Manual or automatic?

Thanks all - very helpful. I also learnt to drive in a manual car and have never actually driven an automatic, so it was interesting to hear other's experiences.

Spangler I know a photo of the Riley car existed, but have not seen it in years. The car after it was sold was used in a film. Sorry, I don't know what film!!

I definitely prefer manual and feel more in control. That said, it's whatever you prefer. But you are limited if you only pass automatics.

I've told this story before but here goes.

I learned in a manual in my mid fifties and thought I'd never get the hang of gears and as for getting 'the bite' - I found that very difficult due to my hearing not being A1. I eventually got the hang of it and passed my test at the sixth attempt.

I now drive a semi-automatic which is the best of both worlds. When I see a hill or a bridge coming up I swap to fully auto by pressing a button on the gear lever, go down a gear and Bob's your Uncle. Back on the level I swap back into fully auto. It makes life easier as you have less to think about. I would dread going back to a manual.

There is two disadvantages to a small automatic car, if you use it for short journeys fuel consumption will be high and road tax high.
Manual is better

Aldom Tue 03-Nov-20 09:43:53
Spangler I know a photo of the Riley car existed, but have not seen it in years. The car after it was sold was used in a film. Sorry, I don't know what film!!

There is a picture in my mind's eye of The Riley RME. It is much sought after, a classic to behold.