First drive of an Automatic today, not really impressed

booyaka

Similar - The Golf GTI DSG is an absolute dream of an auto box. So smooth when driving "normally", and in sport mode lets you rev to 6/6.5k when you put the foot down. Can't fault it.

I jump between this and wife's manual car but I would where possible always get an auto these days.

Similar to above - you can use paddles if you want but I've bearly touched them as the DSG is superb.

Apollo

Keeping it to 2030 would be lovely, but at 12-13 years old you are looking at some costly long term maintenance at that age.

My other car turns 13 this Dec and is chucking some chunky bills regularly in the last couple of years. Not quite a money pit, but only barely viable due to values stabilising and slowly increasing for low mileage ‘fit’ examples.

NooBish AbbZ 92

That may change but "in a perfect world I'd like to keep it til then" I should have said All manner of things could change, ie, sharp increase in income in around 8-10 years time if all goes to plan At which point, F-Type R?

Apollo

F-Type is a good shout, shame they only do the V8 with the autobox though
I have been considering a V6-S manual in a couple of years time for my next weekend toy.

ashenfie

In the old days before electric hand brakes many merc's had the foot brake. Try a hill start with one of those and you understand why Merc owners lover their Autobox.

The BM I had a super Autobox that always seams to have the right gear all the time regardless of mode. I currently have a C-Class and the Autobox while not the very best works very well is Sport mode and MPG is good.  Better than the Manual loaner the garage gave me.

NooBish AbbZ 92

We're talking 15 years down the line here Who knows what'll be around then

ashenfie

Health and Safety. Its considered far to easy to miss a gear and stick it the ditch

KelvinS1965

I often use the 'hold' function which makes hill starts a doddle as well; just squeeze the accelarator pedal, engine restarts and off you go. My OH has been using it too on her SLK after I showed her how to use it when we were out in mine.

beasty54

I've only been driving for 6 months but this weekend I've taken a Mercedes 180D with auto box home to try out before some long trips next week, I absolutely love it. I know I don't really have a lot to compare it too but I've done thousands of miles all over the country  in 6 months and there's no way I'll choose to take the manual 180 again, I very much doubt I'll buy another manual either.

GrumpyOldGamer

I wanted an auto when I bought my Passat last year but they were just out of budget so opted for a manual with a better trim level, the VW DSG is awesome.