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’ve had manual cars all my life but dh’s car is an automatic and I love it. My next car will be an automatic.

Driving an automatic lets me concentrate on the actual road and not have to think about gears. Plus no finding the biting point on a hill!

Another vote for auto here. I got my first auto a couple of years ago after driving manuals for 20+ years. It's brilliant. I wouldn't go back.

Absolutely love my automatic
I’m on my second now and would never choose to go back

Yep 2 years driving auto after 15 years manual. Love it. I had automatic handbreak for 4 years before that which I didn't want to get rid of. I was doubtful about benefit of automatic and didn't like driving DHs jag automatic (twirly circly control thing) my bmw 2 series is a stick control which is really easy to use and has eco, normal and sport modes. I drive eco the whole time and its so nippy. Great for all the city dfiving I do.

I will never go back. Bought an automatic second hand about four years ago, and I got used to it really quickly. When we bought a second car, I would only consider automatics.

I also love my automatic! I got it because it was a good deal, but now I think I would pay more just to get one. It's lovely.

I still drive a manual every so often. I always forget and crunch the gears first go but then slip back into it easy enough.

Yeah, it won't change your life. It's just different. No reason not to get one, but not that big a deal either.

I can't ever imagine buying a manual car again ,

15 year plus of driving and my auto had made it a pleasure again instead of just a means to an end.

Both our cars are auto , I very occasionally still drive a manual and like a pp said it comes back in a instant but highlights what a hindrance manual really is .

Do it , you really won't regret it , just imagine your left leg has fallen off , don't put a foot on each pedal , use your right foot for both else you will go through the windscreen when you break

I absolutely hate not having a manual car and wish I hadn't listened to people telling me it's so much better!

Automatics are much less work. The new CVT (continuously variable transmission) types are as good or better than manuals for fuel efficiency. It's very hard to buy a manual in the US as they don't meet fuel efficiency standards.

Love my auto. Was reluctant at first, saw them as ‘old persons’ choice, but I’d never go back to a manual (even if the option was about £25,000 cheaper!?!! ) now. Means I can still drive with my disabilities too. As for London traffic, soooo tedious with a manual, auto all the way!

DP recently changed to automatic as he wanted a Toyota hybrid and now I can't wait to change my car as I'm desperate for an automatic!!

It makes sitting in traffic jams (especially motorway) so much easier as there's no constant changing between 1st and 2nd gear

So today I bought a car...an automatic! Pick it up next week. Thanks all!

Nope , not for me. I'd rather have a manual transmission. I still have my old Mini plus my Jaguar. Both are manual. Unusual for Jag to have manual but even the garage says they're much better if you want to drive it properly but I guess it's horses for courses. Husband has auto on his Volvo Tank ( optional turret ). Heavy wallowing beast.

Auto. Switched after 25 years in a manual, would never go back. I'm having to hire a car during a holiday we've booked and debating whether it's worth the extra £50 not to have to drive a manual for a week.

Well done on an excellent decision!

I've driven an automatic for the last 12 years and I really enjoy it. I do a lot of city driving so it's make sense but actually I also do some quite long distance toad trips and it's great as well . I can also easily slip back into manual if needs be when driving on holiday. But most of the time I hire automatics now. I don't go back now - why would you?

My only problem has been with my DD learning to drive. I think she should learn manual but both I and my XH drive automatics. So hard for her to get driving practice that reinforces the lessons.

but even the garage says they're much better if you want to drive it properly

@CharlotteMD what exactly do you mean by driving it properly????