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Original poster

Do you ever regret buying an automatic car?

8 replies

thelittlebluepills · 11/04/2010 19:10

DH's car is an automatic and we are looking at replacing mine - I don't mind an automatic but I just wonder whether I'll 'forget' how to drive a manual?

are there any negatives to getting an automatic?

OP posts:

supersalstrawberry · 11/04/2010 19:13

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Quattrocento · 11/04/2010 19:15

I drive an automatic, because DH can't drive a manual. The downsides are:

They are heavier on CO2 emissions
They are more expensive to buy

But actually, I like the automatics. We hire a manual when we go on holiday and it's like riding a bike - you never forget how to drive one (IMO)

aJumpedUpPantryBoy · 11/04/2010 19:20

I love driving an automatic. On the rare occasions I have to drive a manual it's fine (after stalling a few times!)

I wouldn't go back to driving a manual now.

wonderingwondering · 11/04/2010 19:23

You can lose some of the control that gears give you when driving on ice. I love my automatic, but it also has manual controls if you need them (I thought I'd use manual a lot more than I do - only in the poor weather over the winter).

trellism · 11/04/2010 19:25

I have driven an automatic Jazz for years and am on my second. Not all auto boxes are created equal, and we've had 2 different ones, but:

They are excellent for city driving, particularly on hills.

I don't find I "forget" how to drive a manual.

BuzzingNoise · 11/04/2010 19:29

Nope. I love my automatic car and never plan to buy a manual again.

rosieposey · 11/04/2010 19:31

I drive an old 7 seater merc eclass and its fab, the only downsides are that i think its a little heavier on petrol than perhaps a manual might be but hey when ive been in a traffic jam/town driving it makes all the difference, no achey ankles!

PigeonPie · 11/04/2010 19:31

I have to have an automatic now as my left leg just doesn't work well enough for a manual clutch. I thought I'd hate it as I like the precision etc of a manual and most of the time I drive in the manual mode (and funnily enough opposite to Wondering drove in 'snow auto' in the snow to give me more control over the steering!) but it's ok, although I do think it's more thirsty than my old manual.

When we replace the car (in the long term future I hope!) I am seriously looking at a clutchless manual so that I can go back to 'proper' driving.

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