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[bob.dent]

Ok guys (and girls of course) this sort of started off in another thread, so time to take a vote.

What floats your boat in your driving pleasure, manual or auto? My own preference is for manual for better control, driving experience, better speed etc.


**edited

[Auto Addict]

Bet you can't guess which way I voted

[TheBoy]

there is not a best...

[Andy B]

there is not a best...

Correct!

[bob.dent]

there is not a best...

Correct!

OK lets not say best, lets say preferred!

[MartinP]

While I agree that a manual can be more   FUN  

Its nice and easy driving a Luxobarge with an auto box  

[Markjay]

Manual is more enjoyable (sorry AA), and yet I drive an automatic since ‘98. When you get older you succumb to such creature comforts as auto gearboxes and power steering.... However I do get some fun driving occasionally as our family car is a manual (to the extent that you can have fun driving an MPV…)

[Markjay]

Also driving a manul while using a mobile phone in town - even with the hand-free kit - requires a little too much coordination for me...

[nixoro]

Only ever driven an auto once and found it hard to get used to not using my left foot mind you the fact I nearly put it in the back of someone doesnt help things, couldn't get used to it creeping forward. lol

[bob.dent]

Manual is more enjoyable (sorry AA), and yet I drive an automatic since ‘98. When you get older you succumb to such creature comforts as auto gearboxes and power steering.... However I do get some fun driving occasionally as our family car is a manual (to the extent that you can have fun driving an MPV…)

Agreed, especially as I'm definitely in the "getting older" bracket but I used to have a Pug 606 SVDT auto (don't laugh....it wasn't bad until head gasket went!) and while it was comfy and easy to drive, when I got my manual miggie it was like being rejuvinated and gave me real fun in driving again

Still.....I suppose I'll get bored again one day and end up with an auto again....preferrably an MV6 estate 8-)

[Kev]

I don't think i could go back to a manual again.

I'm wasted with my Auto, especially when you're in that rush hour traffic.  

[Andy B]

Only ever driven an auto once and found it hard to get used to not using my left foot mind you the fact I nearly put it in the back of someone doesnt help things, couldn't get used to it creeping forward. lol

Exactly what most people base their opinions of automatics over manuals on. A run down the road in someone elses auto won't give you an impression of what an auto is really like to live with. Just about every one will 'dip the clutch' at some stage and nearly nut the windscreen cos they've hit the big brake pedal!   When you get practised with your auto you can use a foot for each pedal!  8-) ( I know that's NOT what you get taught but I do) As for creeping forward ... why I don't know, but my wife's auto Astra G doesn't creep like al the auto's I've had, it's as though the brake light circuit switches the drive off? :-?

[sounds2k]

well thanks to an accident a few years ago that damaged my back, I drive an auto as otherwise the single-leg bench presses give me leg ache - usually in the right leg! (referred pain)

An auto is nice in a barge but TBH what I'd really like is a semi-auto gearbox so you have some degree of control when you want to have some fun  

[Taxi_Driver]

As for creeping forward ... why I don't know, but my wife's auto Astra G doesn't creep like al the auto's I've had, it's as though the brake light circuit switches the drive off? :-?

Thats entirely possible.....i used to have V6 Vectra auto.....that did the same thing....it used to drop the box into neutral if you were stood still with your foot on the brake.
Pain in the neck if you went for a quick getaway....as you already had revs up before the box dropped back into drive again.....not exactly very good for it  :-?

[nixoro]

Only ever driven an auto once and found it hard to get used to not using my left foot mind you the fact I nearly put it in the back of someone doesnt help things, couldn't get used to it creeping forward. lol

Exactly what most people base their opinions of automatics over manuals on. A run down the road in someone elses auto won't give you an impression of what an auto is really like to live with. Just about every one will 'dip the clutch' at some stage and nearly nut the windscreen cos they've hit the big brake pedal!   When you get practised with your auto you can use a foot for each pedal!  8-) ( I know that's NOT what you get taught but I do) As for creeping forward ... why I don't know, but my wife's auto Astra G doesn't creep like al the auto's I've had, it's as though the brake light circuit switches the drive off? :-?

You say based on a run down the road, I would say more based on a long run only I had been hired the auto to do a job in Birmingham so not sure whether you would call it a run down the road. I see your point though I guess if I was ever to go the auto route I would eventually get used to it, but for now I will stick with my manual.