auto over manual

Post 149464 by c70mel on 2006-10-07 13:00:17

Hey all, Well my search is still on-going for a nice C70 T5 to replace my standard 2.4. Found what looks like a blinder.... FVSH, low mileage, black leather, 12mnths warranty etc etc. Only problem in my eyes is its an AUTO!! ARGHGHGH.. why oh why oh why?!? Im thinking though :) is an Auto all that bad? Ive heard there well suited to the C70's. Dont wanna buy it though and then be sulking because I haven't got full control of the car. All I know about autos is that they have the kick down function? put your foot down and if in the correct rev range it will knock it down a gear. When im having some fun down the country lanes though in mine I tend to keep the revs quite high 3/4k and above. With an auto you just haven't got any control over it. Please discuss :D haven't been to look at it yet so will probs take if for a test drive and see how it is. Why couldn't if of been a manual, hehe.

Post 149471 by neevo on 2006-10-07 14:15:55

It's horses for courses really. I like autos but currently have a manual. In auto you not only have kickdown but also fully automatic, sports automatic and the option to manually select in a semi-automatic way. Manual cars just give the one option though the manual gear selection in an automatic isn't the same ratios as manuals. If you commute and get saught in a lot of slow moving traffic then you'll really appreciate automatics.

Post 149474 by c70mel on 2006-10-07 14:39:50

[QUOTE=neevo]It's horses for courses really. I like autos but currently have a manual. In auto you not only have kickdown but also fully automatic, sports automatic and the option to manually select in a semi-automatic way. Manual cars just give the one option though the manual gear selection in an automatic isn't the same ratios as manuals. If you commute and get saught in a lot of slow moving traffic then you'll really appreciate automatics.[/QUOTE] The C70 T5 only has one mode though doesn't it? I think i better stick to manuals. I test drove the brand new C70, V50 and S60 a few months back. Some of those had this semi-automatic gearbox. I couldn't stand it! lol... end of the day if its a semi-auto its still classed as an auto imo i.e. u haven't got control of the gears really. Looks like ill have to be patient!

Post 149479 by fraz13 on 2006-10-07 14:55:41

This auto or manual thing has been discussed now that everyone should know all the answers lol Anyhoo I drive auto but drive it like manual i.e. constantly through the gears, I hold it in a gear if I want to and I let it change when I want it to change, not when I wants to.... You just need to practice with them, they are just as much a drivers car as a manual if you drive it the way I can pull away and keep it in first (L position) Lift your foot off the throttle and knock the lever forward in to the 3 position and back to L and the box changes into second gear (providing its in S mode), now its in 2nd it can be kept here for as long as you like, Lift from the throttle again, into 3 and thats it in 3rd, same again into D and you have 4th with an overdrive Being in D just pull the lever into 3 to get 3rd gear, down into L for 2nd gear and if you really fancy 1st then just press the E button and providing its doing less than 25mph it will engage 1st and try and send you through the front screen....... Leave it in D and drive it like an auto and use kickdown when you want..... Kickdown works better in S mode (usually 1 gear but sometimes 2 depending on how hard you stamp on it) but will work in E if you really give it some... If you prefer manual stick with it and wait till a manual turns up, If you get an auto you might not be happy at all and that would be a shame, But dont think that auto's aint fun.... You just need to drive them properly.... Saying that I dont know anyone that drives auto like me..... Good luck whatever way you go ;) P.s. I'll try and sort out a vid so you can understand what I mean lol

Post 149484 by BlackBeast on 2006-10-07 15:03:17

There's no MAN in automatic ;)

Post 149489 by c70mel on 2006-10-07 15:18:44

Nice reply Fraz.. didn't understand any of it but it sounds good! lol. I will re-read it when my brains working. Well Auto doesn't sound that bad if you can control it like that. I would of thought if you were doing 4k revs for example and wanted to keep it at 4K in that gear you just keep your foot in the same place? but wouldn't it automatically knock it up a gear without you being able to stop it changing? these L S D :) gear options are standard throughout all the autos? C70's for example

