Manual or auto....

[dizzyblonde]

The inevitable has happened and I have been out in the Freelander for a bit of off road bimbling. I so enjoyed it, I actually want to think about learning properly.

I hate manual cars, I've given up on several bouts of lessons, due to the fact I nearly rip the gearstick out of the floor in frustration and I really can't be ffin about with clutches. I am am biker, and always will be, cages are far too alien.

The Freelander is automatic, every car between now and forever will be an automatic, as Peg finds it extremely difficult and painful to drive manual, which is a shame as his license covers him to drive almost anything. We'll only ever be looking at automatics purely for his comfort and benefit.

So what would be the point of learning to drive a manual (apart from the license legal bit) if I am only ever going to have access to automatic cars?

BTW the Bus was a piece of cake to drive, much better than a poxy little 1.1 thing, I think I'm off out again on Sunday:smt026, but be a wee while longer before out on the road with L plates as a little time is needed to get used to the sheer size!

[the_lone_wolf]

So what would be the point of learning to drive a manual (apart from the license legal bit) if I am only ever going to have access to automatic cars?

Because one day your friend will need to get somewhere urgently while they can't drive and they'll ask you to use their car to drive them, and you won't be able to without breaking the law

Do the manual test, for the sake of a few extra hours or a bit of hardship you'll have a lifetime's supply of "what if" situation savers:cool:

[yorkie_chris]

Do the manual test for the "what if" situation or if you want to hire a car abroad or something.

If you do the auto test you're basically a scooter rider... and you wouldn't want to be one of those now would you?

[G]

I am a general petrolhead and like all things with an engine. For me taking away the manual gear changing in any vehicle takes away a lot of the fun in driving/riding. I also feel I have a lot more control in a manual vehicle)

But to answer your question.

Automatics versions of cars are normal £1.5k+ more expensive than the equivelent car.

If you ever find yourself in a sticky situation (with a friend in a manual car, they then fall ill and cant drive), it would always be handy to be able to drive a manual car like most people in that sort of situation.

Hiring a manual car can become a pain in this country, in the EU it can become even more of a pain, in america its no problem at all :rolleyes:

I would try my best to learn in a manual car, you get used to it.

[dizzyblonde]

Do the manual test for the "what if" situation or if you want to hire a car abroad or something.



Hire cars abroad are only done in auto in our case, did so in Cyprus. Always will. Same over here, when the Freelander broke the hire car we got to go to the NEC was auto.

I am a general petrolhead and like all things with an engine. For me taking away the manual gear changing in any vehicle takes away a lot of the fun in driving/riding. I also feel I have a lot more control in a manual vehicle)

But to answer your question.

Automatics versions of cars are normal £1.5k+ more expensive than the equivelent car.

If you ever find yourself in a sticky situation (with a friend in a manual car, they then fall ill and cant drive), it would always be handy to be able to drive a manual car like most people in that sort of situation.

Hiring a manual car can become a pain in this country, in the EU it can become even more of a pain, in america its no problem at all :rolleyes:

I would try my best to learn in a manual car, you get used to it.


But for me I can't stand manuals. Driving a manual car is very much a chore. I bleddy hated learning how to so much I gave up several times.
As for cost, we don't care about that bit, already discussed it, Pegs all too aware about that.

And I've never had to come across an emergency situation on the bike, and have never been asked 'can you drive my car because.....'

[yorkie_chris]

Well you've obviously made the decision already, so why ask?

[Noble Ox]

Auto's take all the fun out of driving.

If someone were to give me an auto, id probably fall asleep at the wheel!

[dizzyblonde]

No haven't made the decision yet!

Not even gone and rung up a instructor, I'm that enthused!
Obviously cars have great advantages, but I feckin hate them in the first place.

Apart from the few suggestions is there anything else?

[Mr Speirs]

I think if you are going off-road a bit you will need a manual car, or was it just that because you had a go in a freelander you now want to drive?

I hold a manual license but have sworn not to buy a manual car again, just can't be bothered anymore. I currently have a flappy paddle gear shift car which is great as it isn't an automatic box with manual gear changes it is a actually a manual car with an automatic gear shift, I chose when to change gear and the car will redline without changing before, also on downshifts it matches the revs automatically so it is really smooth.

