Manual or Automatic

waltersidmouth
waltersidmouth Forum Participant Posts: 12
edited December 2015 in Towcars & Towing #1

Hi, when looking at buying a car for towing a caravan, what are people's views on what is easier to tow with. A manual or automatic? Would like to hear any pros or cons from anyone

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Comments

  • fur ball
    fur ball Forum Participant Posts: 155
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    edited December 2015 #2

    Forgive him lord he knows not what he has done!

    Very much a personal choice with good arguments from two passionate sides as your probably about to witness. Based on my own experience I personally think its easier with an automatic but I actually choose to have a manual. 

  • Wildwood
    Wildwood Club Member Posts: 3,582 ✭✭✭✭
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    edited December 2015 #3

    I agree it is just a personal choice. Manuels should be a bit beyter on fuel if you drive frugally and I like to be in control.

    Automatics now are well up to the job and should be easier to drive if that is what you want.

  • Metheven
    Metheven Club Member Posts: 3,987 ✭✭✭
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    edited December 2015 #5

    No need to read any further ...... just buy a proper torque converter Auto Happy

  • XTB 907
    XTB 907 Forum Participant Posts: 47
    edited December 2015 #6

    No need to read any further ...... just buy a proper torque converter Auto
    Happy

    Which vehicles would be on your list?

  • Metheven
    Metheven Club Member Posts: 3,987 ✭✭✭
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    edited December 2015 #7

    No need to read any further ...... just buy a proper torque converter Auto
    Happy

    Which vehicles would be on your list?

    The OP asked manual or auto, vehicle specifics would be his/her choice B... Laughing

  • volvoman9
    volvoman9 Forum Participant Posts: 1,053
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    edited December 2015 #8

    I  would choose auto every time because i prefer them.They are easy and relaxed driveing.I bought my first one back in 82 and i,ve been buying them ever since.

    peter.

  • commeyras
    commeyras Club Member Posts: 1,853 ✭✭✭
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    edited December 2015 #9

    Tin Hats on folks!!  Auto for me every time.  With modern autos you DO have total control and can even play with it being a manual if you want!  Hill starts easy peasy - no clutch slip with that burning smell!   Not much difference in fuel consumption. 
    But most of all a relaxing drive especially if you also have cruise control.

  • Briang
    Briang Club Member Posts: 670 ✭✭✭
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    edited December 2015 #10

    Definatley auto 

  • eurortraveller
    eurortraveller Club Member Posts: 6,830 ✭✭✭
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    edited December 2015 #11

    I would have bought an auto, but initial cost was greater, fuel consumption worse and vehicle excise duty higher. 

  • Unknown
    Unknown Forum Participant
    edited December 2015 #12
    The user and all related content has been Deleted User
  • huskydog
    huskydog Club Member Posts: 5,460 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    edited December 2015 #13

    I have towed with both manual and auto , prefer auto in and around towns ,but once on the motorway could be either, as long as it gets me to my destination I don't cad what the transmission is .......

  • waltersidmouth
    waltersidmouth Forum Participant Posts: 12
    edited December 2015 #14

    Thank you all for your honest opinion & views. We will take all comments into consideration when the time comes to replace our current car.

  • EmilysDad
    EmilysDad Forum Participant Posts: 8,973
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    edited December 2015 #15

     .... - no clutch slip with that burning smell!   ....

    depending on what type of auto you have ..... some autos are in fact automated manuals eg VWs DSG

  • Tigi
    Tigi Forum Participant Posts: 1,038
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    edited December 2015 #16

    No longer just some auto`s are DSG or Dual Clutch type many are. I would not go back to manual, as previous posts have said you vitrually have an automated manual which you can drive as a manual or auto. My tug has paddles so you don`t even have to reach
    for a gear selector, its a far more relaxing drive particularily in traffic or on long continental trips.

  • Safeman23
    Safeman23 Forum Participant Posts: 51
    edited January 2016 #17

    Since getting a FL2 DS4 and towing a Pegasus Rimini I would not go back to a manual towcar. In manual shift - effortless hill starts. Relaxed driving with reasonable fuel consumption ( dont take any notice of the trip computer fuel figures) 

  • TimJim
    TimJim Forum Participant Posts: 162
    edited January 2016 #18

    Auto...Like Mollys Ma and others..so easy and relaxed when towing ..will never go back to clunky cogs and smelly clutches.....modern autos have progressed further and faster than any manual box have or are ever likely too......

