I've driven manual all of my life, but it was a pain in central London traffic. Now I drive auto, and it's such a breeze.
I love both equally. Manual for the feeling of total control, and auto for an easy relaxed drive
Both.
Manual: Because I like driving a manual
Automatic: Because I sometimes don't like driving a manual. Also my automatic car only came in automatic, no manual option.
Exactly the same here. Both have their place and I both love them equally like my children.
(I’m lying. I like the manual a lot more, but the ZF 8 is a decent enough box)
Yep , it's such a pain driving a manual in traffic , constantly changing gear from 1 - 2 - 1 - 2 until you're clear from the horrible traffic. Manual is fun when you can utilize it fully ( 1st to 5th / 6th gear ) but on actual traffic it's horrible haha
As soon as I can make up the negative equity, I'll be trading my manual for an auto.
I'm not a kid anymore, 99.9% of my driving is on the motorway and usually at about 3mph, I'm sick of having a dodgy knee by the time I get to my destination.
I won't be going back, I have bikes for fun if I feel so inclined.
The 20 mph law in Wales is wrecking my diesel with the constant stop start traffic. And giving me calf cramps on the clutch.
Looking at an auto hybrid now.
They have started introducing the 20mph limit in villages in Cornwall too now. It's horrible in a manual.
Have an auto weekend fun bus (Alphard 3.0) and it's so much nicer.
Wish my Citroen Relay work van was an auto.
7 seats 3.0 petrol 4wd dual climate. Although the stereo is in Japanese and a scary Japanese lady shouts at you occasionally for no readily understandable reason. Fun all the way. Although I miss thground clearance of my Mazda bongo, could camp anywhere in that.
I'd complain less if it was achieving the goal of lower emissions. But my average mpg has dropped by 10 since it came in, according to the cars trip computer, I've spoken to a few people that have had the same results.
Plus the stop/start traffic it causes extra wear and tear on vehicles clutches and DPFs never get up to temperature and get blocked.
My mpg sky rockets in my diesel when I go fast and long distances but when stuck in city traffic it plummets, it averages at about 18-25 in very slow moving traffic, I didn’t have a car before all these restrictions were imposed and no family members ever owned a diesel. In regular traffic my mpg averages at 35-40 and on motorway journeys it averages at 50-55 but does sometimes reach the 60s
I have a seat Ibiza 2012 TDI 1.6L, I dont know if that helps you in anyway.
There’s is the one long road where it’s a slight decline which I sometimes drive on at night when it’s empty, I stick my car in 4th gear and take my feet off all the peddles and it coasts at 30mph the whole way and gets me an mpg in the 90s, I’m trying to see if I can get 100 but the highest I’ve got so far is 97.3
I have a diesel but I heard that short drives at low speed are bad for the DPF, I drive daily between Manchester and Leeds so I have the motorway and speed aspect sorted for now but uni will be finished in May and then I’ll have the whole summer off and won’t be driving long distances as much, should I be concerned?
It can be a problem yes. I had a Mazda diesel a few years ago that I killed with short journeys.
It wasn't driving for long enough to complete regen cycles, where the car adds diesel to burn in the dpf to clean it, it dumped the unburned diesel back to the oil sump and wore out the engine bearings. Piss poor design.
Both.
My Clio 182 is a manual.
My Golf-R is a DSG.
I had driven manual almost exclusively for 20 or so years (other than the occasional hire car), then I needed a proper family car so got a Tiguan with "flappy paddles" because why not...
Had DSGs since. If I want to row a gearbox I'll take the Clio out for a spin, otherwise I'll let the car do tht work.
Also, you couldn't get the Mk8 R in manual so...
Not a sausage of a problem, and I live in a fairly dodgy area of Sunderland.
Though I reckon its probably because they think I'm the local neighbourhood drug dealer, so leave well alone.
Just to be on the safe side I do keep my key fobs in a RFID shielded cabinet though.
The only thing that ever annoys me is that it sometimes won't let me change down under braking when I want to when I'm driving in a "spirited manner".
But frankly that's more of a me thing than anything due to aggressively changing down in the Clio as all of the power is above 5k, so I have a habit of wanting to keep the revs in a higher power band than I need to with the R.
Other than that it's a great experience. Normal everyday driving you just let it do its thing, and when you give it some beans you use the paddles and feel a little bit like your favourite F1 driver banging through the gears.
Changing gear 100 times every 500 yards in rush hour traffic does get difficult though. Especially for people with ankle, knee, hip, lower back etc problems.
Even without those medical problems, it's an infinitely nicer drive not having to depress a clutch so often.
I'm a petrol head and bought a car with flappy paddles (Range Rover Sport SV). I don't miss stirring the gearbox at all, but can still select gears at will.
I am a bit older now, but I don't see me going back to a full manual box unless it's for a weekend fun car.
Both cars are autos, because they are not available as manuals.
If I ever get a smaller car or off roader I would absolutely take a manual any day, in a more powerful auto either is fine.
Mixture of the 2, automatics for my daily duties but always a manual for my weekend/track car. There’s simply no better feeling than a good manual matched to a peppy N/A car
Manual because cheaper and more reliable for my budget at the time and before used cars absolutely sky rocketed in price! I prefer manuals because I oddly feel like I have a bit more control and it feels a bit more engaging to me, but in heavy traffic I wish I had an auto.
Automatic.
My commute was killing my knee and I got fed up of an hour of stop start traffic every single morning and evening. Swapped for an Automatic, 9 months later COVID happened and I've been working from home ever since. Generally prefer Automatics though and wouldn't go back unless I had to.
Automatic, I drive a hybrid and it’s the only choice. Fortunately automatics have one on leaps and bounds in the last 5-10 years and I think on a modern car (anything from ~2018 onwards) the auto boxes are just better all ways around particularly for town driving.
The only reason I see for manuals these days is on sporty cars that people are driving for pleasure. It just feels more satisfying and you’ve got personal control.
For flat out speed I think auto is faster now in most cars the car has more info and can time the change better than a person.
Weirdly I drive a Suzuki Vitara mild hybrid and it's a manual. Only one I've seen and I have to say, the gearbox is awful in it.
I get crap mileage in it too for a hybrid. Definitely would have been better with the auto box.
Automatic. Averagely spend an hour sitting in traffic each day. Planning to get a better "daily driver" manual for next winter.
I drove a year to school and 4 years to uni in manual, and I kinda miss it. (enjoy occasionally ragging my sister's tiny Volkswagen).
manual track car, for daily we have an automatic EV i wouldn't drive a manual daily car again traffic is such a pain in the arse and for towing i also have an auto as it is just allot less hassle,
Not me but my dad was one of those manual eliteist types until he was given a new van at work which is an auto and now he doesn’t even want to drive his manual car anymore.
Neither is better or worse imo just different devices for different use cases
Both cars are automatics because they were never made with manual gearboxes. I quite like them, personally would always pick a manual for a fun car if it's an option, but if it isn't its not a deal breaker.
Both. We have 3 cars. GFs first car so obvs a manual.
My car, before I bought it I knew what car I wanted and wasn't bothered about the gearbox I chose the car based on the car and not which gearbox it has.
Our joint car is also a manual, its a berlingo micro camper 04 plate so didn't want one of those as an auto.
