thrust-hq
Member Since: 08 Nov 2005
Location: Scotland
Posts: 24
  
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Manual or Auto.
I need help! Got to chose between a Manual or Auto HSE 05 on Friday. Having owned several of the previous model, and then an X5 Auto, and now I’m in a quandary.  I like the feeling of being in control in a manual, but also the ease and effortlessness of auto boxes, I haven’t tried a manual D3, just want to no what people think of the manual and auto versions.
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 24th Nov 2005 10:14 pm |
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10forcash
Member Since: 09 Jun 2005
Location: Ubique
Posts: 16534
 
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Test drive was in an auto, bought a manual... both equally capable, more MPG with a manual (depending how you drive it) less effort and better systems integration with an auto.... seems 50/50 to me, i went with a manual 'cos i'm an old luddite and I LIKE TO BE IN CONTROL!!!!! 
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| 24th Nov 2005 10:34 pm |
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MVS
Member Since: 18 Jul 2005
Location: People's Republic of Yorkshire
Posts: 419
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Currently have a manual D3, which is being replaced by LR, and I am paying to upgrade to an Auto.
Getting older & lazier, have driven both quite a bit, manual box good, but hill starts fully loaded awkward, lots of judder unless u get it spot on.
Auto gives a good deal of manual control if u don't mind losing the 2-3mpg.
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| 24th Nov 2005 10:41 pm |
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110CSW
Member Since: 19 Oct 2005
Location: Scotland
Posts: 796
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I like the control which manual gives in slippy conditions like today. I don't like the thought of the gearbox trying to change down when I think there is too little traction, too much steering lock on etc
(PS Still only getting 24.5mpg out of my manual D3 after 3k miles)
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| 24th Nov 2005 11:13 pm |
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Dan
Member Since: 09 Aug 2005
Location: Oxfordshire
Posts: 96
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I chose an auto as it gives you the best of both worlds - easy day to day driving in 'D' but you can use it as a manual when required. Just move the lever over and you can choose the gears yourself...
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| 25th Nov 2005 7:49 am |
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Winger
Site Moderator
Member Since: 15 Feb 2005
Location: UK
Posts: 3428
 
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dd_156ar wrote:.....but you can use it as a manual when required. Just move the lever over and you can choose the gears yourself...
Well, only sort of. It does not give you full manual control.
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| 25th Nov 2005 8:34 am |
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aitchy
Member Since: 27 Sep 2005
Location: Peterborough
Posts: 130
 
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Winger wrote:dd_156ar wrote:.....but you can use it as a manual when required. Just move the lever over and you can choose the gears yourself...
Well, only sort of. It does not give you full manual control.
did my off road day at Rockingham in an Auto and was impressed at how the low range auto box coped with conditions. given that most of the demonstrators i had during the replacement fiasco were manual, i can only say i couldnt wait to get back to an auto (and i have never owned one before) TDV6 HSE Buckingham Blue and still smiling
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| 25th Nov 2005 8:43 am |
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Winger
Site Moderator
Member Since: 15 Feb 2005
Location: UK
Posts: 3428
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Both boxes are excellent - it really all comes down to the type of driving you are going to be doing in my view.
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| 25th Nov 2005 8:47 am |
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simon.foster
Member Since: 11 Apr 2005
Location: Wakefield
Posts: 110
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Having had an S manual and now an auto HSE I would recommend the auto for ease of driving in this congested country of ours. My manual was not the slickest of shifts where as the auto you barely notice changes at all. Disco 3 TDV6HSE Cairns blue auto
Defender 90 300TDi 1997
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| 25th Nov 2005 9:11 am |
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thrust-hq
Member Since: 08 Nov 2005
Location: Scotland
Posts: 24
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Thanks for the info everyone, it looks like the auto is winning, just one more question, I sometimes tow a large heavily loaded trailer over some steep grassy/muddy fields, what box would be best for this?
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| 25th Nov 2005 9:54 am |
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Guy
Member Since: 05 Jul 2005
Location: Sitting Down, Facing Front
Posts: 1264
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thrust-hq wrote:Thanks for the info everyone, it looks like the auto is winning, just one more question, I sometimes tow a large heavily loaded trailer over some steep grassy/muddy fields, what box would be best for this?
A box with some sturdy wellies in it? Sorry...
I tow with the auto box and I have been pleasantly surprised now much easier it makes things (having been a die-hard manual man up to now). As has been said, it's down to personal choice, but you won't have any problems towing with the auto in my opinion.
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| 25th Nov 2005 10:37 am |
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110CSW
Member Since: 19 Oct 2005
Location: Scotland
Posts: 796
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dd_156ar wrote:I chose an auto as it gives you the best of both worlds - easy day to day driving in 'D' but you can use it as a manual when required. Just move the lever over and you can choose the gears yourself...
I just don't like the fact that an auto will still kick down if you use too much throttle in manual mode.
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| 25th Nov 2005 12:25 pm |
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gavmurray
Member Since: 15 Nov 2005
Location: Peterborough
Posts: 46
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Having an auto box will give you a better residual value. i.e. there is more demand for auto so you'll find more private buyers than a manual or get a better trade in from a dealer when it comes to changing. Gavin.
06, D3 TDV6 HSE, Buck Blue
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| 25th Nov 2005 7:42 pm |
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110CSW
Member Since: 19 Oct 2005
Location: Scotland
Posts: 796
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gavmurray wrote:Having an auto box will give you a better residual value. i.e. there is more demand for auto so you'll find more private buyers than a manual or get a better trade in from a dealer when it comes to changing.
Are you saying that you will get more than £1500 extra at three years old?
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| 27th Nov 2005 7:16 pm |
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