FabSwingers.com forum: Manual or automatic gearbox in car?

By *en Italia OP Woman
29 weeks ago

your lap

Always had a manual gearbox. Know all electric cars are automatics. I’m not ready for an electric car yet.

I’m told more expensive if auto gearbox goes wrong but friends with automatics really rate them to drive.

Do you prefer a manual or automatic and why?

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By *ambertMan
29 weeks ago

Cheltenham

Manual, more direct control. And I can go through the gears while going "vroom" and pretending I'm a race car driver, because I'm cool

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By *ayd100Man
29 weeks ago

clitheroe

Do like automatic

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By *urry BlokeMan
29 weeks ago

Automatic

Won't go back to manual

Auto's are more expensive to buy and maintain and mpg slips a little

I have a 35 mile commute each day, about 15 miles of which is spent in standing or very slow traffic

When I had a manual, it drove me nuts with the gear changing and clutch

It is way more bearable now

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By *idethestormMan
29 weeks ago

northants

I prefer the ease of an Auto, last 4 cars all auto and with how electric hybrids coming on to be the only choice its fine with me.

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By *GoodGirlGemxCouple
29 weeks ago

Scotland

I have an automatic licence so can only drive automatic

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By *aughty by nature 76Man
29 weeks ago

Walsall & Reading

Auto is the way to go x

Stress free driving as I do over 20k a year.

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By *he MinionMan
29 weeks ago

Manual for me.

I like to actually drive the car.

All the modern driving aids off please.

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By *uthLessKnickersCouple
29 weeks ago

Cornwall/Devon

Automatic any day. So much less stressful in heavy traffic. We have a Honda Jazz auto and still get 45 to 50mpg

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By *llfingersandtongueMan
29 weeks ago

Aylesbury

Love manual in my previous sports car, but now I have electric there is even less to go wrong and the power is just there, no gear changes at all.

Will only go back if i get a play thing.

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By *hilloutMan
29 weeks ago

All over the place! Northwesr, , Southwest

Manual for life

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By *hrill CollinsMan
29 weeks ago

The Outer Rim

there's no bump starting an automatic if things go wrong

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By *r TripitakaMan
29 weeks ago

Torquay

I'd never go back to a manual.

Lazy I guess.

Although when I drive one I do enjoy it. You feel more in control.

But with the traffic round these parts - I just can't be arsed.

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By *ellhungvweMan
29 weeks ago

Cheltenham

Automatic is much easier to drive day to day.

Manual is fun if you have the right car/track to be able to use it properly or you are going somewhere extreme. Most people aren’t really doing either of those on a daily basis.

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By *he MinionMan
29 weeks ago

I used to drive a van alot and pumping the clutch in londons traffic was a proper pain.

Never tried an electric van but would like to.

For me the choice wouldnt be between auto or manual but full electric or manual

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By (user no longer on site)
29 weeks ago

I've only had manual cars... was thinking of getting an auto for the next car as my friends really rate them.

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By *eyond PurityCouple
29 weeks ago

East Lincs

I have a manual and C has an automatic. Takes me a while to get used to either when I’ve driven the other one for a while.

I love the not thinking in an automatic and just putting foot down but I do feel like I’m in a toy car with just using stop and go for pedals 😬

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By *SCouple81Couple
29 weeks ago

Between Edinburgh and Scottish Borders

At home manual but had rented some automatic on holiday and once you get used to it it's good. Mrs wants her next car to be automatic, so it's decided

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By *rimson_RoseWoman
29 weeks ago

Tamworth

I don’t mind either. Automatics are more convenient in stop start traffic but they come with their own issues.

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By *etwife8230Couple
29 weeks ago

Newport

Automatic ,probably forgot how to drive a manual

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By *rickie-dickieMan
29 weeks ago

South Durham

I originally drove manual then had an automatic. I went back to manual, mainly because I prefer it to the automatic. Just personal preference.

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By *outherngent74Man
29 weeks ago

Hampshire

Automatics for every day and town driving,

they are so much better these days.

However, if it's fun second car, for me it's still got to be manual, so much more rewarding drive.

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By *iltsTSgirlTV/TS
29 weeks ago

Chichester

"Always had a manual gearbox. Know all electric cars are automatics. I’m not ready for an electric car yet.

I’m told more expensive if auto gearbox goes wrong but friends with automatics really rate them to drive.

Do you prefer a manual or automatic and why?