But personally I would always want the manual part to be on my license, you don't get automatic hire vans and haire cars with auto are scarse and more expensive.

[dizzyblonde]

Auto's take all the fun out of driving.

If someone were to give me an auto, id probably fall asleep at the wheel!


Cars interest me that much, they bore me silly whatever type.
Bikes are for fun and boring stuff occasionally, thats why I have them first:D

[metalangel]

My dad ensured that I learned in a manual (unusual in Canada) so that I wouldn't get accustomed to autos and then have to unlearn that.

[Noble Ox]

Research the car properly before buying, as some autos are just crap. Some never change when you want them to.

[dizzyblonde]

I think if you are going off-road a bit you will need a manual car, or was it just that because you had a go in a freelander you now want to drive?

.


I said off road, what I should have said was....private land.;)
We won't be offroading literally. I had a go in our Freelander and should I say it,,,enjoyed it tremendously....or maybe that was because I have been butting my head against the house walls in frustration, because I can't ride right now.

Driving is to be a necessary chore....can't get one kid, a rugrat and two dogs on a bike...unless you live in India:rolleyes:

[yorkie_chris]

No haven't made the decision yet!

Sounds like you have since you made excuses so every reason to drive a manual does not apply to you :-P

I think if you are going off-road a bit you will need a manual car, or was it just that because you had a go in a freelander you now want to drive?

By off roading I'm pretty sure she meant car park type playing around rather than actual off roading. It is a freelander :smt002

You can have a lot of fun driving cars you have just not done enough to notice, I hate autos, nearly had a big c*ckup from relying on an auto box.

[Noble Ox]

You can't be that bad. Its just the same as your bike. Just switching your hands and feet around. Principles are the same. You'l get used to the sequencial gearbox movement in a jiffy. C'mon, you can do it!

[dizzyblonde]

Sounds like you have since you made excuses so every reason to drive a manual does not apply to you :-P



.

Not excuses, a couple of valid reasons, especially when it comes to Peg. Its never likely ever again he'll have a manual....unless someone find the rest of his leg somewhere!

[Daimo]

So if you/your partner can't drive an manual, why even ask the question?

Make the decision for yourself? Don't ask the internet. They can't decide for you can they.

If driving an auto works for you, do it. What pros/cons there are do not matter if you/someone close can't drive it??

[dizzyblonde]

You can't be that bad. Its just the same as your bike. Just switching your hands and feet around. Principles are the same. You'l get used to the sequencial gearbox movement in a jiffy. C'mon, you can do it!


with a manual??....oh god I'm a blonde woman for christ sakes, whose preggers. If only it was that simple, its far different to a bike.....me clutch ain't on my left handle bar for starters :silent:

[Mr Speirs]

Just get an auto one then dizzy. If theres no need to have a manual i.e. you don't need to hire vans or stuff then there's no point in going through the hassle of learn to drive a manual.

Auto all the waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay.

[dizzyblonde]

So if you/your partner can't drive an manual, why even ask the question?

Make the decision for yourself? Don't ask the internet. They can't decide for you can they.


oh shut up.:smt079
Ferk off out of my thread, if others can be so stupid to ask silly questions, I am allowed at least one stupid thread in my org lifetime:rolleyes:.




and yes, after three hours kip I am in the mood for flippant remarks too.;)

[Noble Ox]

with a manual??....oh god I'm a blonde woman for christ sakes, whose preggers. If only it was that simple, its far different to a bike.....me clutch ain't on my left handle bar for starters :silent:
Where's your clutch!?
If you have a suicide clutch/shift then that is AWESOME!

[wyrdness]

Cars interest me that much, they bore me silly whatever type.
Bikes are for fun and boring stuff occasionally, thats why I have them first:D

That's exactly how I feel about cars too. I usually buy cheap old cars and new bikes. Driving isn't fun for me. I'm usually either stuck in London traffic or behind old coffin-dodgers on windy county roads with no overtaking opportunity.

As other people have said, it sounds as if you've already made the decision to stick to auto. There's nothing wrong with that, IMO, despite what the petrol-heads think.

[dirtydog]

If you're really not interested in driving a manual then don't bother with it, each have pros and cons.
If you're not bothered by the what if kind of thing then just go for the auto.

