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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To think most folk still drive manual cars

399 replies

Bambambini · 14/04/2015 13:23

Curious to know how many here drive manual or auto. Also how many have never even tried an auto. Sort of mini poll as having words with a yank on another site. Your participation will be appreciated if not rewarded!

OP posts:
FelixFelix · 14/04/2015 13:24

I drive a manual. I only know one person who drives automatic. I think MN is a bit of an alternative universe where loads of people drive auto Grin

Sallystyle · 14/04/2015 13:24

Auto.

All my family apart from one drives an auto as well.

carrie74 · 14/04/2015 13:24

Both auto here, although learned to drive manual. I LOVE autos, I find them so much smoother and relaxing. I grew up in the US and manual ("stick") was virtually unheard of. I think you can get a few now, but still rare.

BodleianLibrarianook · 14/04/2015 13:24

Manual. Never driven an auto.

strawberry01 · 14/04/2015 13:25

Manual. I know 3 people who drive automatics

InanimateCarbonRod · 14/04/2015 13:25

Auto. Will never go back to manual.

Grantaire · 14/04/2015 13:25

Most people drive manuals here. I do as do nearly all of my friends and family. Only two who don't have automatics due to mobility issues.

I've never driven an automatic.

ConfusedInBath · 14/04/2015 13:25

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

lucycant · 14/04/2015 13:26

Manual, never even tried an automatic. My parents have switched now to an automatic, as they find it easier to drive, now they are elderly.

ouryve · 14/04/2015 13:26

I live in a street of about 150 houses and I've only spotted one automatic here - it's a hybrid, so has to be.

OwlinaTree · 14/04/2015 13:26

I only know one person with an auto licence. Everyone I know has a manual (UK).

CherriesAndSlippers · 14/04/2015 13:27

I don't know anyone who drives an automatic car.

VacantExpression · 14/04/2015 13:34

Manual but noticing more and more autos around. DH would like an auto. BIL has an auto. FIL (other side so not a "family thing") has an auto.
I am not sure about this notion of the car deciding what gear it wants to be in I like to be in charge!

tabulahrasa · 14/04/2015 13:36

I don't know anyone that drives an auto either...I have driven a hire one, once for about 4 miles, lol.

adora1985 · 14/04/2015 13:36

Manual, only know of one person with an auto, and that's due to disability. I've had an auto and unless the car had no option but to have it as an auto, I'd have a manual every time.

chemenger · 14/04/2015 13:37

I drive a manual, DH has an automatic and I hate it and refuse to drive it. Automatics always seem sluggish and boring to drive to me. Maybe it is because I don't know how to get the best out of them. I never found changing gear to be a particularly hard part of driving so I'm not sure I'd ever want and automatic. (I really hate the automatic handbrake on DH's car - what is the point of that?).

TedAndLola · 14/04/2015 13:38

Manual. I drove an automatic for about a year and whilst it was easier on the leg muscles in traffic, I prefer manual. I was glad to go back.

CornishYarg · 14/04/2015 13:38

I drive a manual and I don't know anyone who drives an auto. I've only driven an auto when we hired cars in the US and Canada. They were good in towns but I didn't like not being in control of the gears on faster roads and especially on hills.

BalloonSlayer · 14/04/2015 13:38

Since my Dad died I don't know anyone with an automatic.

TBH I have always thought they are for old people.

Although I gather that 4WDs are better as automatics.

BalloonSlayer · 14/04/2015 13:39

Since my Dad died I don't know anyone with an automatic.

TBH I have always thought they are for old people.

Although I gather that 4WDs are better as automatics.

GiddyOnZackHunt · 14/04/2015 13:39

Depends whether you're including all types of automatic. The automatic gearbox that allows you to select gears manually but with an automatic clutch e.g the DSG box is gaining in popularity. Most UK sold cars are still manual but the share is falling.

GiddyOnZackHunt · 14/04/2015 13:40

Oh sorry. 2 of our cars are manual and one is auto.

Almostfifty · 14/04/2015 13:40

Manual.

Delilahfandango · 14/04/2015 13:40

I drive an auto. I don't really have a preference tbh. We needed a car, the one we could afford was automatic, so that's what we have. It's great in traffic actually, none of that ache in your leg from on and off the clutch. But, I do quite miss changing gear. OH loves it though - it's lazy driving really!!

PourMyselfACupOfAmbition · 14/04/2015 13:41

We are a two car family and have one of each.