MANUAL OR AUTOMATIC

[Aberdarian]

In a quandry so can any of you knowledgeable people out there give me some of their views on the following question......Is there any pros or cons for towing with a manual car or an automatic and which would you rather
Will be interested to see the replies...thank you in advance

 

[MichaelE]

I have had auto's for the last 9 years and would never go back to a manual car for towing.
Much more relaxing to drive, put into cruise and never have to change up or down for hills it does it all for you,so relaxing in heavy slow traffic.
Emmissions can be higher and fuel consumption can be more.

 

[Collin]

In my experience, automatic gearboxes are so sophisticated these days I can't understand why anyone drives manuals. Even though the gearboxes are automatic, many can be operated "manually" when required or driven in economy or sports mode, so very flexible, very smooth (both solo and towing). Dead easy to manoeuvre and park with the "creep" facility, and of course they never roll back while in gear on a hill start. When I think of the hand and foot movements required to drive a manual, especially in traffic jams, then for me it's a no-brainer. But then again if you like pointless work and quibble over the slightly higher costs, then so be it...everyone to their own...lol.

 

[xtrailman]

Unless you are disabled, i can't think of a reason to go auto.
Certainly in the present snow, i would be less than happy with auto.
Having said that the better quality auto cars do employ engine braking so things have improved.
Costs are the main reason for not going the auto route.
1/ higher purchase cost, 1k plus?
2/ higher VED group, less friendly to the planet, if you're into that clap trap.
3/ higher fuel consumption, as above, also less friendly to the wallet.
4/ higher repair costs, auto boxes are still very expensive, and a specialize repair job.
5/often the auto version has a lower nose weight limit, a 4x4 with a nose limit of 80kg is a joke, on you that is.
6/ often a auto has a lower towing limit, not what a caravaner requires?
7/ i find CC just about unusable in the high traffic density i drive in, OK in Europe perhaps, so i never use it.
8/ read the road tests, comments like " the auto box kept changing for no apparent reason", "hunting on hills", you get the idea, not all autos are "good" autos.

 

[Dustydog]

Although I much prefer manuals I'd have no hesitation in going for an auto as long as it's 5 speed plus tiptronic and not too expensive to fix.
The current diesel manuals all seem to come with this great invention, the dual mass flywheel. When that breaks, and they do, you are talking about big money to fix.

 

[Aberdarian]

I thank you all for your replies been very informative but I have now plumped for the new Ford Grand C-max 2 litre diesel manual spot on for towing my caravan can't wait for when I will be able to start touring again thats when the weather improves

 

[xtrailman]

Although I much prefer manuals I'd have no hesitation in going for an auto as long as it's 5 speed plus tiptronic and not too expensive to fix.
The current diesel manuals all seem to come with this great invention, the dual mass flywheel. When that breaks, and they do, you are talking about big money to fix.

Is that a DSG box?
If so thats two clutches to break, and yes they are expensive?
DMF, never had a problem, now on my 3rd car with one. Although the C5 is very weak in this area, so avoid.

 

[MichaelE]

Unfair remark ref not needing an auto unless you are disabled!

You need to try both, the comment ref the not using CC on britains roads is utter twandle, i use all the main motorways and when towing have no issues set at 60mph on motorways and 50mph on an A road
On busy motorways auto is a help not a hinderance as up and down the box in a manual is very tiring , in an auto using 1 foot not rocket science is it?
Fuel consumption the jury is out as auto boxes are clever enough to change up at the best time to make use of the power,once thing you will notice is you cant cant change down or up quicker than an auto, going up a hill you will lose momentum changing gear (especially with a van on the back) so you work the engine harder which equals poorer economy.
DSG boxes have the same emmisions and actually are more economical compared to a manual.Some autos have better economy than their manual counterpart.
The extra cost of an auto new is outweighed by its resale value as they are worth more.
Manufactures are wise to emmisions now so get the just under the 224 Co2

 

[SteveW77]

Sorry Ray, but I don't recognise the 6 speed auto tiptronic box on my Sorento from your description.

Remember the old saying, If you ain't tried it don't knock it.
as far as I am concerned, it's quicker & smoother through the box than any manual, ( not a bad thing in this weather) it does have engine braking and downshifting when decending inclines. As for fuel consumption, I get 35-38 mpg with no effort at all, not bad for a 2tonne car.

Steve W

 

[emmerson]

Always auto. Why work harder than you need to? As for the nonsense about higher fuel consumption, if money is so tight that 1 or 2 mpg makes a difference, then you have my sympathy. As for higher repair bills, again nonsense: I've driven many hundred thousand miles in automatics, and never had to repair any of them.
In fact, back in the 70s, I ran two Peugeot 504s on private hire, one manual, one auto. In 180,000 miles, over two years, the auto had zero transmission bills. The manual had three clutches and two gearboxes.
As for bad weather, the auto knows which gear it should be in for given speed and traction. If a wheel should spin, then the box will change up a gear, thereby reducing revs and giving a better chance of traction.
I could go on all day about the benefits of automatic,. but I'll never convince the die-hards, so to each his own!

 

[Damian]

I have only recently (well a year now) changed from manual to auto.
Had a Grand Espace(rubbish but that is another story), now got a Kia 2.9 auto and I wish I had changed years ago.
The Kia pulls like a train, no sudden changes, just smooth gear changes as and when needed, no "hunting" experienced, and MUCH more comfortable than the Espace.
No more smelly clutch when reversing, fuel consumption is something I dont bother worrying about, if I want to go somewhere it will use what it needs anyway so just fill when needed, but it does not seem excessive.
I thoroughly enjoy the totally relaxed driving experience without having to listen for a struggling engine with the van on the back on some stretches of uphill motorway.

