Small automatic for new learner

El_Dangeroso

Having tried to learn a manual for a couple of years and never quite getting as comfortable as I'd like, I tried out an automatic and definitely think it's the way to go for me.

I'm looking at buying a small engined physically small car (just to make parking a bit easier) circa €5K, will go as high as €6K for the right one.

Currently the 2008 Aygo is winning out in my mind as it's small and Toyotas have a pretty reliable rep (even if that has been eroded somewhat in recent years)

Do you good people think that's the right way to go? Or has anyone any ideas I may not have thought of yet?

Any advice gratefully accepted.

colm_mcm

Aygo has a pretty rotten gearbox though. It won't make driving that much easier.

El_Dangeroso

colm_mcm wrote: »

Aygo has a pretty rotten gearbox though. It won't make driving that much easier.

How do you mean? I'm not too up on car terminology so 'rotten gearbox' means not too much to me

colm_mcm

El_Dangeroso wrote: »

How do you mean? I'm not too up on car terminology so 'rotten gearbox' means not too much to me

As in its jerky and gear changes are pretty random.


I'd get one of these instead
http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/daihutsu-sirion-automatic/7236011
Good traditional gearbox, smooth 4 cylinder engine, better interior quality and equipment.

El_Dangeroso

colm_mcm wrote: »

As in its jerky and gear changes are pretty random.


I'd get one of these instead
http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/daihutsu-sirion-automatic/7236011

Thanks for the advice. Is that something that would become apparent during a test drive?

colm_mcm

El_Dangeroso wrote: »

Thanks for the advice. Is that something that would become apparent during a test drive?

You'd probably blame yourself and assume that it wasn't the cars fault.

Moneymaker

Why aren't you comfortable with a manual?

I ask, as good small automatics are extremely thin on the ground here, and in general you will pay a premium for them(though that Sirion is perfectly adequate).

It could be something as easy as finding the right instructor who puts you at ease, and enough practice.

Also, if you pass the test in an auto, you are only licenced to drive automatics, while passing it in a manual allows you to drive both.

A Honda Jazz or Mitsubishi Colt should fall into budget if you're dead set on an automatic. Sirion will do the job too, fairly robust those cars.

El_Dangeroso

colm_mcm wrote: »

You'd probably blame yourself and assume that it wasn't the cars fault.

Might get the more experienced husband to try it out too, but will try the Daihutsu for comparison purposes (can't say I like the look of it though, bit superficial like that )

colm_mcm

El_Dangeroso wrote: »

Might get the more experienced husband to try it out too, but will try the Daihutsu for comparison purposes (can't say I like the look of it though, bit superficial like that )

They look a bit better in the flesh, most of them have air conditioning and other goodies too, that one has.
They're closely related to the yaris.

bazz26

Suzuki Swift:


http://www.driving.ie/used-cars/Suzuki/Swift/GLX-AUTO...ONLY/71914085514152420/

djimi

Cant speak for the auto box but otherwise those Swifts are a cracking little car to drive and well worth a look.

wonski

That Swift looks a class better than the Sirion.

I agree with others that your choice is limited OP - not a position you want to be in as a buyer;)
I would suggest being patient and wait for the right car to show up somewhere. There were few posters in the past looking for a small auto and it never was easy.

djimi

Moneymaker wrote: »

It could be something as easy as finding the right instructor who puts you at ease, and enough practice.

Also, if you pass the test in an auto, you are only licenced to drive automatics, while passing it in a manual allows you to drive both.

Off topic I know, but I would agree with this. Try and pass your test in a manual if at all possible, even if you never plan actually owning one. Having an auto only license makes buying cars and renting them if abroad etc much more difficult, and if you ever do want to go manual you need to resit the test again.

The right instructor and plenty of practice should see you right in a manual. Its just a case of getting to the stage where the clutch and gear changes become second nature.

El_Dangeroso

Moneymaker wrote: »

Why aren't you comfortable with a manual?

I ask, as good small automatics are extremely thin on the ground here, and in general you will pay a premium for them(though that Sirion is perfectly adequate).

It could be something as easy as finding the right instructor who puts you at ease, and enough practice.

Also, if you pass the test in an auto, you are only licenced to drive automatics, while passing it in a manual allows you to drive both.

A Honda Jazz or Mitsubishi Colt should fall into budget if you're dead set on an automatic. Sirion will do the job too, fairly robust those cars.

I've answered this question so many times I have it rote

I have tried many instructors and 5 years and I actually hate driving when I'm in a manual, so for me it's not a choice between manual and auto, it's a choice between auto and never learning to drive.

El_Dangeroso

djimi wrote: »

Its just a case of getting to the stage where the clutch and gear changes become second nature.

If that hasn't happened after five years of lessons it's unlikely to happen now.

I'm not as limited as you would think, auto's are more and more common. Any good car rental shop has autos. How do you think people from the US travel?

wonski

El_Dangeroso wrote: »

If that hasn't happened after five years of lessons it's unlikely to happen now.

I'm not as limited as you would think, auto's are more and more common. Any good car rental shop has autos. How do you think people from the US travel?

It is limited if you are looking to buy a small, petrol city hatchback with an autobox for 5-6k;)

It is like 1 automatic car vs 30 manual cars.

El_Dangeroso

wonski wrote: »

It is limited if you are looking to buy a small, petrol city hatchback with an autobox for 5-6k;)

It is like 1 automatic car vs 30 manual cars.

Limited.. but not impossible.

Anyway.. back on topic..