I know this is a first world problem but I am pulling my hair out on whether to go for an auto or manual. The SLK is auto and I like it but the car I want is quite rare in auto (it seems).

People have any opinions on auto vs manual in newer cars?

 

I wanted a 330d manual but as you can imagine, they were as rare as hen's teeth. I ended up with an auto and now wouldn't change it.
My next car will deffo be auto.

 

Manual. Autos seem to go wrong more easily.

 

Is that actually true or a popular misconception?

 

Is it a misconception? My perception is that automatics are less reliable. Look at all the CVTs that give up the ghost. Seat had issues with their DSGs I discovered after I researched a potential purchase (maybe other VAGs as well). The Suzuki Swift had a few auto issues as well. All the manual counterparts have been fine.

 

depends what car really, i have a C63 with the MCT box and thats perfect

 

it does depend on the car but often you only know whether its car dependant when it is too late (if buying relatively new). That's why Im generalising. All things equal, I would say manuals are more reliable.

 

My last three cars have been auto's, current Golf R is dsg and its perfect. Doubt i'll buy another manual.

 

Any known issues with the auto gearbox on new Audi's?

 

Try telling people with dual mass flywheels!
Yes - manual gearboxes might be reliable - it's the clutches that are the problem!

 

Misconception. You could argue there is more to go wrong on an auto, as they are elctro-hydro-mechanical devices. So you have elctronics, hydraulics and the physical mechanisms all interacting with each other, so the scope of something going wrong should something go out of kilter is more pronouced interms of it leaving you stranded and giving you a big bill to get it fixed (i.e stuck in 2nd gear "limp home" or total loss of drive).

Manual is pure mechnical bar the clutch hydraulics. Yes they do go wrong too. But generally its driver induced (holding the car on hills with the clutch, not stopping the gears from rotating before engaging reverse etc) or usage conditions (city driving, towing, remaps etc.).

Very vaigue question.

Owing to the fact that there are loads of differnt types and version of automatic gearboxes fitted to Audis. Some have issues, other don't

Just off the top of my head we have

DSG 6 speed - wet clutch
DSG 7 speed - dry clutch
DSG 7 speed - wet clutch
CVT (multitronic)
Conventional ZF auto (6speed or 8 speed depending on year)

All of the DSG are usally called S-tronic.

I like the ZF 8 speed convetional auto, as a found in many cars...Jags, Land Rovers, BMWs, Audis, etc. Its the same box but with differnet maps and torque ratings for the clucth packs. The Mercesdes/chrysler 7 speed is also a nice autobox.

I am one of the few who does not get on with DSG boxes (or any gearbox really that uses a automated clutch used for pulling away from standstill). Mainly with the way they engage the clutch when manouvering or in slow stop/start traffic and inability to "crawl" properly. Which a "true" auto can.

But in my heart I'm a manual man; I get bored easily, so I end up driving autos like an utter loon to get some sensation.

 

Nice reply, Ali.

Thanks for that.

 

Not keen on my auto DSG.Thought they were just push and go.Nope...

I have that option,also gained flappy paddles (rubbish) or just shift up and down (rubbish)

Be so pleased to get back to a manual.Just feel like the fat old bloke in a jag.lol

 

I also have a C63, and no complaints with the transmission, prior to that was a CLK55, again no complaints, and certainly no problems.

Manual with todays traffic volumes is a pain in the hole

 

hows your C63 going ?

 

Manual every day of the week.

That's why I went for an S3 and not an RS3.

Had an extended test drive of an S3 DSG, and I've driven a few other Auto Audi's and BMW's. For me, driving around in an Auto is the most boring way to travel. After 5 mins I got bored of the flappy paddles, and most DSG's have the gear level upside down in manual mode. Push forward to change up !!! Soo wrong !!!

Unless you drive most days in heavy stop start traffic, get a manual.

 

It always amazes me that you can't configure that in the settings. It's a bloody switch, not exactly hard for manufacturers to write a few lines of code to change forward to down a gear.

 

Very well, It goes through rear tyres for fun!

what about you?

 

same as you, now having tyres fiitted

seriously nice car, for me and the kids

 

Fantastic cars
I bought mine pretty much as soon as I heard it start from cold - **** me, I didn't expect that level of noise.

The engine & exhaust note when driving are a hoot with it constantly popping and banging on overrun/downshifts
Big lazy lump when you're tired and just need to get somewhere, changes into a complete nutter upon command

It had brand new tyres(Continental) when I bought it, I killed the rear tyres in just over 2800 miles
Have since calmed a bit, and the current set has 3600 miles, and are about half way dead.

 

I've got an auto 320 CLK Merc and it's great for everyday driving; fast enough, smooth, very relaxing and the 'tiptronic' system allows manual gear selection if required. Wouldn't want a manual version (not even sure they're available). Sporty? Not at all, but that's what the Subaru is for.

 

thats why i love it, I'm just waiting for a bit of time to clean it

 

Up until very recently I'd have said manual, always. My current car is a 530D, probably the only manual one in the country.

A couple of weeks ago I test drove a 435i, which was an 8 speed auto. I can't say I'd have chosen an auto box, but it was about the first auto I've driven that I didn't hate. Maybe an auto box is OK if the engine has enough torque, and a high enough rev limit, that it doesn't really matter if you're in the wrong gear?