Tell me about..Automatics(Cars)

[dyna-ti]

Oh goody, a car topic

I dinna drive.
I really wish I could as im a good bit older and it is really a necessity for helping the family who have been kind enough to help me out countless times with lifts. Especially dear old Mum who i'd like to help keep out and about and visiting our extended family group

Probably even the reason I only potter in the city and miss out on the rolling hills of this fair land(and theirs )

But the prospect of it terrifies me. Im scared I wont be able to control this lump of metal without hitting someone or thing :?
The bike is easy, the bike can be tucked in to break out of the traffic to stop or do your own thing but in a car, with everyone round I just don't know how that might go :? Theres no requirement to change gear as you slow or stop or anything, and its at finger tips not hand / foot / brain

I had reason to go down to Durham this week for a family funeral and my brother in law drove me and himself down.
Large estate, Vauxhall :? V nice and an automatic.
I'd forgotten about this type of gearbox and wondered if it might be the answer for my problem in that its a large part less of things to take up your attention and as the bil said it allows him to concentrate fully on the driving bit.
That's the bit I like about it. If I can take away that worry maybe the other worries will seem lesser and the whole prospect possibly even achievable.
I like it for the room at the back. I could get bike/kit/sleep in that on a bike jaunt up in the Highlands.

So are there any other types out there who havered through fear for decades before finally taking the reins and finding it not as bad as they though as they got an automatic.

Tell me your tales.

 

[66 triumph daytona]

Re:

My missus has a Honda Jazz auto and its excellent.Im all for autos,if you are a motor enthusiast and you want a nimble sports car to blast around b roads get a manual,otherwise I think manuals are unnecessary and old hat.Ive driven both auto and manual for years and my next car will definitely be an auto.If I were you I would still try to master a manual,an auto only license is a bit pants.

 

[technodup]

I've got an auto now but it's more about me hating driving than anything else. It is easier but tbh changing gear in a manual quickly becomes second nature, you do it without thinking, and if you don't the car tells you to (not literally obviously).

If you have a fear of driving it sounds like it's the responsibility and potential for harm that is the issue rather than the mechanics of it. In those circumstances I'm not sure an auto solves the problem, it's still 2 tons of metal charging at 50mph.

I don't know what age you are but if you are terrified of it I think I'd rather you stayed on the bike. You've made it this far, there must be other ways you can pay people back.

 

[legrandefromage]

Spooky, the missus is in Durham too for a funeral...

You should be able to overcome your fear of driving - I didnt pass my test until I was 27. I failed twice at 17 so after that I couldnt be bothered.

A more mature (ish) attitude meant I passed without issue so at your age it should be a breeze.

As I now cover a lot of miles a year, I am in an auto. The miles I do meant that my clutch knee was getting sore. Small engined autos can be a bit buzzy, some diesel autos can feel hesitant. Just remember fuel consumption is lower than a manual (depending on car/ budget/ driving style).

 

[highlandsflyer]

Re:

According to the stats autos tend to be more thirsty, but I think I drive slower in autos so it might balance it a bit. Current auto daily ride is a Grand Voyager on a 3.3 petrol. Lucky to see 17mpg but is humongously accommodating. Once brats head back to term time will be getting rid, but seven seats needed meanwhile.

My cousin's wife passed in an auto on my advice after failing 6 times. Modern autos really are near enough to the manuals and plenty about so no real disadvantage.

 

[Adruzzz]

Re:

I've had both over the years and must say i prefer an auto box, I drive a 7 Series BMW (E38 shape) and it just wafts along, but like a lot of auto boxes it allows you to select a gear itself (steptronic) so the best of both worlds really.

My first car was an Austin Mini, manual of course, second car was a manual, then my third was a Jaguar with an auto box and I just loved it, stick it in 'D' and away you go, just had to remember to keep your left foot away from the pedals

I'd say go for it mate, give it a try at least, that way you'll see anyway

 

[FluffyChicken]

Re:

Having been a person who didn't drive, including my wife till we where 30something, mainly ad there was no need.

Driving isn't that bad, even manual, it becomes second nature and you should get an instructor that is recommended at teaching the older people. And not just the youths.

Or just go for it, not even the auto one but the full hog, you will have more choice and if abroad in Europe cheaper to hire.

But it does get me why automatics have not taken over from manual, with all the whohar of eating, satnav use, mobile phones and doing yoru eyebrows... Driving an automatic makes driving safer and easier. All cars should use them and a tax on manuals to make them more expensive ;-)

 

[technodup]

Re: Re:

my third was a Jaguar with an auto box and I just loved it, stick it in 'D' and away you go, just had to remember to keep your left foot away from the pedals

In my Jag it's my right foot I want to keep away from the loud pedal, either that or buy shares in BP.

 

[Adruzzz]

Re:

Mine was an XJ40 3.6, economical compared to the V12 XJ-S I later had... 11mpg :facepalm:

 

[Harryburgundy]

Re:

Auto's are great particularly if they have a steptronic type gearbox.
Hang your elbow out the window and cruise in auto or flip through the box if you want something more sporty. Plus you can select 'Winter' mode for short changes in slippery conditions etc
Honestly can't see the point of manual gearboxes unless you have something fast and you track day
If buying 2nd hand make sure they have been serviced with fresh oil and filters etc, even if they are sealed for life (older models I think)