Manual v Automatic
I suffer from a rare Muscle Wasteing Disease and Diabetis, I drive a manual car to tow my caravan, but I am thinking ahead of my illnesses progression, I am wondering if I should change to an Automatic, I was wondering if anyone else has done this and how
they feel about the change.
Comments
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The search facility here is worse than useless, but if it worked, you'd find a few threads on auto vs manual. you'll find a few die hards here that 'want to be in control' but 2 pedals are the way forward!
Auto
every time for me, but you need to have a drive of different types ie full torque converter type eg Mercedes or automated manuals eg VW's DSG .... they drive different, the choice is yours. Did I say that auto is best?
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Whilst I know motormovers have taken much of the pushing and shoving out of caravan ownership, perhaps in view of your developing issues it might be worth considering a motorhome.
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I've just gone from manual to a Suzuki Kizashi CVT auto. It has hill assist and I can manually select all 6 gears for control on the downhill bits.
Will not be going back to manual in a hurry.
I now get on site feeling relaxed instead of frazzled, Traffic jams are doddle, no left leg ache, hitching up and reversing feels easier.
For the curve ball life has thrown at you I think an auto would be a good way for you to keep on keeping on caravanning.
Good luck and keep us updated.
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I'm another great fan of autos, born of many business and leisure trips to USA, renting autos every time. Presently tow with 2.0 TDI Mondeo with 6 speed powershift box. (Same ratios as manual but uses twin concentric plate clutch system electronically operated.)
Much superior to previous manual in my view - tows like a dream, and reversing is easier without needing left foot clutch control.i hope you find a suitable auto and carry on caravanning
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I've just gone from manual to a Suzuki Kizashi CVT auto. It has hill assist and I can manually select all 6 gears for control on the downhill bits.
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If it's a Continuously Variable Transmission, how are there 6 gears to select manually?
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Mollysmummy, excellent question....
It has a 'manual' position on the lever (which is also selectable from the steering wheel) and it allows you to select and hold 6 of the theoretically infinite ratios. Quite a clever bit of kit but you'd have to drive/witness it to completely grasp it. Subaru & Toyota use it too.
Hope that helps.
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Mollysmummy, excellent question....
It has a 'manual' position on the lever (which is also selectable from the steering wheel) and it allows you to select and hold 6 of the theoretically infinite ratios. Quite a clever bit of kit but you'd have to drive/witness it to completely grasp it. Subaru
& Toyota use it too.Hope that helps.
I believe Audi do a similar ting then using electrickery. The only CVT car I've driven was a Fiesta (Ford's version of DAF's Variomatic) ... let's just say it was strange to drive.
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I have just bought hyundai santa fe auto after driving manuals and towing for 4 years now. This is my first autobox and Judging by the comments on here I can look forward to a much more relaxing time whilst towing my van can't wait for our trip out to cheshire
over easter to gauge the difference0 -
Another vote for automatic!
Our Volvo automatic lets you select gears (bit like a manual but without a clutch) - I've never used that option as I've never found it necessary.
There really is no downside.
(you just need to remember in the early days to leave your left foot on the foot rest. Don't on any account try to use both feet
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But remember, Auto's are best on larger engines. Some smaller ones do not have adequate transmission oil cooling so make sure that any car that you do buy can tow reasonably well. Just ask the dealer. The above is especially valid if you are headed for
the southern parts of Europe.TF
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But remember, Auto's are best on larger engines. Some smaller ones do not have adequate transmission oil cooling so make sure that any car that you do buy can tow reasonably well. Just ask the dealer. The above is especially valid if you are headed for the southern parts of Europe.
TF
If only they could be believed, unfortunately dealers will tell you anything for a sale, it really is up to the customer to do his homework.
Anyway, Auto is the choice here, both for towing and for solo driving. Auto's have come on in leaps and bounds from yester year, with negligible power loss and comparible economy. Manual selection is there if needed and a 'Sport' selection to hold onto gears if solo and in a 'stig' mood.
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Although I have always insisted, in the past, on a manual - when I switched to a VW Touareg (with the auto, DSG gearbox) - there was no alternative. Best decision I ever made - ultra smooth - don't know it's changing gear other than for the change in engine
note plus it can be manually over-ridden for long descents etc. Very relaxing to drive and a very capable tow-car. I certainly would never go back to a manual again.0 -
.... and the option to go manual if needed ie: going down steep hills.
That option has always been there, even on older 3 & 4 speed torque converter autos ... you move the transmission from D to 3 or 2 or even 1
Write your comments here...Once again Molly you have educated me .My Lexus has that gearbox,I did not know it was called Torque Converter.I have only ever had to use it once coming out of Lyme Regis stuck behind a bus that was struggling.I am sure I could
have gone up Everest after dropping down a cog!.0 -
.......Once again Molly you have educated me .My Lexus has that gearbox,I did not know it was called Torque Converter.I have only ever had to use it once coming out of Lyme Regis stuck behind a bus that was
struggling.I am sure I could have gone up Everest after dropping down a cog!.Torque converters can also be refered to as fluid flywheels. If you think of a bucket of fluid & stir it hard enough, the bucket will eventually try to turn in the direction that the fluid is turning. That is a very simplified torque converter. DSG and other
automated manuals are just that, a manual gearbox with clever electrics that press a clutch(es) & change gear for you0 -
.... and the option to go manual if needed ie: going down steep hills.
That option has always been there, even on older 3 & 4 speed torque converter autos ... you move the transmission from D to 3 or 2 or even 1
I have 5 manual gears on my Land Cruiser LC4. Move the transmission from D and it will go in the gear you are already in. ie: 5th into 5 then touch the gearstick up or down to the gear you want.
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.......Once again Molly you have educated me .My Lexus has that gearbox,I did not know it was called Torque Converter.I have only ever had to use it once coming out of Lyme Regis stuck behind a bus that was
struggling.I am sure I could have gone up Everest after dropping down a cog!.Torque converters can also be refered to as fluid flywheels. If you think of a bucket of fluid & stir it hard enough, the bucket will eventually try to turn in the direction that the fluid is turning. That is a very simplified torque converter. DSG and other
automated manuals are just that, a manual gearbox with clever electrics that press a clutch(es) & change gear for youWrite your comments here...Hold on Molly, you were the Tiff,that is going straight over the top now .My little single cell is on melt down .
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I recently switched from manual to auto and oh boy life is so much easier my Santa fe 2.2 diesel tows my van like its not there, smooth gear changes with ability to switch to manual gear select only uses 4 of the 6 available gears tho handy for steep downhill decents instead of relying on the brakes only, one thing I have found is that the MPG is not quite as good as a manual in my opinion but this is my only small moan, hope this helps.
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