Automatic advice

puffin24

Hi! I have limited experience driving despite my years (late 20s) and I don't really like it. I'm a very nervous driver and generally an uncoordinated person at the best of times! I want to get an automatic car to practice in and take my test this way. I know there are reasons to not do this, what if you want a new car, they are harder to get, if I want to do a manual I will have to retake the test, but to be honest I don't mind these. If I do have to retake it at least I will be more confident on the road. Can you advise on the best automatics to get? My budget would be up to 2000, could stretch a wee bit more. Thanks!

Alanstrainor

Have you had lessons?

I would generally advise against buying a car before taking lessons simply due to the cost of having a car that will spend the majority of the time (at least in the beginning) sitting idle.

puffin24

That's a good point, no I haven't. The plan is to do a few lessons, maybe 5 or 6, until I have a basic idea of what I'm doing then to get a car to practice in. Does this sound plausible? I'm just on the lookout for a good car. I've been advised to stick to Asian models with automatics, but I'm not sure if that advice is outdated?

Alanstrainor

puffin24 wrote: »

That's a good point, no I haven't. The plan is to do a few lessons, maybe 5 or 6, until I have a basic idea of what I'm doing then to get a car to practice in. Does this sound plausible? I'm just on the lookout for a good car. I've been advised to stick to Asian models with automatics, but I'm not sure if that advice is outdated?

That sounds like a reasonable plan.

I would go as far as to say, forget this idea of doing the test in an automatic for now, and get lessons in a manual car. There's no point writing off driving a manual before getting instruction on how to do so.

I would even go as far to say that more lessons could be needed before thinking of a car to be honest.

puffin24

Thanks! I'm going to stick with my automatic plan, I really don't like driving manual and I don't know why I would learn it when I don't like driving. I only literally want a car to take me from A to B. But I appreciate the motors forum is probably not the best place to admit this!

Alanstrainor

puffin24 wrote: »

Thanks! I'm going to stick with my automatic plan, I really don't like driving manual and I don't know why I would learn it when I don't like driving. I only literally want a car to take me from A to B. But I appreciate the motors forum is probably not the best place to admit this!

It seems odd that you would still write off the idea of a manual before receiving any instruction on how to drive one... This has nothing to do with this being a motors forum, there are plenty of reasons that having an automatic license could become problematic in the future. Renting cars, driving friends/family cars etc. My advice would be to talk to an instructor first before making any decision yourself.

puffin24

OK, thanks. I will think about it. I think part of the reason is that I want to get driving soon. This isn't going to happen in a manual, I know even if I have the greatest instructor in the world it will take me forever to even be slightly comfortable with what I'm doing.

Special Circumstances

puffin24 wrote: »

That's a good point, no I haven't. The plan is to do a few lessons, maybe 5 or 6, until I have a basic idea of what I'm doing then to get a car to practice in. Does this sound plausible? I'm just on the lookout for a good car. I've been advised to stick to Asian models with automatics, but I'm not sure if that advice is outdated?

Be aware that many auto Japanese cars may be japanese imports, which may be more difficult/costly to insure than "native" ones. Auto micra or yaris seems like a good bet to start out with.

puffin24

Special Circumstances wrote: »

Be aware that many auto Japanese cars may be japanese imports, which may be more difficult/costly to insure than "native" ones. Auto micra or yaris seems like a good bet to start out with.

Thanks, yes I've seen a few nice yaris's (yari?) around.

puffin24

OSI wrote: »

Well you won't be allowed to drive for at least 6 months anyway. May as well at least spend those 6 months getting to grips with a manual. The auto cars at that end of the price range aren't the finer specimens.

I have had my provisional for a few months now, but I get your point. Don't be lazy. I just have to remind myself that I know lots of stupid people and they learned just fine!

Special Circumstances

puffin24 wrote: »

Thanks, yes I've seen a few nice yaris's (yari?) around.

