Recently bought Automatic now other half wants to learn to drive:-(

dubg · 25-08-2010 1:42pm #1

I bought an automatic 08 saab 95 a few months ago as i wanted an auto for my bad back. Now my other half wants to learn to drive. We dont need 2 cars so what can i do.... Why didnt they say before i traded.

galwaytt · 25-08-2010 1:44pm

dubg wrote: »

I bought an automatic 08 saab 95 a few months ago as i wanted an auto for my bad back. Now my other half wants to learn to drive. We dont need 2 cars so what can i do.... Why didnt they say before i traded.

...sorry, I'm failing to see the problem: your other half wants to learn to drive, and you don't want to let her use the Saab ? What's that about ?

Cookie_Monster · 25-08-2010 1:46pm

plenty to learn apart from gears & clutch. can qualify on a restricted licence and change later.

keithclancy · 25-08-2010 1:46pm

dubg wrote: »

I bought an automatic 08 saab 95 a few months ago as i wanted an auto for my bad back. Now my other half wants to learn to drive. We dont need 2 cars so what can i do.... Why didnt they say before i traded.

Don't get it, either this thread belongs in Personal Issues.

Or

Get your other half to do lessons and do the test in an instructors car, IF your concern is that she/he would only be licensed to drive an automatic.

langdang · 25-08-2010 1:51pm

I'd say manual gearboxes will be practically obsolete in 10years anyway.
Wouldn't an auto be perfect to learn to drive (or at least start off in) - you get to devote all your attention to the real skills of driving - observation and anticipation?

Eoin · 25-08-2010 1:56pm

As much as I have to come to love automatics, I think it's a good idea to get the full license so you have a choice.

cantdecide · 25-08-2010 2:01pm

Cookie_Monster wrote: »

plenty to learn apart from gears & clutch. can qualify on a restricted licence and change later.

+1

Thing of nothing, IMO.

I've always thought that there's 2 halves to learning to drive.

-learning to drive
-learning to use a manual gearbox

I'm sure your OH has friends or siblings or whoever that can brief her on manual transmissions if you don't fancy expensive instructor's cars.

langdang · 25-08-2010 2:01pm

eoin wrote: »

As much as I have to come to love automatics, I think it's a good idea to get the full license so you have a choice.

And I'm all for the easy life! ie it sounds like the OPs other half is starting a bit late at the whole driving thing - minimise the arguments etc over terrible gear changing and murdering clutches and bate on with the auto!!

djimi · 25-08-2010 2:10pm

langdang wrote: »

I'd say manual gearboxes will be practically obsolete in 10years anyway.

No they wont.

langdang wrote: »

Wouldn't an auto be perfect to learn to drive (or at least start off in) - you get to devote all your attention to the real skills of driving - observation and anticipation?

Its pointless learning in an automatic; the license is useless if you want to drive a manual car later on down the line. Its better to learn to drive properly first, get a full license, then choose to buy an automatic if you wish.

djimi · 25-08-2010 2:11pm

Cookie_Monster wrote: »

plenty to learn apart from gears & clutch. can qualify on a restricted licence and change later.

Dont you have to resit the test in order to be allowed to drive a manual. Seems a bit pointless when you can just do it all the first time around.

langdang · 25-08-2010 2:20pm

djimi wrote: »

No they wont.

Its pointless learning in an automatic; the license is useless if you want to drive a manual car later on down the line. Its better to learn to drive properly first, get a full license, then choose to buy an automatic if you wish.

Yes they will TIMES INFINITY

Driving properly is about observation and anticipation. Driving an auto does not mean you are not a proper driver.

Eoin · 25-08-2010 2:23pm

I do agree, but that's a 100 page thread in its own right!

Why limit yourself when it comes to borrowing or renting a car in the future...

djimi · 25-08-2010 2:34pm

langdang wrote: »

Yes they will TIMES INFINITY

If I cant buy a manual car in 10 years Im blaming you... :mad:

langdang wrote: »

Driving properly is about observation and anticipation. Driving an auto does not mean you are not a proper driver.

I dont mean it doesnt make you a proper driver, but I do believe that everyone should be able to drive using the gears when learning. I dont see the point in limiting what car you can drive in the future. Learn in a manual, then choose to drive an auto if that is what you wish. Others may feel differently, thats just my viewpoint.

