Automatic or Manual..

[I like Skol]

Now that manufacturers have got away from the slush boxes it's not as bad, the issue used to be that there was was no physical drive between the engine & the power was transferred by a fluid clutch which had to be spun up before any motion could start. Now it's all done by electronics & a more traditional direct drive clutch. The VAG DSG boxes are simply superb, I believe the Merc is supposed to be good as well.

Even later slush boxes aren't too bad. My Passat was just such a beast but the electrickery meant it would lock the torque converter a lot of the time making it just as efficient as a manual in most situations. The only time it really suffered were the stop/start short journeys where it really did lose out.

 

[byegad]

Lady Byegad got her first Automatic some 5/6 years ago. She wanted a manual box, but the garage had good deals on a bunch of cars and the only one in the colour she wanted was an auto. It had a 5 speed box which frankly changed gear rather slower than a snail on mogadon. But it was sure, very easy to drive, especially in traffic and we both liked it.
Her next car was a more sophisticated auto Variable transmission with 7 steps if you chose manual mode. So when she wanted another car last year she replaced that auto with another, slightly better fitted out but, most importantly, automatic model.
I have a bad right knee and the fact that these last two cars also came with cruise control means I can drive 250 miles, get out and walk normally. Without cruise control I'd be stiff and in pain for a day after driving that sort of distance.
I can't see us going back to manual transmission anytime soon.

 

[screenman]

Switched to an auto about 5 months ago and soon got used to it. Not so good at manouvring in tight spaces where ordinarily I would be riding the clutch and inching my way around. Don't feel quite as "in control" in those situations.

Left foot on the brake and right on the gas is the answer to that one.

 

[KEEF]

Auto every time .

 

[Piemaster]

@User9609 I've had someone tell me a few weeks back that one of the truck makers (could be Volvo) actually charge an extra 5K for a manual box - supposedly as they are more efficient, saving fuel/emissions. Know if theres any truth in it?

 

[KEEF]

@User9609 I've had someone tell me a few weeks back that one of the truck makers (could be Volvo) actually charge an extra 5K for a manual box - supposedly as they are more efficient, saving fuel/emissions. Know if theres any truth in it?

Dont know about the cost but if you order a Truck from any of the major makers you have to specify manual as auto is standard.

 

[potsy]

What car?

Golf.

 

[MrPie]

Had a hankering for an M3 many moons ago. Test drove said M3 and also a 530d to humour the sales guy. The 530d was 1. A hulking dirty diesel, yuk (before diesels we’re all the rage) and 2. Auto box. So, there was no way the diesel auto was going to factor into the decision. Or so I thought. The engine and auto box combo was amazing.....so good, that I bought it. Sold it a few years later and regretted it. Every other auto I’ve driven has simply not matched the bmw auto box.

 

[vickster]

Golf.

I had a golf GTi, it actually ate its DSG box (well the mechatronic bit?)....luckily quite soon after I bought it so the dealer sorted. Not an issue if buying new as it'll be under warranty

Then the car got stolen

That said...I much prefer my Skoda!

 

[potsy]

I had a golf GTi, it actually ate its DSG box (well the mechatronic bit?)....luckily quite soon after I bought it so the dealer sorted. Not an issue if buying new as it'll be under warranty

Then the car got stolen

That said...I much prefer my Skoda!

I did look at Skoda, I expect the equivalent would be the Fabia?

I do like my current car though, so going for the same but with the auto seems the sensible option.

See what happens on my test drive next week, then decide.

 

[SpokeyDokey]

Manual gearboxes seem pretty pointless to me. A modern 'auto' is an amazing piece of technology esp' the 'self learning' ones. They change really fast and always seem to be in the right gear - unlike the 3 speed Orion Ghia I had in the early 90's which was a nightmare with its ever-hunting widely spaced ratios.

 

[Profpointy]

Manual gearboxes seem pretty pointless to me. A modern 'auto' is an amazing piece of technology esp' the 'self learning' ones. They change really fast and always seem to be in the right gear - unlike the 3 speed Orion Ghia I had in the early 90's which was a nightmare with its ever-hunting widely spaced ratios.

Yebbut, whilst it's indeed "an amazing piece of technology" it doesn't, for me at least, perform a useful function. It's also a very complex and expensive thing to fix, unlike a traditional arrangment which can be fixed by any competant mechanic or keen amateur. Lots and lots more to go wrong too.

I have the same view of, say, dishwashers.

 

[vickster]

I did look at Skoda, I expect the equivalent would be the Fabia?

I do like my current car though, so going for the same but with the auto seems the sensible option.

See what happens on my test drive next week, then decide.

Yes I have the VRS estate (no longer made except hatch). I think the Octavia is more Golf sized?

 

[potsy]

Yes I have the VRS estate (no longer made except hatch). I think the Octavia is more Golf sized?

Ah, I thought the Octavia was more like a VW Passat?

 

[potsy]

Manual gearboxes seem pretty pointless to me. A modern 'auto' is an amazing piece of technology esp' the 'self learning' ones. They change really fast and always seem to be in the right gear - unlike the 3 speed Orion Ghia I had in the early 90's which was a nightmare with its ever-hunting widely spaced ratios.

Sounds like my 3 speed Manta, awful thing