The japanese import version is the vitz, although something badged as a yaris could just be an imported vitz with yaris badges put on.
"March" is the japanese equivalent of "Micra". Same applies.

Auto's are gonna be more and more common in the future. Although I agree with another posters sentiment above - the cheap old small engined ones aren't a great place to spend a lot of time. Not much choice starting out though.

stesaurus

You're convincing yourself that you don't like driving and can't handle a manual. You should stop that thinking right now. We were all nervous drivers once. I was terrified when I started but got over it pretty quick and got a buzz from driving almost immediately. An instructor is well used to nervous drivers. They'll put you at ease and won't put you in a dangerous situation.

Did you have some kind of bad experience, maybe a friend letting you try their car in the wrong kind of situation? It won't be like that at all if done properly.

Stop and think about things, find the right instructor that you're comfortable with. Take as much time as you need with them before moving off in the car. Do it in a manual, they will explain everything. After a few times out it starts becoming second nature.

I wouldn't advise you to go with your 5 lesson plan and then buying a car. The difference between a manual and an automatic is very little. Until you're comfortable out on roads, traffic, stopping, starting that car will sit idle and be a constant reminder of being afraid/failing. I've seen it before with a few friends who were nervous. Just stick with the lessons util you're happy and don't think about cars until after. Probably a minimum of 10 lessons.

puffin24

Special Circumstances wrote: »

The japanese import version is the vitz, although something badged as a yaris could just be an imported vitz with yaris badges put on.
"March" is the japanese equivalent of "Micra". Same applies.

I've seen a March and I thought it looked just like a micra alright!

ancapallliath

my wife had the same problem as the op.

i tried to teach her in my manual car but she was just too nervous. it wasnt just the whole driving but the changing gears threw her concentration and made her more nervous.

eventually I bought her an automatic micra. she began to like driving once she started. she was still nervous but at least not afraid to drive. she passed her test 1st time about 5 years ago.

never any problem with the micra. upgraded to a mazda demio about 3 years ago. never any problems with this either and passed nct 1st time every time with only yearly serivices. will be sticking with the mazda come next change.

i have not seen any issue buying automatic.
never any issue insuring or taxing either.

some people have a myth that imports are much dearer.
yes if you go for powered up Mitsubishi or the like but not Micra/Demio/Yaris etc.

puffin24

s.welstead wrote: »

You're convincing yourself that you don't like driving and can't handle a manual. You should stop that thinking right now. We were all nervous drivers once. I was terrified when I started but got over it pretty quick and got a buzz from driving almost immediately. An instructor is well used to nervous drivers. They'll put you at ease and won't put you in a dangerous situation.

Did you have some kind of bad experience, maybe a friend letting you try their car in the wrong kind of situation? It won't be like that at all if done properly.

Stop and think about things, find the right instructor that you're comfortable with. Take as much time as you need with them before moving off in the car. Do it in a manual, they will explain everything. After a few times out it starts becoming second nature.

I wouldn't advise you to go with your 5 lesson plan and then buying a car. The difference between a manual and an automatic is very little. Until you're comfortable out on roads, traffic, stopping, starting that car will sit idle and be a constant reminder of being afraid/failing. I've seen it before with a few friends who were nervous. Just stick with the lessons util you're happy and don't think about cars until after. Probably a minimum of 10 lessons.

Thanks! You're right! And if I want to practice my sis has offered to take me out in her (manual) car.

biko

I would side with OP here.
An auto Micra is pretty perfect for new drivers, small and easy to manoeuvre. With an auto the driver can focus on mirrors, road positioning etc without the added difficulty of clutching and shifting gears and the nervousness of stalling at red lights.