The Real B-man · 25-08-2010 2:41pm

Get her a Cheap manual car till she gets her full licence

r3nu4l · 25-08-2010 2:47pm

Why would anyone choose to do a test in an auto and then resit for a full test later? Better get it all out of the way first time around imo BEFORE you build up bad habits and have to unlearn them a couple of years later.

She may never drive a manual again upon passing but at least she will have the choice and won't be restricted wherever she goes.

dubug, let her get lessons in the instructor's car and then get her insured on a parent's car or something to practice in.

200motels · 25-08-2010 3:49pm

I bought an auto about 3 and half years ago so my wife could learn how to drive but a few weeks ago I got a full valet on my car and they gave me a loan of a manual car and I couldn't drive it properly for most of the day it was like learning all over again, eventually I got the hang of it, and I enjoyed driving a manual again and want to go back to manual.

dubg · 25-08-2010 4:37pm

Thanks for the responses. Im sorry i was a bit vague earlier. I WAS STEAMING. Also did it from my mobile. Firstly the Saab is way to big to learn in. Secondly we have no extra parking available. And as other say better do test in manual and get it finished. My concern is i will have to trade the saab for something valued similarly. Prob spending a few bob with it. Having a quick look about it will have to be something like a mini. personally i never buy mainstream. I have always had saabs or alfas.

galwaytt · 25-08-2010 4:53pm

dubg wrote: »

Thanks for the responses. Im sorry i was a bit vague earlier. I WAS STEAMING. Also did it from my mobile. Firstly the Saab is way to big to learn in. Secondly we have no extra parking available. And as other say better do test in manual and get it finished. My concern is i will have to trade the saab for something valued similarly. Prob spending a few bob with it. Having a quick look about it will have to be something like a mini. personally i never buy mainstream. I have always had saabs or alfas.

sorry, but the above is equally vague........

.......

Why is the Saab too big to learn in ?
Will she not drive it once she passes her test?
Why do you need more parking, if your Saab fits where it is, already ?
Who says it's better to do a test in a manual ? People with manual's ? Why not ask people who have done their test in auto's, instead ?

I completely fail to see why you'd sell your Saab over this. For a start, if she wants lessons, even a manual, do them in a school car. You can even use an automatic school car if you're afraid she'll dent the 9-5.........

I mean, what if you sell the Saab, buy a manual, she does lessons, does her test, and then FAILS the test, then what :eek: ? You're still Saab-auto-less, and she's still unlicenced....sounds like a daft reason to blow money, tbh.........

If, otoh, she passes her test, then decides she wants an auto, like you, what, you'll sell the Mini/Alfa/Etc again ? What, more money ?

This is a conversation to be had AFTER she passes her test, imho.

Oh, and yes, auto's are going to be more commonplace in the future anyhoo.

kildare.17hmr · 25-08-2010 4:58pm

Mine did the same a few weeks ago so i looked around and got her a nice lil hyundai coupe with a 2 yr test for €600. she can wreck that!

bazzachazza · 25-08-2010 5:00pm

Why would you sell your car over this ?

Borrow a manual car or pay for lessons in a learner car it will be much cheaper in the long run.

If he/she is going to drive your car then no big deal. You will also have to get used to a manual car again if you get one in future years.

Calm down. You have probably said "Oh my god this is so much better than driving a manual" at some stage when you were out and they have picked up on this and decided it's now time to learn. So its partially your own fault.;)

unkel · 25-08-2010 5:17pm

langdang wrote: »

I'd say manual gearboxes will be practically obsolete in 10years anyway.

I'd love to agree with you and it is a valid point. Higher end cars are almost all automatic already. Hell, Ferraris are auto only for all new models.

I fear though that the cheaper low end sh1tboxes will probably still be manuals in 10 years time. Could be restrictive when you book a rental car abroad is the first problem that springs to mind.

SurferDude41 · 25-08-2010 5:26pm

Oh I miss my lovely automatic car! Now my left hip aches all the time, from using the clutch constantly:(
You see, I bought this economical diesel car to save on my car fuel bill.
It does over 55mpg:)
My lovely automatic chariot, only did around 30mpg and the road tax was over €850 per year:eek:
I passed my test in a manual, But I would prefer an automatic, for sheer stress free driving any day.
I shall have to look for an automatic diesel car soon, or maybe I will need my dodgy hip replaced otherwise.

djimi · 25-08-2010 6:30pm

unkel wrote: »

I'd love to agree with you and it is a valid point. Higher end cars are almost all automatic already. Hell, Ferraris are auto only for all new models.