My Galaxy was an auto and was so easy to drive but Kitkat struggled with the lack of peddles and started trying to do left foot braking resulting with everyone being thrown forward everytime she braked! lol.

[Daimo]

oh shut up.:smt079
Ferk off out of my thread, if others can be so stupid to ask silly questions, I am allowed at least one stupid thread in my org lifetime:rolleyes:.




and yes, after three hours kip I am in the mood for flippant remarks too.;)


SMB, at least I can drive a manual, and actually drive :P

One????? Hmmmmm :smt036

;)

[ophic]

Autos are usually somewhat less economical, as they sap power. So you'll be paying for the privilege with every mile.

Having the ability to drive both is a definite advantage, but it's your call. All you have to do is adopt an American accent and no-one will ever ask you to drive "stick".

There's a few other disadvantages to autos, but mainly to do with towing it in the event of a breakdown, emergencies like being stuck on a railway line with a train approaching, and general maintenance.

The vast majority of vehicles on the road in the UK are manual, so it's always good to be able to handle one. There's no reason to think that you're any worse than anyone else learning to drive, just don't expect to get the hang of it immediately. It takes practice. I learned to drive after learning to ride, and it's a totally different set of controls. Being able to ride is actually a disadvantage here as you get frustrated quicker, whereas a total stranger to bike or car driving would have more patience.

What you're actually saying is "I can't be bothered to learn to drive a manual," cos you're certainly not physically incapable of doing so. Laziness is a poor excuse.

[AndyBrad]

not read everything but basically do a manual test. end off. its a lifeskill.

[454697819]

not read everything but basically do a manual test. end off. its a lifeskill.

no its not..

Dizzy read my PM

x

[dizzyblonde]

Where's your clutch!?
If you have a suicide clutch/shift then that is AWESOME!

I didn't mean on the bike I meant on the car.
Clutch is on foot in car, that where the fliipin gear is on a bike.
Left hand is all the lights n funny stuff in a car :-(
...gah why can't it be all the same, I'd find it much more tolerable ;-)

[ophic]

...gah why can't it be all the same, I'd find it much more tolerable ;-)
Trike? :cool:

[fizzwheel]

But for me I can't stand manuals. Driving a manual car is very much a chore.

If you can ride a motorbike and operate the gears you can drive a manual car.

Personally I hate auto's I prefer feel like I am complete control of the car and with an auto box I dont. At the end of the day its up to you isnt it.

[Iansv II]

I know exactly how you feel Dizz, I had car lessons before I got into bikes and never got on with gear changes, I gave up after 10 lessons and went an did my cbt then full bike test...

I have been giving some thought to finally getting my car licence but dunno if I should do a manual or not... cars seem to be going more towards automatic anyway...

[dirtydog]

There's a few other disadvantages to autos, but mainly to do with towing it in the event of a breakdown, emergencies like being stuck on a railway line with a train approaching, and general maintenance.


Not entirely true you can tow an auto car but you are restricted on speed and distance.

General maintenance is not much different either (well wasn't on my Galaxy)

[Dicky Ticker]

When it comes to parking in supermarket car parks or carparks in general you will find that a smaller car is much easier to park-----and get out off or into
Small cars are cheaper to insure,tax and run and manuals better on fuel consumption,petrol prices being what they are and not likely to get cheaper
Very few automatics are any good unless the have a reasonable size engine
Peg does drive manuals so don't use that as an excuse,he may prefer to drive an automatics now but that is a different kettle of fish.His last car had flipper paddles and previous cars have been manual and he has no great problem riding a bike which is worse than driving a car.
Co-ordination from your hands to your feet is only a matter of practice and after a little while it becomes second nature
Riding your bike you change gear with your foot and use the clutch by hand which you had to learn to co-ordinate

P.S. Not even all bikes have the controls in the same positions,older ones have the gearshift on the opposite side and BMW hand controls are different.Scooters have clutch and gear shift on the left handgrip,other bikes have 3-4-5-6 speed gearbox------Its a matter of learning the vehicle
Being blonde and pregnant doesn't turn you into a numpity and there is sod all wrong with your leg
IMHO you can do it but would you be happy if you could only ride a twist and go bike
AFTER repeat after you have passed your test in a manual if by choice you choose to buy an automatic so be it.
I take it you have only been playing with the auto and no real experience or proper tuition in a manual. There are pros and cons for both types of vehicles but its not the vehicles we are discussing, if investing money in a licence why settle for a twist and go one when you can have the full monty,after all you have already developed road awareness/skills its just the vehicle you have to learn.