Post 149491 by Wobbly Dave on 2006-10-07 15:27:18

[quote=BlackBeast]There's no MAN in automatic ;)[/quote] but there is a matc-o Having driven/owned both the only reason I went for manual was that I got stung on a AT box failure. I still think the automatic is a fabulous box but a right pain when it goes wrong. (not that it will for you) If you work the shifter properly on the automatic you can get as much control as the manual and the nicest thing is that you dont have to fart about with clutches in traffic I'd go in both and see which you like the best. Performance wise there is nothing in it.

Post 149492 by c70mel on 2006-10-07 15:32:35

[QUOTE=Wobbly Dave]but there is a matc-o Having driven both the only reason I went for manual was that I got stung on a AT box failure. I still think the automatic is a fabulous box but a right pain when it goes wrong. (not that it will for you) If you work the shifter properly on the automatic you can get as much control as the manual and the nicest thing is that you dont have to fart about with clutches in traffic I'd go in both and see which you like the best. Performance wise there is nothing in it.[/QUOTE] Interesting points! especially about the performance being very similar. I was always under the impression that an auto is going to be quite a bit slower than a manual. Regarding the failure... Anything can go I suppose. In reality is an auto car more likely to fail or cost more?.. being the auto box or anything else? if theres like 5-10% higher risk of you having to spend more ££££ with an auto then that is fine with me (in taking the risk).

Post 149495 by Wobbly Dave on 2006-10-07 15:39:56

Unfortunately with this being a "I've got issues with..." site - all we tend to hear about is the failures. Speed/performance are so similar - really not worth the worry. In many respects the AT will help with traffic light launches more than a manual. We are a country obsessed with MT - it really boils down to your tastes, likes and driving style. Moral of the story is try before you buy. PS I am not a fan of the geartronic 2nd generation boxes. Much prefer the switchable auto

Post 149523 by franky on 2006-10-07 17:37:57

on the track, me(s60r mt 300bhp) and fraz(auto s70r 300bhp rica)we are even stevens, no difference in acceration, that proves auto's are not slower!

Post 149526 by BlackBeast on 2006-10-07 17:46:45

Nope, just proves the s60r is a lardy arse son of a :) Only joking franky :) I agree with everything thats been so far, one thing nobody has mentioned though is that if you have plans to increase the bhp to over 19T capabilites then a manual is the better choice.

Post 149531 by franky on 2006-10-07 18:03:26

Post 149540 by c70mel on 2006-10-07 18:25:30

[QUOTE=BlackBeast]Nope, just proves the s60r is a lardy arse son of a :) Only joking franky :) I agree with everything thats been so far, one thing nobody has mentioned though is that if you have plans to increase the bhp to over 19T capabilites then a manual is the better choice.[/QUOTE] Im planning on doing the good old RICA too perhaps 280bhp.... dont think ill b going past that. Whats going on here then....... £3000 for a 300+bhp C70.. ok few miles on the clock but £3000? All I can think (hope) is that its a bit of a mess/not been looked after. http://atsearch.autotrader.co.uk/www/CARS_popup.asp?nU=0&make=VOLVO&model=C70&min_pr=75&max_pr=8000&postcode=m33%206wy&miles=40&max_records=50&modelexact=1&photo=1&start=1&distance=8&adcategory=CARS&channel=CARS&id=200639102084620

Post 149586 by welshboy on 2006-10-07 21:14:08

Well. That as the same spec as mine. Bought my C70 for £2750 on a 1998. It had 98000 on it. Spend £250 for the 310 Mod. Alot of car for the money. Will keep up with most things. had a good go with a S4 today. Of course on a private road. I keeped up with it until we backed off when we hit nearly 160. You cant find fault that with a £3000 car. Compared to a £40,000 one.