Buying an auto - what do we think..?
Discussion
I've always always had manual cars. I enjoy driving, the act of driving as well as the travelling. I enjoy the feeling of performance in a car and have had quickish cars but not what I call fast cars. (0-60 in the sevens, 140mph type stuff), but I'm not a "tread shuffle, dab of oppo, clip the apex" kind of guy.
My last three cars have been sportscars, two MX5's and now an SLK 200K which I love for its refinement and effortless distance shrinking abilities (for a sporty car) and chose it over things like a Boxster for that reason.
I'm giving this background because I realise that different people obviously have different priorities and I want to try and explain what I'm looking for in a car.
Anyhoo, looking seriously at the mo to update my 05 SLK and going to see a 09 SLK tomorrow, pretty similar spec to current car, 200K, six speed manual (although facelift model so bit more powerful).
But I fancy something a bit faster, not to actually go faster as such, but to give a little more effortless shove (quite often use WOT in the 200K when accelerating onto motorways or away from roundabouts) so naturally started looking at SLK280's (V6 3 litre 231hp instead of current 1.8 litre supercharged 161hp).
Thing is, probably over 99% of them are autos. And more to the point, I've found one in particular with a nice spec, right age, low mileage, right colour, but of course, auto.
Now I may be getting middle aged (may be? Am!) But I'm starting to thaw a little on my "manual only" policy, and seriously wondering whether to give an auto a try. I also think it would quite suit the "fast GT" style of the SLK (more than, say, an auto Boxster or MX5).
It's the Mercedes 7G gearbox which is 7 speed, has sports mode, and tiptronic (although contrary to common belief it doesn't hold the gear you're in, it simply stops it changing up beyond, so if you dial "4" you get auto changing between 4, 3, 2, 1 and it still kicks down, just won't use 5, 6, 7 unless you red line it, so not really proper manual control).
So, what do we think? Anyone tried an auto and hated it? Or tried and would never go back?
Thoughts, suggestions, ideas, opinions, all welcome.
My last three cars have been sportscars, two MX5's and now an SLK 200K which I love for its refinement and effortless distance shrinking abilities (for a sporty car) and chose it over things like a Boxster for that reason.
I'm giving this background because I realise that different people obviously have different priorities and I want to try and explain what I'm looking for in a car.
Anyhoo, looking seriously at the mo to update my 05 SLK and going to see a 09 SLK tomorrow, pretty similar spec to current car, 200K, six speed manual (although facelift model so bit more powerful).
But I fancy something a bit faster, not to actually go faster as such, but to give a little more effortless shove (quite often use WOT in the 200K when accelerating onto motorways or away from roundabouts) so naturally started looking at SLK280's (V6 3 litre 231hp instead of current 1.8 litre supercharged 161hp).
Thing is, probably over 99% of them are autos. And more to the point, I've found one in particular with a nice spec, right age, low mileage, right colour, but of course, auto.
Now I may be getting middle aged (may be? Am!) But I'm starting to thaw a little on my "manual only" policy, and seriously wondering whether to give an auto a try. I also think it would quite suit the "fast GT" style of the SLK (more than, say, an auto Boxster or MX5).
It's the Mercedes 7G gearbox which is 7 speed, has sports mode, and tiptronic (although contrary to common belief it doesn't hold the gear you're in, it simply stops it changing up beyond, so if you dial "4" you get auto changing between 4, 3, 2, 1 and it still kicks down, just won't use 5, 6, 7 unless you red line it, so not really proper manual control).
So, what do we think? Anyone tried an auto and hated it? Or tried and would never go back?
Thoughts, suggestions, ideas, opinions, all welcome.
Went through this with my 330i, manuals are like rocking horse s
t. Eventually I found a great value auto in the colour and spec I wanted and bought it. I love it 80% of the time, the steptronic takes a bit of getting used to but once you are away from a standstill it's pretty good. But, there are times, when hooning, having driven manuals all my life until now, that I just wish it had a clutch.
t. Eventually I found a great value auto in the colour and spec I wanted and bought it. I love it 80% of the time, the steptronic takes a bit of getting used to but once you are away from a standstill it's pretty good. But, there are times, when hooning, having driven manuals all my life until now, that I just wish it had a clutch.I have a DSG, after many years of 3 pedals. I am generally liking the DSG. Took a bit of getting used to and at first I tried to "fight it" a bit in manual mode. Now I have a better feel for it and rather enjoy it, both in Auto for the long journeys and using the flappy paddles for a bit of hoonery.