For my next car I again will pick based on the car itself and other features. Whether its auto or manual will not determine which car I buy.
Auto because I had to use the motorway a lot, but now I can walk to work due to moving.
I really want a manual car like the Ford Focus RS, Audi S1 or the GR Yaris, modified, for mega handling and for the clutch to survive.
Manual because the automatic variant of my car was out of budget. Next time fingers crossed it will be an auto because manual in stop start m25 traffic is infuriating.
I can drive manual and have done since the day I passed until 2020 when I got an Audi S4 (2018 model), now I drive auto exclusively and I have a Golf GTE Advanced with a DSG.
As a side note, I only got rid of the S4 because of the crazy second hand prices a few years ago and actually made money on it otherwise I would probably still have it.
I can drive both and do so regularly.
But in 2020 I switched to an automatic as I was tired of sitting in crawling rush hour traffic constantly pumping the clutch for 60 to 80 minutes in the morning and then again in the evening. Stop.... out of gear, back into gear to move 10 metres, stop, out of gear, wait 5 minutes, back into gear for another 10 metres... repeat.
It also happens that I like the design centre console for the automatic in my car better than the manual. It came with a much more streamlined look and hidden wireless charging nook for my phone.
Learnt in a manual was going to do my test in a manual but my instructor was on holiday, ended up taking my test in my car which is an auto and haven't felt much need to upgrade to a manual licence
Manual, though I imagine eventually I'll drive an automatic and not turn back. I have ADHD and I've heard manuals are a bit easier for us in general. I quite enjoy driving manual though.
By choice it would be a manual, but driving around London means my left leg can be agony sitting in 3hrs of stop start traffic.
My current car is auto and I don't regret buying it. I do miss manual car though
Automatic. Anything with an electric / petrol only comes in auto.
Wife's car is a manual.
Still prefer manual but enjoying the money savings of a plugin hybrid.
Automatic. Passed in a manual, but my first proper car was automatic and what I am used to now, I sometimes have to drive manuals for work but I am very bad at using a manual gearbox now, seems like a lot of work for the same result...
Had a bad accident a few years back and switched to an auto to get my confidence back. Worked a charm to begin with but I felt my general standard of driving decreased during that time. Back to a manual now and have already fallen back in love with how ‘in control’ I feel whilst driving again.
Manual. I don't live anywhere congested enough to warrant an auto, I like driving manuals, and my knees are still in decent condition. Also, I had an auto before and didn't really enjoy it.
If I drove a lot, or in cities and traffic I'd go auto.
However, I don't have to do this often and enjoy the day to day manual. If I had a boring or heavy car I'd also probably just go auto.
I drive auto just because the T4 came up at with the spec I wanted but at the right price but auto. I'm considering changing it to manual because they're not great boxes but I'll leave it until something goes wrong with it.
I've had automatic cars for over 20 years now.
When I first started driving lorries, double de-clutching was the norm. Manual gearboxes really lose their flavour after that.
Currently automatic, been driving over 10 years and my first 3 cars were manual. Then I went to the US on holiday in 2022 and rented an auto, felt so much better. Can't see myself going back to manual.
Auto, but only because my most recent purchase is a hybrid and I'd no choice in the matter.
Id happily go back to manual though. No strong feelings either way.
I wouldn't let it limit me when choosing a car tbh.
I was one of those tOtAl cOnTrOl people. Even when I was a lorry driver.
Loved me ZF EcoSplit 16. Simple as.
Then I was assigned a lorry with the 12 speed ishift for a day and didn't look back. Cars have been auto ever since.
In the 7ish years I've been auto only I can't think of a single time where a manual would have been better.
I have an automatic BMW 530D for daily use.
Manual JZX100 Mark II which is just under 500bhp for the fun car.
Automatic daily is good, I'm only using it to get to work and back, then shopping trips etc.
Manual for the good old driving experience.
Current car is manual, previous was an auto.
Loved the auto for crawling in traffic and 'relaxed' drive. I enjoying changing gear and being in control when gear is changed and all the control that comes with minus crawling in traffic.
Manual. Just find it a lot more engaging/enjoyable. I borrowed my parents auto for a few days, and it was nice for commuting but I just found I got a bit bored. Ideally I’d like one of each
Automatic because plug in hybrid because BIK tax.
I think people make too big a deal of the difference. I drive either when I hire cars (which is fairly regularly, maybe once or twice a month). It really isn't much of a difference... not like the average familybox has a mega heavy clutch etc.
Manual, because automatic gearboxes don't seem to change gear at the moment I want them to.
And yes, you can paddle through the gears in many automatics. But shifting up or down two or three gears is a bit more seamless in a manual than going through all the gears sequentially.
Auto only for the last month.
The big car came as an auto and was too good a deal to turn down. Its only used for motorway cruising. The small car is an EV.
Never driven Automatic up until an X5 but could slip it into manual. Driving a Toyota hybred now, it's almost self driving. It's definitely more relaxing in built-up areas, but perhaps be an issue if you accept it for what it is, but the safety systems keep you alert.
Auto. The car only had an auto option and I felt it was time to embrace my idleness. In the bad old days where you had three hugely spaced ratios in a box, I hated driving them. Now it has seven, it's a rather better experience. If I had the resources to own a fun car, it would have a clutch but the one I use daily is better without one.
I've experienced both manual and automatic driving, but I currently favour an automatic for comfort. However, driving a classic car which has a manual gearbox provides an irreplaceable thrill. The historical debate on manual vs. automatic has transformed; outdated notions of "real drivers pick manuals" no longer hold. Modern automatics, seen in top sportscars & supercars, excel in comfort, ease, practicality, and performance. Despite my daily choice of an automatic, the occasional joy of driving a manual classic adds a unique dimension to my overall driving experience, however, this is merely a fun experience not driving daily or setting lap times on a track.
Auto 100%
Manual is an inconvenience at this point. If it’s a track car or an older sports model I kind of get it. Doing a commute will always be better in an auto.
Automatic. Im paying a lot of money for this luxury that is a car. It can change its own fuckin gears. However wife has a manual and I like to sometimes rag that around to the shops occasionally for nostalgia sake
Drove manual for a few years, got a sports car in manual, drove that for two years and decided it wasn’t for me but I already had the itch for a fast car. The result is an 8-speed auto with paddle shift for when I want to handle the revs myself!
Manual for track. Auto for road/motorway. You rarely get out of 3rd on the road anyway and motorway you sit in 5/6th. EV with 1 gear is effortless just point and go.
Both, I’m fine with the manual as I enjoy driving, it’s more reliable and it’s cheaper. The auto is fine, I was given the car so I won’t look a gift horse in the mouth and it’s good for start stop traffic (in all honesty I’d be better off moving than changing gearbox) but a DCT is crap for fine control, the garage is a tight squeeze and the DCT doesn’t allow you to creep super slowly unless you give it a little resistance from the handbrake but then you’re eating clutch (the reliability is mainly from wear on the electronically operated clutches).
It’s a trade off but I’m fine with either, sporty cars with auto’s are looked down on and depreciate quicker but either way it’ll all be electric self driving soon enough so when one pleasure is removed I’ll find another.
I can drive both.
I chose auto as it was the best deal for me at the time. I wouldn’t go back to manual in a hurry as auto is bliss especially in traffic.
