Thoughts on an automatic gearbox

[randamonia]

Hi
First time post but I've been lurking for a while as I try to find myself a van; looking for a 4 berth hightop.
I'm thinking about taking a look at an auto but have the usual concerns about an auto box and wondered what others experience was?

- MPG - Is there much difference to the already bad MPG figures?
- Power - Do they struggle compared to manuals e.g. hills?
- Nice to drive - Are they real clunkers or generally nice to live with?

Any other thoughts/advice?

Thanks in advance for the help.

Russ

[1664]

- MPG - Is there much difference to the already bad MPG figures? Slightly less
- Power - Do they struggle compared to manuals e.g. hills? No
- Nice to drive - Are they real clunkers or generally nice to live with? Yes, nice

They have a reputation for being a fairly sturdy box. Mine went kaput however but in fairness the van had been a builders van for most of its life so had probably had some heavy loads and driver(s) stick.

[tonytech]

I have a 2.1dj auto,
I've had it about 10 years its a 7seater tintop, daily driver, Daily commute of 3 or 4 miles to work.
I drive it fairly hard, fairly often have it stuffed with furniture, generators and PA gear.
It managed 150,000 miles. then cost me an arm and a kidney to get it fixed.

I love driving it, Plenty of power, great in traffic, smooth changes, If I'm gentle I can get 27mpg @60mph.


T

[CovKid]

The only downside (as Mercdoctor put it so eloquently) is that you just end up being merely a steering wheel attendant.

[randamonia]

Hmmm....thanks folks. Food for thought, much more positive response for the auto than I expected to be honest.

[Sir Brixalot]

I like mine and chose an automatic deliberately. It's very relaxing in urban congestion. The most annoying thing I find is that it changes gear too early when I'm joining a motorway and can get hairy. You can force it into a better gear by stamping on the accelerator but it is a bit annoying. On a long run its great though feet splayed like I'm riding a Harley

[Budgie7]

Love my auto box , also leaves both hands free to try and turn my non pas wheel lol.