[ophic]

Not entirely true you can tow an auto car but you are restricted on speed and distance.

General maintenance is not much different either (well wasn't on my Galaxy)
yeah ok its very much model dependent. Some autos you can tow with no issues, but on others you have to remove the driveshaft!

[dirtydog]

Ok I'll agree a manual license probably makes more sense but if DB isn't interested in it then what's the point?
If it was me then yes I would go for the manual (which is what I did) purely for the what ifs and the larger choice of cars about. In 13yrs of driving I've had 15 cars/vans and only one has been an auto. Yes it's not as involving as a manual but it was so easy to drive and despite being a Galaxy it was fun at times

[missyburd]

DB, it's not that you can't learn manual, you've just already decided you don't want to learn it. As people have said, you can ride a bike so it's only a slightly different way of doing things, perhaps compare it to hopping off your SV and riding an old Harley, you'd have to adjust there too. Besides which, the controls in a car are only the beginning of the learning curve, yes you may have road awareness but trying to train your brain out of the narrow 2 wheeled way of doing things may prove the tricky bit. And with a good instructor I bet the gears won't be anywhere near as much of an issue as you think.

Or is it just that you want Pete to teach you and he can't teach you gears in an auto? :-P

[Bri w]

I think if you are going off-road a bit you will need a manual car, or was it just that because you had a go in a freelander you now want to drive?

I hold a manual license but have sworn not to buy a manual car again, just can't be bothered anymore. I currently have a flappy paddle gear shift car which is great as it isn't an automatic box with manual gear changes it is a actually a manual car with an automatic gear shift, I chose when to change gear and the car will redline without changing before, also on downshifts it matches the revs automatically so it is really smooth.

But personally I would always want the manual part to be on my license, you don't get automatic hire vans and haire cars with auto are scarse and more expensive.

+1 same as.

[yorkie_chris]

DB, it's not that you can't learn manual, you've just already decided you don't want to learn it.

+1

Whether you think you can, or think you can't. You're right.

[Dicky Ticker]

Crawler:D you just want a cup of tea next time your round

[dizzyblonde]

I take it you have only been playing with the auto and no real experience or proper tuition in a manual.


As I have said, I have had numerous lessons with an instructor, proper tuition. It drove me nuts!

I felt much more at ease in a big truck than a tiny tin can, I hate cars I hate sitting under lorry wheels in a Focus, I crap me pants, phobia, grip seats and can't wait to climb out. With the Freelander I feel much more at ease as a passenger for starters, I'm as high up in that as on the back of the bike. The truck itself was actually far too easy to manouevre about, in fact a doddle.....and thats not just in one direction.

[Dicky Ticker]

No point in offering the subject for debate if you have made your mind up already.:confused: You already have preconceived ideas and want a Chelsea tractor

[dizzyblonde]

No point in offering the subject for debate if you have made your mind up already.:confused: You already have preconceived ideas and want a Chelsea tractor


Not sure. But maybe I just need a little moral support off those I find dear right now, as I'm not exactly in the frame for making decisions.

[ophic]

I felt much more at ease in a big truck than a tiny tin can, I hate cars I hate sitting under lorry wheels in a Focus, I crap me pants, phobia, grip seats and can't wait to climb out. With the Freelander I feel much more at ease as a passenger for starters, I'm as high up in that as on the back of the bike. The truck itself was actually far too easy to manouevre about, in fact a doddle.....and thats not just in one direction.
So its more than just the gearbox. You can get automatic small tin cans, and manual big 4x4s.

[yorkie_chris]

No, there's the DSG type box which is actually a manual, and there have been some true manuals which just have powered mechanisms.

