Automatic/Manual

[AndrewJC]

Morning everyone, having never driven an automatic vehicle before, I'm wondering if there's any advantage over a manual gear change? Are they easier to drive? Are they more fuel efficient? Any words of wisdom would be gratefully received
By the way, it would be a swift edge 464 driven around the Devon/Cornwall area, if that makes any difference?

Thank you

 

[AlunandFelicie]

First automatic car and motorhome is also automatic,wil never go back both are a joy to drive.

 

[tonyidle]

Other than on a steep slope I never use the handbrake to park. The P pawl is incredibly robust and only has to hold against 30% of the vehicle weight because of the diff gearing.

 

[Puddleduck]

But what it’s like trying to creep up on ramps?

I found it easy - and it's always been me that did the "up ramp" driving as Martin checked the ramps were in place etc.

We now have the auto-level system so no need for ramps at all

My annoyance is that every time the MH goes in for service the loan car always has a manual gearbox. Why?

The motor industry can provide an auto loan car if it wishes. In fact, they have a statutory duty not to discriminate against disabled customers although that gets ignored.

It means that once a year I must remember how to drive using a clutch and manual gearbox. I hate that.

It's infuriating. Even motability drivers end up with manual cars rather than auto when a hire car is required - never mind ramps/hoist/hand controls.

When Mr Twitt drove into the back of our adapted car (not at that time a motability car and insured via Direct Line) it was off the road waiting for parts for 6 months. We did eventually get an automatic car but no wheelchair ramp or (alternatively) a hoist. I wasn't able to drive it and even being a passenger was difficult due to Martin having to lift heavy walking aids in and out. The first car they provided (first month) was too small to take the walking aids.

 

[enark]

Are you looking at a proper automatic, or the comformatic box that is offered for older vans?
There is a big difference especially in reliability.

Think that’s an old wives tale, conformatic are fine and reliable

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[RedFrame]

We had a 3ltr Comformatic equipped Coachbuilt, very easy to drive, especially in heavy traffic or places like the Alps. Seemed to average 29.4 mpg wherever/however it was driven.

I drive W907 Auto Sprinters in work, again easy to drive, similar to the Fiat, but not very economical 24-25 mpg, they're fitted with driving monitors so they're not thrashed.

We now have a W907 PVC manual, I prefer having control over the shifts, regularly returns 33 +mpg, so significantly more economical for the same van.

Cheers
Red

 

[AndrewJC]

We had a 3ltr Comformatic equipped Coachbuilt, very easy to drive, especially in heavy traffic or places like the Alps. Seemed to average 29.4 mpg wherever/however it was driven.

I drive W907 Auto Sprinters in work, again easy to drive, similar to the Fiat, but not very economical 24-25 mpg, they're fitted with driving monitors so they're not thrashed.

We now have a W907 PVC manual, I prefer having control over the shifts, regularly returns 33 +mpg, so significantly more economical for the same van.

Cheers
Red

Thanks for the comparison.......really useful to know

 

[Odd-no-more]

My annoyance is that every time the MH goes in for service the loan car always has a manual gearbox. Why?

The motor industry can provide an auto loan car if it wishes. In fact, they have a statutory duty not to discriminate against disabled customers although that gets ignored.

It means that once a year I must remember how to drive using a clutch and manual gearbox. I hate that.

My van is going in on Thursday and I will have the same situation, it also means Mrs. Ex cannot drive the loaner as she has an automatic license.

 

[mikebeaches]

But what it’s like trying to creep up on ramps?

Have never had so much as a hint of an issue taking the comfortmatic gearbox van up the ramps.

 

[mikebeaches]

My annoyance is that every time the MH goes in for service the loan car always has a manual gearbox. Why?

The motor industry can provide an auto loan car if it wishes. In fact, they have a statutory duty not to discriminate against disabled customers although that gets ignored.

It means that once a year I must remember how to drive using a clutch and manual gearbox. I hate that.

Yes, been there done that with a loan vehicle that's got a manual gearbox. I don't like it, but at least it proves I can still drive a manual... Just!

And of course the reason the industry do it is simple - manual gearbox cars are cheaper.

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[Puddleduck]

If you have a license that is only for automatic vehicles then surely that is the vehicle that should be supplied? I would argue that one out with the hire company.

Direct Line told us that we should have been offered a "like for like" rental although if the hire company don't have such a vehicle it's a bit difficult of course.

 

[DuxDeluxe]

Fiat 9 speed auto has been described as a game changer and in my opinion it really is. So easy to drive (last 2 vans 6 sped manual), always in the right gear and doing around 32mpg in Normal mode, you can get a good bit more in Eco mode, however, I prefer the driving characteristics in Normal mode. Last two vans 130 bhp this one 140 bhp, not much difference, however, the gear box somehow makes it feel way more powerful, guess because its snicking up and down the box all the time whereas I lazily left it in as high a gear as possible on the manuals. Makes hills easy too as it seamlessly selects the appropriate gear. Speed has a big impact on mpg and you have to remember its a motorhome, finding myself in the outside lane far more often than I used to. As you can tell I'm a big fan of the new box, hopefully you will get some alternative views to provide balance

I can echo every bit of that, having moved from a 7 speed Merc auto van to a 9 speed Fiat auto van. The 7g geartronic box is good but the 9 speed ZF box is simply superb

 

[Odd-no-more]

If you have a license that is only for automatic vehicles then surely that is the vehicle that should be supplied? I would argue that one out with the hire company.

Direct Line told us that we should have been offered a "like for like" rental although if the hire company don't have such a vehicle it's a bit difficult of course.

When we bought our last new car, a Suzuki, we were promised an automatic loan car whenever ours had to go in for service. Only once in 5 years did they find an auto and that was a sales demo. If we buy new again I will get it in writing.