switching from manual to automatic

[DeeJay-Mo]

Looking for a car that is cheap to run and reasonably comfortable. Interested in maybe a Hybrid, but most recent models seem to be automatic transmission only. The only one I can see that is manual now is the Honda CRZ, which doesn't actually return great fuel economy, and doesn't fit into my budget of around £2500.

Quite interested in the Honda Civic Hybrid, but not sure if I will be able to get on with a CVT, having only ever driven manuals and gotten very used to having gears.

Anyone who's made the switch care to share your experience? Will it kill the enjoyment of driving completely? Should I forget about Hybrids and buy something like a Toyota Yaris 1.4 diesel car instead? Is all the hype around diesels being a bad idea warranted?

What should I do?

 

[DeeJay-Mo]

My personal vehicle isn't an automatic, but I do drive them for work. Depends on what you use the car for if you sit on motorways or traffic for a substantial amount of the time I'd probably consider one. If you're looking at a CRZ for manual then tbh I'd say you're not going to me missing out on much fun

Orly, I heard that the CRZ was actually really fun to drive, but not actually that economical compared to a diesel super-mini. Yeah, I will be on the motorway for most of the time. I live just west of Reading and work in Slough.

I wouldn't want a car with an ageing auto box, they aren't cheap to replace if they die.

Yes, that is why I was looking at Hondas, which have a good reputation for reliability.

 

[DeeJay-Mo]

I just made the change from a 6 speed manual to a 7 speed dual clutch auto . Love it to be honest. I did make sure i got something with a full manual mode and paddles though so i can still take over if i want.

Makes driving in traffic a million times nicer obviously.

As has been said though, i would be worried about owning an old one out of warranty.

Now that sounds like the sort of car I could get on with. Paddle shift would be fine, but I gather that CVT is a different kettle of fish!

in terms of drivability you will love it and hate it.

it does suck a considerable amount from "spirited" driving on back roads, but anywhere in traffic it's a definite boon.

i'll be honest mine's an auto because it shaved £1k off the price for an equivalent car, and i wanted to try it out. there are definately times when i miss the manual, almost to the point of being tempted to do a manual conversion, but when it comes to ultimate lazy/tired driving it makes the world of difference.

be warned though, the whole sequential shift thing on even a good regular auto box is not that fun, that's why dual clutch boxes exist.

Thanks for your insight. Could you expand on the sequential shift not being fun please?

 

[DeeJay-Mo]

Thanks all. I guess the proof will be in the driving. Will try and test drive a few autos and see for myself!

 

[DeeJay-Mo]

cheap to run and £2.5K to spend?

then you want an old civic 1.6 petrol. from around 2004, etc. or a nissan micra. ford fiesta.

small and basic. forget hybrids with only £2.5K to spend. you want an old japanese car which has been looked after. so don't go buying off a boy racer.

Yes, I love my Japanese cars. I was pushing a Mitsubishi Grandis until recently, which suited me at the time, because I occasionally needed to travel with more than five people in the car whilst carrying a fullsize push chair in the boot, (not so easy in most modern seven seaters). As I was only commuting to the train station, the thirstiness of it didn't bother me that much.

Since I started my new job and doing 60 miles every day (mainly motorway), I ditched the Grandis and bought a very cheap old 1 litre Suzuki Alto, which returns around 50MPG. If I was going to buy a small petrol, I would probably go for the newer version of this little guy, but ideally I could use something slightly bigger and more comfortable.

Not sure a 1.6 Civic would return good enough fuel economy tbh, hence I'm looking at the Hybrid, or diesel.

Could probably/maybe increase my budget a bit, though.

Any more suggestions on cars worth looking at?