Automatics

[Bluemanc100]

I drive a manual, but I've had automatics in the past. Long time ago mind, it was only a three speed box. I think today's 6 and 7 geared auto boxes would be a lot better.
If I could afford one I think I'd like one, on account of being inherently fucking idle. Changing gear is overrated, and unless you're on the track, racing, then I think an auto is definitely preferable.
I'd have to have more money than I'm on now though, autos are generally thirstier, and they get through brakes a lot quicker too.
I dislike driving these days, so anything that makes life easier please.

This sums it up. Automatics from the 70s, 80s and 90s tended to be bloody awful and thirsty alternatives to manuals.
However modern automatics are significantly improved and generally offer improved or equivalent fuel consumption.

You'll still need to change the brake pads more frequently than a teenage boy changes his socks.

Why? Use the box to slow down for junctions or roundabouts and you hardly need the brakes... No more so than a manual anyway

 

[Kippax.]

They hammer the fuel....

Hybrid are auto, you do know that dont you?

 

[stony]

This sums it up. Automatics from the 70s, 80s and 90s tended to be bloody awful and thirsty alternatives to manuals.
However modern automatics are significantly improved and generally offer improved or equivalent fuel consumption.

You'll still need to change the brake pads more frequently than a teenage boy changes his socks.

Why? Use the box to slow down for junctions or roundabouts and you hardly need the brakes... No more so than a manual anyway

Surely the whole point of an automatic is so you don't have to fuck about changing gears ?

 

[Bluemanc100]

You'll still need to change the brake pads more frequently than a teenage boy changes his socks.

Why? Use the box to slow down for junctions or roundabouts and you hardly need the brakes... No more so than a manual anyway

Surely the whole point of an automatic is so you don't have to fuck about changing gears ?

There's no "fucking about" no clutch, a tap on a paddle or a tap on the gear lever and the brakes are unnecessary... My occasional commute was 90 mins on the M6/A14 and in traffic the auto box was a must...

40mpg even at 75-80.... And stress free compared to a manual... Maybe an acquired taste but I'm a convert anyway

Always fancied a DSG but never bought one...

 

[stony]

Why? Use the box to slow down for junctions or roundabouts and you hardly need the brakes... No more so than a manual anyway

Surely the whole point of an automatic is so you don't have to fuck about changing gears ?

There's no "fucking about" no clutch, a tap on a paddle or a tap on the gear lever and the brakes are unnecessary... My occasional commute was 90 mins on the M6/A14 and in traffic the auto box was a must...

40mpg even at 75-80.... And stress free compared to a manual... Maybe an acquired taste but I'm a convert anyway

Always fancied a DSG but never bought one...

I'm as bone idle as the next man and would love a nice 4.2 A8 with an auto box, but anyone getting stressed because they have to change gear manually, should take their tampon out, stay off the roads and leave it to the men ;-)

 

[stonerblue]

Why? Use the box to slow down for junctions or roundabouts and you hardly need the brakes... No more so than a manual anyway

Surely the whole point of an automatic is so you don't have to fuck about changing gears ?

There's no "fucking about" no clutch, a tap on a paddle or a tap on the gear lever and the brakes are unnecessary... My occasional commute was 90 mins on the M6/A14 and in traffic the auto box was a must...

40mpg even at 75-80.... And stress free compared to a manual... Maybe an acquired taste but I'm a convert anyway

Always fancied a DSG but never bought one...

You're gonna have to take me through this.
Are you saying that, when going downhill with foot off the accelerator, a tap on the brake pedal will make the gearbox change down? Please say yes.

 

[johnmc]

This stress free argument doesn't wash with me. Do people really get stressed changing gear?

 

[stony]

Surely the whole point of an automatic is so you don't have to fuck about changing gears ?

There's no "fucking about" no clutch, a tap on a paddle or a tap on the gear lever and the brakes are unnecessary... My occasional commute was 90 mins on the M6/A14 and in traffic the auto box was a must...

40mpg even at 75-80.... And stress free compared to a manual... Maybe an acquired taste but I'm a convert anyway

Always fancied a DSG but never bought one...

You're gonna have to take me through this.
Are you saying that, when going downhill with foot off the accelerator, a tap on the brake pedal will make the gearbox change down? Please say yes.

