How auto gearboxes went from zero to hero

Manual is fun and I do enjoy my 6 speed box, but having driven the auto version I would much rather have that, especially since it has that old school tiptronic setup.

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Was a number 1 manual proponent until it took me 2.5hrs one Thursday to get from VnA Waterfront to Plumstead. Bought an auto 2 months later and not looking back. It's one of those with paddles so can still *shift* if i want to
 
Modern autos are in some cases giving better fuel consumption than manuals. Due to the stupidity of CT traffic I'll probably get an auto next.
 
Us normal peoples automatics are not there yet, the sub R300k new car driver, only if you sit in traffic a lot do you benefit with those, otherwise its much of a muchness. If your car is priced higher than that if bought new now, the you're above normal, imo.
 
Ultimately if it is a utility vehicle or a cheap vehicle it had to be manual but if it’s a poshish luxury sedan then it’s auto all the way
 
eg2505 said:
Me neither, kept braking sharply, as the brake is almost the same length as the clutch, so kept jerking when I tried an auto.
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You should still use your right foot for braking exactly as you would in a manual.

It should be no different at all.

Left foot goes in the left corner and that’s the end of that.
 
I'm on the wrong side of 50 years old and I'm driving my first auto now. I'll never go back to manual again. They should make more utility vehicles (bakkies) with auto boxes.
 
eg2505 said:
Was fun, but electric or hydrogen cars don't use a gearbox as sauron pointed out,
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Why would hydrogen not use a gearbox?

It works just like a petrol car...just with a replacement for the petrol.

It’s much like diesel is to petrol. Just another method of combustion.
 
Actually considering going auto for my next car. Question for those who've made the change: how long was it before you stopped looking for the clutch, or forgot that your left foot was near the brake and not the clutch and pressed it accidentally? Asking because a co-worker almost went through his windshield the first day.
 
eg2505 said:
majority of us still dont drive an auto, due to the fact that to get a full "unrestricted" license,
you need to do your test in a manual.

I believe the US is different now? but could be wrong.

anybody overseas care to clarify for us here?
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What do you mean by "full unrestricted"? When you do your test they mark whether you did it with auto or manual so if you're not returning to manual it's a waste to do it with one. Auto is already the future with trucks so no problem there. Bakkies will be next.
 
Swa said:
What do you mean by "full unrestricted"? When you do your test they mark whether you did it with auto or manual so if you're not returning to manual it's a waste to do it with one. Auto is already the future with trucks so no problem there. Bakkies will be next.
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An automatic license is technically an endorsed (aka restricted) license.

Much like one that requires you to wear glasses etc.

Would still recommend people do a full manual license just so you understand the deeper workings of a car but also so you don’t need to do it over again one day when you buy something special.

Or for that matter an emergency of some kind where you need to drive someone else’s car.
 
The Voice said:
Actually considering going auto for my next car. Question for those who've made the change: how long was it before you stopped looking for the clutch, or forgot that your left foot was near the brake and not the clutch and pressed it accidentally? Asking because a co-worker almost went through his windshield the first day.
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Pretty sure within 50km of driving it would be cemented in your habits.

You’ll do it once maybe when firing it up for the first trip of the day and then not again in that same drive.

It’s why being forced to keep your foot on the brake pedal when changing into Drive is a good thing.

Not sure why people suddenly want to use their left foot to brake. Just plant your left foot in the corner and use your right foot like you’ve always done.
 
SauRoNZA said:
An automatic license is technically an endorsed (aka restricted) license.

Much like one that requires you to wear glasses etc.

Would still recommend people do a full manual license just so you understand the deeper workings of a car but also so you don’t need to do it over again one day when you buy something special.

Or for that matter an emergency of some kind where you need to drive someone else’s car.
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+1.
Everyone should only be given a licence to drive if they have driven manuals.
 
SauRoNZA said:
An automatic license is technically an endorsed (aka restricted) license.

Much like one that requires you to wear glasses etc.

Would still recommend people do a full manual license just so you understand the deeper workings of a car but also so you don’t need to do it over again one day when you buy something special.

Or for that matter an emergency of some kind where you need to drive someone else’s car.
Click to expand...

+2
 
eg2505 said:
Me neither, kept braking sharply, as the brake is almost the same length as the clutch, so kept jerking when I tried an auto.

Was fun, but electric or hydrogen cars don't use a gearbox as sauron pointed out,

So doesn't matter what we enjoyed or got used to, its all "auto" for everybody!
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Your left foot should not have to be used when driving an auto ;)
 
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