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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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:
MillionToOneChances · 15/04/2015 01:25

Auto is way less responsive. I've driven a few - my dad had one for a while, and hire cars in the U.S. are always automatic - but I'd always prefer a manual.

lertgush · 15/04/2015 01:42

Why do people think an auto is no good for towing?

lertgush · 15/04/2015 01:43

Auto is way less responsive. I've driven a few

No they're not. I've driven many :-)

MillionToOneChances · 15/04/2015 01:55

No they're not. I've driven many

Well perhaps our opinions vary. I've driven an automatic extensively - family car when they were living overseas - that's extremely similar to my current manual car and it was far less responsive. A choice between slightly laggy acceleration or kick down, whereas in a manual I get the acceleration I want when I want it. I've experienced the same with various hire cars. I drove a semi-automatic Mercedes on some of the best driving roads on Europe and we found the automatic features were spoiling the fun and switched it to manual mode. My dad's massive automatic car from just after I passed my test was so different to any other car that I've driven that I've largely discounted it, but it felt so disconnected from the road.

MidniteScribbler · 15/04/2015 02:26

Why do people think an auto is no good for towing?

I tow all the time with my 4x4. Usually a dog trailer, but also a box trailer full of dog training equipment. I've also towed full sized caravans. I certainly don't have any problems towing with my automatic.

RedRugNoniMouldiesEtc · 15/04/2015 05:33

Because the allowed weights on an auto are far far lower than on a manual. A manual terrano for example can legally and safely pull a horse trailer and two big horses whilst the automatic equivalent can pull a light pony trailer and single pony but legally the trailer will most likely need to be down rated so the max capacity isn't too high.

Many people tow without worrying about max weights, breaking weights etc so don't realise there is a difference between manual and auto versions. That is one of the reasons for accidents, they pull fine, the problem comes when you try to stop fast. When your pulling livestock you tend to be more aware although there are plenty of people who still don't have a clue. (Like the lady yesterday asking if she could tow a horse and trailer with her mini Cooper Hmm)

RedRugNoniMouldiesEtc · 15/04/2015 05:37

Midnite, the things you were towing probably wouldn't be anywhere the top end of the towing weights so shouldn't have caused any problems in either an auto or a manual.

angeltulips · 15/04/2015 05:51

I can drive both but vastly prefer an auto, particularly for city driving - I hate being perched on a hill in traffic with the car behind me far too close and having to worry about not skipping backwards. Would never buy a manual unless it was a classic car. Tend to get manuals for rental cars on hols in Europe as they don't seem to have many autos/they're too expensive.

We are looking at a tesla at the moment and the acceleration on that is unbelievable. Certainly better than any manual I've ever driven.

toomuchtooold · 15/04/2015 06:03

In my family, in my parents' generation all the women drove autos, not at night, and not on motorways, on the advice of my two uncles who trained as mechanics and thought women driving was like ducks trying to tapdance. I've been prejudiced against them ever since Grin so always had manuals. I now have a Grand Scenic though which, manual or not, is the archetypal mum car.

TheRestofmylifeiswaiting · 15/04/2015 06:05

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

sashh · 15/04/2015 06:13

Auto, but only because my car has hand controls, using your hands to steer and break/accelerate is one thing, adding in a clutch and gear stick - well I'd be driving without my hands on the wheel.

Kelly1814 · 15/04/2015 06:16

I'm overseas and NO ONE drives manual.

Capricorn76 · 15/04/2015 06:22

Auto. Love it. Much easier in the city .

Cooroo · 15/04/2015 06:32

Manual for 35 years, Auto for 2 - I really didn't like the idea, but have to admit I love it. If we replace this car I wouldn't choose on that basis - I think I can remember how to change gear!

HighwayDragon · 15/04/2015 06:34

I drove an auto once. Hated it, no one tells me when to change gear!

goshhhhhh · 15/04/2015 06:35

Manual. Have had an auto but went back to manual. Just dint like it as much (&didnt trust it when I got stuck in the snow).

PowderMum · 15/04/2015 06:37

We have 3 cars two auto and one manual, the 2 autos are high end cars with excellent auto systems so they drive well, none of the lag that has been talked about. We much prefer them to manuals there is certainly no less feeling of control, just a smooth easy ride, especially in traffic. I don't think we would ever change back.

The manual is for the DC to learn to drive in so it's very basic, but we do think it is important to have a manual licence as not all cars are auto yet.

Icimoi · 15/04/2015 06:48

Learnt manual, now auto, wouldn't go back. I find it just as responsive as manual, and don't miss constantly changing gear in town traffic. i quite like the fact that it creeps forward even when you don't touch the accelerator when in gear - it helps for smooth progress in traffic jams and a quick getaway at traffic lights.

MidniteScribbler · 15/04/2015 06:50

Redrug, I'm pretty safe with what I tow, as my 4x4 has a 7000kg GCM, with a 3000kg braked towing capacity. The problem is anyone not knowing what the towing capacity of their vehicle is and just sticking anything on it (and not keeping the tow bar and electronics in good working condition). That sin is not confined to automatic car drivers. I also have a small car, and wouldn't dream of putting a trailer on it, even though it could haul a small trailer (but I won't because it's my early mid-life crisis car, and a trailer is going nowhere near it!). Use the right car for the job.

Now, if we could just ban anyone from towing anything if they can't reverse it, because I'd be happy to not have another weekend pulling up at the dog show and hearing "any chance you can reverse this for me, love?".

LarrytheCucumber · 15/04/2015 09:03

We have one of each. Main problem is when I've driven the automatic for any length of time having to remind myself to change gear in the other one.
Must admit I don't understand why we cling to manuals over here.

RedRugNoniMouldiesEtc · 15/04/2015 09:09

Ah, the reversing issue, yes, the number of times I've heard a wail of "but there's no where to turn a circle!" from someone towing 3.5t of prize horse and trailer or parking across everyone so they can just drive out. Fgs learn to drive it before you venture out! Argh! Grin

BitOutOfPractice · 15/04/2015 09:26

I just googled and about a quarter of cars in the UK are auto and over 90% in the states are

In my home town there was recently a horrendous accident in a school car park where the driver, who had just picked up his new auto car, pressed the accelerator not the brake, demolished a fence, crushing the parents and pre-schoolers waiting for home time on the other side

SquareStarfish · 15/04/2015 09:28

I don't know anyone who drives auto.

Genuine question- how to you do hill starts etc without a clutch?

RufusTheReindeer · 15/04/2015 09:33

square

If it's a small car you don't have to (unless it's a really steep hill)

If it's a big car one foot on the accelerator and one on the brake (obvs heavier on brake to start) then ease off on the brake and ease on the accelerator

I might not have explained that very well Hmm

Shamalamalam · 15/04/2015 09:36

Square if you're in drive, you just take your foot off the brake and then press the accelerator.

As long as it's in drive, you can take your foot off all pedals and it won't roll back. Hill starts at traffic lights with a boy racer revving the nuts off his car next to me is one of my favourite things ever. I have to get my kicks somewhere Grin

It will creep forward if you're on the level though so have to keep your foot on the brake/use handbrake then

And as for towing, I tow fine with mine, but I don't tow anything big or heavy, usually a light trailer with canoes or a RIB