Your opinions on buying an automatic moho

[forestfern]

So we’ve been searching for “the one”, having missed a couple of beauties and kicked ourselves for not being sharper off the mark. First time motorhomers here.

Now a perfect rollerteam has come up, apart from the fact that it’s automatic which we weren’t previously considering, it’s not something we’ve ever had.

Is this likely to affect re-saleability or price? Any drawbacks or is it really no big deal? Maybe a great selling point?

Any thoughts welcome, thank you

 

[Peter Goadby]

I test drove both and at one point there was a sharp right turn at a junction on a hill. Being transit based the handbrake has a very long reach and trying to do the gears, handbrake and watch the road for an opening in the traffic in a manual was very unpleasant. Automatic was a cinch and that's what we bought. Wouldn't consider a manual version, too stressful.

 

[aitcheeboy]

So we’ve been searching for “the one”, having missed a couple of beauties and kicked ourselves for not being sharper off the mark. First time motorhomers here.

Now a perfect rollerteam has come up, apart from the fact that it’s automatic which we weren’t previously considering, it’s not something we’ve ever had.

Is this likely to affect re-saleability or price? Any drawbacks or is it really no big deal? Maybe a great selling point?

Any thoughts welcome, thank you

Auto is the only way to go. . If, as some here have suggested, that you can't get the traction or choose a gear to stay in. . well you can. My Fiat Auto has a traction control button which I have used a few times, and a 'manual' gear selector for those tricky moments when you want to choose. Also. .why would you choose a manual and put yourself through all that needless arm and leg movement?

 

[Puddleduck]

We have comfortmatic on the motorhome and an electronic gearbox on the car.

I would never go back to manual.

The electronic gearbox on the car can be switched to a manual mode where I could use paddles on the steering wheel to change gear. I have tried them out and they work but the auto setting is just easier. I don't drive the MH as much but am sure that you can change the gear up and down yourself by flicking the selector lever. There is also a "hill assist" button that I have used several times and that helps in the situations where you need to be in a lower gear than the automatic would normally select.

The one thing I hardly ever use is the cruise control.

 

[ctc]

The model T Ford had an epycyclic gearbox, and the torque converter has been used for nearly as long. The only thing new on an auto gearbox is the microchip.

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[simsy56]

Auto every time.

Craig

 

[Jonno1103]

The Roller Team Zefiro's on the Ford has a proper auto box fitted with a torque converter rather than being an automated manual like the comfortmatic offered in the older Ducato's.

The new AT9 in the Fiat is good although the 6 speed Ford is more responsive across the range and the Fiat engines are weaker.
The only thing with the Roller Team Ford base is that it's not specced as well as other Transit based motorhomes for a similar price although as a full package the 'Zeffy' is a solid, reliable all rounder and is an excellent choice for a first timer.

If it's a new auto/Ford you're looking at, the Swift Voyager is probably the pick of the bunch in terms of power, cab standard options, comfort and payload for 2.

 

[RCTUK]

So we’ve been searching for “the one”, having missed a couple of beauties and kicked ourselves for not being sharper off the mark. First time motorhomers here.

Now a perfect rollerteam has come up, apart from the fact that it’s automatic which we weren’t previously considering, it’s not something we’ve ever had.

Is this likely to affect re-saleability or price? Any drawbacks or is it really no big deal? Maybe a great selling point?

Any thoughts welcome, thank you

We've owned ours for 2 years since new, Autotrail Imala 615 with the 9 speed zf gearbox. Proper torque converter not a robotised clutch on the previous comfortmatic. Absolutely chuffed with it and a definite resale bonus,check Auto trader for the number of autos available(not many).Got offered our purchase price back from dealer,lol. Piece of cake to drive and with 9 speeds,always in the right gear and very smooth changes,getting just over 30mpg which we're pleased with. Go for it

 

[sbbots]

I have a Bailey Adamo on a Ford Transit auto chassis. Great stress free drive.

 

[Andrew B]

So we’ve been searching for “the one”, having missed a couple of beauties and kicked ourselves for not being sharper off the mark. First time motorhomers here.

