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AIBU?

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Original poster

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:
Tanfastic · 14/04/2015 22:39

I drive a manual due to preference. I'm neither old nor have a disability.

Most people I know drive manuals.

Tanfastic · 14/04/2015 22:39

I mean automatic, I drive an automatic Confused

Carrierpenguin · 14/04/2015 22:41

I drive an automatic. Have had a manual too, but love automatics and would only buy one.

TheWomanTheyCallJayne · 14/04/2015 22:42

I drive an automatic but I'd didn't choose it and it's what we had when I passed my test just over a year ago.
My big regret is I don't get to drive a manual to keep my hand in and I'm a bit scared to now after so long.

TheWomanTheyCallJayne · 14/04/2015 22:43

its a big American car so not even sure if you can get it as a manual

IAmACuboid · 14/04/2015 22:46

Mine manual runaround, DH auto estate.
Most of our family have one manual and one auto, manual still the default as a 'proper car' and having the automatic one for health reasons/general ease of use for commuting/hating crunching gears.

Bodicea · 14/04/2015 22:54

Auto - learnt manual. First car was manual. Second was auto and never went back. I regret it though as it is a pain finding cars that are automatic second hand. It really limits your options as there are so few available. We are due to go car shopping soon and I will get endless grief of dh about auto being non negotiable for me.

MrsMook · 14/04/2015 22:54

I've known three automatics, my dad's nearly 30 years ago, my friend who is a wheel chair user who has hand controls, and my SiL who comes from a country where automatics are favoured. Everyone else I know drives a manual. I have never tried an automatic.

Hippymama · 14/04/2015 22:57

We have an automatic. Up until recently we had 2 cars which were both automatic, the ones before them were an automatic and a manual. We can both drive manual cars though. The only reason we have bought automatics is because we bought second hand and they were at an excellent price. Although I can drive a manual and would buy one again in the future, I do like having an automatic car as we live at the top of a very steep hill with very narrow windy lanes with lots of passing points. We had a manual when we moved here, but an automatic is easier when you have to keep slowing down and reversing to let other cars pass! I'm lazy ;)

Christelle2207 · 14/04/2015 23:18

We got a new car- auto- just last week. I've been driving for 18 years, always a manual and what a revelation! Can't believe they aren't more popular. Early days but I'm a convert.

Firefly7 · 14/04/2015 23:21

Learnt in a manual and driven manuals for about 25 years. Just changed to my first auto. Love it! Would cry if I had to change back.

Monkey533 · 14/04/2015 23:25

automatics are much worse from an environmental perspective. mpg and co2 emissions are always much higher than with manual equivalents.

ChablisTyrant · 14/04/2015 23:27

Auto here. I'd say our extended family is now half and half. Once you drive a modern auto you never go back. Much better than they were a decade ago.

TremoloGreen · 14/04/2015 23:33

I drive a manual. Have driven automatic hire cars and I don't feel like I'm driving unless I'm 'doing the gears'. This perhaps stems from the fact that my father would let me do the gears for him on long car journeys. From the age of about 8 Hmm

I would like one of those fancy cars that helps you park though. Can't park for shit.

GiddyOnZackHunt · 14/04/2015 23:41

Monkey not true. As I say they're a bit less efficient in a 6 speed box but get up to 8/9+ speed boxes and they're more efficient.

QTPie · 15/04/2015 00:06

This reply has been withdrawn

This has been withdrawn by MNHQ at the poster's request.

QTPie · 15/04/2015 00:08

This reply has been withdrawn

This has been withdrawn by MNHQ at the poster's request.

BitOutOfPractice · 15/04/2015 00:09

I drive a manual.

It wouldn't have crossed my mind to buy an automatic

Only benefit of an auto I can think of is that it's easier on your shoes

GiddyOnZackHunt · 15/04/2015 00:12

Whilst it wasn't the point of the thread it has been really interesting to see how people feel about automatic gearboxes.

Original poster
Bambambini · 15/04/2015 00:31

"Auto - learnt manual. First car was manual. Second was auto and never went back. I regret it though as it is a pain finding cars that are automatic second hand. It really limits your options as there are so few available. We are due to go car shopping soon and I will get endless grief of dh about auto being non negotiable for me."

same here. Buying a second hand biggish, safe, big boot car is quite restrictive when you're looking for an auto. Buying an auto is non negotiable for me too - though I usually drive manuals when I rent.

OP posts:
LilMissSunshine9 · 15/04/2015 00:33

Manual all the way for me - I had an auto once as temporary replacement for a month omg I found driving so boring..how I missed changing gears. So glad when I got my orig car back from the garage. There is just something satisfying about working up through the gears especially when your joining a motorway.

AppleYumYum · 15/04/2015 00:34

Autos always, hopeless with a manual.

Original poster
Bambambini · 15/04/2015 00:40

"Only benefit of an auto I can think of is that it's easier on your shoes"

I just find it a much more relaxing, almost calming effect and less stressful. For about town, stopping and starting and for hills (especially when in heavy traffic and having to do hill starts) they are just so easy. Maybe some folk prefer a more stressful driving experience - I'm enjoying the more relaxed approach.

My husband does a lot of driving for work, I imagine he was a typical guy who loved his car etc. He's probably been driving an automatic since at least his 30's (me too) and again prefers the ease of it.

I did live in an "automatic" country for a few years - so it probably helped me get out of the "manual is superior" mindset that the UK a seems to have.

OP posts:
Kampeki · 15/04/2015 00:48

I have a manual license but got used to driving an auto when living overseas - everyone had auto there! I would never go back to a manual now.

MidniteScribbler · 15/04/2015 01:13

Both of my cars are autos. I've never owned a manual, and have no interest in owning one (although I can drive one). I only know one person who has a manual, and his is a sports car. Everyone else drives autos.