Most reliable automatic transmission?
Discussion
Hi,
I'm looking for a small car (1.4L or less) with an automatic transmission for around £5k used. I've done some reading on the various types of automatic gearboxes and I still haven't a clue as to which is the best overall. I'd want it to be reliable, as you would, but also for it to have smooth, non-jerky shifts. Does such a car exist in my price range?
Thanks.
I'm looking for a small car (1.4L or less) with an automatic transmission for around £5k used. I've done some reading on the various types of automatic gearboxes and I still haven't a clue as to which is the best overall. I'd want it to be reliable, as you would, but also for it to have smooth, non-jerky shifts. Does such a car exist in my price range?
Thanks.
Edited by Eddy_444 on Friday 27th March 15:37
M4cruiser said:
If not the Note, then try a Micra.
Or, oddball suggestion: a 2005 Corsa 1.4 (NOT the 1.2) for less than half your budget. The 'box is ok, rest of the car you didn't specify, and it's not that great.
I wager you’d get a usable one of those for a tenth of the budget!Or, oddball suggestion: a 2005 Corsa 1.4 (NOT the 1.2) for less than half your budget. The 'box is ok, rest of the car you didn't specify, and it's not that great.
I’ve had a 1.2 manual for ten years although it has been SORN for much of it and it really is fine. Never breaks or rusts and when it does have a fault, it’s always easy and cheap to sort out. I don’t think someone expecting to spend £5k would consider it to be nice enough though
Hang On said:
No-brainer this one. Ford Fiesta 1.0l ecoboost with powershift auto. It is a superb car. Sometimes makes me wonder why I bother to have a second car tbh. Could not be more impressed with mine.
The powershift transmission is a disaster.https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a27438193/ford-p...
Thank you for your replies.
Some of you asked why the smaller engine. The insurance is apparently cheaper for cars in the 1.4 or less bracket (so I’ve been told anyway).
From the recommendations, what auto gearbox is generally considered the best? I’ve read contradicting things about DSG and CVT. All I’m really after is an automatic that is reliable so I’m not having to repair it frequently and one that is fairly smooth in gear shifting. Makes me seem a boring bloke, I know, but it’s what I want. I’m not really a car person, but this seems the best place for expert advice on the topic.
Some of you asked why the smaller engine. The insurance is apparently cheaper for cars in the 1.4 or less bracket (so I’ve been told anyway).
From the recommendations, what auto gearbox is generally considered the best? I’ve read contradicting things about DSG and CVT. All I’m really after is an automatic that is reliable so I’m not having to repair it frequently and one that is fairly smooth in gear shifting. Makes me seem a boring bloke, I know, but it’s what I want. I’m not really a car person, but this seems the best place for expert advice on the topic.
Wife had a 2007 1.5 Swift auto. Ran it for 8 years. Other than servicing, a set of tyres and putting petrol in it the only additional expense was a new battery. Nothing went wrong and the box was spot on- no jerky shifts, no unreliability- from the first day we bought it to the day it was chopped in for a brand new swift a couple of years back. Not the most exciting car (could have done with 20/30bhp) but traditional auto box, nothing complicated to go wrong and cheap as chips to run. If I was looking for a sub £5k auto runaround it would be my go to car.
Edited by ali_XF on Sunday 29th March 21:00
Eddy_444 said:
Thank you for your replies.
Some of you asked why the smaller engine. The insurance is apparently cheaper for cars in the 1.4 or less bracket (so I’ve been told anyway).
From the recommendations, what auto gearbox is generally considered the best? I’ve read contradicting things about DSG and CVT. All I’m really after is an automatic that is reliable so I’m not having to repair it frequently and one that is fairly smooth in gear shifting. Makes me seem a boring bloke, I know, but it’s what I want. I’m not really a car person, but this seems the best place for expert advice on the topic.
For £5k, I'd avoid any form of dual clutch or DSG style box, if you want reliability choose a torque converter auto mated to a naturally aspirated petrol engine from a Japanese manufacturer. My shortlist would be a Micra, Note, Swift or Splash. Some of you asked why the smaller engine. The insurance is apparently cheaper for cars in the 1.4 or less bracket (so I’ve been told anyway).
From the recommendations, what auto gearbox is generally considered the best? I’ve read contradicting things about DSG and CVT. All I’m really after is an automatic that is reliable so I’m not having to repair it frequently and one that is fairly smooth in gear shifting. Makes me seem a boring bloke, I know, but it’s what I want. I’m not really a car person, but this seems the best place for expert advice on the topic.
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