Now a perfect rollerteam has come up, apart from the fact that it’s automatic which we weren’t previously considering, it’s not something we’ve ever had.

Is this likely to affect re-saleability or price? Any drawbacks or is it really no big deal? Maybe a great selling point?

Any thoughts welcome, thank you

I would only buy an automatic. I think they are a good selling point and makes driving easier.

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[huck999]

We have comfort magic, which has proved to be excellent.
I do recommend getting the motor 'chipped' though, as the comfortmatic continuously hunts for the right gear. With an extra 20% power and torque it works very well, even up steep hills etc.

(don't you love auto correct? Comfort magic?)

 

[Cejay]

Go automatic, manual is a nuisance. My auto is really easy yo drive

 

[ontheroadagain]

Our motorhome is manual but I would like to have the 9 speed ZF auto.
However, I would buy a motorhome with a manual before I would buy one with a Comfortmatic gearbox.
You just have to read some of the horror stories on here!

 

[Swiss]

Only someone who lives in yesteryear thinks a manual is better, my car is manual and is engaging but very tiresome to drive, last two manual work vans have had a new gearbox at around 30.000 miles. My wife's car and my camper are both auto and so much easier to drive, yes even the camper. Don't get confused with automated manual and automatic with torque converter, they are NOT the same thing.

 

[Pechris]

Autos are good but you still have to be there!

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[Graham Mew]

So we’ve been searching for “the one”, having missed a couple of beauties and kicked ourselves for not being sharper off the mark. First time motorhomers here.

Now a perfect rollerteam has come up, apart from the fact that it’s automatic which we weren’t previously considering, it’s not something we’ve ever had.

Is this likely to affect re-saleability or price? Any drawbacks or is it really no big deal? Maybe a great selling point? I

So we’ve been searching for “the one”, having missed a couple of beauties and kicked ourselves for not being sharper off the mark. First time motorhomers here.

Now a perfect rollerteam has come up, apart from the fact that it’s automatic which we weren’t previously considering, it’s not something we’ve ever had.

Is this likely to affect re-saleability or price? Any drawbacks or is it really no big deal? Maybe a great selling point?

Any thoughts welcome, thank you

We have a auto VW Crafter pvc and are very, very, pleased with it. Being a first time owner of a motorhome it was one thing less to think about. Would never go back to a manual.

Any thoughts welcome, thank you

 

[flyboyprowler]

Yes, auto for me. As you will be new to motor-homing, you will have enough on your plate just learning to handle the beast and an auto box definitely takes a lot of the stress out of driving.

 

[Swiss]

Autos are good but you still have to be there!

Only just, with active cruise control and lane assist, I can almost make a coffee while on the move

 

[SpeedyDux]

We have comfort magic, which has proved to be excellent.
I do recommend getting the motor 'chipped' though, as the comfortmatic continuously hunts for the right gear. With an extra 20% power and torque it works very well, even up steep hills etc.

(don't you love auto correct? Comfort magic?)

Which engine does yours have? I paid for the upgrade to 150 hp after research suggested that this is better suited to the ComfortMatic box. Mine happily holds 6th on all but the steepest hills. Feels very torquey and loosened up after 10,000 miles of running-in.

 

[Captain Birdseye]

So we’ve been searching for “the one”, having missed a couple of beauties and kicked ourselves for not being sharper off the mark. First time motorhomers here.

Now a perfect rollerteam has come up, apart from the fact that it’s automatic which we weren’t previously considering, it’s not something we’ve ever had.

Is this likely to affect re-saleability or price? Any drawbacks or is it really no big deal? Maybe a great selling point?

Any thoughts welcome, thank you

As long as it is the 9 speed auto buy it. I wouldn't have anything else, but steer well clear of the old fiat 6 speed so-called auto. I used to have one and they are horrendous.