Just easier to drive. All cars will be automatic / electric eventually

I have manual in one of my cars and others are automatic

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By *annyDanielleMan
29 weeks ago

Street, Somerset

Manual, guess i just like tugging on a stick.

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By (user no longer on site)
29 weeks ago

Manual. I don’t like Automatic

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By *ophieslutTV/TS
Forum Mod
29 weeks ago

Central

I'd always had manual but now, with my automatic, I try to avoid them as courtesy cars

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By *icecouple561Couple
Forum Mod
29 weeks ago

East Sussex

Automatic for me every time.

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By *ecadentDeviantsCouple
29 weeks ago

North West

Never drove an auto until I met my current Mrs & we have had autos ever since (last 25 years)

The pros easily outweigh the cons for me.

All that fecking about with a clutch in stop start traffic? No thanks.

Autos help you pay more attention to the road & do things like using indicators properly.

Only thing is, the more used to an auto you get I’ve found if I ever have to drive a manual on the odd occasion, I’ve become so unused to it some of my gear changes can be ahem - ‘a bit rough’

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By *haosAfterDarkCouple
29 weeks ago

Kilmarnock

Automatic. I passed in a manual but I prefer automatic as I can be an anxious driver at times so not having to think about gears really helps

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By *outhDublinMan86Man
29 weeks ago

south dublin

Drove manual for 20 years then my last car was an automatic. Would never go back. Sure manual gives you more control but like 90% of my driving is motorway and 10% is squeezing into a parking space.

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By *veragecouple2000Couple
29 weeks ago

South Wales

I’ve been driving automatics for so long now I hate having to use a manual gearbox! Xx

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By *artin84Man
29 weeks ago

Wolverhampton

I've got to a point where I wonder why I still bother to drive a manual.

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By *icecouple561Couple
Forum Mod
29 weeks ago

East Sussex

Someone once told me that driving an auto wasn't 'proper' driving

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By *sWyldWoman
29 weeks ago

Edinburgh

I only have an automatic licence. Took the easy option when I was learning to drive.

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By *outhDublinMan86Man
29 weeks ago

south dublin

"I only have an automatic licence. Took the easy option when I was learning to drive. "

Changing gears isn’t not the difficult part, it’s watching out for the other lunatics on the road whilst also changing gears. Doing the test in an auto isn’t any less easy!

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By *ave o500Man
29 weeks ago

Basingstoke

I have both but automatic is better especially when I have someone wanking me when driving

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By *iltsguy38Man
29 weeks ago

swindon

I drive both. Prefer manual, although auto is easier I like to be able to control engine speed and car speed through the gearbox

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By *arlo56Man
29 weeks ago

Newcastle

Manual for me.

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By *ayKellyMan
29 weeks ago

Kinross

Drove manuals over 21 years and been converted to automatics last 6 or 7 years

Automatics are the way to go whether on road or offroad

The automatic Hilux is excellent in all offroad conditions including mud and snow.

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By *lyingsolo1000Woman
29 weeks ago

Reading

I hated the automatic when I first got it (it was the ex husbands car, but we swapped in the separation) but I now struggle going back to a manual. I'm thinking about replacing the car soon and will probably stay with an automatic.

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By *007ManMan
29 weeks ago

Worthing

Manual. Drove an auto once...never again. No real driver control or feedback.

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By *ollyPocket75Woman
29 weeks ago

Aberdeen

I drive a manual, I've never tried an automatic, howevwr i have heard they are better to drive.

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By *entleman JayMan
29 weeks ago

Leeds

I’d never go back to a manual. Even paid a chunk extra for an automatic hire car this summer.

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By *agic.MMan
29 weeks ago

Orpington

Automatic for now...and than when the self driving cars appear, I'll choose that...the less I have to stress about driving the better 👍

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By *arkehoeMan
29 weeks ago

spain ,Marbella 29660

Auto for me easy out here in Spain longer roads

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By *erry 58Man
29 weeks ago

doncaster

I prefer manual especially in winter

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By *KMaxMan
29 weeks ago

Exeter

"Manual, more direct control. And I can go through the gears while going "vroom" and pretending I'm a race car driver, because I'm cool "

I do this with the paddle shift on my automatic

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By *orkshireloversCouple
29 weeks ago

manchester

Always had manual cars and now automatic wouldn’t go back to manual it’s much easier

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By *og-ManMan
29 weeks ago

somewhere

On my 14th car and finally got an automatic

VW don't make them in a manual anymore as its a diesel

Would never switch back

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By (user no longer on site)
29 weeks ago

"Someone once told me that driving an auto wasn't 'proper' driving

Sounds like every manual driver I spoke to when I got my automatic licence 😂

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By *stoppMan
29 weeks ago

Durham

My daughter has a license for manual / automatic she drove manuals for about 8 yr, now drives automatic because said she prefers auto as there’s no need for stressful handbrake hill starts anymore..

