Im shopping for a new car.. found one... but auto?
Discussion
I've had enough of the ST220. Its been crashed into and failed a few times of late and its time to get rid.
Ive seen a 3 series (325i) M sport, 2006, blue with idrive and white interior (which i never thought id like but i seem to do so).
Anyway, it's an auto. Ive driven autos before, but is this a massive problem? ive never owned an auto before and have always preferred manual.
I also wanted something more economical but got fed up of looking at 320d's with 150,000 on the clock
Its priced at £9495 with 62k on the clock.
Will there even be much performance difference? The figures for the ST and the 325 seem exactly the same.
Ive seen a 3 series (325i) M sport, 2006, blue with idrive and white interior (which i never thought id like but i seem to do so).
Anyway, it's an auto. Ive driven autos before, but is this a massive problem? ive never owned an auto before and have always preferred manual.
I also wanted something more economical but got fed up of looking at 320d's with 150,000 on the clock

Its priced at £9495 with 62k on the clock.
Will there even be much performance difference? The figures for the ST and the 325 seem exactly the same.
Edited by Wafflesmk2 on Thursday 16th February 17:18
Coming from the grunty, manual driven ST220 you could find this new car a bit of a let down. It depends though, do you value cruising comfort over absolute control? If the car is just a cruiser then you may be happy with auto, if you're looking to really power down some B roads then you might find the manual gives you much more fun.
Baryonyx said:
Coming from the grunty, manual driven ST220 you could find this new car a bit of a let down. It depends though, do you value cruising comfort over absolute control? If the car is just a cruiser then you may be happy with auto, if you're looking to really power down some B roads then you might find the manual gives you much more fun.
Yeah, thats a concern, because i live out in the country and it's all B roads where i live. I rarely go into any sort of built up urban area except when i go to work and even thats 10 minutes urban driving out of a 30 minute commute.If it were a 330 or 335 i'd probably just take it anyway.
Test drive it; you'll realise whether or not you can live with, or even learn to like, it in a few minutes. I hate autos but feel qualified to say so as I have driven a number of different types over the years and have not liked any.
Otherwise you have healthy budget, and it's not exactly a rare car, so carry on looking for a manual. It ust isn't the kind of question that can be answered remotely.
Otherwise you have healthy budget, and it's not exactly a rare car, so carry on looking for a manual. It ust isn't the kind of question that can be answered remotely.
I've got an auto, 3-speed plus overdrive, 2-litre Mondeo. I had a back problem and the lack of clutch improved it no end (until I drove my TVR).
I have to say that I would not go back to a manual on a saloon/shopping car if I could avoid it.
Acceleration is excellent once you are underway, certainly better than the manual in the hands of most drivers. The change seemed quite rough to me at first but once I learned to lift off the throttle slightly at the change time it became imperceptible.
I'd give it a go on the understanding that it gets better as time goes on.
I have to say that I would not go back to a manual on a saloon/shopping car if I could avoid it.
Acceleration is excellent once you are underway, certainly better than the manual in the hands of most drivers. The change seemed quite rough to me at first but once I learned to lift off the throttle slightly at the change time it became imperceptible.
I'd give it a go on the understanding that it gets better as time goes on.
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