I fear though that the cheaper low end sh1tboxes will probably still be manuals in 10 years time. Could be restrictive when you book a rental car abroad is the first problem that springs to mind.

You sound like you want all cars to be automatics...?

The day I cant buy a manual car is the day I pack in driving and buy a motorbike. Theres something distinctly bland about driving automatics that I just cant take to.

veetwin · 25-08-2010 6:36pm

galwaytt wrote: »

sorry, but the above is equally vague...............

Why is the Saab too big to learn in ?
Will she not drive it once she passes her test?
Why do you need more parking, if your Saab fits where it is, already ?
Who says it's better to do a test in a manual ? People with manual's ? Why not ask people who have done their test in auto's, instead ?

I completely fail to see why you'd sell your Saab over this. For a start, if she wants lessons, even a manual, do them in a school car. You can even use an automatic school car if you're afraid she'll dent the 9-5.........

I mean, what if you sell the Saab, buy a manual, she does lessons, does her test, and then FAILS the test, then what :eek: ? You're still Saab-auto-less, and she's still unlicenced....sounds like a daft reason to blow money, tbh.........

If, otoh, she passes her test, then decides she wants an auto, like you, what, you'll sell the Mini/Alfa/Etc again ? What, more money ?

This is a conversation to be had AFTER she passes her test, imho.

Oh, and yes, auto's are going to be more commonplace in the future anyhoo.

Have to say i agree completely. Whats wrong with her learning to drive in an auto? Also while the Saab is not a small car it's hardly what you'd call too big to learn in. I really don't get the fascination with people having to drive a manual. For the OP getting a second car is not an option/ridiculous. If she does learn and pass her test whats wrong with her being licenced only to drive autos?

It's not as if the OP will ever in all probability go back to driving manuals.

djimi · 25-08-2010 6:40pm

veetwin wrote: »

Have to say i agree completely. Whats wrong with her learning to drive in an auto? Also while the Saab is not a small car it's hardly what you'd call too big to learn in. I really don't get the fascination with people having to drive a manual. For the OP getting a second car is not an option/ridiculous. If she does learn and pass her test whats wrong with her being licenced only to drive autos?

It's not as if the OP will ever in all probability go back to driving manuals.

Whats the point in going thru the hassle of learning to drive and getting your license, only to have to go thru it all over again down the line if you want to get a manual car? Its seems ridiculous to me to get a license that restricts you driving a small minority of the cars in the country, when you could learn in a manual, at least give yourself the option to drive manual cars should you wish, and still be perfectly entitled to drive automatic cars if that is what you choose.

Id consider a Saab 95 a very big car for a complete novice (assuming that is what she is) to drive, but I wouldnt agree with trading it in. Pick her up a cheap run around to learn in and sell it on when she learns would be my advice.

veetwin · 25-08-2010 6:47pm

djimi wrote: »

Whats the point in going thru the hassle of learning to drive and getting your license, only to have to go thru it all over again down the line if you want to get a manual car? Its seems ridiculous to me to get a license that restricts you driving a small minority of the cars in the country, when you could learn in a manual, at least give yourself the option to drive manual cars should you wish, and still be perfectly entitled to drive automatic cars if that is what you choose.

Id consider a Saab 95 a very big car for a complete novice (assuming that is what she is) to drive, but I wouldnt agree with trading it in. Pick her up a cheap run around to learn in and sell it on when she learns would be my advice.

Why would she or the OP ever want to get a manual car? Seriously its not as if autos are scarce on the secondhand or rental market should they go on holidays. I agree it would be better to have the option but it's hardly the be all and end all.

Anan1 · 25-08-2010 6:50pm

veetwin wrote: »

Why would she or the OP ever want to get a manual car? Seriously its not as if autos are scarce on the secondhand or rental market should they go on holidays. I agree it would be better to have the option but it's hardly the be all and end all.