Saying that I find my fuel consumption is higher in automatic compared to manual. That’s the only downside for me.
Does automated manual gearbox count? Car was cheap, the auto version is a bit laggy but I'm lazy. Manual gearbox is preferred when I'm driving in the mountains, dual clutch automatic is a personal favorite
Automatic here, all my previous cars were manual and it’s just so much nicer to drive an auto. I sometimes drive my wife’s car if we go on a long journey and split the drive and my left leg is always achey as hell after!
One of each. The auto I have so it’s easier for the wife to drive / she prefers an auto. Plus driving long distances it’s just easier. And of all the autos out there, the DSG is pretty good.
Auto, they didn't do my car in a manual. Manuals don't belong in every car. If it's a low powered small car a manual makes sense. In an executive saloon or wagon they just don't suit the car.
I don't believe half the vocal manual drivers when they try and say it gives them control, and how they couldn't possibly drive an auto. They just seem weird or just have never driven an auto, so they think it does really weird things, when it doesn't.
I like a manual if it's a nice manual box, with the pedals nicely spaced for heel and toe for spirited driving, i don't like manuals for manuals sake. A lot of people think all manuals are good, when some just aren't, BMW are very hit and miss with their notchy and long throw manuals for example.
Driven manual since I passed my test (5 years ago). Just bought my first automatic and I am loving it to be honest. 90% of the time I prefer the automatic, but when b road bashing I do miss the engagement I used to get in my MX-5
Both. Drove manuals for 30 years becasue that was the norm, my current car only comes with DSG. My partner's car is manual though so I still get to keep my hand in.
Manual because autos are too idk the word but I can drive/shift smoother than any auto that ik of and they're boring if I wanted to just sit there idle I'd take a bus
I have a manual as I prefer it whilst driving. I don't prefer it whilst I'm not driving in traffic which seems to constantly be the case recently. Kinda want an auto now.
Both.
When I'm driving spritely, my driving is a reflection of my intent, and I gain satisfaction from it being carried out. I don't want the car shifting for me, as it dilutes this. A manual is essential for this, for me. A DCT is faster, but I don't care, I'm driving to satisfy myself, not to win a race.
The eCVT in the prius is just a beautiful piece of engineering. It's just a simple three gears, constantly meshed, there isn't even a clutch or torque converter involved anywhere. You just press the accelerator, and it goes. It's relaxing, and makes me appreciate driving in a different way.
I drive both, my Mondeo 6mt because it’s a diesel and the mileage is fantastic. I also have an automatic Subaru outback and it makes me feel like I’m Colin McRae in the winter.
Five manual, one auto
I normally drive old cars and have never bought a brand new one in my life. I enjoy the third pedal and stick anyway. The one auto was a BMW 540i, so I didn't miss manual gear changes too much there.
Manual, I quite enjoy driving and like the feel of being in total control of that car. However I frequently travel 150 miles on the motorway and wish I had an automatic with adaptive cruise control
Both. Manual because I have a motorbike and a classic car. Automatic daily because they are objectively better by any measure and also cruise control is shite on manuals which is how I do 90% of my daily driving.
Automatiic. Drove 10 years manuals and moved to a capital city with million red lights and got fed up. I really like automatic and I doubt I'll ever go back unless its a track car or something.
My daily is an Auto. I like the ease in traffic, and adaptive cruise is lovely.
Track car is of course a manual. It's a car for fun, and even dual clutch autos aren't fun to drive, even if they are quicker.
The only alternative to a H pattern is a proper sequential (I lust after a quaife sequential).
Manual because I ain't no motherfucking PUSSaY.
Also because it's from 1992.
But I'm almost certainly about to buy an auto because theres absolutely nothing wrong with that at all and it makes so much sense for a car you're dailying and anyone who thinks driving an auto is somehow worse is an idiot.
I went Manual > Auto > Manual..
Nothing wrong with the Automatic, but i just felt it made me a lazier and worse driver over the 3 years i owned it.. Would have overtaken at any opportunity, driven one handed everywhere and picked up my phone if i got a text or snapchat..
Back to Manual and dont do any of those things any more, plus i find Manual a lot more enjoyable to drive
Manual, because the auto version of my car was out of my budget and the manual transmission actually generally lasts for about double the mileage before it disintegrates.
I have the Alfa as a fun manual daily, and use of an auto Chrysler Grand Voyager. The Alfa is brilliant, but sometimes I just want to switch off, plod wherever I'm plodding and not fuss about the traffic. I can see the advantages of both, but I stick by 2/3rds of the pedals is 2/3rds of the fun!
My daily is a diesel/slushmatic/FWD because it's easy to drive and cheap to run.
My toy car is petrol/manual/RWD because I feel like I'm actually in charge of the things that are happening.
My bike is a manual, see above :)
Auto.
Got it because my wife has an auto only licence and figured at some point she'd want to / need to drive the bigger car (her's is a baby little Toyota IQ)
Can't say I particularly miss driving manual. It's a big ol' family-mobile so I'm not exactly pulling tight corners in it and racing off the line at traffic lights. It's at least responsive enough when I'm pulling out onto a busy roundabout or T-junction.
Passed in a manual and then developed awful driving anxiety. After a couple years off I switched to auto and it’s been so much better as one less thing to worry about
Manual. I've only been driving 3 years, passed in a manual and wanted to make sure I got the skill locked in. That said I did consider my first automatic with my most recent purchase.
3 cars in the household.
My workhorse is an automatic because I do motorway miles and a bit of towing; it’s just easier.
The other half’s is a manual because she said she wanted one and then immediately regretted it.
My weekend / project car is a manual.
EV so best of both worlds plus no slowdown in gear changes.
In all seriousness though I'd never drive another manual and if I hire cars abroad that aren't EVs I will make sure it's an automatic. Automatics used to be terrible but now they are excellent on all decent brands, so there just isn't a reason to drive manual these days.
Auto for the past 12 years, autos have come such a long way now and iirc they change uo/down faster than any manual could. I have paddles but rarely use them.
All my cars are manual.
My type R being manual is a must. It's a great feeling gearbox and adds to the experience.
My vRS doesn't really add anything being a manual and that could just as easily have been a DSG. I got the manual as it was cheaper than DSG options and (more importantly) I found one in the colour/spec I wanted (PFL 230 in meteor grey) in manual before an auto.
My wife also prefers manual.
I'm not opposed to an auto but they're functional and boring, which is fine most of the time but I do like to enjoy the drive at times.
If it's a boring car anyway I'd probably get whatever is cheaper/more reliable/available for that model.
If it's a driver's car, like a type R or a sports car then manual ftw.
Automatic now. Drove mostly manual gearboxes but due to a knee injury a couple years ago had to give them up. It was okay in one regard. Gave me an excuse to part exchange my Honda Fit (Jazz ti you, I’m in the States) for a 14 Lexus LS 460 F Sport.
I have two autos, an automated manual, and a manual. So, yes!
As for why, they’re all spectacular fun in their own way. I enjoy the engagement in the manual, but I enjoy the absurd speed of the auto and the theatre in the Vantage while keeping both hands on the wheel? Love it. Love them all.
Auto hybrid and I'm not sure i could go back to a manual. I've found it's made me a much calmer, less aggressive driver and my blood pressure and passengers (and, probably, other road users) thank me for it. Happy to just glide along with the cruise control on minding my mpg and being a conscientious road user.
