The Poolie Bunker

Despite modern trends I'm not keen, as I want to be in charge!!

Manual cars are slowly being phased out but I don't want an Auto, as I want to be in complete control and also I consider myself too old and too inflexible to change. The difference from one to another being too varied - I reckon it would be unsafe for me to start on a new driving system.

Anyone done this on here??

It's really easy to pick up, manual to auto driving that is, I have had several auto's in the past and it's a much easier system to use, less chance of stalling, and no putting the car in the wrong gear by mistake. Embrace it.

This . I wouldn't go back to manual given the choice. Stopping and starting in traffic queues is so much easier with no clutch.

My current car is the first auto I've had and its just so easy. I wouldn't change back. Give it a go, you won't regret it.

My last 7 cars have all been auto's and could never go back to a manual. It makes driving soooo more relaxing unless your a boy racer who just likes to thrash the car everywhere!

So easy to drive definitely wouldn't go back to manual. Same goes for everyone I know who's made the switch.

If you were going the other way, from Automatic to Manual, then you would have something to worry about.

I’ve driven automatics for years, but my wife always drove manual, she got an automatic for the first time at the start of last year because the spec she wanted wasn’t available in manual, she doesn’t really enjoy driving to start with and she was dreading the change. After 2 days of using the car she was saying that she wished that she had moved over to automatic years ago.

I finally owned an automatic at the age of 65 although I had occasionally driven automatic hire cars as part of my job. I had always thought that automatic gearboxes may be more expensive to repair than manual ones but cars are much more reliable these days. I wouldn't go back to a manual box now as automatics are so much easier to drive. If you use adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assist you effectively only need to steer the vehicle and brake!

Thanks all.

The only problem I had with my last automatci was when you wanted to put your foot down, eg going up Hart bank, the engine would scream, it felt like I was doing 60mph in second gear. I later found out that it was only a 4 speed gearbox which kind of explained the screaming. The one I had before was a spec up and it had flaps on the steering wheel which meant that I could move up the gears myself if I wanted.

I currently have a manaul now but would have no qualms what so ever to get an automatic again

I love manual boxes…when it gets tough, you are in control…choices.

been a fan of automatics right back to 1980 when i purchased a car in south london. a pc vauxhall cresta with a 3 speed auto box. was a bit dubious as the bloke sounded a real apples and pears type on the phone and my north country wariness of the flash londoner came out. cat was fine and going through london on the saturday prior to christmas was quite restful unlike a manual flintstone box would have been. around tat era the cost of new clutches to the lifetime of an auto box was similar but not so much now. they have got over complicated and i,d do my homework on all automatic boxes in the last 10 years. if you cannot find one thats bullet proof then buy a manual and avoid peak traffic.

all i,ll say is thank god i never had to drive a bristol up to the 1960,s or a guy arab for 8 hours. you,d have gardner knee on your right leg and crash box knee on your left.

A mate of mine bought a brand new Lexus six months ago….but found all the ‘helpful’ overriding of him while driving and stepping in quite disturbing.
It lasted a month and he opted for a BMW..
Must admit I like to avoid main roads for back roads and travel through to Darlo avoiding the A19 and A66…I actually enjoy the challenge and getting the best out a gear box…but each to their own.

I wouldn’t want to do that trip as a passenger, never mind driver…..was it an Arab III or IV…..?

meant a bristol chassis not the city. the arab i drove was from 1951 so i do not know the model. a company i had little interest in even before i drove one.

I don’t mind auto, you kick down on the accelerator to drop a gear and boost your speed or pull the selector to number 1 for the same affect.What I dislike in cars is cruise control, once it’s set I feel you lose control and found deselecting it a faff on.

Manual for me every time! Love the feeling of changing gears while driving.

Like many on here I switched several years ago and wouldn't switch
back to manual. I feel more refreshed and relaxed in an automatic especially travelling longer distances.
For those yet to take the leap it's something you wish you'd have done earlier but that's
only my opinion.

Opinions vary…or we’d be in North Korea, discussing the merits of automatic Ox carts or manual Ox carts.

same with me. find it totally pointless as well. the only time i use it is after i buy a car and its fitted just to see if it works, i never ask the seller because i,m not arsed about something i,ll never use.

its not too bad when we are just about allowed an opinion and still able to discuss any topic. might not be around too long to be able to do it and not follow the party lines.