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Changing from a Manual car to an Automatic after driving manual for around 50 yrs

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bikergran Thu 30-Apr-26 16:14:13

Anyone done this.
I passed my test around the age of 20(so yes now 70) renewed licence this year.

I have come to the time when I am able to change my car, not new but decent used one.

I keep being told, " ohh get an automatic etc etc)
Easier to drive, less stress full(but I don't really get stressed driving anyway)

I don't do long journeys as only have Tiny Suzuki splash, so not built for motorways, long journeys also it is 18 yrs old. but in good condition low milage etc.

So has anyone changed to an Automatic later in life after only driving manual.(I have driven automatic as I used to work at a garage but that was many years ago).

If you did , did you adapt or did you revert back to manual.

Would be interested in any advice/comments smile

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Mollygo Mon 04-May-26 12:00:17

SueDonim

There’s a big space between where the clutch would be and the brake on my car, and anyway, I don’t brake with my left foot.

Even in a foreign hire car the pedals are the same way round, so I don’t know why you’d want to brake with your left foot.

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Basgetti Mon 04-May-26 12:40:15

JackyB

No one else has mentioned the consumption. So is really now no longer the case that an automatic has a higher consumption?

Ours is a plug in hybrid and far better consumption than our son’s old manual car.

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NotSpaghetti Mon 04-May-26 16:17:34

Most manual cars are capped at 6 gears - normally 5 plus reverse. Modern automatics can have 8, 9, or 10. This is computer controlled in an automatic which saves fuel because it's a case of constantly adjusting. No coasting along in the wrong gear - staying in one gear when another is better.

It used to be true years ago.

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