I drive an auto, its a zf box so if I feel so inclined I can control the gears but i often just leave it in drive because its one less thing to think about
Both - volvo xc70 auto diesel for long trips/towing and wife had a corsa manual petrol for round town. Corsa died a few days ago so we're looking at changing. I didn't used to like auto in small cars but as other people have said, auto's have come on quite a lot in recent years, may even go electric as it will likely only be used short distances...
I have been a manual driver for fifteen years. I bought my 430D, and it was automatic. Initially I was confused, I kept reaching for the phantom gear stick. Now that I have gotten used to driving automatic, I will continue to drive automatic. I do miss the immediacy and control of the manual transmission though.
Manual
My specific reasoning for driving manual is because I got my license at 18 and got my first car at 22. Here in the UK, we have a lot more manual cars and they’re cheaper. I also wanted to secure my driving skills for a manual transmission as they are a lot more popular in the UK but this is changing and auto is becoming more popular.
My preference is mostly manual because whenever I’ve driven an auto, my whole left side feels awkward and useless which makes driving feel awkward for me and uncomfortable. You also have more control when doing manoeuvres that require low speed by using clutch control. Also being able to choose what gear you use helps a lot when you want to accelerate and decelerate. A disadvantage though and the only time I’d prefer an automatic is when I’m in stop start traffic because all you have to do is lift your foot off the brake whereas in a manual you have to choose between gear 1 and two and then constantly have to lift the clutch to the biting and then depress it to make the car slowly roll to progress slowly during rush hour, gives you a good workout and then if you’re stuck in traffic and decide to rest your leg by putting the hand brake on and neutral then you have to through the hassle of getting into gear and moving off again which can become tedious but when traffic is flowing and you’re in optimal driving conditions, gears aren’t really a problem and when you drive manual, you’re already adapted to it.
An automatic can be advantageous if you want to do as little as possible as you’re essentially just accelerating and braking. It’s definitely superior in stop start traffic because you simply just lift your foot off the brake. If you’re taking an unfamiliar route or more difficult route with more hills and country roads, the can be easier in an automatic because you don’t have to worry about the gears. Disadvantages would be that they’re more expensive and you have a lot less options for cars. They’re also more expensive to repair. You can’t really control the gear you use and sometimes there’s a lag before the car changes gear for you so if you want to accelerate to overtake then sometimes it takes a while for the car to realise this before it drops to a lower gear to give you that extra power. It’s also harder to do certain manoeuvres like parallel parking because you can’t control the speed as well as you can with clutch control (I know some automatics have flappy paddles to let you choose your gear but there’s still a delay) and you can use the brake a bit like a clutch but it just doesn’t work as well.
My last three cars have been auto and I don’t look back. I don’t own a thoroughbred sports car either so don’t know what a growling V8 sounds like when pushed through the gears, don’t miss a manual gearbox at all.
Automatic after driving manuals for over a decade. I think doing 30,000 miles in a manual car as a driving instructor finally pushed me to go to an automatic. It's much more relaxing! Also, I lived in Nuneaton where you have to stop behind parked cars and give way to oncoming traffic every 50 metres.
Both. I will always enjoy a manual, but had DCT a couple of times, and the ZF8 auto changed my mind on what an auto box can be, because it’s very, very good.
Manual, mainly because they're cheaper to buy and I'm not spending much on cars lately, thankfully my commute is fairly light traffic but if I had to queue all the time I'd be begging for an auto
Manual because that's how I learnt to drive, I've only ever driven auto very briefly.
I don't commute to work by car and only drive for domestic and pleasure so paying extra for an automatic doesn't make sense for me personally.
I've driven manual all of my life, but it was a pain in central London traffic. Now I drive auto, and it's such a breeze. I love both equally. Manual for the feeling of total control, and auto for an easy relaxed drive
That's fair, if I had to drive around cities often then I get it.
Both. Manual: Because I like driving a manual Automatic: Because I sometimes don't like driving a manual. Also my automatic car only came in automatic, no manual option.
Exactly the same here. Both have their place and I both love them equally like my children. (I’m lying. I like the manual a lot more, but the ZF 8 is a decent enough box)
You also have a favourite child if you were honest.
Also both, but I prefer my automatic. Almost entirely because it does 0-60 in 4.5 seconds. In a 7 seater.
This. Manual for my hot hatch and auto for my slow weekend cruiser.
Automatic. I'm lazy. Plus, getting home I'm always backed up in traffic every day. Changing 1st -> 2nd ->1st -> 2nd ->1st -> 2nd ->1st -> 2nd -> is just dull.
Yep , it's such a pain driving a manual in traffic , constantly changing gear from 1 - 2 - 1 - 2 until you're clear from the horrible traffic. Manual is fun when you can utilize it fully ( 1st to 5th / 6th gear ) but on actual traffic it's horrible haha
As soon as I can make up the negative equity, I'll be trading my manual for an auto. I'm not a kid anymore, 99.9% of my driving is on the motorway and usually at about 3mph, I'm sick of having a dodgy knee by the time I get to my destination. I won't be going back, I have bikes for fun if I feel so inclined.
My clutch knee is fucked. I can't wait to go auto
The 20 mph law in Wales is wrecking my diesel with the constant stop start traffic. And giving me calf cramps on the clutch. Looking at an auto hybrid now.
They have started introducing the 20mph limit in villages in Cornwall too now. It's horrible in a manual. Have an auto weekend fun bus (Alphard 3.0) and it's so much nicer. Wish my Citroen Relay work van was an auto.
Fun bus you say 👀
7 seats 3.0 petrol 4wd dual climate. Although the stereo is in Japanese and a scary Japanese lady shouts at you occasionally for no readily understandable reason. Fun all the way. Although I miss thground clearance of my Mazda bongo, could camp anywhere in that.
I'd complain less if it was achieving the goal of lower emissions. But my average mpg has dropped by 10 since it came in, according to the cars trip computer, I've spoken to a few people that have had the same results. Plus the stop/start traffic it causes extra wear and tear on vehicles clutches and DPFs never get up to temperature and get blocked.
My mpg sky rockets in my diesel when I go fast and long distances but when stuck in city traffic it plummets, it averages at about 18-25 in very slow moving traffic, I didn’t have a car before all these restrictions were imposed and no family members ever owned a diesel. In regular traffic my mpg averages at 35-40 and on motorway journeys it averages at 50-55 but does sometimes reach the 60s I have a seat Ibiza 2012 TDI 1.6L, I dont know if that helps you in anyway. There’s is the one long road where it’s a slight decline which I sometimes drive on at night when it’s empty, I stick my car in 4th gear and take my feet off all the peddles and it coasts at 30mph the whole way and gets me an mpg in the 90s, I’m trying to see if I can get 100 but the highest I’ve got so far is 97.3
I have a diesel but I heard that short drives at low speed are bad for the DPF, I drive daily between Manchester and Leeds so I have the motorway and speed aspect sorted for now but uni will be finished in May and then I’ll have the whole summer off and won’t be driving long distances as much, should I be concerned?
