Having off roaded a manual 110 and an auto D3, it's auto all the way. So much more control with an auto.Mark.
2006, D3 SE Auto - gone but not forgotten.
2014 BMW 530d M Sport Tourer.
1977 Triumph Spitfire 1500
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16th Oct 2015 10:54 pm
ruben D3 Decade
Member Since: 26 Sep 2006
Location: ASTURIAS
Posts: 2415
My MANUAL and 150,000 miles on the clock, original clutch working perfectly, no slip at all, but I recognize that in off road the AUTO is easier to drive ... but definitely the manual transmission gives less problems and less long-term maintenanc IMHO... lost in translation!
DISCOVERY 3 SE man. TDV6 2006, my true love!
DEFENDER 2 SE D I6 MHEV 2024, other live.
16th Oct 2015 11:16 pm
galwaygreen
Member Since: 30 Oct 2011
Location: plymouth
Posts: 6525
do LRE ...you will get a new auto...try it...them you will see wat it can do
17th Oct 2015 1:58 am
DDDad
Member Since: 10 Jan 2015
Location: Angus
Posts: 1201
The mpg difference should not be underestimated. It's about 20%. Imagine having to pay £1 per litre for a manual but £1.20 for an auto. It's gonna hurt! Assuming the tanks are the same size, the range between fill-ups will be affected, too. You'll spend 20% more of your life on forecourts with an auto. Went for a job as a human cannonball. Not the right calibre.
17th Oct 2015 2:18 am
Antjp
Member Since: 09 Aug 2013
Location: Warringon
Posts: 349
With a steady right foot and not using the brakes unless you really need to. You can achieve good mpg in a auto once you get used to them.
17th Oct 2015 5:23 am
DDDad
Member Since: 10 Jan 2015
Location: Angus
Posts: 1201
Under those conditions my manual does 33+ mpg. What does your auto do? Went for a job as a human cannonball. Not the right calibre.
17th Oct 2015 5:41 am
lynalldiscovery
Member Since: 22 Dec 2009
Location: Maidstone
Posts: 7274
I wonder what the ratio of manual versus autos is?
Can you even get a manual in the high spec models?
But the main thing is if you are concerned with mpg you have bought the wrong type of car manual or auto.
17th Oct 2015 6:17 am
tayaste
Member Since: 15 May 2013
Location: Chester
Posts: 7633
Book states 10% mpg difference between auto and manual
17th Oct 2015 6:47 am
Leo Disco
Member Since: 22 Dec 2013
Location: Newcastle
Posts: 210
My manual is on 72k miles and does 36MPG. I do a 50 mile round trip to work every day
Auto is strongest, but only when it is looked after. Aside from that, the auto is also much smoother and worth its weight in gold on long trips.
In my experience of both there is not a huge difference in MPG. It's just one of the factors in MPG, with tyres and pressures, injectors, and most of all, driving style, being others.
My D3 is modified, but it will achieve 35 (genuine) on a good run given the effort. My reckoning on this front is that the modifications make it easier to achieve better MPG, but the effect is less pronounced on the actual capability. This is just a theory though.
lynalldiscovery wrote:
I wonder what the ratio of manual versus autos is?
Can you even get a manual in the high spec models?
This is quite interesting:
I'd never have thought it was quite that many! Not sure how much of an accurate representation that is.
Auto was standard on the HSE, but manual was still a no-cost option - one that very few chose though, naturally. Current: Discovery 3 06MY (55 reg) HSE Auto Zambezi Silver Allisport Fast Road Intercooler, V8 Brakes, Silicone IC Hoses, EGRs Blanked, Remapped, De-Cat pipe, FBHIC
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17th Oct 2015 9:17 am
Lynhay
Member Since: 16 Oct 2015
Location: Worthing
Posts: 50
Thanks for the responces guys,keep them coming.
I think if I saw a manual that had a recent clutch DMF replacement I would go look at it ,whereas before I was only considering auto. Fuel economy always has to be a consideration these days , it will be a family car,4 kids, so long day out trips will be done along with school runs and a tow/launch car for my boat .
I'm just hoping all these crazy bills I read about are the exception rather than the norm .Biggest bill I had on my L200 in four years was £50 for the mot !
17th Oct 2015 10:04 am
armalites
Member Since: 17 Aug 2013
Location: Herefordshire
Posts: 1918
L200s aren't that economical fuel wise so I don't think the fuel will be that big a jump.
Personally I think the Auto is a much better option. I would go and drive both if you can. I would bet that 75%+ of those with a manual would go for an Auto next time.
When you look at the cost of replacing a clutch and flywheel it's not hugely different to the cost of replacing a torque converter. If the Auto box had been specified with 40k mile oil changes from day one then there would far less of them out there with problems.
If you are towing/launching a boat then I would say Auto all the way, you will often hear people with manuals justifying them because they have more control, the Auto box is so good for low speed controlled movement that argument doesn't really stack up. Stick in low range, select drive and it will pull your boat out of the water with a hint of throttle no clutch slipping or engine revving or drama.
Spend one sunny afternoon sat in a long traffic jam with the boat on the back on the way to the coast and I guarantee you would see the benefit of an Auto would far outweight any extra fuel costs.IID PRO
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Last edited by armalites on 18th Oct 2015 10:08 am. Edited 2 times in total
17th Oct 2015 10:59 am
ruben D3 Decade
Member Since: 26 Sep 2006
Location: ASTURIAS
Posts: 2415
I have MANUAL and it's perfect... but I agree for towing and city traffic....AUTO is the best!!! by far!!!!lost in translation!
DISCOVERY 3 SE man. TDV6 2006, my true love!
DEFENDER 2 SE D I6 MHEV 2024, other live.
17th Oct 2015 1:27 pm
A.J.M
Member Since: 31 Oct 2009
Location: Carluke
Posts: 2838
Auto for me.
I didn't even consider a manual. My boss has one and every time I drive it, I can't get on with it.
I would try both and see what you like.In loving memory of FA54WSK.
Rest well old friend, your work is done.
17th Oct 2015 1:57 pm
fishinmad
Member Since: 30 Jan 2012
Location: St Ives
Posts: 877
Auto all the way, much easier in town and off road, if like me your not an off road expert. Club Narpy Torch
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Assuming the tanks are the same size, the range between fill-ups will be affected, too. You'll spend 20% more of your life on forecourts with an auto. 
Not sure how much of an accurate representation that is.
Allisport Fast Road Intercooler, V8 Brakes, Silicone IC Hoses, EGRs Blanked, Remapped, De-Cat pipe, FBHIC
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