Automatic v Manual

[Shaunie]

We are relatively new to caravanning, having bought our first caravan this year, a 1996 Elddis Vogue 415. We currently tow with a Vectra Estate 2.5 V6 and are now looking to change to a 4x4.

We have looked at various dealers and found several 4x4's which will easily tow our caravan and if we eventually upgrade to a larger caravan still be able to tow in comfort.

Our issue is which is better for towing, an automatic or manual gearbox. Is there any advice available for the pro's and con's of both?

 

[RogerL_5041474]

In most cases an automatic is much better than a manual.

There are downsides though. You need to anticipate hills when towing with an auto and select the right gear manually just before starting the incline. Urban fuel consumption will be lower with an auto. If an auto box needs a rebuild, it'll be more expensive, but most auto cars get scrapped before the box needs attention.

The upsides of an automatic are several. They're more relaxing. They work very effectively with cruise control (manuals disengage the cruise control every time you change gear, autos don't). There's less wear on the engine and transmission. Most autos have multi-mode - Economy/Sport/Winter - so you can choose your driving style. Winter mode allows towing off wet grass, almost eliminating wheelspin.

Modern "Tiptronic" type autos can be driven exactly like a manual and are even better than a conventional auto.

Few drivers ever go from manual to auto and then back to manual by choice.

 

[Shaunie]

In most cases an automatic is much better than a manual.

There are downsides though. You need to anticipate hills when towing with an auto and select the right gear manually just before starting the incline. Urban fuel consumption will be lower with an auto. If an auto box needs a rebuild, it'll be more expensive, but most auto cars get scrapped before the box needs attention.

The upsides of an automatic are several. They're more relaxing. They work very effectively with cruise control (manuals disengage the cruise control every time you change gear, autos don't). There's less wear on the engine and transmission. Most autos have multi-mode - Economy/Sport/Winter - so you can choose your driving style. Winter mode allows towing off wet grass, almost eliminating wheelspin.

Modern "Tiptronic" type autos can be driven exactly like a manual and are even better than a conventional auto.

Few drivers ever go from manual to auto and then back to manual by choice.

Thanks for that, I am edging towards a Pajero automatic, I know they are imports, but a couple I have looked at have a relative low mileage for the age,less then 50,000 and 1998 for