If you do get one you'll spend the first couple of weeks thinking its st and always wants to change into the wrong gear etc. But give it time and understand how it behaves and then work with it and it can be a pleasure. (Accelerating on a sliproad in sport mode is always a grin)
If you do get one you'll spend the first couple of weeks thinking its s
t and always wants to change into the wrong gear etc. But give it time and understand how it behaves and then work with it and it can be a pleasure. (Accelerating on a sliproad in sport mode is always a grin)Bought an E46 325 auto coupe a while ago, changed gears quicker than I could and was fine with holding them on roundabouts when required in sport mode. Was annoying on a couple of occasions (reversing up a hill was a bit binary) but other than that really happy with it
Crap - forgot the important bit. Traffic and motorway driving were so much simpler. This was before you were a criminal for holding a phone, and remember my life being much easier driving and talking at the same time
Crap - forgot the important bit. Traffic and motorway driving were so much simpler. This was before you were a criminal for holding a phone, and remember my life being much easier driving and talking at the same time
Its interesting when you meet somebody who's a total Auto novice. I once sold an auto to a lady who'd been driving 25 years but never even sat in an auto and she had no idea how it worked. When i told her to put it into D and take her foot off the brake she was literally amazed it moved by itself.
I've had a few Auto's now from the age of 19 (now 27). (850 T5, Maserati 3200, Range Rover and now a Merc. CLS)
For normal A-B driving, they're superb. My CLS has the 7G 'box with the buttons on the back of the steering wheel, it's alright, but nowhere near the enjoyment of a manual for when you're on a twisty b-road. Saying that, once you get used to the shift pattern, you can judge the right time to floor it to make it change down to the right gear and they still can be fun.
Good job I have the Mini for when I want to thrash a manual though.
For normal A-B driving, they're superb. My CLS has the 7G 'box with the buttons on the back of the steering wheel, it's alright, but nowhere near the enjoyment of a manual for when you're on a twisty b-road. Saying that, once you get used to the shift pattern, you can judge the right time to floor it to make it change down to the right gear and they still can be fun.
Good job I have the Mini for when I want to thrash a manual though.
Ari said:
Sadly it'll have to suffice as my only car.
I understand, thus you should get auto as I doubt you'll have any regrets. Anyway, I imagine a 280 manual is like rocking horse poo? Also, I'd much prefer to be selling on a 280 auto. .
Edited by Johnboy Mac on Friday 23 March 22:01
I've got two cars, an auto and a manual. The auto (torque-converter) is my daily driver and is great when all I want is 'transport' - just a way of getting from A to B with minimal effort and stress.
The manual is my weekend toy (& occasional commuter) and is brilliant on the right road when I'm in the mood.
Which you prefer will be influenced by the type of vehicle, the type of roads you travel on and your style of driving. Not to mention the 'box itself.
However, if I only had one car it would be a DSG type box as that would probably be the best compromise for me.
The manual is my weekend toy (& occasional commuter) and is brilliant on the right road when I'm in the mood.
Which you prefer will be influenced by the type of vehicle, the type of roads you travel on and your style of driving. Not to mention the 'box itself.
However, if I only had one car it would be a DSG type box as that would probably be the best compromise for me.
I am on my 5th and my next car will be also, though it might by one of those automated clutch ones as that seems to be the way manufacturers are going. I want my cars to be relaxing and effortless to drive.
I have a motorcycle, with a manual, if I want to partake in spirited motoring.
I have a motorcycle, with a manual, if I want to partake in spirited motoring.
It seems to me that to the manual lovers when someones says "auto box" they think of the rather ste 3 speed torque converter autos of old. Modern Dual Clutch systems (and there ilk) are so much better. You should really try one (and I meand try one property not a 10 min drive) before claiming they arent "involving" at all.
te 3 speed torque converter autos of old. Modern Dual Clutch systems (and there ilk) are so much better. You should really try one (and I meand try one property not a 10 min drive) before claiming they arent "involving" at all.Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff