Thread: Auto or Manual????

sometimes i'd prefer an auto, as you mentioned hill starts in a manual are tough on the clutch.

But then for everytime i've wished it was auto, there's been double that in moments i'm glad it's manual. i.e. pro's outweigh the con's.

Also, neither diesel or V8 are exactly powerhouses, so a manual makes the most of what's on offer

Similar views as above.

I have a 5 speed manual and sometimes wish I had a auto again.

In sand the auto is definately best, just fit a tranny cooler.
Off road they can be better as you can just crawl and not ride clutch etc but very little engine braking so there are trade offs.

Hill starts with trailers or just going over rocks are easier with auto.

The manuals are more economical too.

Oh the choices, I suggest find a good truck and if its a manual or auto you decide there and than, see which you prefer.

Ohh and also my wife can't drive manual so that is another consideration, if we ever get stuck we are really stuck and on tours I usually always drive.

I run up to 35 inch tyres on mine and it's an auto. I dont regret that in any way - point and shoot driving and you dont have to worry about gear changes. A lot of the comp guys are now driving autos because they find them more useful in that type of driving.

But it is really a personal preference and you need to decide on what type of driving you would be doing. A manual in a daily drive I think would be a PITA and as said before if your wife/gf/ or whatever cant drive stick your stuck in the drivers seat and that could be a real problem if you get injured in the bush.

An auto in a tdi will make use of the power better than a manual, there are cases for both but you'll find that most are running auto's and the only real situation where a manual is better is for steep descents where an auto tends to run away but with the correct driving style this is greatly minimised. Horses for courses but an auto wins in most situations.

If you are going to fit 33" tyres then I would suggest to look into fitting a Defe transfer box on it.

Way this up too, how much time do you REALLY spend off road. Be honest, probably 90% of the time or 5days out of 7 each week of the year are on road. An auto in traffic is so much friendlier to the driver. I have a Manual and it gave me the irrates in bumper to bumper peak hour traffic, move 1 or 2 metres at a time, that's a lot of gear changing and clutching. If you go diesel than finding a manual can be a challenge as most came with auto.

Stu - get an Auto -
Great on slow rocky terrain
Fantastic in sand
Brilliant in mud
and best of all - it makes the missus a 4WD lover when she can have a go and handle the off-road as well
She is now telling me we need lockers, muddies and a winchbar and bash plates
No engine braking, but you dont miss it that much.
Had both - wont go back.

Originally Posted by big guy

Similar views as above.

I have a 5 speed manual and sometimes wish I had a auto again.

In sand the auto is definately best, just fit a tranny cooler.
Off road they can be better as you can just crawl and not ride clutch etc but very little engine braking so there are trade offs.

Hill starts with trailers or just going over rocks are easier with auto.

The manuals are more economical too.

Oh the choices, I suggest find a good truck and if its a manual or auto you decide there and than, see which you prefer.

Ohh and also my wife can't drive manual so that is another consideration, if we ever get stuck we are really stuck and on tours I usually always drive.

Seconded.

My wife can't manage a manual. For the last 3 years I have been driving an auto, can't say I'd go back to a manual. Lock-up overdrive autos are as good as a manual on the highway.