I drove manuals for 45yr but getting to the point I’d have an automatic given the choice now they have around 7 gears as opposed to the old 3 gear system back in the day.

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By *eus n EuropaCouple
29 weeks ago

Runcorn

"Manual. Drove an auto once...never again. No real driver control or feedback."

Happy with either but it depends on the gearbox autos can be loads of fun, if they are semi auto like ZF8 giving the driver the option of stick shift or paddle shift.

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By *ertcoupleCouple
29 weeks ago

Welwyn Garden City

Don't care... would just love a car that worked

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By *elaxed CoupleCouple
29 weeks ago

Cheshire

10 speed auto in a mustang. As good as the manual but easier.

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By *unguy2429Man
29 weeks ago

worthing

I love auto.

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By *UGGYBEAR2015Man
29 weeks ago

BRIDPORT

Manual, all day every day. I prefer the added involvement required when driving manual. You can’t heel-toe an automatic

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By *eddyboy972Man
29 weeks ago

Birmingham

Autos are a lazy way to drive, autos are for non car people lol I don’t know one auto that’s fun to drive …… but I drive BMW E1 that was interesting lol but I wouldn’t say it would give me a smile when I drove it….

But I would say that if people wanna keep mobile due to knee or leg issues a auto is a way to get to a to b so they do have some benefits

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By *carlettsWoman
29 weeks ago

Harpenden

Manual for me feels like I have more control of the gear I want to be in rather that it choosing for me

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By *eddyboy972Man
29 weeks ago

Birmingham

Also good for giving blow jobs in whilst moving dont have to change as the gear

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By *rown.studMan
29 weeks ago

Eccles

"Always had a manual gearbox. Know all electric cars are automatics. I’m not ready for an electric car yet.

I’m told more expensive if auto gearbox goes wrong but friends with automatics really rate them to drive.

Do you prefer a manual or automatic and why?

I love a manual because you can floor and get instant speed whenever you want.

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By *lrightthenMan
29 weeks ago

Bradford

Had an automatic once. I just thought it was so boring. I felt more like a passenger. Manual all the way

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By *oft and sensualCouple
29 weeks ago

Stone

"Manual, more direct control. And I can go through the gears while going "vroom" and pretending I'm a race car driver, because I'm cool

I do this with the paddle shift on my automatic

Exactly what I do as well if the mood takes me

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By *tew008Man
29 weeks ago

edinburgh

Nah I’ve got a decent electric for all my boring drives. Manual fun car is weekends really. Can’t be arsed with a manual if I’m idling in traffic

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By *legantEnigmaWoman
29 weeks ago

South of the Watford Gap

I moved to a Hybrid from always having a petrol/manual driver.

I honestly wish I'd gone automatic years ago! Takes so much stress out of driving. I would definitely hesitate to go back to manual again.

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By *ime2TingleCouple
29 weeks ago

South Essex

Manual for fun, nothing better than heal and toe down shifts, or the feel of direct linkage where you can tell how warm the gearbox oil is. But that’s only when driving for pleasure. The rest of the time automatic all the way, or better still EV. There is often hesitation from autos when you slow before they realise you’re accelerating again. This isn’t present in EVs.

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By *ovelyDayXXXWoman
29 weeks ago

Niche

For moving off, junctions, etc. and simple driving pleasure I much prefer manual.

For sitting in stop/start traffic queues or on a long tiring journey an automatic makes it less painful.

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By *hrough the looking gla55Couple
29 weeks ago

Epsom

Recently got a new mini countryman auto .as a dir hard manual for most of my driving life I love the auto

Still manual for my motorcycle so best of both

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By *en Italia OP Woman
29 weeks ago

your lap

Been interesting reading everyone’s views. Im still tooing and froing in deciding.