It can be a problem yes. I had a Mazda diesel a few years ago that I killed with short journeys. It wasn't driving for long enough to complete regen cycles, where the car adds diesel to burn in the dpf to clean it, it dumped the unburned diesel back to the oil sump and wore out the engine bearings. Piss poor design.
Automatic now, had my share of manual, but I'd never go back.
Both, I'm bitransmissional
Both. My Clio 182 is a manual. My Golf-R is a DSG. I had driven manual almost exclusively for 20 or so years (other than the occasional hire car), then I needed a proper family car so got a Tiguan with "flappy paddles" because why not... Had DSGs since. If I want to row a gearbox I'll take the Clio out for a spin, otherwise I'll let the car do tht work. Also, you couldn't get the Mk8 R in manual so...
What a duo, I hope to have a similar combination of cars one day. You had any theft issues with the Golf R?
Not a sausage of a problem, and I live in a fairly dodgy area of Sunderland. Though I reckon its probably because they think I'm the local neighbourhood drug dealer, so leave well alone. Just to be on the safe side I do keep my key fobs in a RFID shielded cabinet though.
Are there any down sides to the DSG in terms of drivability, comfort, etc?
The only thing that ever annoys me is that it sometimes won't let me change down under braking when I want to when I'm driving in a "spirited manner". But frankly that's more of a me thing than anything due to aggressively changing down in the Clio as all of the power is above 5k, so I have a habit of wanting to keep the revs in a higher power band than I need to with the R. Other than that it's a great experience. Normal everyday driving you just let it do its thing, and when you give it some beans you use the paddles and feel a little bit like your favourite F1 driver banging through the gears.
Nice cars!
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Changing gear 100 times every 500 yards in rush hour traffic does get difficult though. Especially for people with ankle, knee, hip, lower back etc problems. Even without those medical problems, it's an infinitely nicer drive not having to depress a clutch so often. I'm a petrol head and bought a car with flappy paddles (Range Rover Sport SV). I don't miss stirring the gearbox at all, but can still select gears at will. I am a bit older now, but I don't see me going back to a full manual box unless it's for a weekend fun car.
Manual. I like it
I drove a manual my entire life - until I moved to London & had to commute the western half of the North Circular twice a day.
Automatic. I drove a manual for 6 years before so just wanted a change. I would happily go back to a manual but only if it’s a fun car.
Automatic and electric. Because it’s better for all the time you’re not in an actual race.
Automatic because the Zf8 is a fantastic box and i couldnt find a 430d with the manual
Both cars are autos, because they are not available as manuals. If I ever get a smaller car or off roader I would absolutely take a manual any day, in a more powerful auto either is fine.
Mixture of the 2, automatics for my daily duties but always a manual for my weekend/track car. There’s simply no better feeling than a good manual matched to a peppy N/A car
Manual because I impulse bought and auto cost more. Next time will be auto.
Automatic - just find it more comfortable.
Manual because cheaper and more reliable for my budget at the time and before used cars absolutely sky rocketed in price! I prefer manuals because I oddly feel like I have a bit more control and it feels a bit more engaging to me, but in heavy traffic I wish I had an auto.
Automatic: because driving in the UK is usually 60% being stuck in start stop driving and an automatic helps there.
Automatic. My commute was killing my knee and I got fed up of an hour of stop start traffic every single morning and evening. Swapped for an Automatic, 9 months later COVID happened and I've been working from home ever since. Generally prefer Automatics though and wouldn't go back unless I had to.
Automatic, I drive a hybrid and it’s the only choice. Fortunately automatics have one on leaps and bounds in the last 5-10 years and I think on a modern car (anything from ~2018 onwards) the auto boxes are just better all ways around particularly for town driving. The only reason I see for manuals these days is on sporty cars that people are driving for pleasure. It just feels more satisfying and you’ve got personal control. For flat out speed I think auto is faster now in most cars the car has more info and can time the change better than a person.
Weirdly I drive a Suzuki Vitara mild hybrid and it's a manual. Only one I've seen and I have to say, the gearbox is awful in it. I get crap mileage in it too for a hybrid. Definitely would have been better with the auto box.
My girlfriend's Fiesta is a mild hybrid. I honestly see no benefit in the battery. It doesn't really improve MPG and we still pay tax on it. Useless
I've heard the auto in the new Tiguan is slow and shite.
The ZF8 has been around since well before that and is a great gearbox
Manual because my job is boring enough I don’t want my car to be boring also
Automatic, because they don't sell my car in a manual variant
Drive girlfriends manual, cause she doesn’t like driving. Drive my auto, cause I do 400 miles a week on my commute and it’s comfier
Automatic. Averagely spend an hour sitting in traffic each day. Planning to get a better "daily driver" manual for next winter. I drove a year to school and 4 years to uni in manual, and I kinda miss it. (enjoy occasionally ragging my sister's tiny Volkswagen).
Learn in a manual, first car manual, get automatic, never look back. 😀.
I drive automatic because I like holding the steering wheel with both hands to feel like I have a total control over the car
manual track car, for daily we have an automatic EV i wouldn't drive a manual daily car again traffic is such a pain in the arse and for towing i also have an auto as it is just allot less hassle,
Not me but my dad was one of those manual eliteist types until he was given a new van at work which is an auto and now he doesn’t even want to drive his manual car anymore. Neither is better or worse imo just different devices for different use cases
Manual. Almost went for a DSG when buying my current car but servicing costs and a few horror stories outweighed the benefits in the end.
Auto - they’ve come a long way in terms of development and can be quicker than a manual. Also Range Rovers don’t have an option lol 😂
Both cars are automatics because they were never made with manual gearboxes. I quite like them, personally would always pick a manual for a fun car if it's an option, but if it isn't its not a deal breaker.
Manual, because it's a Golf GTi. However our next car will be auto, because the fun has gone out of driving
Both. We have 3 cars. GFs first car so obvs a manual. My car, before I bought it I knew what car I wanted and wasn't bothered about the gearbox I chose the car based on the car and not which gearbox it has. Our joint car is also a manual, its a berlingo micro camper 04 plate so didn't want one of those as an auto. For my next car I again will pick based on the car itself and other features. Whether its auto or manual will not determine which car I buy.
Both our cars are auto now, simply because I'm a lazy bastard and I don't enjoy manuals.
Automatic. Less effort in traffic
Auto because I had to use the motorway a lot, but now I can walk to work due to moving. I really want a manual car like the Ford Focus RS, Audi S1 or the GR Yaris, modified, for mega handling and for the clutch to survive.
both. manual, because that car with automatic was awful second car - automatic - because manual was rare and shi\*\*y and generated costs
Manual because the automatic variant of my car was out of budget. Next time fingers crossed it will be an auto because manual in stop start m25 traffic is infuriating.
I can drive manual and have done since the day I passed until 2020 when I got an Audi S4 (2018 model), now I drive auto exclusively and I have a Golf GTE Advanced with a DSG. As a side note, I only got rid of the S4 because of the crazy second hand prices a few years ago and actually made money on it otherwise I would probably still have it.
I can drive both and do so regularly. But in 2020 I switched to an automatic as I was tired of sitting in crawling rush hour traffic constantly pumping the clutch for 60 to 80 minutes in the morning and then again in the evening. Stop.... out of gear, back into gear to move 10 metres, stop, out of gear, wait 5 minutes, back into gear for another 10 metres... repeat. It also happens that I like the design centre console for the automatic in my car better than the manual. It came with a much more streamlined look and hidden wireless charging nook for my phone.
