Manual or Automatic

[miasmum]

Which do you drive?

For 36 years I have driven a manual, was quite happy. Loved my Qashqai and went along with those that said 'automatic? No I like to drive"

Well it turns out I dont. I have had my automatic Ford B-Max for 4 months. It was Luke's ex-mobility car, so we didnt buy it through choice but it is mine now and I love it.

Tim took it today as he had to go to Nottingham, I had his manual B Max and I hated it. I dont think I will ever go back to manual now. There is something so relaxing about driving an automatic.

And as for my next car, well Luke now has a gorgeous burnt orange Nissan Qashqai automatic, I am saving my pennies

[saundra]

Those car names sound very romantic
And quit mystic M M myself I haven't a clue
Just keep driving

[TheOstrich]

Manual.

Master O couldn't get the hang of the gearstick when he learnt to drive, but eventually passed with an automatic (which I think does not entitle him to drive a manual car, is that right?).

The only time I have driven an automatic was back in the 1980's when I was out auditing on a client's premises. The Financial Director enlisted me to go with him to a local garage where he was picking up his car. I wondered why.
When we got there, he said "You drive it back, I want to get my head down in the well and see if they finally got that dashboard rattle fixed."

So I had to drive a completely unfamiliar car with a completely unfamiliar gear system two miles down country roads back to base.

It was only a flippin' Jaguar ......

[Workingman]

Manual...always, always, always.

I actually like driving, I find it relaxing, in a strange sort of way. Changing gears keeps me "involved" and alert.

[miasmum]

thats right, if you have an automatic licence you cannot drive a manual, makes sense to me I have to say.

To be honest I did drive an automatic years ago. When I passed my test in 1986 my Uncle went to work on Oman and lent me his car A Granada Ghia 2.8 automatic. Me, that only passed my test the week before. Looking back now I bet I wasnt insured. I loved it, but it was big and powerful. I got into some bad habits driving that, like freewheeling round corners, a habit I have never lost. It's also the reason why I never use my hand break from the moment I leave home until I get where I am going. I dont ride the clutch, I sit with the clutch in and my foot on the brake. I have very good clutch control, well I did have. Not sure Tim's B Max would agree today.

[miasmum]

Manual...always, always, always.

I actually like driving, I find it relaxing, in a strange sort of way. Changing gears keeps me "involved" and alert.

I hate driving, it's a necessary evil but I do really like driving my little B Max I have to say. I actually feel more alert now the only thing I have to worry about is steering and braking.

I also love my reverse sensors. Never had them before, I had a camera in my Qashqai, but I still had to be the one to spot anything lurking behind us. Never did get the hang of driving backwards while looking forwards

[Gal2]

Mirrors mirrors mirrors Shell

Never driven an automatic, so I’m a purist regarding manual driving, like WM I like to think I’m in control of the car, not the other way around. Glad you’re enjoying the auto though x

[Suff]

I have my preferences. Heavy traffic and traffic jams, Auto all the way. I can't be faffed with the clutch. We have both auto and manual. My car I just bought is an auto. The 17 year old (I think), C3 is a manual.

I prefer driving a manual in most circumstances especially overtaking on tight roads. I have a 160bhp engine in the car but it accelerates like a tractor for the first 5 seconds as the auto box absorbs all the power.

Having driven everything from 10t fully crash gearboxes through 12 speed constant mesh artic and up to my current 8 speed auto, I can say that I'm relatively happy with the Auto but there are times when I miss the manual. Mind you when it all goes electric you're not getting either a clutch or a gearbox anyway. 1 gear and no clutch. Accelerate and, if needed, brake. The motor will supply braking right down to a stop and you will only need to brake if it is urgent.

At that point the concept of a manual or auto driving license will be legacy and moot. All new drivers will be electric. I hope to see it.

[JanB]

My last three cars have been automatic and I would never go back to a manual.

[Osc]

I’ve only driven an automatic once when visiting my friend in Boston. Edward said I was not to come home without having tried to drive over there so my long suffering friend sat beside me in her car as I tried to negotiate driving an automatic AND being on the wrong side of the road It was not fun. I drive mostly because I have to as Edward doesn’t, but I don’t particularly enjoy it and driving at night is becoming more difficult. I don’t mind changing gear though.