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By *heGigglersCouple
29 weeks ago

Near Birmingham

Swapped to Auto a couple of years ago and couldn't go back to manual now

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By *artorialMan
29 weeks ago

weymouth

Manual, less power loss through the transmission=better fuel consumption

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By *uperstar76Woman
29 weeks ago

North Lanarkshire

Automatic for me

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By *rafter69Man
29 weeks ago

upminster

I will drive anything dont bother me.

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By *he Silver FuxMan
29 weeks ago

Utero

"Always had a manual gearbox. Know all electric cars are automatics. I’m not ready for an electric car yet.

I’m told more expensive if auto gearbox goes wrong but friends with automatics really rate them to drive.

Do you prefer a manual or automatic and why?

Most modern automatic gearboxes are fantastic, and locking torque converters, 8 plus gears makes the efficiency and response equivalent to a manual gearbox. Motoring these days is mostly dealing with dense traffic, traffic cameras and the monotonous motorway grind. My days of working a manual gearbox for the pleasure of driving are over. Will not have a manual gearbox for my daily driver ever again.

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By *iltsTSgirlTV/TS
29 weeks ago

Chichester

Once we all go electric it won’t matter lol

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By *hantomfemmeWoman
29 weeks ago

Sligo/Galway/limerick depends on the day

Manual for life.

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By *ick Weapon-XMan
29 weeks ago

Wolverhampton

Manual for life. I have personally owned only one automatic in my life and was so boring.

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By (user no longer on site)
29 weeks ago

I've got an automatic with steering paddle! Bloody good drive !

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By (user no longer on site)
29 weeks ago

I've got an automatic with steering paddle! Bloody good drive !

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By *rown_Bread78Man
29 weeks ago

Leeds

Been driving 30 years, first 15 manual, more recent 15 years automatic.

I'd never want a manual again.

I rented an automatic hybrid last week - was superb. So smooth and nice seamless power

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By *ypersoonMan
29 weeks ago

WHITCHURCH, Shropshire

Always driven a manual gearbox in the 18 years I've been driving mind on a 206 I used to own, did have to spend £2.5k on a replacement gearbox 😬

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By *ormalfornorfolkMan
29 weeks ago

Norwich

One of ours is electric. 90% of the time I only use one pedal. And it’s as fast as a motherfucker.

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By *haron1701ETV/TS
29 weeks ago

Southport

Always had manual.

Only automatic I ever drove was an 18ton DAF lorry. It was bloody awful.

Was fitted with extra rubber bumpers at rear as standard as they were just about impossible to reverse gently onto a loading bay etc. put it in reverse, just sat there until you gave it just the tiniest hint of accelerator pedal - then it would lurch backwards with all the finesse of a cougar jumping on a young man

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By (user no longer on site)
29 weeks ago

Once my manual banger has died, I’m going EV and using auto and one pedal driving.

Tested a few and loved them.

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By *ogistical NightmaresCouple
29 weeks ago

Manchester Area

White- Got my first automatic in May, 2 ltr diesel and usually do about 25k a year. Still averaging 50+mpg on runs. Will be staying with auto. Plus mine has the option to switch it to manual for playtime

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By *haguar84Man
29 weeks ago

north

I like both. Depends what kind of drive I’m on.

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By (user no longer on site)
29 weeks ago

Automatic for me every time now.

Self charging hybrid averaging 73 mpg.

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By *enda83Man
29 weeks ago

north

[Removed by poster at 28/09/25 20:59:36]

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By *enda83Man
29 weeks ago

north

Drive an auto for first time last year when hired a car to take kids down Cornwall and it was unreal hated going back to manual ha

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By (user no longer on site)
29 weeks ago

Got an electric car around 5 years ago and therefore an automatic - I love it and it wouldn't be my preference to go back to a manual gearbox

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By (user no longer on site)
29 weeks ago

"Manual, more direct control. And I can go through the gears while going "vroom" and pretending I'm a race car driver, because I'm cool "

This!! Im glad its not just me who adds sound effects while driving!

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By *om WxmMan
29 weeks ago

Wrexham

I've got both. Auto is great and allows the manufacturer to get better performance figures, can also drive like a manual with the paddleshift.

Manual slightly more involving, but depends on how and where I drive as to which I prefer.

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By *layful Sub BratWoman
29 weeks ago

S. E. London

Manual every time. More control and cheaper to fix if anything was to go.

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By *ardnutsMan
29 weeks ago

pensby

I've had both over the years. Tbh I love an auto. Much more relaxed drive.

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