[ophic]

No, there's the DSG type box which is actually a manual, and there have been some true manuals which just have powered mechanisms.
ah you posted this at the same time i realised i was talking cobblers and deleted the post :p

[missyburd]

This might not be my place to say Dizzy, but correct me if I'm wrong. You have given up biking because you are pregnant yes? So why are you wishing to put yourself in an equally dangerous position (maybe not as equal but still risky) by learning to drive? All it could take is a sudden stop and a knock on the steering wheel, why would you take that risk?

Just a thought anyway.

[yorkie_chris]

That's what seat belts are for :P

[dizzyblonde]

Its not too dangerous in that way Maria.

BUT, I'm afraid I'm already getting to the stage where various things are really making me butt walls with my head. I'm going out of my mind not riding...in fact its more than that. The bike has always been the lifeline, to doing things, when I need me time, or indeed other things. Now I don't even have that. Learning to drive is an attempt to give myself opportunity to do other things, with kids in tow too I suppose.

Riding a bike whilst pregnant is such a large taboo issue, I'd be out there now if I could, but to me that is so morally wrong. So I took the bikes off the road to stop the temptation and all it has done is starting to put me in a place I reallllllly don't want to be in....again.

I could really do without other members jumping on a bandwaggon of 'well you know what getting preggers does' and 'well they are all just excuses theres plenty more you could do'

I know me, and I know how I feel about riding. If you don't know me personally, you really don't know what taking me wheels away does to me. Only those who know me on a daily basis can comment on that.

[yorkie_chris]

You done the theory yet? That's same for manual or auto.

Get the theory done, get some practice in on the road. Then try some lessons in a manual, you may find that with more road experience you have enough of your $10.00 worth of attention (don't kill me) left over that you can get the hang of it.

Once you've got the hang of it, it's as easy and natural as on the bike.

And give over with the place you don't want to be bit... you've got time, you can afford it, get off your @rse and bloody do it! Auto or manual. If you really can't get the hang of a manual when you try then take the auto license. You can always upgrade to manual license later.

[missyburd]

So I took the bikes off the road to stop the temptation and all it has done is starting to put me in a place I reallllllly don't want to be in....again.
Sacrifices have to made! And I guess with the driving it will be a good way of stopping you going out of your mind with boredom at not being able to play out on the bikes.

I would personally go with learning manual but if you really can't see yourself ever needing to use it then just do the auto. Just remember you won't be able to assist Dylbert in any driving lessons when he gets old enough! :-P

[dizzyblonde]

have enough of your $10.00 worth of attention (don't kill me) left over that you can get the hang of it.

.you and that bleddy ten dollars:)


http://media.ebaumsworld.com/picture/Antfish/poster84762152.jpg

[Dicky Ticker]

Cracked it-----------Forget the car licence, go straight for a heavy goods licence:D then you can be a real Billy Big Wheels

[fizzwheel]

get off your @rse and bloody do it!

This is the best advice in this thread.

Dizzy, you either want to do your test or you dont. You are going to have to do your test in a car, because sure as eggs are eggs I have never seen a driving school that has a 4 x 4...

You are far far more vulnerable on a bike than you will ever be in a tin can. You just need to get used to being sat down lower. The only way to do it, is to get out their and practice.

[christopher]

You are going to have to do your test in a car, because sure as eggs are eggs I have never seen a driving school that has a 4 x 4...
I learnt to drive in my own car, had lessons with my instructor and also used it for the actual test as well. You're certainly not restricted to the usual array of dodgems that instructors normally use (micras minis fiestas etc).

The only constraint here is if your instructor doesn't believe you're safe enough to be let lose on the open road with only you at the controls. Most instructors use dual-controlled vehicles, and they obviously can't stamp on the breaks if you're using your own! So be prepared to have at least one lesson in the instructor's car in most cases.

[Specialone]

I dont own an auto, have done but i think they are great for town driving in traffic, very easy.
Powerful autos are good fun actually, i had a V8 ford thunderbird in america and it was a blast, donuts in the works carpark at 12 midnight ;)
It was so powerful, never ending torque.
Would defo recommend learning a manual though even if you never own one, better to have and never use than dont and need it.

[ophic]

Would defo recommend learning a manual though even if you never own one, better to have and never use than dont and need it.
Seems to be the general consensus.
If you learn in a manual, and then drive a manual for a few months, you'll wonder what on earth you were making a fuss about. It just becomes second nature.

