Should your next car be manual or automatic?

In the market for a new car but not sure which transmission type is right for you? The majority of the cars in the UK are manual cars and is still a popular choice for many buyers. But have you considered an automatic car next? The popularity of automatic cars on finance is on the rise, making it easier to spread the cost of owning one. With this in mind, should you choose an automatic or manual car next?

 What’s the difference between a manual and automatic car?

 The biggest difference between an automatic and a manual car is the gear system. A manual car has a gear system that you operate yourself. You move the gear stick manually whilst pressing down the clutch pedal to change gears. An automatic car doesn’t have a clutch pedal and has less actions to take. An automatic car changes gears for you automatically in relation to the speed that you’re travelling.

 

Should you get an automatic car?

 In automatic cars the gear stick is replaced with a shifter, which lets you choose between drive, park, neutral and drive. The gearbox picks the right gear for your car speed without you having to change it. Typically, this means that automatic cars can be ‘easier’ to drive as there is less effort involved. Most electric cars in the UK are automatic transmissions and more than likely continue to be in the future. This is because it doesn’t require a clutch due to its inability to stall like a diesel or petrol car.

 

Advantages of automatic cars

-          Tend to be easier to drive

-          Modern automatics have 8 gears and are more efficient that manuals

-          A more seamless transition between gears means a smoother ride

-          Usually more efficient than manual cars

-          Tends to have a higher resale value

-          Less effort in rush hour traffic as no need to stop start to change gears.

 

Disadvantages of automatic cars

-          Generally cost more to buy than manual cars

-          Some drivers find automatic cars to be a more boring drive as there is less physical connection with the car

-          Can have higher insurance and repair costs

-          If you have an automatic only license, you won’t be able to drive manual cars. You would have to take your test again in a manual car if you wanted a manual license.

 

Should you get a manual car?

 The majority of the cars in the UK are manual cars. Manual cars have three pedals, one for accelerating, one for braking and a clutch. They also have 1-5 (or 6) gears and a reverse, which the driver manually changes. Manual cars are a popular choice as drivers tend to like to feel more of a connection with the car and have more control. If you’re considering a manual car, you can get a manual from a private seller with cash or through car finance, leasing and more.

 

Advantages of manual cars

-          Save money with lower purchase price

-          Traditionally better at transferring power from your engine so can mean more speed

-          Cheaper to repair and maintain than automatic cars

-          Greater control over your car

-          More engaging drive

 

Disadvantages of manual cars

-          Can become tiresome in stop start traffic

-          Lower resale value of your vehicle

-          Can be uncomfortable to constantly work the clutch

-          Less concentration on the road when you need to change gears

 

What is a semi-automatic car?

If you can’t decide between a manual and an automatic car, have you considered a semi-automatic car? A semi-automatic transmission car is a combination of automatic and manual gearbox. Like an automatic, it doesn’t have a clutch, but it also has gears like a manual car does. This gives the driver the choice to control the gears manually or automatically. Semi-automatic gives you the control of a manual with the easy ride of an automatic. It can be more expensive to buy a semi-automatic than a manual too.

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