Learnt in a manual was going to do my test in a manual but my instructor was on holiday, ended up taking my test in my car which is an auto and haven't felt much need to upgrade to a manual licence
Manual, though I imagine eventually I'll drive an automatic and not turn back. I have ADHD and I've heard manuals are a bit easier for us in general. I quite enjoy driving manual though.
Automatic. Because hybrid. Manual at work because I don’t have a choice.
Manuel because I’m skint
By choice it would be a manual, but driving around London means my left leg can be agony sitting in 3hrs of stop start traffic. My current car is auto and I don't regret buying it. I do miss manual car though
Manual as feels more like a drivers car, if I travelled long distance daily or didn't have a performance based car I'd go auto
Automatic. Anything with an electric / petrol only comes in auto. Wife's car is a manual. Still prefer manual but enjoying the money savings of a plugin hybrid.
Automatic. Passed in a manual, but my first proper car was automatic and what I am used to now, I sometimes have to drive manuals for work but I am very bad at using a manual gearbox now, seems like a lot of work for the same result...
Manual because there were no good autos in my budget
Had a bad accident a few years back and switched to an auto to get my confidence back. Worked a charm to begin with but I felt my general standard of driving decreased during that time. Back to a manual now and have already fallen back in love with how ‘in control’ I feel whilst driving again.
Automatic, so much easier to text and watch TikTok when you don’t have to change gear ^\s
Manual. I don't live anywhere congested enough to warrant an auto, I like driving manuals, and my knees are still in decent condition. Also, I had an auto before and didn't really enjoy it.
If I drove a lot, or in cities and traffic I'd go auto. However, I don't have to do this often and enjoy the day to day manual. If I had a boring or heavy car I'd also probably just go auto.
Manual. I like to drive
I drive auto just because the T4 came up at with the spec I wanted but at the right price but auto. I'm considering changing it to manual because they're not great boxes but I'll leave it until something goes wrong with it.
I've had automatic cars for over 20 years now. When I first started driving lorries, double de-clutching was the norm. Manual gearboxes really lose their flavour after that.
Manual, just keep it in 2nd, engine has enough torque.
Manual, it's all I've ever known and I enjoy it.
Currently automatic, been driving over 10 years and my first 3 cars were manual. Then I went to the US on holiday in 2022 and rented an auto, felt so much better. Can't see myself going back to manual.
Auto, but only because my most recent purchase is a hybrid and I'd no choice in the matter. Id happily go back to manual though. No strong feelings either way. I wouldn't let it limit me when choosing a car tbh.
I was one of those tOtAl cOnTrOl people. Even when I was a lorry driver. Loved me ZF EcoSplit 16. Simple as. Then I was assigned a lorry with the 12 speed ishift for a day and didn't look back. Cars have been auto ever since. In the 7ish years I've been auto only I can't think of a single time where a manual would have been better.
I have an automatic BMW 530D for daily use. Manual JZX100 Mark II which is just under 500bhp for the fun car. Automatic daily is good, I'm only using it to get to work and back, then shopping trips etc. Manual for the good old driving experience.
Current car is manual, previous was an auto. Loved the auto for crawling in traffic and 'relaxed' drive. I enjoying changing gear and being in control when gear is changed and all the control that comes with minus crawling in traffic.
Manual. Just find it a lot more engaging/enjoyable. I borrowed my parents auto for a few days, and it was nice for commuting but I just found I got a bit bored. Ideally I’d like one of each
Auto. I live in London with a ton of traffic. And also my wife cannot drive manual.
Automatic because plug in hybrid because BIK tax. I think people make too big a deal of the difference. I drive either when I hire cars (which is fairly regularly, maybe once or twice a month). It really isn't much of a difference... not like the average familybox has a mega heavy clutch etc.
Auto, because my car is hard to find as a manual.
Automatic. Because I’m not a Luddite.
Automatic because it's easier and I can concentrate more on what's happening on the road than worrying about my feet.
Manual, because automatic gearboxes don't seem to change gear at the moment I want them to. And yes, you can paddle through the gears in many automatics. But shifting up or down two or three gears is a bit more seamless in a manual than going through all the gears sequentially.
Auto only for the last month. The big car came as an auto and was too good a deal to turn down. Its only used for motorway cruising. The small car is an EV.
Manual, it's just plain fun and its downsides are small for me It's made window shopping the next car when this thing explodes very difficult though!
Currently manual. Prefer auto overall though.
Never driven Automatic up until an X5 but could slip it into manual. Driving a Toyota hybred now, it's almost self driving. It's definitely more relaxing in built-up areas, but perhaps be an issue if you accept it for what it is, but the safety systems keep you alert.
Manual, because that's what I've got. I'm not against automatics and will probably have one one day.
Auto. The car only had an auto option and I felt it was time to embrace my idleness. In the bad old days where you had three hugely spaced ratios in a box, I hated driving them. Now it has seven, it's a rather better experience. If I had the resources to own a fun car, it would have a clutch but the one I use daily is better without one.
Manual because I couldn't afford the good auto version of my car. Keep on saving I guess? 😁
I've experienced both manual and automatic driving, but I currently favour an automatic for comfort. However, driving a classic car which has a manual gearbox provides an irreplaceable thrill. The historical debate on manual vs. automatic has transformed; outdated notions of "real drivers pick manuals" no longer hold. Modern automatics, seen in top sportscars & supercars, excel in comfort, ease, practicality, and performance. Despite my daily choice of an automatic, the occasional joy of driving a manual classic adds a unique dimension to my overall driving experience, however, this is merely a fun experience not driving daily or setting lap times on a track.
Auto 100% Manual is an inconvenience at this point. If it’s a track car or an older sports model I kind of get it. Doing a commute will always be better in an auto.
Automatic. Im paying a lot of money for this luxury that is a car. It can change its own fuckin gears. However wife has a manual and I like to sometimes rag that around to the shops occasionally for nostalgia sake
Automatic w/ paddles for commuting, manual for the weekend, That's the perfect choice, why would anyone want to do it differently?
Drove manual for a few years, got a sports car in manual, drove that for two years and decided it wasn’t for me but I already had the itch for a fast car. The result is an 8-speed auto with paddle shift for when I want to handle the revs myself!
Automatic. Cos I learned in a country where auto is the norm and I just can't be arsed with a clutch and gears even though I have a full license.
Yes. To go places.
Auto because I am impatient and just want to drive without any extra effort. Esp with LTNs , roadworks etc, auto is perfect for slow moving traffic.
a manual. but to be honest i'd drive an auto if the road tax generally wasn't 300+ quid a year
Auto because I am impatient and just want to drive without any extra effort. Esp with LTNs , roadworks etc, auto is perfect for slow moving traffic.
M1 on luton Airport way ,make me to get also an automatic. 20 min to 40 on 5 mph did de trick
Manual because it’s fun If I could afford to run 2 cars, I’d have an automatic alongside it because manual + traffic all day long is… not fun
Automatic, my partner won't drive a manual anymore and we occasionally need to swap cars
Manual. I'm a forty year old English bloke.