[missyburd]

Just like learning to ride you need to have a really good instructor. If you're a difficult learner, i.e. short fuse and likely to get pi$$ed off when you get something wrong first time then you have to prepared to look a little further for someone you click with. What have your past instructors been like, or have you only had the one? I don't think it's you that's not able to learn, it's not being taught in a way to suit your personality.

[dizzyblonde]

I aren't looking to do a test in a 4x4.
However Fizz, round here you do see an odd 4x4 with a driving school thingy on top! Exceedingly rare, but there non the less.

Christopher I doubt very much an instructor would think someone capable of driving on L plate in a 2.5litre V6 Freelander.
For now I will be doing some work on private land, which also has an abandoned car park with marked bays, which has its advantages. The land itself has all the space for me to be manouevering about in, and getting some serious ground work in. REGARDLESS, of what vehicle that is in.
I have done many lessons in the past on a road. Petes aware of how far I have been, and will judge appropriately when he wants to put me on a road. There is really no rush. TBH if we can get away with getting a lot of ground work in, and I am comfortable in a car, hopefully we can save a small amount money wise on proper lessons.

Monsieur YC has been up earlier, he gets the general jist of how things are swinging, he also understands as my mate why I am the way I am at the moment.

Maybe in some way, I put up a thread to get some sort of affirmation for my ideas right now. I see there are a variety of points of view. There is only me that can do this. At the moment I am all over the place, I aren't myself, so please everyone, be gentle with my wacky ideas, they are even more odd than usual. In fact I'm having a hard time sorting them out too!

[Ed]

Yes there are limitations on having an automatic licence but are they really that relevant... the main one I think is that you rarely get automatic vans so you couldn't hire one. As for driving mates cars, that assumes that you're insured. I've never had to drive a mate's car cos they were ill or whatever. My car is automatic and I never want another manual, it's too much hard work. The box has a manual selector thing but I never use it. I'd still want a manual licence cos I do occasionally hire a van, but that's the only reason I can think of.

[Specialone]

Yes there are limitations on having an automatic licence but are they really that relevant... the main one I think is that you rarely get automatic vans so you couldn't hire one. As for driving mates cars, that assumes that you're insured. I've never had to drive a mate's car cos they were ill or whatever. My car is automatic and I never want another manual, it's too much hard work. The box has a manual selector thing but I never use it. I'd still want a manual licence cos I do occasionally hire a van, but that's the only reason I can think of.
I have had a ford transit on hire with a semi auto box, stick shift with no clutch, wonder what license that would fall under.

[yorkie_chris]

Christopher I doubt very much an instructor would think someone capable of driving on L plate in a 2.5litre V6 Freelander.

Just to keep things in perspectiv thst has like 0.2 of the power/weight ratio of SV650 bog standart :smt082

[pegasus]

Just to keep things in perspectiv thst has like 0.2 of the power/weight ratio of SV650 bog standart :smt082

on the topic of perspective Chris, the 2 tonne landy would create quite a large hole in a wall and still keep on trundling (allbeit with a blown head gasket :D) while the 170kg sv would splat the wall and fall over. On top of its pilot.

[Bluefish]

Well i passed my test in a series three landy, about 6-8 hrs of instruction, do manual test buy auto if that's what you require, you may need to drive a manual car in the next fifty years or so, mind you may be all electric by then. hth.

[yorkie_chris]

on the topic of perspective Chris, the 2 tonne landy would create quite a large hole in a wall and still keep on trundling (allbeit with a blown head gasket :D) while the 170kg sv would splat the wall and fall over. On top of its pilot.

(I was drunk :))

If she is making lots of holes in walls maybe you need to find a different job to driving instructor :smt082

[dizzyblonde]

oi never went near any walls, but I suppose he does have a point!

[ArtyLady]

Give me gears anyday - far more control IMO - although I understand why Peg has an auto.

[BanditPat]

I would just go for the manual test, it wont take you long to get used to it and its better to have it than not really.

