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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:
FifiLeBoo · 14/04/2015 20:51

We have a semi automatic small car and a semi automatic long wheelbase van. I only have an auto licence dh has manual license but prefers driving automatics

MrsKoala · 14/04/2015 20:56

Giddy - i did my last manual test 2 years ago and i was told not to bother to change down when stopping. If i slowed a lot and was not going to stop then i'd change from 4th straight to 2nd.

Oldraver · 14/04/2015 20:58

I drive a manual and apart from US hire cars always have done

I only know two people who drive autos...my ex MIL, who couldn't cope with gears ans eventually passed her test on the 7th time in an auto

My Dad who has to have an auto, oh yea I've driven his car

I dont like autos, it doesn't feel like I'm in control

MeggyMooAndTinkerToo · 14/04/2015 21:01

We drive a mixture of automatics and manuals. Both have manual licences. I find automatics much easier to drive, especially in the snow (but they're 4 wheel drives) I've never driven a 2 wheel auto so have no idea if they're different. DH prefers manual gearboxes.

Momzilla82 · 14/04/2015 21:03

Have an auto, bought it cos that car second hand was hands down 1.5-2k cheaper than an equivalent manual option. My parents now have an auto too, and I can drive manual but would prefer to stay Auto, from now on.

GiddyOnZackHunt · 14/04/2015 21:09

MrsK - that sounds very like what I thought it had changed to. I just don't like the idea of not being in the best gear to react. As Grataire says engine braking is my way of slowing down with some help from clutch and brakes.

Allergictoironing · 14/04/2015 21:10

Have to use an auto because of trouble with my left foot & leg - fine some of the time, but heavy traffic would be agony. I do actually prefer manuals but have no choice really.

Best car was a semi-auto where I had the choice of fully auto, manual shift or "flappy paddles" on the steering wheel (damn I love Audi gear boxes!).

GunShotResidue · 14/04/2015 21:16

I don't know anyone who drives an automatic. Between my and DH's parents and siblings there are 8 cars and all manuals.

fulltothebrim · 14/04/2015 21:17

I have a manual- OH an auto. I drive both. Don't really have a preference.

mejon · 14/04/2015 22:02

I drive a manual. Drove an automatic once (was a pool car in work) and I spent the entire journey kangarooing up the road as I was unable to stop my leg from unconsciously pressing the foot pedal (not sure which one it was - but it was clearly the wrong one!)

pointythings · 14/04/2015 22:03

I drive a manual, learned in one. I've driven auto though, it isn't bad. My mum drives auto, it makes it easier with her arthritis. Can't see myself going auto except for the same reason though, I like the control manual gives.

iwantgin · 14/04/2015 22:07

I drove manuals for 20 years. When I met DH he drove an automatic so I got to drive both. My next car was an automatic, a clutch less manual. I love it. So much less less to have to do. Wink

I have driven a manual since then, courtesy cars from the garage, hire cars etc , and I picked it straight up again.

iwantgin · 14/04/2015 22:08

All my friends and family drive !manuals though.

woodhill · 14/04/2015 22:09

love my auto, had manuals for years', I'm officially an old personSmile

Katiepoes · 14/04/2015 22:11

I wish my Mam would switch to an automatic. She believe the engines has to SCREAM before you shift up, but strangely also seems to think that the second you slow down on the motorway from around 100 you need to go from 5 to 3 immediately, driving with her is painful.

I used to to think I'd miss 'control'. I really don't, I am a complete auto convert and if I have to switch back to manual (company car) will be sad.

trixymalixy · 14/04/2015 22:11

Both DH and I drive manual cars. All bar 1 of our cars have been manuals. I did love driving an auto though and think our next car will be an auto.

TSSDNCOP · 14/04/2015 22:12

Learned in a manual, have driven and owned both. Haven't got a preference. I suppose auto is better in the big 4WD Chelsea tractor, but manual suits the hot hatch in currently driving.

trixymalixy · 14/04/2015 22:16

Oh and before we got an auto I thought I'd hate it that there would be a feeling of lack of control, but I loved it.

Pipbin · 14/04/2015 22:17

Learned in a manual. Had an automatic for a few years but went back to manual.

ChillySundays · 14/04/2015 22:22

3 cars in the household - all manual.

Drove an automatic once years ago when I used one of the company cars

WellyMummy · 14/04/2015 22:23

Learned in a manual and drove them for years until I was forced to switch due to family circumstances in 2001. I didn't like the auto to begin with but have had 2 new cars since and have stuck with automatics!

BeaufortBelle · 14/04/2015 22:23

Auto with the flappy paddle option. Love it. DH and DS have manuals though and I drive them sometimes and you don't forget and it is a more responsive sort of driving.

My SF has an auto and says he will never go back.

I do think it's a bit of an age thing. I do a lot of London driving and the auto comes into its own.

Shockers · 14/04/2015 22:27

I struggled to buy a new version of my old car that was manual; they all seemed to be at least semi-automatic. I eventually found one, but it was 18 months old.

steppemum · 14/04/2015 22:31

manual

Dad was in car industry. Manual is more standard in UK and auto more usual in US.

Muchtoomuchtodo · 14/04/2015 22:32

Mine is a manual. Dh'S is a hybrid so is automatic.

Both IL's and my Dad now drive automatics. I don't know anyone my age who drives an automatic, it seems to be something that more people swap to as they get older IME.

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