Thinking about buying a new car

should I buy an automatic?

[jecasc]

I know in the US cars with automatic gear are standard. Here in Germany cars with automatics are exotics. Actually I have never driven an automatic car in my whole live and I do not know anyone driving an automatic.

Actually I do not even know how an automatic gear works, I only know that there is no clutch.

Because I'm a lazy bum and do not want to shift gears manually anymore I'm thinking about buying an automatic car.

Are there any drawbacks? Heard something about automatics need more fuel. That true? Any more drawbacks?

[faltered]

How much fuel the car uses depends on many things. Check the mileage per gallon before you buy, that should give you a good idea of how much you could get. Also, the number of cylinders your engine has will affect gas gulping.

I drove an automatic for years and just recently purchased my first standard. I will never go back! I find the handling so much better in a standard. I feel as though I have so much more control over my car and pay more attention to the road and the behavior of my car.

In the states, an automatic will cost a tad bit more than a standard. But the price is coming down. I think I would have paid around $1,000 more if I purchased an automatic. Make sure you test drive the car before you buy it. Some automatics really lag in lower gears, others don't.

It's all personal preference, really. Good luck.

[monkeythumpa]

Automatics have computers to tell them when to shift, and because the computer can't see the road ahead it is at a disadvantage to a human as far as maximizing gas milage. If that is your worry, get a Honda Civic Hybrid. The CVT model (automatic) does not have gears, it is a smooth ride up to about 95 mph, it's top speed. I have a manual transmission HCH and I get about 45 mpg. I am on the low end of the scale because of the way I drive, some people get 55 mpg.

Actually in America manuals are standard, automatics cost a bit more, but there are a lot out there. With nothing more than a wild guess I would say 50%.

The main advantage I have found for automatic transmissions is that you have a free hand when you have your date in the car. If you have ever tried to grope someone while driving a stick you will feel my pain.

[shigamoto]

Generally an automatic has higher fuel consumption. If you drive alot in the city or in your profession you will want an automatic definitley. In traffic jams they are a godsend since you don't have to have the clutch half way down all the time.

Personally I prefer manuals since you interact more with your car, and the car is more powerful (you can hold the car on higher rpms for a longer period of time) But then again driving with a manual in city traffic is hell.

Automatics have come a long way in development, many have settings for winter conditions. You brake a lot more with cars having automatic transmissions which means more wear on the brakes.

A car with an automatic also consumes about 1.3 times more fuel than the same kind of car with a manual one.

Some cars has a manual override on their automatic transmissions(usually called something with Tronic), so that you can manually shift your car. However the sole purpose of the override is to enhance the driving experience.

The Tronic name orginally comes from Porsche with their TipTronic, they later licensed the technology to Audi and VW. BMW, Mercedes, Volvo among others have similar systems.

Also keep in mind that automatic transmissions cost more to overhaul, so if you buy a used car be sure to check the transmission.

[edited by: shigamoto at 8:32 pm (utc) on Oct. 28, 2004]

[hannamyluv]

Actually in America manuals are standard, automatics cost a bit more

What part of the US are you in!?!?

My husband has been trying to find a larger sized vehicle in a standard and the car companies just don't make them anymore here. Manual is not an option with many of the designs he looked at. As a matter of fact, they are beinging to be so uncommon that many Americans (at least the ones I know) don't know how to drive a manual.

I think the thing I miss about having a manual is the feel of it. There is just something about banging through the gears when you are in a really good or really bad mood.

[mivox]

I feel as though I have so much more control over my car and pay more attention to the road and the behavior of my car.

Same here... I drove an automatic for a few years, and never want to again. Being able to downshift is really useful at times, especially when road conditions are questionable up here (like they have been for the last two weeks).

And yeah, like hannamyluv said... shifting the car is just really satisfying sometimes. ;)

[vkaryl]

Not only won't I buy an automatic, I won't buy a "car". Trucks. That's what I have....

I've driven manual trannies since I got my driver's license (um. I was "behind" - didn't get one until I was 22.... 1969....)

We do own an automatic - when my dad died I wound up with his 325k original miles antique Buick. My husband drives it. I drive my truck.

[PhraSEOlogy]

I used to drive many miles as a consultant and I started getting pains in my arms and legs. I went to the doctor who asked me what type of car I drove. A strange question I thought... Then he prescribed buying a car with an automatic transmission.

All that clutch and gear shifting action was causing the aches.

[theriddla1019]

Ive driven both types of transmision types for years, but I must say with gas mileage, cost, and just overall fun i would definitelly go with a manual. I have had an automatic for 5 years now although its luxurious and easy to drive, i get so bored with it. My next car i think is going to be the new Scion Tc with the TRD supercharger in a manual...definitelly manual.

[faltered]

<Monkey: The main advantage I have found for automatic transmissions is that you have a free hand when you have your date in the car. If you have ever tried to grope someone while driving a stick you will feel my pain.>

That's horrible, yet extremely funny! Not to mention, there's the stick shift AND the emergency brake in between you two, which makes for an added obstacle. Although nowadays, they seem to be putting the emergency brake in the center console on automatics, too.

[mivox]

All that clutch and gear shifting action was causing the aches.

Well, that's an awfully good reason to switch. (too bad insurance wouldn't cover the cost of THAT prescription!)

[Shak]

get a tiptronic, best of both worlds

pref a german Car :)

Shak

[vrtlw]

2nd the tiptronic and the German car spec.

Wouldn't buy anything else :)

[lawman]

Hi Shak. You still driving that German station wagon? ;)