He said paddle stoner, as in flappy paddle gearbox. I still don't buy it though. I suspect that most people who buy autos do it because they're lazy. They might try the manual changes a few times but I bet the novelty soon wears off and they'll just stick it in D and leave it there.

 

[stonerblue]

There's no "fucking about" no clutch, a tap on a paddle or a tap on the gear lever and the brakes are unnecessary... My occasional commute was 90 mins on the M6/A14 and in traffic the auto box was a must...

40mpg even at 75-80.... And stress free compared to a manual... Maybe an acquired taste but I'm a convert anyway

Always fancied a DSG but never bought one...

You're gonna have to take me through this.
Are you saying that, when going downhill with foot off the accelerator, a tap on the brake pedal will make the gearbox change down? Please say yes.

He said paddle stoner, as in flappy paddle gearbox. I still don't buy it though. I suspect that most people who buy autos do it because they're lazy. They might try the manual changes a few times but I bet the novelty soon wears off and they'll just stick it in D and leave it there.

Oh yeah. Cheers stony.

Autos a great for skinning up in when driving.

 

[jimharri]

This stress free argument doesn't wash with me. Do people really get stressed changing gear?

I was going to say; what stress? The modern clutches are so light they could be operated by a child, and the gearboxes are super smooth and slick. I recently bought a new Focus with a six speed manual box (yeah, I know; district nurse's car!) and it's a piece of piss to drive, even in traffic.

 

[stony]

You're gonna have to take me through this.
Are you saying that, when going downhill with foot off the accelerator, a tap on the brake pedal will make the gearbox change down? Please say yes.

He said paddle stoner, as in flappy paddle gearbox. I still don't buy it though. I suspect that most people who buy autos do it because they're lazy. They might try the manual changes a few times but I bet the novelty soon wears off and they'll just stick it in D and leave it there.

Oh yeah. Cheers stony.

Autos a great for skinning up in when driving.

I used to be able to make a cup of tea and roll a fag whilst tootling along the motorway in my manual truck. Volvo FL6's had a lovely big flat space in the middle, ideal for brewing up whilst on the move, and even better to lie across and have a kip when you stop.

 

[stonerblue]

He said paddle stoner, as in flappy paddle gearbox. I still don't buy it though. I suspect that most people who buy autos do it because they're lazy. They might try the manual changes a few times but I bet the novelty soon wears off and they'll just stick it in D and leave it there.

Oh yeah. Cheers stony.

Autos a great for skinning up in when driving.

I used to be able to make a cup of tea and roll a fag whilst tootling along the motorway in my manual truck. Volvo FL6's had a lovely big flat space in the middle, ideal for brewing up whilst on the move, and even better to lie across and have a kip when you stop.

now that is a good trick.

 

[andyhinch]

You can drive a good auto as well as a manual, if its got a good sport mode there fun.

It's got a nice V8 and is a joy to drive

 

[stonerblue]

You can drive a good auto as well as a manual, if its got a good sport mode there fun.

It's got a nice V8 and is a joy to drive

I'll borrow that for a couple of weeks and let you know.

 

[stony]

Oh yeah. Cheers stony.

Autos a great for skinning up in when driving.

I used to be able to make a cup of tea and roll a fag whilst tootling along the motorway in my manual truck. Volvo FL6's had a lovely big flat space in the middle, ideal for brewing up whilst on the move, and even better to lie across and have a kip when you stop.

now that is a good trick.

It helped that it was a left hooker. Left my right arm free to make the tea.

 

[andyhinch]

You can drive a good auto as well as a manual, if its got a good sport mode there fun.

It's got a nice V8 and is a joy to drive

I'll borrow that for a couple of weeks and let you know.

I'll want a full report re the gear box, it's fucking great in sport:)

 

[Irwell]

For a casual runabout a manual transmission is much more fun, but automatics are much better for regular long distance runs and the AMG Speedshifts bring a big chunk of the fun back.

 

[rick773]

Much easier to drink and drive with an automatic. Such a pain in the ass with a manual, almost better off taking public transportation.

 

[stonerblue]

You can drive a good auto as well as a manual, if its got a good sport mode there fun.

It's got a nice V8 and is a joy to drive

I'll borrow that for a couple of weeks and let you know.

I'll want a full report re the gear box, it's fucking great in sport:)

deal.

 

[andyhinch]

I'm on tapatalk and think i