Downsides / Upsides of Having An Automatic

Strumms · 09-06-2023 3:26pm #1

All,

never had an automatic but am buying a new car around August / September hopefully and was exploring the options… folks now have an automatic and like it very much, ‘ never in a million years back to a manual ‘ is their view but in terms of getting the broader scope of opinion from experienced motorists here…

the differences, pitfalls, pluses, advantages and disadvantages, satisfactions and sacrifices, of course if any……

Thanks in advance.

[Steve] · 09-06-2023 3:53pm

Manual

Pros: Cheaper to buy, fix, and maintain. Greater choice with rental cars. Easier to get service for transmission issues. Engine braking. If you can drive manual you can drive auto, nothing new to learn.

Cons: Learning curve.

Auto

Pros: No changing gears. Don't have to bother with rev matching. Faster gear changes with DCT. More fuel efficient (esp if you always leave your manual in 2nd gear around town like some people). More focus on the road and other controls. Left foot does nothing.

Cons: More expensive to buy, fix, and maintain. Service is available but might involve a longer trip to a garage that specialises in your specific type (DCT, CVT, AMT, Torque Converter, etc). Some auto transmissions are awful (see: old torque converter) and unresponsive.

Subjectively autos are also more boring to drive. Average car with manual is more interesting to drive than the same with auto, especially in the likes of Wicklow mountains or similar roads.

From a licence standpoint for learners: You can drive both on manual licence.

edit: adjusted for clarity and separated pro/con for licence.

fits · 09-06-2023 4:27pm

Just do it. You’ll never go back to manual.

pah · 09-06-2023 4:41pm

Did it 6 years ago, never going back.

teediddlyeye · 09-06-2023 4:45pm

I'll never go back to manual. Hate them.

Buddy Bubs · 09-06-2023 4:48pm

Have had autos since 2006. Mainly bmws and Audi. Wouldn't ever go back. Drive a manual the odd time like our work vans but never forget how to do it. Like riding a bike.

Just don't get an automatic only licence if you haven't got full licence yet.

cython · 09-06-2023 4:51pm

Made the switch from manual to EV (so not exactly automatic, but closer to automatic driving experience than that of a manual!) last year, and I'd be in no rush back to a manual. My mother would be of a similar view having done the same, and when she had to use a manual for a few days (warranty issue with her EV) it reaffirmed her stance!

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120695401#Comment_120695401

This is a pretty good summary, but it's worth noting that at least one of the manual pros/auto cons may, depending on your circumstances, be completely irrelevant to you, specifically that around license restrictions. If you have a full manual license already, and don't have anyone around who'll need to use the car to learn in the foreseeable, I'd remove everything around that from the equation.

Baba Yaga · 09-06-2023 4:58pm

went auto about 10 years ago,wouldnt go back,shifting gears yourself is very over-rated

Markcheese · 09-06-2023 5:03pm

All the evs and hybrids are effectively automatic, and many have regenerative braking , so like engine braking but on steroids ,

Theres going to be more and more automatics

LasersGoPewPew · 09-06-2023 5:06pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058300149/downsides-upsides-of-having-an-automatic

Automatics generally have come a long way in terms of reliability and responsiveness over the past 15 years. There were some issues with Volkswagen 7-speed "dry" DSG boxes because they don't use oil and had some structural design faults, I believe these problem are mostly sorted now.

Automatics are a dream to drive in any condition. Driving is more relaxing and less taxing on your left knee. They are more fuel efficient than manuals.

CVTs droan if you have a heavy right foot as it holds the revs high but they are the smoothest and most efficient internal combustion engine transmission. Otherwise they are very nice when driving normally, especially in city conditions.

Electric drive motor is the best for obvious reasons. If you get something with one pedal driving everything else will seem very archaic.

As fits said, you'll never go back to a manual once you get a automatic.

What car were you thinking of buying?

CalamariFritti · 09-06-2023 5:15pm

I've driven my first automatics when driving taxis during college years. So I learned to appreciate them early, but still my own cars were always manuals. Then in around 2005 - I was living in Ireland by then - I got offered a nice 2nd hand 5 series that was much much cheaper to buy cos it was an automatic and nobody wanted those back then. Bought that and never looked back.

To speak in IT language its simply a much improved user interface. Yes, 'manualling' becomes 2nd nature but its still nice not having to bother with it.

Downsides? None I can think of. Automatic all the way.

All that stuff about less efficient I don't buy. Half the driving population haven't a clue what gear they should be in anyway. Torturing their 1.4s up the hill in 4th or 5th gear.

