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Original poster

Automatic cars

18 replies

LaceandChintz · 26/03/2018 16:33

We are looking for a new (2nd hand) car.
We have both been driving for over 30 years but neither of us had ever driven an automatic.
But loads of the cars which fit the bill in every other way are automatics.

FYI We drive shortish distances in the city (stop start, lots of lights and junctions etc) then travel around the country during holidays (motorways etc)
We don't use the car for commuting.

So tell me, should we consider going automatic and how easy is it to feel comfortable doing so!

OP posts:
IHaveBrilloHair · 26/03/2018 16:37

I have one and I love it, Its just so easy, I can't see me changing back at all.
I did spend the first week saying, "one foot, right foot, one foot, right foot", to myselfGrin

SnooSigh · 26/03/2018 16:44

Ive been driving 20 years and I’ve had an automatic for four. Both of mine have been tiptronic so I can select a gear myself if needed. I find it easy to pop back into a manual too.

It’s nice if you’re feeling romantic you can hold hands as you drive 😂😂

SpeckledyHen · 26/03/2018 16:45

After 40 odd years of driving manual cars I have recently changed to an automatic . It took a week or so to get used to it but I like it now . It's the fasted car I gave ever owned and I thought that I would miss going up and down the gears driving 'properly ' but I don't .
I never really realised how easy it is in heavy traffic with an automatic gear box with the stop/start function .

sunshinesupermum · 26/03/2018 16:49

I've driven an automatic for 30 years. Brilliant not to have to change gears constantly! I have no idea why manual cars are still being made.

bassackwards · 26/03/2018 16:51

Go automatic! It's the way of the future - more and more models are going exclusively automatic. It's easier and more comfortable :)

BothersomeCrow · 26/03/2018 16:53

Got an automatic couple months ago as the nearest one of the model we wanted happened to be automatic.
It's rather good for town driving. Haven't driven it much yet but its fab if you've broken your left ankle! (not so much if you hurt the right, I suppose.)
I do keep reaching down to the gear lever. DP says it was very good in ice, unlike automatics 20 years ago.

tribpot · 26/03/2018 16:55

I've driven an automatic for 5 or 6 years, definitely my preference.

MolliewithOllie · 26/03/2018 16:56

ever since returning from Canada over 40 years ago (when autos were the car of choice) I have only every driven automatic cars - because they are so easy and although I learned in the UK before emigrating I hated the faff of having to change gears

If after so many years of autos being available (and good to drive) drivers are still opting for a manual because it is 'proper driving' - I cannot see driverless cars being accepted here any time soon Shock
That said - I prefer the cars with PRNDL gear shifting rather than the variable gear shifts recently introduced. I do like a bit of control!

SadieContrary · 26/03/2018 17:12

I drive an automatic and it's like a go-kart for adults! Hahaha.

Like previous replies on this thread, I really thought I'd miss the gear change etc but I don't.

When you have a commute that's full of stops/starts it's brilliant

Original poster
LaceandChintz · 26/03/2018 17:23

Wow, that's a pretty emphatic "go for it" response! Thanks everyone. Will show this thread to dh. Neither of us is pro either, just no idea about autos.

OP posts:
SadieContrary · 26/03/2018 17:36

Lace, if you do go for an auto, my best tip is to tuck your left foot up to the side so you're not tempted to use it (change gear)
On a lot of autos there's a little ledge/ramp for your foot to rest on now you're not using it. I do hope that makes sense!
It wears off within a couple of days though and you'll be driving about in an auto as if you always have... the fun happens when you switch back to a manual (I do every summer when I go home and rent a car) then stall frequently over the first day or so Grin

Tokelau · 26/03/2018 17:41

I was hesitant about switching to an automatic because I thought I would miss the gears, but I love it now. I would never go back to a manual!

blaaake · 26/03/2018 20:08

It's so much easier in traffic and on the school runs ! I'd never go back

deadringer · 26/03/2018 20:11

I love my automatic! I have the tiptronic gearbox too and i have never bothered to use the gears.

lattewith3shotsplease · 26/03/2018 20:13

OP,

Automatic cars can't be "push started" unfortunately.

Apart from that they are fantastic.

mrssunshinexxx · 26/03/2018 20:15

Automatic all the way I can confidently say we wouldn't have a manual again

Andrewofgg · 05/04/2018 20:06

Manual cars belong in the history books. Go for it.

AuditAngel · 05/04/2018 20:33

DH hates driving Macao, I was considering various cars, but if I wanted to swap on occasion he requested an auto. When it came to it, I found an amazing auto and her never gone back. I am now on my 3rd auto and love it. Current car us a hybrid, last car was tiptronic/micro-hybrid

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