Moving over to automatic?

[minesadecaf]

I've never driven an auto ever but I keep being told it'll change my life etc. I'm buying a new car, chosen it etc apart from the transmission. Would you stick with manual or go for automatic given the option?

I moved to an automatic 2 years ago haven driven a manual for 15 years. Life changer!! Would never go back!! Husband now as automatic too!!

I love my automatic, after driving manual the first 20+ years. Have a bad back and much more comfortable not having to use clutch and move gear stick. It's so beautifully easy now, I wouldn't go back.

Automatic. Like you as was sceptical but I had to when I moved to the states as there are so few manual car options here. I’d never, ever go back now. You don’t forget either- I drove a manual on holiday in France this summer and it came back quickly but I was keen to give the car back at the end of the week!

I absolutely love my auto and wouldn't go back. It's so easy!

I do drive a manual now and again. The first mile is a bit ropey, then I remember and it's all fine. 😄

@letmedowngently I was like that when I had to use my husbands car before he swapped. Literally bunny hopped the first mile ha ha ha

What kind of driving do you mostly do?

For about the first year of driving auto I really missed my manual, as found the latter just more enjoyable. BUT, 95% of my driving is in the city, lots of hills and junctions and now I’m used to it I have to admit the auto is great for that - no worries with hill starts etc. If mostly A roads or motorway not sure it makes so much difference.

Also worth mentioning what make/model you’re considering so people can advise on whether that particular auto is any good - driven some really clunky ones as hire cars.

Modern automatics are excellent. My BMW has an 8 speed auto with economy, sport and manual modes. The latter uses paddles on the steering wheel, which are great fun to flick up & down through the gears. It’s an amazing bit of kit.

In sport mode, the transmission kicks down very sharply and the car just takes off when you floor it to overtake pootlers .

Automatic. Would never ever buy a manual now. What’s the point !

Got a manual 5 years ago as after driving manual for 15+. Honestly don't know why it took me so long. I've had to hire a manual occasionally so useful to be able to do so but would never ever buy a manual.

Automatic!

I switched to auto after years of having a manual. I'd never go back to manual.

Oops obvs meant I got an automatic 5 years ago !

Another auto driver! Would never go back to a manual now

Love it. So much easier

Love my auto

Auto used to get a bad rep because (in the 90s!) it was a bit shit, slow, heavy, and worse at fuel economy than even bad drivers.

Now they're slick, fast, and better at fuel than drivers. Go for it.

In ten years time more than half the cars won't have gears because they'll be electric, so you're only a bit ahead of the curve.

Would never get a manual again.

Test drive a similar one for sure. You may love it or hate it but at least you’ll know!

I miss having an auto so much!! I have a manual now and I’ll be making sure my next one is an auto.

Wow thanks! 100% vote for automatic!

I had an auto for 4 years however due to circumstances changing we had to downgrade the car and the only decent cars in our budget were manuals.

I HATE IT.

Everything feels like an effort now!! Traffic lights are inconvenient, traffic is a pain, junctions are annoying etc etc

Counting down the years until things sort themselves out and I'll be straight out buying an automatic again!

Another vote for auto here! My DH had to persuade me, but honestly it's brilliant.

I’d never have a manual again, love my automatic. Although it does have a manual option on my car as well so I can switch if I need to. Which I don’t, but it did throw me once when someone in the passenger seat leant on the button and inadvertently switched transmissions 😂

@Callybrid I'm going for an A6 avant and I do mainly city driving.