Auto Vs. Manual

[volospian]

I'm seriously thinking of buying a second hand low mileage Aero, but nearly all I've seen have auto boxes fitted.

Now most of my driving seems to be motorway cruising (I travel about 50 miles or so each day to work via the M1) and crawling along in traffic jams (same reason :) ) in equal measure, so an auto box would take a lot of bother out of these situations.

However, I'm used to manual gears and do like the ability to choose my gears myself in some situations (some lovely windey roads in Scotland last may were a lot of fun)

So, opinions please on Auto Vs Manual, I know it's a bit of "each to their own" but I would be particularly interested in anyone who has swapped from manual to auto and thier views, experiences, etc.

I don't want to buy a manual (and spend ages finding one) if the auto box will give me the same pleasure, but I don't want to buy automatic and wish I hadn't, if you see what I mean.

PS. I know you can manually select gears on an auto, but is it the same "response" as manual?

I hope this makes sense :)

[murphwiz]

I've had manual boxes all my driving life until I bought the 9-5.. and the times I've 'regretted' buying auto can be counted on 1 hand.
The 9-5 box is 4 speed (5 M02 onwards) electronic controlledbox, its very very smooth, as its similar to the ones lexus use.
Its also got the sport button :D
This in the 9-5 due to the electronic thorttle, 'shortens' the throttle travel by a third (electronically of course) so giving it half throttle in normal travel, actually results in near full throttle take offs!!! :lol: :lol:

It really is a personal prefernce, I like the point and squirt ability of the auto, you just piont it! and with the power available its not a problem! and your only talking around half a second slower to 60...

And are you sure they are proper genuine Aero's? I've just done a search on auto trader, and could only find 5 aero autos....?!
Ask for the engine number, should start B235R if its an aero lump, if its B235E its an lpt...

[V.J.S]

The autotranny in a 9-5 Aero is not that bad of a performance killer than it is in the less powerful turbo's. If you prefer relaxing drive, automatic is definately a good choice. Only time one might really miss the manual, is in spirited driving. Sometimes you just want to change the gears according to your own mind, not according to some programmed chip. The auto and manual do have their own characteristics, but if you are not 100% sure what you want, go and test drive the both at some dealer and make up your mind after that!

-Ville

[mr saabman]

Manual for me :D as I like to feel when to change gear but I can say the autobox in the 9-5 is a very nice box,As you say it is a personal preference so all I can say is try both and see which you prefer :wink:

[turboman]

is there much difference in fuel consumption ? What do you guys get ?