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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:
GoodbyeToAllOfThat · 15/04/2015 18:48

Automatic here. I understand that manual is for those who are real "drivers".

blacktreaclecat · 15/04/2015 18:50

We have 2 shared cars, one manual, one automatic. I love the automatic (Evoque) and want to drive it every day

fulltothebrim · 15/04/2015 20:20

I'm not sure what a "real driver" is.

awfulomission · 15/04/2015 20:23

Auto.

It took me years to learn to drive and when dc2 was dxed with dyspraxia I realised with the ot that I had it too. I passed eventually on a manual but would never drive one now.

engeika · 15/04/2015 20:24

Manual. Like the gear changing - it keeps me thinking.
Never driven an auto.
Do has an auto - he hates it.
Elderly aunt has auto due to bad leg and bad shoulder

fulltothebrim · 15/04/2015 20:26

Love our Merk Automatic. Also love my little manual.

riverboat1 · 15/04/2015 20:28

I'm surprised there are so many automatics here. Of all the people I know in the UK (at least those whose cars I have been in) only one drives an automatic, and he switched to that because he had knee problems.

Here in France automatics seem a bit more common, DP, FIL and a good friend all drive them.

I'm a manual girl thouogh - I feel less aware of my speed when I drive DP's automatic, and also manouvering is more difficult. Though maybe it's just a question of getting used to it.

MaryhadalittleDamn · 15/04/2015 20:29

Manual. I owned one automatic and it was boring to drive.

fulltothebrim · 15/04/2015 20:33

I can't see having gears to change is more mentally stimulating- I thought that os what the radio was for.

TiggyOBE · 15/04/2015 21:01

Manual.

And this is why we need a poll system on MN.

woodhill · 15/04/2015 21:33

I feel much happier in an automatic, much easier when you are stuck in traffic which is a common occurence.

WhyOWhyWouldYou · 15/04/2015 21:44

Auto. So does DH, my dad, 2 of my 3 brothers and mom is looking to upgrade to a Honda jazz hybrid.

In new medium and large sized cars automatics are now normally better than their manual equivelants. Small cars - good autos are still few and far between.

Patsyandeddie · 15/04/2015 23:05

Couldn't give a monkeys - as long as it has a steering wheel and four tyres I will drive it!

AuditAngel · 15/04/2015 23:36

We are both able to drive either, but DH hates driving manual. Mine is semi auto, but never driven it in manual in over 3 years.

pollypocket123 · 15/04/2015 23:40

Once you go auto...

Gcalgske · 15/04/2015 23:47

Auto, think it very much depends on the car. A good auto gearbox (I'm a landie girl) is very responsive but I've driven hire cars/learner car with horribly slow gear boxes which irritated me. I'm not great with hand eye coordination and started to learn in a manual but never got the hang of it so switched to auto and picked it up fine.

Caterina99 · 16/04/2015 00:34

Moved to the US about 2 years ago. I have an automatic (like the majority of people) and I love it. I never really enjoyed driving and now it's definitely less stressful (except for the crazy Americans on the roads). DH has a manual sports car though and is a real petrol head and is snobby about my auto. I couldn't care less!

I'm surprised autos aren't more popular in the UK. Yes they don't give you that full driving experience, and yes Im glad I learnt on a manual and could drive one if I needed to, but they are so much easier to drive. I dont give a stuff about the "driving experience" I just want to get from A to B.

I think there can be more accidents though as they take less concentration to drive, but again maybe that's just the drivers over here! Hmm

Tweettwo · 16/04/2015 07:40

I used to drive a manual but have now got an auto and love it. I can't understand why all cars aren't automatic - it's just better in every way. It's like doing washing by hand when you can use a washing machine!

lertgush · 16/04/2015 18:15

I'm chortling at the idea that autos aren't responsive. I put my foot down in mine and it instantly goes like hot shit off a shiny shovel.

Jb291 · 16/04/2015 20:18

I drive an automatic. Hated driving manual

richthegreatcornholio · 16/04/2015 20:26

I'm chortling at the idea that autos aren't responsive. I put my foot down in mine and it instantly goes like hot shit off a shiny shovel

Many autos are unresponsive but some modern ones combined with decent sized engines are very good, quicker than the manual version of the same car. I'm guessing you have something like a BMW M135i?

The thing that does annoy me about autos is that in manual mode you are effectively asking the computer permission to change down. They're my valves, if I want to put them through the bonnet then I goddamn well will! I hate the computer says no more behaviour Grin

DontWorryBeHappyNow · 16/04/2015 20:36

Manual, all the way! I like feeling in control when changing lanes, overtaking, on hills etc, including using the gearbox to brake as much as possible which saves wear and tear on the brakes and is much safer. My parents drive automatics, but the only non elderly people I know who do are typical women drivers in suburban 4 x 4s which they can barely manoeuvre around. I'm a woman too btw Grin

milkysmum · 16/04/2015 20:38

Auto. I can drive a manual but changed to an auto ( not sure why really) about 5 years ago

Bowlersarm · 16/04/2015 20:38

Auto.

Doubt I'll go back to a manual. Auto is so much easier.

Cantdecideondinner · 16/04/2015 20:40

I drive auto and have done for years, it's non negotiable for us for a family car. DH has a mid life crisis car and his is manual so that he can drive his boys toy like a Louis Hamilton wannabe. All my friends drive auto