 

[MichaelE]

A note also to point out is the dealer quite often never have the auto equivalent so you never have the chance to compare so its all hear say.
You need to try before you buy.
If you read the reviews on Fords Powershift (Auto) they all say its well worth the extra cash?
http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/carreviews/firstdrives/222687/ford_focus_powershift.html
Im afraid i cant see any of Rays issues with this auto.

 

[emmerson]

To point out what?

 

[Sedo]

We've been using a Kia Sedona Auto for a couple of years now and absolutely love it.
Very relaxing to tow with and great for manoeuvring on site.
From our point of view we find it preferable to a manual.
We use a Panda Diesel manual on a day to day basis and must admit when I get in the Sedona it feels less frenetic to drive.
A guy I know from in the garage trade for many years always says " do you stili eash by hand?".

 

[MichaelE]

When you test drive a car the dealer never usually has the auto equivalent so you only drive the manual so cant compare

 

[xtrailman]

Sorry Ray, but I don't recognise the 6 speed auto tiptronic box on my Sorento from your description.

Remember the old saying, If you ain't tried it don't knock it.
as far as I am concerned, it's quicker & smoother through the box than any manual, ( not a bad thing in this weather) it does have engine braking and downshifting when decending inclines. As for fuel consumption, I get 35-38 mpg with no effort at all, not bad for a 2tonne car.

Steve W

So your auto has the same nose weight limit as the manuel version?
Is the towing limit the same?
Only six speed auto, latest autos are now 7 speeds, so no more speeds than the manuel?

 

[xtrailman]

I thank you all for your replies been very informative but I have now plumped for the new Ford Grand C-max 2 litre diesel manual spot on for towing my caravan can't wait for when I will be able to start touring again thats when the weather improves

Good choice taffy.

 

[xtrailman]

Unfair remark ref not needing an auto unless you are disabled!

You need to try both, the comment ref the not using CC on britains roads is utter twandle, i use all the main motorways and when towing have no issues set at 60mph on motorways and 50mph on an A road
On busy motorways auto is a help not a hinderance as up and down the box in a manual is very tiring , in an auto using 1 foot not rocket science is it?
Fuel consumption the jury is out as auto boxes are clever enough to change up at the best time to make use of the power,once thing you will notice is you cant cant change down or up quicker than an auto, going up a hill you will lose momentum changing gear (especially with a van on the back) so you work the engine harder which equals poorer economy.
DSG boxes have the same emmisions and actually are more economical compared to a manual.Some autos have better economy than their manual counterpart.
The extra cost of an auto new is outweighed by its resale value as they are worth more.
Manufactures are wise to emmisions now so get the just under the 224 Co2

The road test i read, vag car, same 1.9td engine, one manuel the other DSG.
conclusion, the auto was 5mpg thirstier, not recommend.
I have never read a road test where the DSG or auto version was more economical.
As for being worth more second hand, thats because they cost more new?

 

[xtrailman]

Always auto. Why work harder than you need to? As for the nonsense about higher fuel consumption, if money is so tight that 1 or 2 mpg makes a difference, then you have my sympathy. As for higher repair bills, again nonsense: I've driven many hundred thousand miles in automatics, and never had to repair any of them.
In fact, back in the 70s, I ran two Peugeot 504s on private hire, one manual, one auto. In 180,000 miles, over two years, the auto had zero transmission bills. The manual had three clutches and two gearboxes.
As for bad weather, the auto knows which gear it should be in for given speed and traction. If a wheel should spin, then the box will change up a gear, thereby reducing revs and giving a better chance of traction.
I could go on all day about the benefits of automatic,. but I'll never convince the die-hards, so to each his own!

Usually the consumption difference is 3mpg?
Only once in over 40 years driving have i had to replace a clutch, that was due to a oil leak from the crank oil seal leaking.
Never had to replace a flywheel, or duel mass.
But seeing how some drivers drive, i can see a thriving market for clutches and brakes.

 

[MichaelE]

Quote
"As for being worth more second hand, thats because they cost more new?"
So its not a valid arguement as you recoup your extra outlay !
Some auto's are better Toyota for instance, usually the difference is 1 - 2mpg but this disapears as not many people change up at the correct time etc.

 

[SteveW77]

I am not getting into a mine's bigger than yours competition with you Ray, You are obviously looking to create an issue over this, so carry on with anyone who can spare the time to indulge you in a time wasting exercise.

Steve W

 

[xtrailman]

I am not getting into a mine's bigger than yours competition with you Ray, You are obviously looking to create an issue over this, so carry on with anyone who can spare the time to indulge you in a time wasting exercise.

Steve W

Mine isn't very big Steve

But if my statement is incorrect?
Then feel free to correct me.

 

[Damian]

Lets stop this topic getting personal now.
The original poster has already decided on a manual car (see post No 5), so everything else is not really relevant and certainly not an issue to personalise the topic over.

 

[emmerson]

Well said Damian. As I said, we autos will never convince the die-hards, but to each his own.

 

[Philspadders]

now if all cars came true semi auto gearbox we could be happy. No clutch but we could select the best gear for job manually.

Its why racing cars dont go full auto.