Lofidelity · 09-06-2023 5:32pm

A manual makes sense if you're driving a fun weekend car. For everything else, especially in urban areas, it has to be automatic.

jmreire · 09-06-2023 5:32pm

Over the years, I've literally driven every kind of Vehicle, big trucks, little trucks, in -between trucks, 4 x 4's, and cars, manual or automatic transmission. Then 5 years ago, I bought an MB E class Automatic and drove it for the next 4 years, after which I again changed back to a 2.0 VW Passat manual, and I've been driving it for the last 9 mths. So, Yes I like the Passat ( I'm VAG inclined anyway) and I'm well back in the gear change rhythm, none the less, next change will be back to an automatic again, and most likely back to MB again. One of the things that I did not like about Automatics was when in snow and ice, with the automatic, you have either the brake or accelerator, and braking on ice is not a good idea, but with the manual gearbox you can slow the vehicle down using the gearbox, and hold it down. So be prepared to replace your brake pads and discs more often in an automatic. But none the less, its the way to go in my opinion.

billyhead · 09-06-2023 6:08pm

I presume there much easier to drive. Do they have a clutch at all for changing up and down through the gears or is it just push the gear changer back and forth?

Oscar_Madison · 09-06-2023 7:05pm

WTF do you need a gear stick for in 2023?

Automatic all the way- was “reared” on manual- converted to automatic 10 years ago - wouldn’t drive a manual now if you paid me- life’s way too short for that nonsense

zg3409 · 09-06-2023 7:13pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120695861#Comment_120695861

It's fully automatic gear change, just a go faster pedal (accelerator) and a go slower pedal (brake).

When you stop you put car "gear stick" into park, when you want to go change to drive and dont touch for entire trip.

It's less wearing on the brain leaving you more refreshed after a long drive.

Cruise control and adaptive cruise control are other features once you have them it's hard to go back to a car without them.

Citroen2cv · 09-06-2023 8:45pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120696090#Comment_120696090

Most long drives involve leaving your manual gearbox in top gear. Hardly more "wearing on the brain".

StupidLikeAFox · 10-06-2023 12:32am

If you are driving around a city or frequently in traffic, an automatic is the business.

User1998 · 10-06-2023 3:36am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120696454#Comment_120696454

And when the car in front slows you have to think about changing down or just powering through. The thought process can definitely wear you out

SuperS54 · 10-06-2023 3:59am

Driving an automatic for the last 10 years, would be very difficult to go back to a manual.

wildwillow · 10-06-2023 6:39am

Driving automatic now for more than twenty years and wouldn’t go back to manual for my own car. Sometimes drive my son’s manual. You never really forget how to change gears.

But I’d not advise to get an automatic only licence.

timmyntc · 10-06-2023 7:51am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120697002#Comment_120697002

What a load of nonsense

If the thought process of changing between 5th and 6th gears wears you out, you shouldn't be on the road!

creedp · 10-06-2023 8:11am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120697175#Comment_120697175

It seems for a lot of people full self driving cars cant come quick enough

fits · 10-06-2023 9:28am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120697175#Comment_120697175

Honestly I’ve driven automatics since 2006. There’s way too much needless effort involved in driving a manual. It’s probably hard to understand until you get used to not needing to shift gears.

This is it · 10-06-2023 9:44am

The last car I wanted I could only get in manual at the price I was willing to pay so I had no choice but my preference would always be automatic, and for your standard driver I can only assume it's fear of change that stops them trying it. Far better driving experience in my opinion.

Flinty997 · 10-06-2023 9:47am

Have an automatic for a few years now. Driven manuals for decades. Auto is good for when you want less work. But I find it slower especially manoeuvring, 3 point turns etc . I find the manual more enjoyable to drive.

If I was buying a weekend car for fun it would be manual. If I was buying a car for commuting in heavy city traffic it would be an auto.

I only ended up with auto because I couldn't find a manual in budget and what I wanted when I needed to change that car. (Couldn't find a petrol car either). I expect in the future manuals will go like the states being the minority.

John_Rambo · 10-06-2023 9:48am

Over the years, I've literally driven every kind of Vehicle. I'm vastly experienced & have driven autos since 1940, mainly Ferraris, submarines, Lamborghinis, warplanes, hovercrafts, rockets, helicopters and tanks. I like manual for the North Pole, Galway, the Moon, Pluto and Saturn. Auto for urban driving, particularly when handling a heavy machine gun and rescuing children from burning orphanages.

10-06-2023 9:49am

Electrics and hybrids are by default automatic. I have a Toyota CH-R hybrid which has variomatic transmission in ICE mode. Decades ago the little Dutch Daff cars had variomatic transmission which means there’s no jerky gear changes, engine starts in high revs and settles into low revs.

There are no downsides into modern hybrid/electric transmission other than initial cost. Reliability is outstanding, driving is simplicity itself. I am on my third year of three years free servicing that was part of the purchase package. My car is economical to run, more modem versions of my car are even more so. They keep getting better.

