Manual v Automatic gearbox Pros and Cons
At North West Transmissions we see gearboxes all day, every day ( as you might expect).
However, which is better?
Ok, first of all, a spoiler alert. Do you really expect us to have a definitive answer?! The obvious line is that it varies – and indeed it does. For some people, a manual gearbox would be the best option, for others it would be automatic. It is equally true that quality varies, clearly it is better to get a very good manual transmission than one of the worst automatic options.
The choice still feels close to 50/50 – and for many people either would be absolutely fine. As an interesting aside, it is noticeable that despite manuals still being the best option for many people, they are increasingly difficult to find. Manufacturers are shifting to automatics only at a rate that consumers might not be overly happy with.
While we can’t answer with a definite ‘this one is best’, we believe the following are key factors to consider.
Cost
Cars with manual transmissions are often a bit cheaper, both as new cars and also in the used market. Again, there are huge variations to be found, but we believe you are more likely to find a bargain that is a manual than an automatic.
Reliability
All modern transmissions should be pretty reliable, but automatics are becoming ever more complex, while manuals are more recognisable to models from years past.
If an automatic transmission does go wrong it can – emphasis on can – be a bigger job to repair or replace than would be the case for a manual.
However, this is often the worst-case scenario. Obviously choosing an option that has a reputation for reliability negates this risk somewhat.
Places of Use
Do you drive solely in a busy city? Are you out in the country and so get to enjoy the open road and some more interesting driving terrain?
If we only drove around a city, forever at low speeds, or stopped, we would consider an automatic far more favourably than if we were in the beautiful countryside. Are those gear changes a pleasure, or do they become a chore?
Your driving experience
If you are a new driver or learner, then an automatic might make a lot of sense. Yes, learning on an automatic limits you in future, but given most cars being made are automatics it is hard to see this being a huge issue.
However, if you have driven manuals all your life and enjoy them, you may consider whether it is worth changing. There is a lot to be said for sticking to what you know (whether it is transmission type, or favourite dessert at the local restaurant)
Gut feel
Sometimes it is best simply to have an open mind. Which is better – well, if we consider them roughly even then we can just judge any car on its merits.
We can go for a test drive and see what we think overall, how does it stack up across a range of factors, whereby transmission is just one of them.
Quite often, you try a car and it just seems right – and hopefully, the price does too!
ABOUT NORTH WEST TRANSMISSIONS
At North West Transmissions we repair gearboxes or source replacements with guaranteed refurbished units.
A family-run business, we have a truly superb reputation, this is shown by our 4.9 out of 5 average rating from dozens of reviews on Google.
All reconditioned gearboxes come with guarantees for 12 months or 12,000 miles while reconditioned automatic units come with a re-manufactured torque converter that has a lifetime guarantee.
Our technicians are all highly skilled with vast experience in reconditioning and repairing all units – importantly their efficiency helps cut down the price of repairs and so too the cost.
Gearbox problems are all-too-common. If you find yourself in need of a repair or reconditioned unit, that often being the more economical option in the long term, please contact us.
Call us on 0151 933 0257 or use our Contact Form.
