Is it just me, that always drives an auto in manual mode?

[WEHGuy]

Is it just me who has an automatic but, always drives it in manual sport mode? I just hate the lethargic throttle response I get when its in full automatic so, I always drive it in manual sport mode. What about everyone else?

Edited by WEHGuy on Friday 3rd September 17:26

[Hitler Hadrump]

I avoid the problem by owning manual cars.

[eldar]

Hitler Hadrump said:

I avoid the problem by owning manual cars.

And hang the starting handle from the ignition retard lever

[Rob_F]

I've had a DSG car for a few weeks as a hire car and actually ended up with it in D all of the time. Changing gears manually on an auto just isn't fulfilling so there's no point (IMHO). Maybe it's different for crap auto boxes?

Cheers,
Rob

[Dog Star]

Nope. I have never ever ever used it. Never felt the need.
If you have a lethargic throttle I suggest a bigger engine or better gearbox.

[Hitler Hadrump]

eldar said:

Hitler Hadrump said:

I avoid the problem by owning manual cars.

And hang the starting handle from the ignition retard lever

Don't be silly, that'd pull the lever down.

You hang it from the choke.

[anonymous-user]

Nope, out of the small number of autos I've driven they have all had really slow responses in manual mode. So it was just easier to leave them in D.

[WEHGuy]

Dog Star said:

Nope. I have never ever ever used it. Never felt the need.
If you have a lethargic throttle I suggest a bigger engine or better gearbox.

It has a 3.5 V8 so, I would imagine that was big enough? It just seems like a different animal in sport mode.

[WEHGuy]

Hitler Hadrump said:

I avoid the problem by owning manual cars.

Yes I agree, this is my first automatic but, was such a great price I would have been rude for not buying it.

[Zod]

Depends on the car. Of cars driven in tht last few months:

BMW 730d - full auto all the time;

BMW X6 M - mostly manual, but it still doesn't feel like an M car, just a very fast SUV;

Aston Martin Rapide - manual all the time. The box lets you hit the limiter, doesn't switch into auto if you leave it alone and just feels well attuned to the car. I'd still prefer it with a manual box though. That's why I hunted patiently for a manual DB9.

I always drive my M5 in manual, because the (much misunderstood and thus maligned) SMG box is utterly useless in automatic and compelling in manual.

[Texpis]

WEHGuy said:

Dog Star said:

Nope. I have never ever ever used it. Never felt the need.
If you have a lethargic throttle I suggest a bigger engine or better gearbox.

It has a 3.5 V8 so, I would imagine that was big enough? It just seems like a different animal in sport mode.

Unfortunatly that is your problem the 3.5 Rover V8 is not big enough the power output is about 180 horses or less dependant on the variation. I guess its in a Range rover classic the 3.9 is loads better.

Mick

[theironduke]

My auto has no fancy manual mode but the whole lazy style is its charm. However if you boot it the kickdown is giggle inducing, especially in sport when the old striaight six up front really comes to life!!

[WEHGuy]

Texpis said:

WEHGuy said:

Dog Star said:

Nope. I have never ever ever used it. Never felt the need.
If you have a lethargic throttle I suggest a bigger engine or better gearbox.

It has a 3.5 V8 so, I would imagine that was big enough? It just seems like a different animal in sport mode.

Unfortunatly that is your problem the 3.5 Rover V8 is not big enough the power output is about 180 horses or less dependant on the variation. I guess its in a Range rover classic the 3.9 is loads better.

Mick

It's not a RR and it has 245 bhp. Anyone? Goldstar for the first one to get it.

[BlueMR2]

I used my auto manually alot of the time as well.

Couldn't stand how held back it feels in drive setting off. If you want accelerate to go anything more than a walking pace you have to boot the accelerator to get it to go.

Don't get me started on the W140 starting off in 2nd gear everywhere unless you engage the kickdown button and blow everything in the region into oblivion. I just want to feel like i'm accelerating without 40 tonnes hooked up to the back.

[mattmoxon]

Hardly ever bother the 'box changes up faster than my manual shifts using the selector. I'll ocasionally select a gear for going down hill etc though, more engine braking.

I thought I'd miss a manual 'box when I bought an auto, but after a year of using an auto I doubt I'd ever buy a manual again.

[Dog Star]

WEHGuy said:

It's not a RR and it has 245 bhp. Anyone? Goldstar for the first one to get it.

Possibly a 535?

I've got a 5l V8 and it's no problem - but I've also previously had a SLK 230 (which is a supercharged 4 pot 2.3 with about 190bhp - I really liked the gearbox on that too).

[kambites]

Is there any particular reason you bought an auto. if you don't want it to change gear for you?

[eldar]

kambites said:

Is there any particular reason you bought an auto. if you don't want it to change gear for you?

My SLK is auto. Left to its own devices its quicker and more economical than the manual version. Very responsive, never seems to be in the wrong gear. The paddle shift is entertaining, makes you feel in control and great for hooning. Good balance

Autos are getting better than manuals for most people, most of the time.

[kambites]

eldar said:

Autos are getting better than manuals for most people, most of the time.

I don't deny it, but the OP says he never uses it in automatic mode, which makes buying an auto seem a rather odd choice to me.

[WEHGuy]

kambites said:

Is there any particular reason you bought an auto. if you don't want it to change gear for you?

Price and the fact I had never had an auto before.