Woudl you recommend AUTO over Manual?

[peterwatkins99]

hi, i'm looking to buy a used Bora, and I notice the automatic versions can be up to £1000 cheaper than manual counterparts - i guess this is because of the lower MPGs? or less sporty? i drive like a grandad so i dont care bout 0-60 etc.

I have automatic (smart) at present but only do small miles. I want something for my new job which will involve lots of miles on motorway. Do autos just use more fuel when you're in town (i.e. cos they change up quite late), or will i notice lower MPG on motorway (i.e. contstant speed, no changing gears)

I'd like to stick with auto if i can, but any thoughts on how much MPG will suffer on motorways, spending my life circa. 70mph!

any thoughts would be great. this is my 1st post so if it's in the wrong section can sum1 show me the way!

pete.

[Ben]

nowadays the technology is quite good and auto boxex in vw's (DSG) have a semi auto setting (TIPTRONIC)which allows you to change up or down as and when you want. The only thing you can't do is block shift, that is 2nd to 4th or 6th to 3rd for example you have to go 1,2,3,4,5,6 or 6,5,4,3,2,1.

I'e used one, very good.

[v6dub]

Hey mate, welcome to the site. In my opinion, autos are good if you are doing lots of town driving cause they do all the work for you, however if you are going to siting on the motorway, having an auto is not much advertage cause you are only going to be in top gear in a manual anyway. It is what you feel happy driving really, if you don't mind about performance and the driving experance then a auto is good. hope this is of some help.

[Aug]

Well, automatic transmissions are very much more complicated mechanically than manual gearboxes, and usually they are more expensive to buy than a 5-speed.

Having said that, if something goes wrong, or it needs service, the costs add up in a hurry and repairs, if serious enough, can only be done at either a dealer or at a specialty tranmission repair shop. Not to mention that fluid, occasional flushing, filters etc can add up the costs...which can make it less desirable..

Nevertheless, if you have to drive to the big city every day an autobox is a godsend to your clutch leg in a 5 mile traffic jam...ask any American who works in the city....

So it seems that nobody wants an auto much these days, hence they are cheaper used?

Here in Canada, the reverse is true...go figure....

[Matt-h]

My partner only has a auto licence and we too are looking into getting one for her.

Only problem i'm concerned about is the reliability - always had trouble with second hand auto's so far.

I hope thats not the case with the newer cars

Matt

[wallacebob]

My mate has a Bora auto (last model), very pleased with it, apart from timing belt breaking. I have Toledo 2.0 PD DSG which I think is fabby.
We both do the same job, lots of m/way, but than creeping about housing. Don't ask! If you do town work an auto is brilliant, especially in strange towns when you can concentrate on streets better.
I find DSG economy is as good as manual, and better for engine in the long run. I very seldom use the "manual "mode, except in snow or mud. If you want some fun, stick it in "sport" mode. Holds back a gear, and allows higher revs. Twisty roads are very entertaining when you can concentrate on steering.
Lots of DSG Seats by the way, are cheaper than Bora or Octavia.

[jagr]

The VW auto/tiptronic is a great gearbox and very reliable in my opinion.
I sold a 2000 passat tdi tiptronic last year and it had over 150k miles with no problems.

Fuel wise was around 10% worse than my earlier manual tdi.

[onzarob]

I would say drive both ans see what you like, I must admit that I'm not put off by automatics as they are so much more relaxing to drive. I have a manual Audi, but i did think about an auto, but the garage blew the ecu up just before I got there

[flying fish]

Hello
For the £1000 extra, the manual has to be well worth it. More fun and less to go wrong, more performance and fuel economy. If I could pay £1000 to swap my Auto for a manual I would jump at the chance, the gearbox is the only thing which lets my VR6 caravelle down.