[kitkat]

didnt read all the posts (yes I am that lazy). I think its a great idea, having use of the car once the baby has arrived will be invaluable. Just ask Tara she didnt have a car for a few months and felt like she was going stir crazy. It takes you long enough to get ready with a baby to do anything without having to worry about catching buses, dismantling prams etc. I had a shot of driving the galaxy which was an automatic and it took me a while to get used to it, kept trying to brake with my left foot. If passing your test in an automatic means you have freedom as opposed to trying to drive a manual and feeling uncomfortable, obviously go for automatic, plus you have one on hand to drive :-)

[L3nny]

One word, WHEELSPINS!!!

[ArtyLady]

Just a thought Dizz, but if you can change gears on a bike then you'll have no trouble with co-ordination in a geared car - like anything it may take a bit of time to get used to but with a bit of practice (just like when you learnt to ride your bike) it will come as second nature. :D

[dizzyblonde]

Well, I have just booked my first lesson.

In an Automatic.

And an added bonus is that the fella is a biker. Not an old one that has hung up his Triumph clogs, but one that is middle aged and is still riding his Bonneville. He thoroughly understands, I hate cars, says all stuff done in the Freelander is good stuff, and if I don't want manual then thats fine. If I fancy changing, hes got a manual too.

Top banana, start next week.

[Dicky Ticker]

Keep death off the roads---------------drive on the pavement:)
Go for it girl:cool:

[Bluefish]

it will only take you a few lessons, 1 month 2 tops, take test, job done good luck.

[Dicky Ticker]

Thats the thing you see------SVers are all young bloods but us old Trumpet dudes go on --and on--and on--past middle age--and on--
and on--even till we are pensioners--and then some:D

[ophic]

In an Automatic.
Pah. Wuss :p

[dizzyblonde]

Pah. Wuss :p


bugger you:p. I need transport quicker, and if auto is the way to go, then I'll do it.

Not sure if a month will be enough in all fairness MrFishman, I ain't made of money.
At least he said half the battle was the road sense, better start thinking of the theory bit, mind you I never looked at a highway code for the bike one, and only got three questions wrong, so a car can't be much different.

[kitkat]

im sure you wont need a month. My daughter had a couple of lessons off road as she was under 17 then had about 6 lessons. Adam took her out driving most days, Im not so good as I panic a bit and squeal which puts her off. Anyway, she failed her test but is resitting soon but is not having any more lessons, just more practice. good luck Dizzy, pass while you can still fit behind the steering wheel. lol

[dizzyblonde]

good luck Dizzy, pass while you can still fit behind the steering wheel. lol

well this is the intention;)

It'll probably take me the rest of the term to pass:rolleyes:

[Stu]

Much better to pass in an auto than fail in a manual.

Good luck Dizz, I think you've made the right decision going auto.

[dirtydog]

Well, I have just booked my first lesson.

In an Automatic.

Good on ya!

Adam took her out driving most days

Not sure if that's a good thing or not ;), my driving is erm how shall we say it's erm interesting ;):D

Much better to pass in an auto than fail in a manual.

Good luck Dizz, I think you've made the right decision going auto.


Ditto to that!

[dizzyblonde]

Quick update, lesson three, must book theory now. Apparently I'm doing rather good, and at this rate will be passed quickly.
Instructor said there is a two month waiting list for the main test, due to the backlog after the winter weather, think theres a hint in there somewhere!

[Woz]

Instructor said there is a two month waiting list for the main test, due to the backlog after the winter weather, think theres a hint in there somewhere!


At the test centres I use there is a constant 6/7 week waiting list so there's no reason to think he's trying to get one over on you.

[Mej]

good luck :)

[keith_d]

1) The cars that are interesting are almost all manual.
2) If you want to do a car event on the track they will probably have manual gearboxes
3) If you want to share the driving on a long trip you could need to drive a manual
4) If you hire a car abroad there's a fair chance it'll be a manual

[LK-SV]

1) The cars that are interesting are almost all manual.
2) If you want to do a car event on the track they will probably have manual gearboxes
3) If you want to share the driving on a long trip you could need to drive a manual
4) If you hire a car abroad there's a fair chance it'll be a manual

+1

[_Stretchie_]

Dizz I have two bits of advice for you my love...


Get some decent tyres on the Freelander
When you've cut yer off road teeth on some level waste ground sell the Freelander and get a 3.9l V8 Rangie Classic or Disco (and then get some decent tyres on it)
Get a car with a low box and some ground clearance if you're going to get in to the off road stuff

[Sid Squid]

Auto's take all the fun out of driving.

