Poll: Poll please: Do you drive an auto or manual car?

[The_Dark_Side]

my 'auto' a3(2.0) is getting 45+ mpg knocking around and almost 60mpg on a run

that's incredible for a car that's not marketed as an econo-box.

v.impressive IMHO

 

[disco Stu]

It falls into the £135 a year road tax bracket(£125 if it was petrol)

 

[The_Dark_Side]

It falls into the £135 a year road tax bracket(£125 if it was petrol)

does anyone have a link to show what exactly happened to the road tax brackets in the budget.
a friend of mine for example was paying 85 pounds per year for his megane and asked me if i knew if there was a change to this.
i have to confess i don't know..for example to all the changes to road tax only apply to brand new vehicles registered from the budget onwards??

 

[Sputnik II]

does anyone have a link to show what exactly happened to the road tax brackets in the budget.
a friend of mine for example was paying 85 pounds per year for his megane and asked me if i knew if there was a change to this.
i have to confess i don't know..for example to all the changes to road tax only apply to brand new vehicles registered from the budget onwards??

The new rates are all here

 

[aceface57]

I drive manual, a wreck of a mazda 626 estate, perfect car for cyprus mind, everyone gets out your way, very different from driving in the uk. My mum drives auto don't really like it all that much as i feel i have lost a certain part of control when driving.

 

[The_Dark_Side]

The new rates are all here

much appreciated, thank you.

 

[Dr Who]

Auto Toyota Prius, that's about as enjoyable to drive as stuffing pudding in your ears.

Yeah but lets be fair, the manual version is also crap..

 

[disco Stu]

And for cars reg. after March 2001

http://www.dvla.gov.uk/vehicles/Changes_to_cost_of_vehicle_tax.htm

 

[Spanker]

Imo, thats all it does, it seems to take an age to eventually change up in sport mode, much better if just left in "D"

Sport mode just seems to make the thing redline & locks out 5th gear, despite my previous gripes, I still rate it as a fine automatic gearbox don't get me wrong, I'm critisising it against a manual transmission, its leagues ahead of my previous experiences of an auto, that was a Granada Scorpio with fords "A4LD" 4 speed box, a piece of junk by direct comparison.

Shame, my Saab's sport mode also changes the throttle angle to provide more power at the same throttle setting, making it unbelivebley more responsive, you honestly would be surprised at the difference it makes. I also find auto's ( or those with decent powerd engines anyway) better on ice or snow, you can pull away slower etc. Mine will pull away in third

 

[JollyGreen]

Yeah but lets be fair, the manual version is also crap..

Probably, but at least it won't sound like it's constantly in the same gear struggling valliantly and going.. nowhere.
It'll be revving madly and going... nowhere.
Much better

 

[Mackass]

I've been driving a manual since I learnt to drive, and my first car will also be a manual. I've not driven an automatic yet, but I kind of like driving a manual and changing gears, it keeps me occupied in a way.

 

[Alibaba99]

Drive an auto as my daily driver, 20 miles of motorway plus a bit of traffic to deal with when going home and its fantastic for that. Also makes an excellent tow car as well.

Also have a choice of a Westfield, Mk1 Golf GTi or '88 Saab 900 Turbo for manual fun, or would do if they were all working

 

[Mickey_D]

One thing to remember for all those that drive an autobox car :

The primary failure reason for automatic transmissions is lack of maintenance. Most people don't realise that automatic transmissions require fluid and filter changes on a regular basis. It depends on the manufacturer, but with Chryslers it is recommended every 30K or 60K miles. I tend to do it every second oil change and I've never had a problem with a Chrysler tranny, unlike the rest of the country that is under the impression that Chrysler builds crappy trannies.

Well, yeah. You don't change the oil in your engine, it'll fall apart, too!!

 

[mattx2]

Currently drive a Supra auto. I think the auto box suits the car well, having previously only driven manuals i was apprehensive about it but after a week i grew to love it the launches you can get on it are amazing and when it kicks down The best part is it also has a manual mode which gives you 1,2,3 and locks it in the gear ie engage first and floor it and it won't change up until you change it up.