Thread: TD5 manual or auto

I just hope JLR never go the dual clutch auto route.
The modern torque converter autos are brilliant and I suspect more in demand if you want to sell on.
Finally do a left foot braking (advanced driver) course in your auto.

Got an '04 auto. Needed a full transmission replacement after around 230000km. Turns out the previous owner had used it a lot of heavy towing in the passed. Drives fantastic!

Originally Posted by ThorTd5

Got an '04 auto. Needed a full transmission replacement after around 230000km. Turns out the previous owner had used it a lot of heavy towing in the passed. Drives fantastic!

My manual was in exactly the same boat. Replaced gear box at 330k after a life of heavy towing. Drives like a dream.

I reckon that if you like a manual then get a manual and if you like autos then get an auto.

Yeah ? and smart men drive automatics

I bought my Disco, a second hand unit with auto . . . because that's what I wanted. All my previous off road touring units have always been auto a) because of their capability in sand - particularly dunes and - b) I use the gear lever like a manual "when I have to" . . . . like going down a hill in a lower gear.
You see all these vehicles ahead with brake lights on burning up their brakes. I'm not being a SA . . . just in control of my vehicle.
And I've never replaced a gearbox in my life . . . did I get lucky? Whatever, just enjoy it . . . . best car I've ever owned at 78 YOA. My first car was a 1928 A Model Ford.

Originally Posted by Nagaman

Finally do a left foot braking (advanced driver) course in your auto.

But that's how I've always driven an auto!

And dog 'box race cars while clutchless changing

(TD5s seem to be good; a lot of people keep them a long time)
I believe there was an issue with the gearboxes on the Disco 1; resolved by Disco 2.

I prefer manuals (mostly) - I've only ever owned two autos; one elderly Jaguar and my current Freelander 2.
I did a LOT of 4WD-ing in the 70s/80s, (bushfire-fighting) almost all in manuals.
When it came to the 2011 purchase, I ascertained that the 'software' which runs the 4WD/AWD system is designed primarily for the auto. In an auto "You don't burn out the clutch". In fact, my AWD Freelander 2 goes pretty much anywhere I went in the low-range Toyota Landcruisers of 'back when I was paid to drive and chase fires across-country'. (I wish I had the 9-speed!)

With the auto, off-road, you can 'creep' much more slowly than in a manual; also with the auto on the highway on cruise-control - no worries about gear-changing.

Older manuals use less fuel than same-period autos; modern autos are sometimes even 'more economical'. Manuals are more 'informative' on the test-drive; sometimes you can get by 'after a gear has died' but when an auto-box loses a gear - it's usually the whole box out of order.

It's 'horses for courses', so - what's your course?

Phideaux

I agreed with you Phideaux

Autobox is superior in performance that including better fuel economy, better handling off-road in low range as well and also associated improved safety as you can infinitely reduce vehicle speed.
Buy sometimes I do feel I can shift gear better than most computer


Manual for the fun and driving experience. I get a sense of achievement every time when I score a perfect gear shift (up or down) in my defender. That's a shift of no kangaroo hop where none of my passenger noticed.

Manual better economy in a D2 V8 for sure. Better downhill when the sphincter tightens in very steep areas in an auto.

Sand, auto easier, uphill rock hopping auto easier and better. 5 speed more ratios.

Cheers