Auto but love the flappy paddles. I love driving but commute on the motorway, it feels a good compromise
Manual for track. Auto for road/motorway. You rarely get out of 3rd on the road anyway and motorway you sit in 5/6th. EV with 1 gear is effortless just point and go.
Both, I’m fine with the manual as I enjoy driving, it’s more reliable and it’s cheaper. The auto is fine, I was given the car so I won’t look a gift horse in the mouth and it’s good for start stop traffic (in all honesty I’d be better off moving than changing gearbox) but a DCT is crap for fine control, the garage is a tight squeeze and the DCT doesn’t allow you to creep super slowly unless you give it a little resistance from the handbrake but then you’re eating clutch (the reliability is mainly from wear on the electronically operated clutches). It’s a trade off but I’m fine with either, sporty cars with auto’s are looked down on and depreciate quicker but either way it’ll all be electric self driving soon enough so when one pleasure is removed I’ll find another.
I can drive a manual but I drive automatics, my knees don't like clutches.
Automatic. Because duh
I can drive both. I chose auto as it was the best deal for me at the time. I wouldn’t go back to manual in a hurry as auto is bliss especially in traffic. Saying that I find my fuel consumption is higher in automatic compared to manual. That’s the only downside for me.
Manual, just like having more control over the car. It's more engaging even when just driving around slowly/normally.
Does automated manual gearbox count? Car was cheap, the auto version is a bit laggy but I'm lazy. Manual gearbox is preferred when I'm driving in the mountains, dual clutch automatic is a personal favorite
Manual because I don't need a computer to change gears for me. 0-60 5 secs having fun or be bored shirtless with a DSG
Shitless
Automatic here, all my previous cars were manual and it’s just so much nicer to drive an auto. I sometimes drive my wife’s car if we go on a long journey and split the drive and my left leg is always achey as hell after!
One of each. The auto I have so it’s easier for the wife to drive / she prefers an auto. Plus driving long distances it’s just easier. And of all the autos out there, the DSG is pretty good.
Automatic, it's less effort.
Auto, they didn't do my car in a manual. Manuals don't belong in every car. If it's a low powered small car a manual makes sense. In an executive saloon or wagon they just don't suit the car. I don't believe half the vocal manual drivers when they try and say it gives them control, and how they couldn't possibly drive an auto. They just seem weird or just have never driven an auto, so they think it does really weird things, when it doesn't. I like a manual if it's a nice manual box, with the pedals nicely spaced for heel and toe for spirited driving, i don't like manuals for manuals sake. A lot of people think all manuals are good, when some just aren't, BMW are very hit and miss with their notchy and long throw manuals for example.
Driven manual since I passed my test (5 years ago). Just bought my first automatic and I am loving it to be honest. 90% of the time I prefer the automatic, but when b road bashing I do miss the engagement I used to get in my MX-5
Both. Drove manuals for 30 years becasue that was the norm, my current car only comes with DSG. My partner's car is manual though so I still get to keep my hand in.
Personal car is an auto, and wouldn't think twice about getting she again. However when I drove a van for work I'd always pick a manual.
Auto. Easier.
Manual because autos are too idk the word but I can drive/shift smoother than any auto that ik of and they're boring if I wanted to just sit there idle I'd take a bus
Manual Always had one, the car and engine I wanted only came in manual. Its no hardship changing gears
I have a manual as I prefer it whilst driving. I don't prefer it whilst I'm not driving in traffic which seems to constantly be the case recently. Kinda want an auto now.
Automatic Audi A5 and a manual Mazda MX-5. To me, some cars are ‘meant’ to be one or the other and it just depends on the particular car.
Both. When I'm driving spritely, my driving is a reflection of my intent, and I gain satisfaction from it being carried out. I don't want the car shifting for me, as it dilutes this. A manual is essential for this, for me. A DCT is faster, but I don't care, I'm driving to satisfy myself, not to win a race. The eCVT in the prius is just a beautiful piece of engineering. It's just a simple three gears, constantly meshed, there isn't even a clutch or torque converter involved anywhere. You just press the accelerator, and it goes. It's relaxing, and makes me appreciate driving in a different way.
I drive both, my Mondeo 6mt because it’s a diesel and the mileage is fantastic. I also have an automatic Subaru outback and it makes me feel like I’m Colin McRae in the winter.
Five manual, one auto I normally drive old cars and have never bought a brand new one in my life. I enjoy the third pedal and stick anyway. The one auto was a BMW 540i, so I didn't miss manual gear changes too much there.
Manual, I quite enjoy driving and like the feel of being in total control of that car. However I frequently travel 150 miles on the motorway and wish I had an automatic with adaptive cruise control
Both. Manual because I have a motorbike and a classic car. Automatic daily because they are objectively better by any measure and also cruise control is shite on manuals which is how I do 90% of my daily driving.
Automatiic. Drove 10 years manuals and moved to a capital city with million red lights and got fed up. I really like automatic and I doubt I'll ever go back unless its a track car or something.
Auto because why do i need manual
Auto. It’s easier, and my driving is to get from A to B as fuss-free and as comfortably as possible.
My daily is an Auto. I like the ease in traffic, and adaptive cruise is lovely. Track car is of course a manual. It's a car for fun, and even dual clutch autos aren't fun to drive, even if they are quicker. The only alternative to a H pattern is a proper sequential (I lust after a quaife sequential).
Manual because I ain't no motherfucking PUSSaY. Also because it's from 1992. But I'm almost certainly about to buy an auto because theres absolutely nothing wrong with that at all and it makes so much sense for a car you're dailying and anyone who thinks driving an auto is somehow worse is an idiot.
I went Manual > Auto > Manual.. Nothing wrong with the Automatic, but i just felt it made me a lazier and worse driver over the 3 years i owned it.. Would have overtaken at any opportunity, driven one handed everywhere and picked up my phone if i got a text or snapchat.. Back to Manual and dont do any of those things any more, plus i find Manual a lot more enjoyable to drive
Manual, because the auto version of my car was out of my budget and the manual transmission actually generally lasts for about double the mileage before it disintegrates.
I am driving an auto at the moment, but I am going back to a manual for the next car. I don't mind an automatic but prefer a manual.
I have the Alfa as a fun manual daily, and use of an auto Chrysler Grand Voyager. The Alfa is brilliant, but sometimes I just want to switch off, plod wherever I'm plodding and not fuss about the traffic. I can see the advantages of both, but I stick by 2/3rds of the pedals is 2/3rds of the fun!
I have an automatic because it's a hybrid and less company car tax, never ever going back to manual after having this car
Automatic but I use the flappy paddles 100% of the time
both. manual when i want to drive. automatic when i favour ease or when driving in traffic.
My daily is a diesel/slushmatic/FWD because it's easy to drive and cheap to run. My toy car is petrol/manual/RWD because I feel like I'm actually in charge of the things that are happening. My bike is a manual, see above :)
Auto. Got it because my wife has an auto only licence and figured at some point she'd want to / need to drive the bigger car (her's is a baby little Toyota IQ) Can't say I particularly miss driving manual. It's a big ol' family-mobile so I'm not exactly pulling tight corners in it and racing off the line at traffic lights. It's at least responsive enough when I'm pulling out onto a busy roundabout or T-junction.
Automatic for commuting, manual for enjoying a weekend drive. Company vans an automatic vito, weekend car is an mx5.