Trust me - it's a PITA if you end up with a manual 'weekend' car at some point that the OH can't drive.

djimi · 25-08-2010 6:52pm

Thats all well and good to say now, but why limit yourself? Its not like its hard to learn in a manual. If she never drives a manual then so be it, but at least she would have the option to do so should she ever wish to.

I dunno, maybe Im looking at it wrong, but I just dont see the point in the automatic only test. It just seems a waste of time to me. But then again I dont, nor will I ever, drive automatic cars.

Anan1 · 25-08-2010 7:05pm

djimi wrote: »

nor will I ever, drive automatic cars.

Bet you will.;)

veetwin · 25-08-2010 7:05pm

Anan1 wrote: »

Trust me - it's a PITA if you end up with a manual 'weekend' car at some point that the OH can't drive.

If they did end up getting a weekend car I'd be insisting on an auto on the basis that the OH would not be licenced to drive a manual. If that didn't work I'd be looking forward to a weekend on the 7up:mad:

jimmyw · 25-08-2010 7:11pm

Anyone that drives an auto is either 1 lazy, 2 fat 3 incompetent to drive a manual, 4 a woman, 5 yanks.Real men drive manuals.Do not sell the saab.Get her a small yoke:rolleyes::mad::D

Eoin · 25-08-2010 7:14pm

jimmyw wrote: »

Anyone that drives an auto is either 1 lazy, 2 fat 3 incompetent to drive a manual, 4 a woman, 5 yanks.Real men drive manuals.Do not sell the saab.

What utter nonsense.

djimi · 25-08-2010 7:16pm

jimmyw wrote: »

Anyone that drives an auto is either 1 lazy, 2 fat 3 incompetent to drive a manual, 4 a woman, 5 yanks.Real men drive manuals.Do not sell the saab.Get her a small yoke:rolleyes::mad::D

As much as I dislike autos even I dont agree with this...

djimi · 25-08-2010 7:18pm

Anan1 wrote: »

Bet you will.;)

Nah, drove one in the States for a few weeks, kept trying to change gear with the door handle

I just didnt enjoy it at all. I can see the times when it would be nice not to have a clutch, like when sitting in traffic and what not, but overall I think Id miss the control I get from a manual gearbox.

Then again I suppose I said Id never cut my hair... :rolleyes:

Eoin · 25-08-2010 7:19pm

That might not have been the best example of a good auto box. You will actually not lose as much control as you think with a good one - in fact, having your hands on the wheel at all times gives you more control.

veetwin · 25-08-2010 7:21pm

jimmyw wrote: »

Anyone that drives an auto is either 1 lazy, 2 fat 3 incompetent to drive a manual, 4 a woman, 5 yanks.Real men drive manuals.Do not sell the saab.Get her a small yoke:rolleyes::mad::D

Err...the Saab is an auto...:rolleyes:

bazz26 · 25-08-2010 7:24pm

jimmyw wrote: »

Anyone that drives an auto is either 1 lazy, 2 fat 3 incompetent to drive a manual, 4 a woman, 5 yanks.Real men drive manuals.Do not sell the saab.Get her a small yoke:rolleyes::mad::D

djimi · 25-08-2010 7:26pm

eoin wrote: »

That might not have been the best example of a good auto box. You will actually not lose as much control as you think with a good one - in fact, having your hands on the wheel at all times gives you more control.

I like to be able to control the decelleration of the car using my gearbox when the weather is bad. I dont think Id have gotten thru last winter without being able to do that tbh. I know autos have a sort of manual option where you can select 1st and 2nd is it? What is this like in bad weather?

jimmyw · 25-08-2010 7:28pm

eoin wrote: »

What utter nonsense.

djimi wrote: »

As much as I dislike autos even I dont agree with this...

Yes I love stirring up s**t:D.Seriously I would love to drive an auto just to see what their like.

veetwin wrote: »

Err...the Saab is an auto...:rolleyes:

I would only make an exception because its a saab:P

Eoin · 25-08-2010 7:28pm

It depends. Mine has all 5 forward gears available in tiptronic mode, which I used in the bad weather and very occasionally on hilly roads.

jimmyw wrote:

Yes I love sturring up s**t:D.Seriously I would love to drive an auto just to see what their like.

Please don't stir it for the sake of it

Most the people I speak to who swore off autos did so after driving a bad example of one.