Autos are becoming increasingly popular so I'd say in a few years they will be cheaper than today once newer models with auto have decreased in price. Of course in Europe manual will still be the majority of cars and thus auto will always cost more.

m2c

puffin24

ancapallliath wrote: »

my wife had the same problem as the op.

i tried to teach her in my manual car but she was just too nervous. it wasnt just the whole driving but the changing gears threw her concentration and made her more nervous.

eventually I bought her an automatic micra. she began to like driving once she started. she was still nervous but at least not afraid to drive. she passed her test 1st time about 5 years ago.

never any problem with the micra. upgraded to a mazda demio about 3 years ago. never any problems with this either and passed nct 1st time every time with only yearly serivices. will be sticking with the mazda come next change.

i have not seen any issue buying automatic.
never any issue insuring or taxing either.

some people have a myth that imports are much dearer.
yes if you go for powered up Mitsubishi or the like but not Micra/Demio/Yaris etc.

That is my problem driving, I have driven before and I am fine but the gears are a pain in my neck. I might do a few manual lessons, and then switch to automatic if I'm still having problems? I would love to just do automatic lessons but I do feel pressure to do manual, I feel like people think you're not doing it properly unless it's manual. Arg! Why can't I be American

stesaurus

Who cares what others think, screw them. I have no problem driving a manual, it's second nature once you're used to it. In saying that though I now have a big automatic and love the laziness of it and cruise control.
Just don't limit yourself

billy few mates

I believe if you pass your test in an automatic your licence only allows you to drive an automatic, this will certainly limit your options when it comes to buying other vehicles and will hit you in the pocket if you ever have to rent a car. Your best bet is to learn and pass in a manual and then get yourself an auto and sit back and relax.
I've recently switched back to an auto after not having had one for about fifteen years and they're so much more refined now, it will be hard to get me back in a manual now...

Alanstrainor

puffin24 wrote: »

That is my problem driving, I have driven before and I am fine but the gears are a pain in my neck. I might do a few manual lessons, and then switch to automatic if I'm still having problems? I would love to just do automatic lessons but I do feel pressure to do manual, I feel like people think you're not doing it properly unless it's manual. Arg! Why can't I be American

Driving is a skill and it take practise and time.

Pop over to the learning to drive forum for any driving advice. Plenty have had some difficulty at the start trying to wrap their head around gears, but after practise it becomes second nature. Starting lessons with the expectation to fail is never a great plan, just see what happens is my advice.

puffin24

s.welstead wrote: »

Who cares what others think, screw them. I have no problem driving a manual, it's second nature once you're used to it. In saying that though I now have a big automatic and love the laziness of it and cruise control.
Just don't limit yourself

Thanks. Im sure in a year or so I will be fine in a manual, but I just keep thinking that there is a way that I can take lessons, pass my test without having to panic over changing gears, stalling etc. Why cant I go down that road? Whyyyyyyy! :pac:

Special Circumstances

ancapallliath wrote: »

some people have a myth that imports are much dearer.
yes if you go for powered up Mitsubishi or the like but not Micra/Demio/Yaris etc.

I take it this is in reference to my advice that insurance may be more difficult/costly for Japanese imports.

Anyway, apart from the second sentence contradicting the "myth" part of the first sentence in your quote...

Japanese imports have traditionally not had the same security features as european market models as no one in their right mind would rob a micra in Japan. Obviously the tracksuits tucked into socks buzz isn't big over there, but the dirty sh!tes love to see a Jap import in a quiet car park over here - gone in 60 secs would be feasible enough. Insurance companies not great fans of this for some reason. You don't even have to scroll back two pahges on this forum to see a jap import micra stolen.

If the car is damaged - you may find that certain parts are subtly different and will cost more to source officially. Insurance companies not great fans of this for some reason.


The rest of your post was decent though!

Aeternum

I was in a very similar situation to you OP, I genuinely just thought I couldn't handle gears and that an automatic would suit me better. That was about 8 months ago and now haven driven both automatic and manual I actually prefer manual. I would definitely give it a shot with your first few lessons, you can always go back to automatic but it's a good idea to be able to drive manual too.