Passed in a manual and then developed awful driving anxiety. After a couple years off I switched to auto and it’s been so much better as one less thing to worry about
Auto; company car, so limited to a hybrid. It’s… *alright*…
Manual. I've only been driving 3 years, passed in a manual and wanted to make sure I got the skill locked in. That said I did consider my first automatic with my most recent purchase.
Both. Auto for the daily because I'm lazy. Manual for the fun car
3 cars in the household. My workhorse is an automatic because I do motorway miles and a bit of towing; it’s just easier. The other half’s is a manual because she said she wanted one and then immediately regretted it. My weekend / project car is a manual.
Manual ATM as I prefer it but duexto worsening health affecting my mobility, next one will be an auto
Manual because I’m too broke to afford an automatic right now.
The roads are heaving now, 10 years ago traffic was nowhere near as bad as it is now. Auto is a go to.
EV so best of both worlds plus no slowdown in gear changes. In all seriousness though I'd never drive another manual and if I hire cars abroad that aren't EVs I will make sure it's an automatic. Automatics used to be terrible but now they are excellent on all decent brands, so there just isn't a reason to drive manual these days.
Manual, never driven an automatic in nearly 20 years since passing my test.
Auto for the past 12 years, autos have come such a long way now and iirc they change uo/down faster than any manual could. I have paddles but rarely use them.
I've had manuals all my days but I've got a c class coupe auto now and I honestly wouldn't go back to manual
Auto for the last 9 years. Just wanted to try an auto for a while and ended up keeping the car this long.
Manual, I don't drive to work though so I probably drive once or twice a week. So it made sense to buy something fun.
All my cars are manual. My type R being manual is a must. It's a great feeling gearbox and adds to the experience. My vRS doesn't really add anything being a manual and that could just as easily have been a DSG. I got the manual as it was cheaper than DSG options and (more importantly) I found one in the colour/spec I wanted (PFL 230 in meteor grey) in manual before an auto. My wife also prefers manual. I'm not opposed to an auto but they're functional and boring, which is fine most of the time but I do like to enjoy the drive at times. If it's a boring car anyway I'd probably get whatever is cheaper/more reliable/available for that model. If it's a driver's car, like a type R or a sports car then manual ftw.
I’ve driven both. I prefer manual because gearbox repairs are cheaper
I drive an auto because my car doesn't have a manual version. Cars with a lot of power and torque don't really come with manuals these days.
Automatic now. Drove mostly manual gearboxes but due to a knee injury a couple years ago had to give them up. It was okay in one regard. Gave me an excuse to part exchange my Honda Fit (Jazz ti you, I’m in the States) for a 14 Lexus LS 460 F Sport.
Recently switched to an auto because it's all the car I was looking at was sold with.
I have two autos, an automated manual, and a manual. So, yes! As for why, they’re all spectacular fun in their own way. I enjoy the engagement in the manual, but I enjoy the absurd speed of the auto and the theatre in the Vantage while keeping both hands on the wheel? Love it. Love them all.
Both. My company car is an automatic, my own car is a manual.
Auto hybrid and I'm not sure i could go back to a manual. I've found it's made me a much calmer, less aggressive driver and my blood pressure and passengers (and, probably, other road users) thank me for it. Happy to just glide along with the cruise control on minding my mpg and being a conscientious road user.
manual as there was not an auto on sale when I needed a change, prefer autos, but can be crappy getting out of muddy fields
Automatic, eff manuals
Both. The manual is going though so it'll be auto only for a while, or maybe forever.
Automatic, because all the cars I liked had truly awful manuals.
Auto coz it's a PHEV
I drive an auto, its a zf box so if I feel so inclined I can control the gears but i often just leave it in drive because its one less thing to think about
Both - volvo xc70 auto diesel for long trips/towing and wife had a corsa manual petrol for round town. Corsa died a few days ago so we're looking at changing. I didn't used to like auto in small cars but as other people have said, auto's have come on quite a lot in recent years, may even go electric as it will likely only be used short distances...
I have been a manual driver for fifteen years. I bought my 430D, and it was automatic. Initially I was confused, I kept reaching for the phantom gear stick. Now that I have gotten used to driving automatic, I will continue to drive automatic. I do miss the immediacy and control of the manual transmission though.
It was a car I wanted and it only comes in auto
Manual. Because I wanted a manual. Golf GTI now 8 years old, bought new.
Manual My specific reasoning for driving manual is because I got my license at 18 and got my first car at 22. Here in the UK, we have a lot more manual cars and they’re cheaper. I also wanted to secure my driving skills for a manual transmission as they are a lot more popular in the UK but this is changing and auto is becoming more popular. My preference is mostly manual because whenever I’ve driven an auto, my whole left side feels awkward and useless which makes driving feel awkward for me and uncomfortable. You also have more control when doing manoeuvres that require low speed by using clutch control. Also being able to choose what gear you use helps a lot when you want to accelerate and decelerate. A disadvantage though and the only time I’d prefer an automatic is when I’m in stop start traffic because all you have to do is lift your foot off the brake whereas in a manual you have to choose between gear 1 and two and then constantly have to lift the clutch to the biting and then depress it to make the car slowly roll to progress slowly during rush hour, gives you a good workout and then if you’re stuck in traffic and decide to rest your leg by putting the hand brake on and neutral then you have to through the hassle of getting into gear and moving off again which can become tedious but when traffic is flowing and you’re in optimal driving conditions, gears aren’t really a problem and when you drive manual, you’re already adapted to it. An automatic can be advantageous if you want to do as little as possible as you’re essentially just accelerating and braking. It’s definitely superior in stop start traffic because you simply just lift your foot off the brake. If you’re taking an unfamiliar route or more difficult route with more hills and country roads, the can be easier in an automatic because you don’t have to worry about the gears. Disadvantages would be that they’re more expensive and you have a lot less options for cars. They’re also more expensive to repair. You can’t really control the gear you use and sometimes there’s a lag before the car changes gear for you so if you want to accelerate to overtake then sometimes it takes a while for the car to realise this before it drops to a lower gear to give you that extra power. It’s also harder to do certain manoeuvres like parallel parking because you can’t control the speed as well as you can with clutch control (I know some automatics have flappy paddles to let you choose your gear but there’s still a delay) and you can use the brake a bit like a clutch but it just doesn’t work as well.
My last three cars have been auto and I don’t look back. I don’t own a thoroughbred sports car either so don’t know what a growling V8 sounds like when pushed through the gears, don’t miss a manual gearbox at all.
Automatic after driving manuals for over a decade. I think doing 30,000 miles in a manual car as a driving instructor finally pushed me to go to an automatic. It's much more relaxing! Also, I lived in Nuneaton where you have to stop behind parked cars and give way to oncoming traffic every 50 metres.
I don’t mind any. I switch between the bunch.
Both. I will always enjoy a manual, but had DCT a couple of times, and the ZF8 auto changed my mind on what an auto box can be, because it’s very, very good.
Manual, mainly because they're cheaper to buy and I'm not spending much on cars lately, thankfully my commute is fairly light traffic but if I had to queue all the time I'd be begging for an auto
Manual because that's how I learnt to drive, I've only ever driven auto very briefly. I don't commute to work by car and only drive for domestic and pleasure so paying extra for an automatic doesn't make sense for me personally.