Anyway, if the OP's other half does her test in a manual, then she will at least have the choice.

djimi · 25-08-2010 7:33pm

The auto I drove was a new (at the time, 2004ish) Pontiac Grand Prix, so Im not sure how good or bad they are! Cracking car, absolutely loved everything about it other than the gearbox.

I would be very interested to try that tiptronic gearbox. One thing I always wondered about them; if one so chose, could they be used as a manual all the time or is it just designed for occasional use?

Eoin · 25-08-2010 7:44pm

djimi wrote: »

I would be very interested to try that tiptronic gearbox. One thing I always wondered about them; if one so chose, could they be used as a manual all the time or is it just designed for occasional use?

You could if you want, but even in tiptronic mode it will still shift for you sometimes. E.g. if I pull up to the lights in 4th gear, it will change down to 2nd once I go below a certain speed.

Despite that - I just don't bother, because the automatic with sport mode is more than good enough if I want to give it some welly. The very slight delay as shifts down after I plant the foot is probably no longer than the time it would take me to clutch in, change gears and clutch out again in a manual.

Also, remember that there are dual clutch transmissions, which are in many high-end sport cars (Formula 1 cars included!).

kazul · 25-08-2010 7:51pm

langdang wrote: »

I'd say manual gearboxes will be practically obsolete in 10years anyway.

Forget the transmission, the internal combustion engine may be gone by then too :eek:
It's (barely) within living memory that horses were the preferred mode of transport in this country, now they're just a novelty/dog food

kazul · 25-08-2010 7:55pm

jimmyw wrote: »

Anyone that drives an auto is either 1 lazy, 2 fat 3 incompetent to drive a manual, 4 a woman, 5 yanks.Real men drive manuals.:rolleyes::mad::D

A lot of real men, me at top of queue, would beg to differ. Do you have a full license? Have you ever driven an automatic?

jimmyw · 25-08-2010 8:18pm

jimmyw wrote: »

Yes I love stirring up s**t:D.Seriously I would love to drive an auto just to see what their like.

I would only make an exception because its a saab:P

kazul wrote: »

A lot of real men, me at top of queue, would beg to differ. Do you have a full license? Have you ever driven an automatic?

Jesus lighten up people,I am messing.How is that relevant? I do though sir, thank you for asking.I am only jealous of autos:)

unkel · 25-08-2010 8:31pm

djimi wrote: »

The day I cant buy a manual car is the day I pack in driving and buy a motorbike.

You'll probably be able to buy manual car for another good few years. Micras, Corsas, Avensis, etc.

Me, I'd rather drive an auto Ferrari

seniorstaff · 25-08-2010 9:15pm

dubg wrote: »

I bought an automatic 08 saab 95 a few months ago as i wanted an auto for my bad back. Now my other half wants to learn to drive. We dont need 2 cars so what can i do.... Why didnt they say before i traded.

why not just teach her to drive the automatic, any instructor will give her lessons in your car, then just stick to automatics forever more,problem solved.otherwise buy another car for her!:D

Vertakill · 25-08-2010 9:58pm

I'd just buy something cheap for under 1.5/2k that's a manual or so and let her go nuts in it.

That way you don't have to worry about her wrecking your nice new purchase and she can get the manual gearbox tuition she needs at the same time.

langdang · 25-08-2010 10:38pm

kazul wrote: »

Forget the transmission, the internal combustion engine may be gone by then too :eek:
It's (barely) within living memory that horses were the preferred mode of transport in this country, now they're just a novelty/dog food

Yup, unless we discover massive oil reserves and keep them for ourselves rather than selling them for a pittance, ICE will be a plaything for Irelands rich folk within our lifetime.

Anan1 · 25-08-2010 11:16pm

djimi wrote: »

I like to be able to control the decelleration of the car using my gearbox when the weather is bad. I dont think Id have gotten thru last winter without being able to do that tbh. I know autos have a sort of manual option where you can select 1st and 2nd is it? What is this like in bad weather?

It works, but it's not as safe as using the brakes (no ABS). An auto will have less engine braking than a manual due to the 'softening' effect of the torque converter, so it will be less likely than a manual to lock up, but still. Apparently my car has a system that lets individual wheels rotate if they lock due to engine braking on low-friction surfaces - i've never tried it.

Recently bought Automatic now other half wants to learn to drive:-(

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