Any manual drivers driven Automatics?

[Postdog]

Basically, I've been driving for years, since the 70's, and have always driven manuals. It's what I learned in and what I am used to.

I got a car from a dealers a few months back, but I changed makes to what I have been driving for years and I am not happy (nice car, just not happy driving it) and am looking to trade in for my preferred manufacturer.

He doesn't have much choice at the moment, but pne of those is an automatic, which I have always avoided. Ive never even sat in the driving seat of one before now.

My question is to those who have driven both - basically what was your impression? Did you change from manual to automatic and did you prefer it, was it easier to change, etc etc.

[Count-A-Strong]

Much easier to drive in traffic. I used to swapmfrom manuals to autos every few days. Give your left leg a good hard slap before setting off, just to remind you not to use that foot.

[sddsddean]

An auto is great if you do lots of town stop/start driving. My Dad got one when we lived in SE London and had to drive up to Mayfair. Much easier than doing 200+ gear changes each way! I used to have an auto and its no problem once you get used to it. My trick was to tuck my left leg back under my right to stop using it. For some reason, autos have big brake pedals, so that if you have to stop quickly, you can hit it with both feet (when going for the 'clutch') and end up head butting the windscreen!!

[chrissa1]

I've driven both but prefer the automatic as it's so easy to drive in traffic. A tip my father gave me years ago was to hook your left foot behind your right until you get used to not putting "both feet out".

[chrissa1]

Sorry sdds, just read your whole post and have duplicated your advice.

[dotty.]

I have no idea what it is like to drive a manual, I passed my test in an automatic mini in 1974 and I have only ever driven autos as it is illegal for me to drive a manual with my license

[chrissa1]

As in "when in doubt".

[Prudie]

I drove manuals for years but after being given an automatic I now won't buy anything else. So much easier. It only took a couple of weeks to get used to.

[cazzz1975]

auto's are much easier than a manual, its like driving a dogem

[Arti]

Mmm, interesting comments. When I was younger I preferred to drive manuals because of the 'racing driver' feel of changing gears. I would consider an automatic now that it's not important for me to be Nigell Mansell* anymore.

*Young 'uns: replace with Lewis Hamilton

[cazzz1975]

though in his williams years mansell drove a semi-automatic ;)

[chrissa1]

I'd have to *replace with Stirling Moss.

[numnum]

I have an automatic and manual. I've driven manuals since i passed my test about 10 years ago then got the automatic about 2 years ago.

Its really fine. Its not something we were looking for in a car but the car we were looking at was automatic. I didn't see the point in an automatic but I do like it.

Only thing is I switch form the automatic and then jump into the manual and it takes a few miles and a couple of bunny hop style driving to get used to it!!

[TonyV]

Postdog - can you get a test drive - autos are fine - just remember to use your right foot only as others have said before

[magog]

Automatics are great - just one thing to bear in mind tho' they do use more fuel than a well-driven manual. Keep a light foot on the accelerator !!

[Purple_Popple]

I think autos are 'safer' to drive, you pay more attention to the road and dont have to worry about what gear you are in :)

[lankeela]

Have occasionally had to drive an automatic but have to say I much prefer a manual, it gives the feeling of being more in control. I feel automatics are running away with me! My problem was never with the left foot, it was sticking my left hand down as if to change gear every so often. I always have to stop and think how to start off in an automatic but it does come naturally after a couple of drives. Easy peasy to go back to a manual afterwards.

[Prudie]

They also have the advantage of never stalling at lights, hills etc. That wouldn't bother me now but as a young new driver those were my terrors!

[craft1948]

I swapped to automatics about 7 years ago as I have arthritis in my left knee, I'd never go back to a manual gearshift.

[Postdog]

I was more James Hunts era - Ta for advice but still unsure. The thing is part of the reason I want to change what I have is because I miss the handbrake (it's automatic to some degree) and I don't know if I would be swapping missing one thing for another if I buy an auto. I actually quite l changing gear, and it's because I haven't got used to the differences on my current one that I want to change. Don't want to do that twice

[whiskeryron]

I have driven both privately & professionally for years & I always drove gear shift vehicles except for a couple of times when it was necessary for me to drive Automatics, I liked the change very much & found it less wearing on the legs & not so tiring. Changing gear is not a problem with an Automatic you simply blip the accelerator & it changes down a gear.Ron.