Manual vs automatic transmission
If you're in the market to buy a second hand vehicle ,one of the things you might be asking yourself is: "Should I buy manual or automatic?" We know of car owners who have always driven manual cars and who would never dream of owning an automatic - until they actually drive one.
A manual gearbox has a gear stick and clutch pedal to enable you the driver to shift between low and high gears. An automatic or self-shifting transmission in a vehicle frees you from having to manipulate both the gear stick and the clutch.
The final decision, as is typically the case, depends on your individual needs and preferences.
As a general guide, this table indicates the advantages of each which will help you to compare the two different types of automotive transmissions.Please note that there are some exceptions to the rule, for example, some vehicle models will cost the same whether manual or automatic.
| Feature |
Manual |
Automatic |
| OpenRoads |
|
Cruise control ability means these are built for cruising. |
| TrafficDriving |
|
Easier and less physical activity involved. |
| General Drivability |
Added control makes for safer driving. More gears means being able to reach speeds faster. |
More driving comfort, easier to navigate, and negotiate up hills and at intersections. |
| VehicleCost |
Generally costs less to purchase. |
|
| Maintenance |
Requiresless maintenance and costs less to maintain –automatics have more mechanics and machinery. |
|
| FuelEconomy |
Depends on the car, driving style, and road conditions. In the past manual cars were known to get better fuel economy. But now with automatic cars becoming more advances and gaining more gears, they start to see better fuel efficiency. |
|
| Longevity |
Generally tend to last longer by years. |
|
| Weight |
Automatic transmissions are heavier than manual gears. This extra weight can still mean more fuel usage in an automatic. |
|
| Cooling |
There is less chance of overheating here which an automatic transmission’s biggest enemy. |
|
As you can see, there are certainly advantages and disadvantages to both manual and automatic transmission cars. Whatever you eventually decide on when purchasing your next vehicle will depend on your unique needs and preferences.
For your convenience and peace of mind, when you buy a second hand car from Auto Pedigree you have the option to take out the AutoPedigree Plus Plan which covers you for two years with 24 hour roadside, medical emergency, legal, and travel assistance.
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Auto Pedigree and the authors make no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site or by following any link on this site. Auto Pedigree and the authors will not be liable for any errors or omissions in this information nor for the availability of this information. Auto Pedigree and the authors will not be liable for any losses, injuries, or damages from the display or use of this information.
