Thinking of changeing my tow car but undiscided on sticking with a manual or haveing a change and going for an auto my car now is an hyundi santa fe 2.2 which tows my twin axal caravan very well so gonna stick with the hyundi
Manual or automatic
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I’ve had both manual and auto and for towing there’s no going back from auto to manual. More relaxed towing particularly in stop go traffic and much easier manoeuvring.
I am like Clive i had both Manual & Automatic but for me with my medical issues it more efficient a Automatic Car
i've/we have been caravanning now for 44 years, lost count of how many cars and vans we've had in that time. (will count one day!) our last two 'tugs' have been automatic. WHY oh Why didn't I discover them years ago. Wouldn't dream of towing with a manual again! So easy and relaxed. GO AUTOMATIC!
Like Gabsgrandad I have driven countless vehicle both manuals and automatics with loads of different caravans in tow (not all my own I hasten to add) and whilst I've had no problems with manuals, I do prefer automatics. The older style with fluid torque converters are very easy (though some should have additional oil coolers added) The more modern dual clutch boxes are also generally good but some people have expressed concerns with them.
It's really down to personal preference, mine would be auto.
It's really down to personal preference, mine would be auto.
Thanks for all the replys so most caravaners would tow with a auto i will have a look around and have a few test drives pity they won't let me hook my van up for the test drive too
Parksy
Moderator
To add to the advice already given, reversing with a caravan is much easier with automatic transmission.
I use a Ford Fiesta 1.6 td manual as my daily about town drive but the towcar is a Kia 2.5 crdi automatic, smooth as silk and pulls like a train.
I use a Ford Fiesta 1.6 td manual as my daily about town drive but the towcar is a Kia 2.5 crdi automatic, smooth as silk and pulls like a train.
Hi Parksy i think that a brilliant idea using your Ford Fiesta 1.6TD very economical my wife runs me around in her Mitsbushi Attivo Colt Manual Car
Automatic every time - especially now they nearly all get tiptronic-type manual control for the occasional day when you want to "drive it like you stole it"
The autobox used in the Hyundai Santa Fe, and Kia Sorento, is a good one and suits the turbo-diesel.
The autobox used in the Hyundai Santa Fe, and Kia Sorento, is a good one and suits the turbo-diesel.
Parksy
Moderator
The Ford costs very little to run, the VED is zero, cheap insurance and the car is the Titanium X model which has all the bells and whistles.Hi Parksy i think that a brilliant idea using your Ford Fiesta 1.6TD very economical my wife runs me around in her Mitsbushi Attivo Colt Manual Car
I bought it as a retirement present to myself and it really fits the bill.
Gagakev was impressed with it when we got lost near Daventry in it some while back.
Hi Paksy if it fits the bill it a very nice retirement present and well deserved
Manuals until seven years ago. Auto ever since.
The modern manual is an amazing piece of kit. 1 have 8 ratios, a torque converter that fully locks up once warmed up and on the move. Effortless and in truth not much difference in mpg.
I’m a convert, go auto !
The modern manual is an amazing piece of kit. 1 have 8 ratios, a torque converter that fully locks up once warmed up and on the move. Effortless and in truth not much difference in mpg.
I’m a convert, go auto !
Quite understandable when all one wants to do is join the "frenzy".........
Will try and have a look around for a auto then seems everyone thinks the same for towing still fancy a hyundi tho but always fancied a pick up sumat like a ranger
Some friends of ours had a 2015 Santa Fe Premium Manual CRDI 2.2 4WD they said it was a brilliant towcar (but if i had it i would prefer Auto)
We have a 3.0L auto mainly for towing the caravan. Our second vehicle is an old 1996 Corolla which is auto and has air conditioning. It has 112k on the clock and is still running like a dream. As much as we would like to get a later model car, simply cannot justify it.
Hi Buckman why get rid of it if it not brokenWe have a 3.0L auto mainly for towing the caravan. Our second vehicle is an old 1996 Corolla which is auto and has air conditioning. It has 112k on the clock and is still running like a dream. As much as we would like to get a later model car, simply cannot justify it.
My wife got her Mitsbushi Attivo Colt 1.1 when it was 3 years old (58 plate) it now 12years still going strong getting 60 mpg ..
The Corolla which is a 1300 gets about 42mpg around town so fairly economical. No idea on a long trip as do not use it for long trips.Hi Buckman why get rid of it if it not broken
My wife got her Mitsbushi Attivo Colt 1.1 when it was 3 years old (58 plate) it now 12years still going strong getting 60 mpg ..
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