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Automatics v Manual

S

Sam_5110286

Hi

Im still looking for a tow car come people carrier, still impressed with the Sedona, but has anyone any info on whether Manual or Automatic
 
Hi,

I have Sorento auto diesel and would not ever go back to a manual for towing. Having just done over 1200 miles in France I realy did appreciate the auto.
 
Modern autos are great for towing and usualy have a selectable facility that allows you to hold a gear manualy - in other words you can get the best of both worlds with an auto.

If you enjoy the "skill" of driving then I think a manual is best. If you want to sit back and enjoy the drive - auto every time.

Personal preference is what it boils down to - we have a manual Freelander and an auto Discovery - Both are used and both appreciated for what they are.

Only thing I would say is that some auto boxes on some makes do not seem as "modern" as on others and could be a disapointment.
 
Auto every time for me - preferably with a cruise control. Just back from France [2600+ miles]. On the Autoroutes I set the CC at 60-62mph - this was maintained uphill [or downhill] I just had to steer - very relaxing way to travel.

Mike
 
Manual, every time. I have no problem operating the gear lever or clutch, in fact I find it to be part of the "involvement" and enjoyment of driving. Autos certainly have a place in the motoring world but to me they are like a pair of slip on shoes, easy to put on and take off, but totally disinteresting.
 
Manual, every time. I have no problem operating the gear lever or clutch, in fact I find it to be part of the "involvement" and enjoyment of driving. Autos certainly have a place in the motoring world but to me they are like a pair of slip on shoes, easy to put on and take off, but totally disinteresting.
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They both have their place in certain situations however all round the auto is best, both solo and towing (IMO), especially in todays traffic.....Presumably the skilled drivers who enjoy the feel and enjoyment of driving also specify NO syncromesh, NO power steering, NO ABS, NO in-car entertainment, NO air conditioning, etc. etc.
 
SORRY should have posted to reply not comments - when are they going to get an editable forum???

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They both have their place in certain situations however all round the auto is best, both solo and towing (IMO), especially in todays traffic.....Presumably the skilled drivers who enjoy the feel and enjoyment of driving also specify NO syncromesh, NO power steering, NO ABS, NO in-car entertainment, NO air conditioning, etc. etc.
 
There is a story that went arround a while back that an elderly couple from the USA drove a hire car from Heathrow to the midlands in second gear.

As for which is best - has to be down to personal preference. The superb Steptronic auto box used on current Freelanders is really good. Not sure if this will carry over to the new model as it is a BMW unit.

The thing about an auto is that you can use it as a manual, but a manual cannot be used as an auto.

Tho with Ford gearboxes I loved to change gear without using the clutch - just by getting the revs correct.

In rough conditions such as off-roading - autos are generally preferred because you maintain drive all the time whilst changing gear manually or automatically.

We have one of each - does not bother me which one I use. If I am going to an urban area - the auto is preferred - much easier in traffic. A country drive on twisting roads? - probably more fun with a manual.
 
I think you'll find the next Freelander will be a ZF like Disco3 and RRS. I believe BMW use them, Jag and Aston certainly do. If you think the Freelander auto box is good you're in for a treat!
 
Hi Paul - our Freelander is a manual but I tried out the auto version on a Land Rover Experience day down in Honiton last month.

We really like the box - the nudge to change gear just worked a treat. Really good on the road part of the day and total confidence in fairly extreme conditions on the Land Rover Off-Road course.

Will probably go for the auto next time.
 
Manual, every time. I have no problem operating the gear lever or clutch, in fact I find it to be part of the "involvement" and enjoyment of driving. Autos certainly have a place in the motoring world but to me they are like a pair of slip on shoes, easy to put on and take off, but totally disinteresting.
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In my personal opinion it's nothing to do with being a skilled driver, Greenplum. And I'm not sure how anyone could say that an automatic is superior to a manual. True, if you need an auto, then you need an auto. You will of course be paying a higher purchase price, which you may not get back when it comes time to sell; you will also be using more fuel, travelling slower and may have to fit extra cooling equipment for towing. Is that superior? You could also then look at the latest manual gear boxes like VW's DSG or even a flippy/flappy operated box. Like I say it's down to personal preference or needs, I like the idea that if the traffic is running slowly but smoothly that I can put it in 5th and just amble along. Extra control yes, but it's extra flexibility too.
 
I put this in as a topic about 3 or 4 months ago and most preferred the auto but there was advantages on both sides of the discussion so after a lot of thought and discuccion with the better half we desided on an auto sorrento and i just love it personally i just sit back and relax whilst driving now there is no pressure of finding the right gear going around tight bends or steep hills and hill starts it just great BUT if i want to i can also drive along changing up and down the box as i please but if i hit traffic or go through a town centre i can just knock it back to auto it as easy as that
 
HI Sam.

Having driven both auto and manual vehicles, I can say that today it realy is down to personal choice.

My father-in-law had a 2 Ltr laguna auto which was very good with his van and at most hills it could pull off in D for drive. Fuel economy was about 5mpg thirstier than an identical manual car, so that may be worth thinking about.

I'm afraid I'm a petrol head and as such always edge towards a manual gearbox.

My Brother-in-law has a sedona diesel and is very pleased with the manual version, he gets a good 40mpg out of it solo and over 32mpg towing. He also likes the interior which copes well with his four child family.
 
Clive it is quite a good box, but a bit irritating when I'm used to the ZF box that doesn't have the gears below drive. I don't know why they have done this on the Freelander box when it is triptronic too. My car has P R N D only then flick across to sport and triptronic. They are being used more and more in challenge vehicles too Simon Buck is apparently using them, high praise indeed. I don't think there is a right or wrong answer, its horses for courses, but I love the squirt and go!!!! But of course it comes at a cost of lower fuel economy, but hey ho it gives a big grin and to feel the D3 drop 2 gears a and get going is marvellous.
 
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