Spook_ie

puffin24 wrote: »

Thanks. Im sure in a year or so I will be fine in a manual, but I just keep thinking that there is a way that I can take lessons, pass my test without having to panic over changing gears, stalling etc. Why cant I go down that road? Whyyyyyyy! :pac:

No reason why not, go with whichever way YOU feel most comfortable with. I know several people who first passed in an automatic and then took lessons and a new test in a manual to get the full manual license.

The ONLY restriction after passing in an automatic is that to drive a manual you will need to be L plated and accompanied

ancapallliath

i have been driving since i was old enough to stand up on a tractor.
i have my licence since i was 17.

and even though i do like the fun of manual driving, i will be getting an automatic (well best of both worlds with the peugeot which has an automatic manual gearbox) myself next time. much easier for driving in the city.

there are not many limitations on buying automatics anymore. plenty choice now as opposed to 10 years.

puffin24

Thanks guys, you've given me a lot to think about. I know myself, and I know I would be way more comfortable in an automatic (and thanks to your advice I just spotted the cutest micra online, though as you said, I will wait a while) And thanks to the learning to drive forum I have found the over 25 insurance company and the quotes there are WAAAY cheaper than anything else I have found. Boards really is great.

Special Circumstances

Get out there, get driving. Worst thing you can do is keep putting it off out of nervousness. Good luck, enjoy!

Del2005

ancapallliath wrote: »

i have not seen any issue buying automatic.

The OP is looking at spending 2k on the car, at that price range even manuals can be a gamble autos are very risky.

puffin24 wrote: »

That is my problem driving, I have driven before and I am fine but the gears are a pain in my neck. I might do a few manual lessons, and then switch to automatic if I'm still having problems? I would love to just do automatic lessons but I do feel pressure to do manual, I feel like people think you're not doing it properly unless it's manual. Arg! Why can't I be American

Don't be under pressure to learn in a manual if you don't fell confident but I definitely wouldn't right off getting lessons in a manual to see how it goes.

You've had a bad experience and are over thinking it, once you get used to manual there is no thinking involved and the only pain is having to use your left leg when it could be happily resting in an auto. A good instructor should be able to get you used to gears but that'll be a few lessons you could have spend learning to drive in an auto.

The only downside to auto licence is that you will be restricted with renting and won't be able to borrow cars for loads that won't fit in yours

ancapallliath

Del2005 wrote: »

The OP is looking at spending 2k on the car, at that price range even manuals can be a gamble autos are very risky.


I agree completely but buying an automatic doesn't change that either. Same rules applies to buying anything 2nd hand

goz83

puffin24 wrote: »

That is my problem driving, I have driven before and I am fine but the gears are a pain in my neck. I might do a few manual lessons, and then switch to automatic if I'm still having problems? I would love to just do automatic lessons but I do feel pressure to do manual, I feel like people think you're not doing it properly unless it's manual. Arg! Why can't I be American

I would be surprised, if after 3 lessons in a manual, you still had difficulty with the gears. Take it from someone who (for disability reasons) can only drive an automatic.....it is a pain in the butt trying to find a decent one, even if you go for bigger engines. The smaller autos are junk imo. For rentals, the price difference is HUGE!! Last year, the cost of renting a manual ford focus in Spain for a week was €40. Automatic was costing €180. Being able to drive both will be a blessing.

Spook_ie wrote: »

No reason why not, go with whichever way YOU feel most comfortable with. I know several people who first passed in an automatic and then took lessons and a new test in a manual to get the full manual license.

The ONLY restriction after passing in an automatic is that to drive a manual you will need to be L plated and accompanied

There are plenty of reasons the OP should just go for the manual lessons and get the license in a manual car. They've been mentioned above already. Most people just wouldn't bother sitting a second test once they have gotused to driving an auto. I don't know a single person who has first passed their test in an auto and then decided to take the test in a manual. Call me a cynic, but I don't believe you know "several".

If the OP learns in an auto, the chances of progressing to a manual are slim. The restrictions will become obvious over time. Learning in a manual is like taking foundation level English, because you don't like the poetry in Ordinary level.