. As long as you know where the brake is you’ll be fine

I recently switched from manual to automatic. I really wasn’t sure but wanted a hybrid car to replace my old one. Honestly? I bloody love it. No less control than in a manual (which was my fear), impossible to stall and I find not thinking about gear changes lets me focus more on the road, so feels safer.

I’ve never been an anxious driver, but did worry about changing over. Once you figure out what to do with your left foot (nothing) and stop thinking about a gear stick it’s brilliant. I won’t go back to manual now.

Auto is so much easier. All the effort that goes into clutch and gear change is gone and the car drives for you and you just focus on steering, braking and looking.

I can't imagine a 600cc engine is any more demanding than a 500cc, especially if the car is a bit bigger.

I might just wonder whether you'd feel safer in something a bot chunkoer woth more power where you get a response when you put your foot down and can meet the speed of other cars as quickly.

So much easier to drive an automatic.

I drove manual for 25 years before I got an automatic. Just pretend you don’t have a left leg and it’s fine! I’ll never go back to manual now

While you are getting used to it try hooking your left leg behind your right so that you're not tempted to use a clutch that isn't there. It doesn't take long to adjust.

It’s so much easier, especially for things like queuing traffic on a hill with lots of stops and starts, or trying to join a dual carriageway quickly without having to go through all the gears. Absolutely nothing to fear, you will be fine! 😊

Get a couple of automatic driving lessons in your new car if needed to help build a bit of confidence and iron out any quirks between Manual and automatic (for instance, I find parking easier in a manual, you might find an automatic a bit less incrementally manoeuvreable). But overall, automatic rules, so enjoy your new car!

I was nervous when I first tried an automatic. It only took me about 5 mins to feel comfortable. I did try and dip the clutch once in a carpark which was actually the brake lol. It just resulted in an emergency stop. I started tucking my left leg out of the way and never did it again. You'll be fine. Just go somewhere quiet and have a little practice.

I learnt on a manual and, courtesy cars excepted, I have never driven one since and have no wish to do so.
Driving an automatic is wonderful and much, much easier than having to play around with 3 pedals and a gearstick.

We had an automatic fiat 500, not driven a 600, would never get one again because the gear changes are terrible at slower speeds, its great on the motorway and faster roads but in town driving its clunky and jerky and slow to respond, not smooth at all. We are automatic drivers so have had a huge number of different autos over the years, we wouldnt have one of these again even though we loved the car. Terrible suspension too.