If someone were to give me an auto, id probably fall asleep at the wheel!
I take your point, but I don't agree with this, it used to be true that autos were a bit stodgy and felt less than sharp, but more modern ones are far far better. I'd never choose an auto myself, but newer ones are not the complete lack of fun they use to be.

[Luckypants]

I agree with Mr Squid. Any sporty car with a 'flappy-paddle' gear shift is essentially an auto. Most can be used in full auto mode as well as paddle shift. From Ferraris to Golfs (DSG) auto boxes are likely to be the way forward.

I'm seriously thinking of an auto for my next motor, with some kind of manual shift for when I want to 'drive' :cool:

[454697819]

I started driving auto about 2 years ago and havent looked back since..

The new box's are great,

[LK-SV]

I'm seriously thinking of an auto for my next motor, with some kind of manual shift for when I want to 'drive' :cool:

DSG isn't all that .... still isn't driving IMO ...

Its too slow on take off .... and your left leg will still get bored...

I can see the advantages to autos ..... but even when hooked up to paddles, etc .... the thrill of driving isn't one of them ...

[dirtydog]

Blimey are people still arguing about the auto/manual thing?

The fact is Dizzy doesn't find driving fun that is why she has bought a V Raptor to have fun on.

Whether an auto takes the fun out of driving or not is a completely different subject altogether.

[LK-SV]

Blimey are people still arguing about the auto/manual thing?

The fact is Dizzy doesn't find driving fun that is why she has bought a V Raptor to have fun on.

Whether an auto takes the fun out of driving or not is a completely different subject altogether.

:D I love it when people come to a forum ... and don't want a chat !! :eek:

[dirtydog]

:D I love it when people come to a forum ... and don't want a chat !! :eek:


Why would I not want a chat? All I'm saying is Dizzy wasn't asking what type of car is best or more fun so I don't see what people saying that autos aren't fun etc has to do with what she was asking.

What I was getting at was the which is best manual or auto is a whole different kettle of fish

[Mej]

i have a tiptronic and the auto is good in traffic and around town, but i do miss the manual sometimes

[dizzyblonde]

1) The cars that are interesting are almost all manual.
2) If you want to do a car event on the track they will probably have manual gearboxes
3) If you want to share the driving on a long trip you could need to drive a manual
4) If you hire a car abroad there's a fair chance it'll be a manual

1,,,not bothered in 'interesting cars' I prefer interesting bikes :p
2..won't be tracking, cars or bikes on a track don't appeal to me
3...if we are sharing the burden on a long trip, we'll only ever have an auto, as Peg doesn't want to and can't drive a manual these days without a whole load of pain and discomfort in his leg.
4...nope no probs at all hiring auto abroad, did it in Feb in Cyprus, Pegs always hired them abroad.

Dizz I have two bits of advice for you my love...


Get some decent tyres on the Freelander
When you've cut yer off road teeth on some level waste ground sell the Freelander and get a 3.9l V8 Rangie Classic or Disco (and then get some decent tyres on it)
Get a car with a low box and some ground clearance if you're going to get in to the off road stuff

we've got Pirelli Scorpions on at the moment, pretty good apparently, according to Peg. Won't be selling the Freelander, shhhhhhhhhh we were up at the repair shop today, as we had to assist in a problem the guy had on another V6 and he asked to borrow ours for comparison, waaaay too many discos for Peg to drool over, I don't fancy anything so big TBH.
Doubt we'll be doing any proper off roading stuff. Doesn't appeal to me, but I know its a lot of fun for many folk:D
Blimey are people still arguing about the auto/manual thing?

The fact is Dizzy doesn't find driving fun that is why she has bought a V Raptor to have fun on.

Whether an auto takes the fun out of driving or not is a completely different subject altogether.


ahhhhmennnn to that DD;)

i have a tiptronic and the auto is good in traffic and around town, but i do miss the manual sometimes

we've got some sort of triptronic box in the V6, dunno what it does though, I won't be using it!

[dizzyblonde]

oh yeah, I could also feel like saying I am finding it fun to drive an auto....I feckin hated the manual learning, and I've done more in three lessons than I did in about ten in a manual car too!