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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

Manual VS Automatic cars.

148 replies

HJWT · 09/04/2019 17:48

AIBU to tell my DH we have to get an automatic? iv only ever driven one once but I just assume it is such a better drive when you don't have to change gear!!

We are getting a 'new' (newer used) family car soon and are spending our savings, id much prefer an automatic but he is the one that knows all about cars! 😁

Tell me your opinion on driving an Automatic VS a Manual....

OP posts:

whiteroseredrose · 09/04/2019 21:38

I've had automatics for nearly 20 years. I switched when I used to be in hold-ups on the M25 every day and got a sore clutch foot! Never looked back.

I think in the distant past the gear boxes were unpredictable and expensive. However my Honda automatic is 11 years old with 130,000 miles on the clock. Its got some problems but not the gearbox (touch wood).

LadyRannaldini · 09/04/2019 21:40

Manual cars are for fools

Or for those who enjoy driving as opposed to guiding a machine. We always have an automatic in the US and on a long, tedious drive they're fine, a bit like using a point and press camera, no skill needed.
An automatic also uses more fuel generally.

Mummyshark2018 · 09/04/2019 21:42

Bought an automatic a few years back without much thought as liked the make and model of the car. We also got a good deal. My dh has a manual car and I hate driving it. My next car will definitely be another automatic. Couldn't go back to manual.

Gertie75 · 09/04/2019 21:43

I drive my Mum's quite regularly but find it very sluggish compared to a manual, she's had a fiesta and now a Corsa and they were both the same, I never felt like I could pull into traffic without a huge gap as they're much slower accelerating from standstill.

Giddyuppp · 09/04/2019 21:45

fewer people want them

Really? I'm surprised at this.

jackparlabane · 09/04/2019 21:52

We looked for a seven-seater last year. Automatics and manuals were about the same price so we ended up with an automatic.
Took a few drives to get used to, but now I love it - it's like our old manual one only better mpg, better turning circle, and really smooth gear changing.

Willow2017 · 09/04/2019 21:52

Make sure you get a proper automatic not something like a VW

Never had a problem with my vw turan. Drives like a dream. It has auto or manual and never used the manual in 5yrs.

Hecateh · 09/04/2019 22:10

I recommended an automatic to a friend but her husband kept poo pooing the idea. (Automatics were lazy, automatics lacked control) then he started having a hip problem causing lots of pain and he reluctantly bought an automatic.

He hates to admit he has been wrong but over this he has 100% conceded that they are easier and more relaxing to drive and he should have listened to me because he is enjoying driving more.

Alsohuman · 09/04/2019 22:21

Automatic hybrid here. There's no going back. No road tax and 70mpg, smoothest drive ever. There's nothing not to love.

Clevs · 09/04/2019 22:26

I have a Golf R with a DSG box and I will never buy another manual again. The gear change is barely noticeable and it is so smooth to drive. I can also put it in manual mode and use the flappy paddles or sequential gearstick if I want.

SammySamSam09 · 09/04/2019 22:29

I have a duel gearbox so I get the best of both worlds. I love having an automatic though and rarely put it into manual.

AlunWynsKnee · 09/04/2019 22:39

The Corsa auto gearbox is shite.

lampygirl · 09/04/2019 22:44

@HJWT I had a 5 series (the model before the current one) and currently have an E Class Merc. Both estates. Compared to my old 1 series they both handle a little like the titanic if you want that sort of sporty handling on the back roads then get a hot hatch, but both comfy over many miles. I’d say the BMW was the more involved drive and the Merc much more relaxed to drive. It just eats the motorway.

StillMedusa · 09/04/2019 23:06

I've had several automatics and several manuals.
I have a disability which makes autos a lot easier on bad days... but for all that I prefer manuals... I love driving, love the country roads around me and just prefer the control of me deciding when to change gear, plus engine braking is better.
Then again I like odd quirky sports cars and recently traded in a nice, sensible 3 year old auto for an old manual 2 seater... !!!!

Jaffacakebeast · 09/04/2019 23:10

I’m a recent convert! I always hated autos, but I drove a newer 1 and it was great. My next car will be an auto. Just have to factor in the more expensive repairs

Jaffacakebeast · 09/04/2019 23:12

Petrol consumption and insurance and generally more for an auto too

UterusUterusGhali · 09/04/2019 23:14

I hated automatics until I owned one.
Brilliant for town, although I live rurally but could switch with mine.
I've had to temporarily go back to a manual and I do miss the automatic. Mainly in traffic with my bad knees and joints as per PP.

Oliversmumsarmy · 09/04/2019 23:20

Live on the outskirts of London.

Loads of traffic jams.

Always driven manuals till a couple of years ago when I got an automatic (it even parks itself).

Would never go back to a manual for my main car. I drive vans and other manual cars as well

Oliversmumsarmy · 09/04/2019 23:23

As for petrol consumption, mine does about 40-45 mpg which I don’t think is bad. It isn’t exactly a small car.

Jaffacakebeast · 09/04/2019 23:25

No it’s not bad mpg, but a auto uses 5/10% more than a manual comparatively

KittyKel · 09/04/2019 23:31

We have both and I find autos are an easier drive, but use more fuel and are less responsive- there is a split second delay before it moves up or down a gear, you don’t get the instant response you do with a manual...and I have sporty BMWs and Jaguars at that.

Advantages and disadvantages to both, but I do find it harder now to switch between a manual and automatic, have to really think and remind myself when I get in car what to do.

TheSerenDipitY · 09/04/2019 23:33

i have both, we both had automatics, but when i upgraded i got a manual and the husband drove it and was reminded how much he liked a manual so he got a 2nd car in manual, then my daughter got a small automatic and its now parked at our house, so ill drive it if its in the easiest spot to get out of the drive, so i swap cars thru out the day ( normally i take whatever one has the most petrol) the auto is good if im feeling lazy but if i had to choose one or the other id go manual everytime, i just feel like i have more control in the manual, breaking and bursts of speed if needed

AlunWynsKnee · 09/04/2019 23:38

It's not necessarily true that manuals are better on fuel economy. A manual driven very well will be more efficient but a good auto will be much better than an awful lot of manual drivers. People won't accept that because they think they use the gearbox well.

Oliversmumsarmy · 10/04/2019 00:51

I will swap the extra few mpg for not having to be on and off the clutch when I am in a queue of traffic. Which I am in several times per day.

Or just being able to park in the tiniest spaces with just a push of a button and a flick of a switch.

I too swap around cars several times per day but for certain journeys I insist on using my car.

YemenRoadYemen · 10/04/2019 05:08

Manuals are pretty much obsolete here.

Our city is hilly, so manuals are a total pain in the arse.

We have recently replaced our manual (that we brought over from the UK) with an automatic, and it is so much more pleasant to drive.

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