    Tj

  • TheAdmiral
    TheAdmiral Forum Participant Posts: 506
    edited January 2016 #19

    Automatic, end of, never a manual again

    Admiral

  • asda160
    asda160 Forum Participant Posts: 87
    edited January 2016 #20

    Auto with cruise control.

    re the "more control with a manual " debate, as already stated, autos do have the option to select and hold a gear.

    I run a CVT auto, super smooth with paddles at the steering wheel and gear stick manual shift option should I need to.

    so for me i recommend auto unless you like enjoy moving the spoon in the mixing bowl of doom.

    just remember to do your homework re what a vehicle can tow, some manufacturers reduce the weight that can be towed when fitted with auto.

     

     

  • Riggers
    Riggers Forum Participant Posts: 126
    edited January 2016 #21

    Another auto convert here as well. Still drive the manual Insignia company motor for work but cant wait to drive our own motor for private use. So much more relaxing and pleasing to drive.

  • kevinhrc1
    kevinhrc1 Forum Participant Posts: 81
    edited January 2016 #22

    the only trouble with auto's the box is more expensive to repair than a manual i know from experience

  • EmilysDad
    EmilysDad Forum Participant Posts: 8,973
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    edited January 2016 #23

    the only trouble with auto's the box is more expensive to repair than a manual i know from experience

    on the other hand, no clutches to replace or DMFs

    (I know that automated manuals have clutch plates & flywheels Cool)

  • Tigi
    Tigi Forum Participant Posts: 1,038
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    edited January 2016 #24

    Cruise control is now old hat you need a speed limiter as well to be really with it!

  • EmilysDad
    EmilysDad Forum Participant Posts: 8,973
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    edited January 2016 #25

    Cruise control is now old hat you need a speed limiter as well to be really with it!

    or adaptive cruise Wink

    (no, I don't have it, but I believe it's the dog's danglies)

  • flatcoat
    flatcoat Forum Participant Posts: 1,571
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    edited January 2016 #26

    Adaptive cruise Is a bit disconcerting the first time or two it operates, mild 'why is the car slowing' panic setting in! My sons RR has it although it can be fooled by certain weather conditions (very heavy rain). I will concede in heavy traffic it is helpful
    save for the idiots who constantly move into the gap so you can find the car constantly slowing down to open up a gap, which another plonker fills and so on....

  • IanBHawkes
    IanBHawkes Forum Participant Posts: 212
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    edited January 2016 #27

    Automatics are wonderful when in normal driving, but if, for example you have to reverse into a tight entrance a manual can be controlled using the clutch and throttle. But, an automatic cannot be control in the same way, it is either stop or go!

  • EmilysDad
    EmilysDad Forum Participant Posts: 8,973
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    edited January 2016 #28

    Automatics are wonderful when in normal driving, but if, for example you have to reverse into a tight entrance a manual can be controlled using the clutch and throttle. But, an automatic cannot be control in the same way, it is either stop or go!

    Mmmmm? Innocent ...... that's getting into the which is best? Auto or manual debate. I manage very well reversing my caravan down the side
    of my house with about 10" either side even with a go pedal & a stop pedal. If you can't do the same, you either don't drive drive auto's very often or are doing it wrong. I have complete control

  • Boff
    Boff Forum Participant Posts: 1,742
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    edited January 2016 #29

    Just control it by using the brake got to be better than slipping the clutch.  

  • EmilysDad
    EmilysDad Forum Participant Posts: 8,973
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    edited January 2016 #30

    Just control it by using the brake got to be better than slipping the clutch.  

    exactly Wink

    ........ obviously doesn't apply to both clutches on a DSG type auto Innocent

  • DSB
    DSB Club Member Posts: 5,675 ✭✭✭
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    edited January 2016 #31

    It's auto for me too.  Much more relaxing to drive, IMHO.

    David