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[JustifiedAncient]

We got Fiat auto for first time and like you was concerned but it is great. Only thing I worry about and probably my driving but I don’t like doing hill starts especially when traffic behind me :-(

I have the new Fiat 9-speed auto and was also worried about hill starts. I've noticed that if the incline is greater than a certain amount, then there is a 'hill holder' activated so that the vehicle keeps the brakes applied for a second or two after you have taken your right foot off the brake pedal giving you time to put your foot on the accelerator and move off. It works really well and means I can tackle 1 in 4 hill starts without worrying about the handbrake.
The only problem is that there is a 'grey' zone, where the incline is sufficient to allow the vehicle to roll back but not sufficient to activate the 'hill holder' (at least that is how it seems to be).

 

[Margaux2]

So we’ve been searching for “the one”, having missed a couple of beauties and kicked ourselves for not being sharper off the mark. First time motorhomers here.

Now a perfect rollerteam has come up, apart from the fact that it’s automatic which we weren’t previously considering, it’s not something we’ve ever had.

Is this likely to affect re-saleability or price? Any drawbacks or is it really no big deal? Maybe a great selling point?

Any thoughts welcome, thank you

 

[Techhome]

Next time your in a traffic jam moving up slowly with a manual gearbox! that's when the auto comes into play and especially on hill starts, you're luv it. Grab it while you can I'm sure I know the person who had to cancel it, cause her husband died.

 

[Margaux2]

In my experience automatic with a torque converter and adaptive cruise control is perfect. 8 or 9 speed. You get the torque multiplication without the need for extra power. Granted you lose about 5 percentage efficiency difference between mechanical transmission but gain at least 20 percent torque!
The “semi automatic” is less work in traffic than the manual stick shift mechanical box but a little more “hunting”.

 

[hja]

Auto every time, for cars and motorhomes. Wouldn’t consider buying a manual

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[Clive Beeza]

So we’ve been searching for “the one”, having missed a couple of beauties and kicked ourselves for not being sharper off the mark. First time motorhomers here.

Now a perfect rollerteam has come up, apart from the fact that it’s automatic which we weren’t previously considering, it’s not something we’ve ever had.

Is this likely to affect re-saleability or price? Any drawbacks or is it really no big deal? Maybe a great selling point?

Any thoughts welcome, thank you

Have had an Auto (Merc) for14 years
no probs at all
and is so relaxing to drive
do not hesitate go for an Auto in a M/H every time

 

[Rockpool]

Automatic all the way. Have a Comformatic in our MH and manual in the car, should have got an auto box in the car when we changed it recently. Anyway might be an age thing Deffo Auto if you can get one.

 

[Hettie's Crew]

Whilst our manual feels automatic, in that I never think about, the nine speed ZF is the one thing that could tempt me to buy a new motorhome.
I never wanted the Comfortmatic thing, always thought it was a lazy cheap way of going auto.

 

[carolyn]

We have a Comformatic and it’s fine, don’t love or hate it. We were happy with our manual but Nick’s knees weren’t! We have an identical van just with the Comformatic. Have got used to the irritation of not being able to pull away at junctions and roundabouts as quickly as I’d like. Even when switched to manual it wasn’t as sensitive going up onto levellers or getting in through our narrow drive off a busy main road but used to it now.

Buy the van!

 

[bexleyjohn]

I drove a Dethleffs (7.4m) Fiat Ducato with a 2.3 150 manual for 6 years. Have recently changed to a Chausson 2.0 170 Auto - what a difference. More relaxing, quicker off the mark, quieter, better acceleration and same mpg so it’s a no brainier especially as more and more traffic jams go, stop, go, stop etc etc. Would NEVER go back to manual again.

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[GMLS]

So we’ve been searching for “the one”, having missed a couple of beauties and kicked ourselves for not being sharper off the mark. First time motorhomers here.

Now a perfect rollerteam has come up, apart from the fact that it’s automatic which we weren’t previously considering, it’s not something we’ve ever had.

Is this likely to affect re-saleability or price? Any drawbacks or is it really no big deal? Maybe a great selling point?

Any thoughts welcome, thank you

I'd be more concerned that the gearbox is on a Rollerteam. See other posts re Rolling Rucks on Youtube, warranty, spongy floor and lack of support from their dealer