Watch what the taxi drivers drive… they go for value for money, reliable cars. One of the most common taxi models now is the Toyota Prius, a well proven technology that has been improved along the way. I’ve never heard anyone regret buying a hybrid.

10-06-2023 9:54am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120697175#Comment_120697175

Back in the end of the days of crash gears and double declutching, you would probably have considered syncromesh a needless lazy option 😉

AndyBoBandy · 10-06-2023 10:02am

My mother bought a brand new car in 2007 and I insisted on it being an Auto, and she loved it.. she changed again in 2009 and got another auto. She then downsized to a manual car a few years later and hated it…. I finally replaced it for her a few months ago with another auto and she’s in love with it again.

when I went to buy my own 1st car 11 years ago I was only looking at autos.

Drive an EV now with 1 pedal driving and it’s even a step up from an auto.

did I read somewhere that 60% of new cars sold here now are auto’s?

I see sheep · 10-06-2023 10:05am

Driving a manual is like using Windows 95.

Flinty997 · 10-06-2023 10:16am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120697436#Comment_120697436

Things like engine braking are useful to save your brakes on long hills. We don't have many in Ireland though. Regenerative braking makes that obsolete.

Flinty997 · 10-06-2023 10:20am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120697462#Comment_120697462

Windows 95 is many ways is far better than Windows 11.

Flinty997 · 10-06-2023 10:22am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120697424#Comment_120697424

Good point about the taxis. They generally avoid cars that give trouble. Most have moved away from diesels.

Flinty997 · 10-06-2023 10:29am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120697462#Comment_120697462

Not a great analogy Windows 95 is superior to Windows 11 in so many ways.

fits · 10-06-2023 10:33am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120697511#Comment_120697511

I don’t think it’s legal anymore to have a diesel taxi is it? If it is, it shouldn’t be.

bazz26 · 10-06-2023 11:05am

It was never a legal requirement for a taxi to be diesel. Diesel was preferred because it was the most fuel efficient and durable for that type of driving. Taxi owner can also claim the vat back on diesel fuel.

spurious · 10-06-2023 11:17am

For someone on a limited income (under 30k), they seem rather expensive to buy and repair (from what I see of friends' cars). Of course if you are on a high income and money is no object I suppose it makes sense to buy automatic.

fits · 10-06-2023 11:24am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120697639#Comment_120697639

I’m talking about a legal requirement that a taxi is not diesel. Given that they largely operate in urban areas.

Taxis under pressure to switch to electric

https://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/motors/taxis-under-pressure-to-switch-to-electric-1.4295367

HBC08 · 10-06-2023 11:27am

Automatic makes sense for most people,myself included although I drive a manual.

Easier to drive,less hassle,handier all round.In my own case I have a back injury and constantly being on the gears in traffic irritates it.

Why do I still drive a manual? Because i love my car and I love driving,an automatic is boring and I hate the unresponsive nature of them (I drive an Automatic Audi Q2 regularly) and its less unresponsive than most but its still there.

I may be in the minority but I'll hang onto my 200bhp msnual as long as I can,they'll soon be a thing of the past.

Flinty997 · 10-06-2023 11:30am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120697639#Comment_120697639

Old diesels were reliable modern diesels are troublesome, especially for urban driving. That's why taxis changed.

fits · 10-06-2023 11:32am

I have an Audi Q5 automatic and it’s like driving a boat.

the ID.3 isn’t necessarily automatic but it’s a lot more nimble. If you want responsive, go ev

Flinty997 · 10-06-2023 11:33am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120697693#Comment_120697693

London has started removing diesel taxi's. I don't think you can register a diesel one now as a new taxi. Older ones will drop off over time.

Flinty997 · 10-06-2023 11:38am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120697722#Comment_120697722

Theres more to driving than drag racing a-b in a straight line. But certainly EVs have an advantage off the line. Instant torque.

EVs probably suit most people better.

Strumms · 10-06-2023 11:41am

Thanks all, certainly some very interesting and informative responses. No real downsides to the automatic from what I can see.

cheers

Flinty997 · 10-06-2023 11:44am

Lack of engagement and more expensive bills if you are unlucky. Otherwise no.

bazz26 · 10-06-2023 11:53am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120697693#Comment_120697693

They already get significant grants when buying to switch to electric.

fricatus · 10-06-2023 12:14pm

For me, driving got boring a long time ago, since 99% of my driving is school run, shops, work, etc. - basically roundabouts and traffic every time long.

When I was doing this in a manual diesel, not only was it boring, it was a chore. At least now, in an EV with one-pedal driving, it's only boring.

Manual is only really attractive for certain cars on certain roads, and even then, only to certain people. For most of us, it has all the attraction of washing dishes in the sink or hand-washing clothes. Thank God technology has taken us beyond all that!