Auto or manual
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I'm surprised that manual gearboxes are still fitted. I suppose they provide a certain amount of exercise but it's rather one sided.
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We have owned both a 13-plate Sorento manual (Mk2) and now a 66-plate auto (Mk3), towing a Lunar twin axle having an actual laden weight somewhere around 1700-1750kg. I always thought the manual was a good towcar, though I did have some minor examples of clutch slip when reversing and some smell, which could have been the clutch or perhaps the exhaust regeneration system. We have taken both vehicles (with the same caravan) to southern France, this year towing over 3000 miles in total since Christmas. Yes, the auto is a bit thirstier and it costs slightly more in road tax, but for ease of driving, ease of starting off with nearly 2 tonnes on the back, and general relaxation, the auto wins hands down. Absolutely no problems pulling that weight, including long, sometimes steep, French autoroute hills. Changing down manually is a doddle if you need engine braking and pulling out into a stream of traffic is now completely without concern or hesitation. Go for the auto!
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I have been towing with a 2014 Sorento for the last 18 months and I am very satisfied with it, I have met those who use an Auto which made me slightly unsettled on the subject of clutch problems. I was slightly worried about the clutch but as I always had to use a mover the issue never arose. However I have just bought a 2017 Auto Sorento and I am very impressed with modern Auto gearboxes and I can't see me wanting to go manual again. I will be towing with it for the first this week. The 2000kg limit is no problem for the biggest majority of caravans, I will be towing a Lunar Delta at 1790kg so I will let you know how that goes. I anticipate a very relaxed journey so I hope I am not disappointed. I have been driving for over 50 years and it is along time since I drove an auto the difference is amazing.
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@ Retiredbeep I have been driving for over 50 years and it is along time since I drove an auto the difference is amazing.
I've only been driving for 38 years, but saw the auto light nearly 30 yrs ago ...... mainly because the type of car I wanted to drive was predominantly auto and my Dad's cars were always autos.
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Rob
I'm on my second Sorento auto, the last a 13 plate and the current a 17 plate. I tow 1800kg. The sorrento box is a traditional fluid flywheel and is superb for slow manouvers and reversing. Personally I would say go for the auto every time. I've been caravanning for 30 years+ and have had manual boxes for half of the time but I would never go back to manual.
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"" Kennine when did you last test a modern Auto box ""
Hi TF ,,I drive one every day, the car is one year old, so I think it qualifies as Modern Auto Box. It's great for everyday running.. Still prefer a manual when towing though
Regards
K
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Had my first experience towing with an Auto. Outfit being a Lunar Delta at 1790kg and a 2.2 Kia Sorento K3 Auto. It was the most relaxing journey with the caravan and lived up to expectation. Much easier when stop starting especially on hills. Towing demands that extra bit of concentration when driving but the Auto makes it so much easier. I have found the auto a real pleasure with or without the caravan on the back. I took a risk changing from the manual with the extra cost but after 52 years of driving behind me I would say its auto from now on especially as far as towing is concerned. If you want to hold the outfit back on a downhill just flick the gearlever into manual mode and drop it down a gear, no problem. If conditions are a bit testing for example bendy twisty roads with lots of ups and downs then selecting sport mode in the gearbox is ideal.
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