Automatic gearbox cars

Probably changing my car soon and, with getting married to an American lass, I thought it might be an idea getting an automatic as, although she has driven manual before, she's not used to it.

Any pros and cons? Particularly cons such as higher service costs, reliability, fuel economy etc.

Also any recommendations in the £12-£15k price range - I was looking at the Hyundai i30, quite like that and they do an automatic version.

 

I've only ever driven an automatic & only once in 23 years have I had a problem with the gear box. The road speed sensor stopped working so, although it would go up the gears, I found myself trying to accelerate away from junctions in top gear from a standing start!

I think they are slightly less economical than a manual but I don't think there's too much in it.

 

We have automatic and I love it! I had major driving phobia with manuals, but now although not entirely cured, I am much more confident.

It does take a while to get used to and your left foot feels kind of useless for a while. Personally, I think a pro is being able to concentrate more on the road rather than the gears.

 

Oh, and

we have a Freelander at the mo and it doesn't use that much more fuel than a manual

 

Jaysus, how lazy can people be. It takes what, half a second to move a gear stick from gear to gear - with miniscule effort. Yet some lard arses need an automatic gearbox. Fat gits!!

 

Dont forget my foot has to press the pedal for the clutch too nt

 

RE: Dont forget my foot has to press the pedal for the clutch too nt

Exactly!

Wherehas with an automatic you could relax and simply rest it on the dashboard, no sweat like.

 

For that price

You could get a 2nd hand Merc C-class.

 

You've got me sussed nt

 

My honest opinion on this one is, stick to our own English fair maidens, and also stick to driving a manual....

Both in my opinion tend to do just what youd expect of them....Or tell me to **** off and mind my own business....

 

I had an automatic Toyota for ten years, 220,000 miles and it drove just like new when I sold it last year. Never a problem with the transmission (or anything else for that matter!). I've now got an auto Audi A6 which has manual gearchange as well if you want to switch to it at any time (who would?). You can get a three year old one with average mileage for under 15000 if you are lucky.

 

I've heard about 10% less economical nt

 

Seat Leon, WW passat, golf, jetta, Toyota Avensis

all will be very reliable and hold value well. Cant see that being true of the hyundai though I have no experience of the hyundai.

Honda Civic would be an excellent buy but not sure if available in automatic.

 

You can get automatic Civics nt

 

RE: Seat Leon, WW passat, golf, jetta, Toyota Avensis

The Hyundai is nothing special at holding its value - but is excellent on reliability. The Coupe is a winner on 2nd hand prices and reliabilty. New Hyundais you get a 5 year warranty - not that you should ever need it. If you can live with badge snobbery, go for the Hyundai.

 

RE: Seat Leon, WW passat, golf, jetta, Toyota Avensis

The i30 is getting excellent reviews and saying it's better then more expensive cars in the class.

 

Cheers all

Worth looking into then

 

unfortunately badge snobbery helps cars keep value nt

 

RE: Cheers all

If you are looking at a Hyundai mate, you should talk to Fraser32, he works at the dealership over here, and may give you a few pointers.

 

RE: unfortunately badge snobbery helps cars keep value nt

Agreed - Just as it makes badge conscious wannabees, part with double the money they should really be paying.