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Subject Topic: Automatic v Manual
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Personatkinbrown
26/2/2019 at 4:08pm
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There are probably loads of posts about this but I couldn't find them. The question is, we are about to buy a Ford Kuga Diesel to tow a caravan and wondered if automatic is better than manual. Any advice would be welcome. We will be going down to Spain and Portugal and around Europe so fuel consumption could be an issue [ or not].


Personmisterg
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I tried auto and now on 4th auto tow car. Would not now consider manual for towing. Much easier to manoeuvre without burning the clutch, very relaxed driving especially in traffic or on hills.

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Mister G


Personjaiash
26/2/2019 at 4:49pm
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Auto for the last 14-15 years , never going back to manual. Much more relaxing to drive generally and especially towing. I wouldn't worry about the fuel consumption difference there's very little difference, indeed some models the auto is better mpg.

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Grahame


PersonAcornis
26/2/2019 at 6:24pm
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Yep same here

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Just saying
If all is not lost where is it then?


PersonANDY-R
26/2/2019 at 10:10pm
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On my 5th auto car great to drive every day and great for towing. Don't really take much notice of fuel consumption after all you are on holiday, but I don't feel I am going to the garage anymore often.

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A PESSIMIST, IS AN OPTIMIST WITH EXPERIENCE !!!!


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Persondaveyjp
via mobile 26/2/2019 at 10:21pm
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There's autos and autos. If the Ford has a dual clutch Powershift unit do not go anywhere near one.


PersonBroadside
via mobile 26/2/2019 at 11:14pm
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^^^ this

I bought a Ford Galaxy Powershift that has been used for towing with 60,000 miles on the clock. The clutch was knackered which was a £2k repair and it was suspected that the gearbox had gone as well which was another £5k. Luckily we spotted it and the garage took the car back.

If it is a Powershift at a good price with over 40,000 miles then you could buy it but I would factor in a clutch replacement for £2k, but it will then last you for a good while.


Personblueexpo97
27/2/2019 at 6:37am
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Previous posts.

And again.

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XVI yes?

As well is two words!
How does a sage know everything about everything? or does he? or does he just think he does?
Remember, if you buy something you bought it, not brought it.


PersonMike3003
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I do hate to use the saying, but Auto is an absolute no brainer.

There is no comparison, Auto is far, far superior for towing, and in fact everyday use. Manual vehicles seem pointless tbh.

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Not ALL Newts get p**sed.

“Semper Fidelis”


Personbirdman101
via mobile 27/2/2019 at 9:09am
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47 years towing caravans,last 25 years with Autos. Would never consider manual again.


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PersonMike3003
via mobile 27/2/2019 at 9:16am
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Quote: Originally posted by daveyjp on 26/2/2019
There's autos and autos. If the Ford has a dual clutch Powershift unit do not go anywhere near one.


Total rubbish.

I had a Ford Kuga 2ltr 180 Powershift and towed all over France and into Spain for 3 years on the trot and it was fantastic. The car never missed a beat in the three year lease period I had it.

Don’t be sucked into the dual clutch/torque converter argument, it all bulls**t.

Don’t be put off, it is a great tow car.

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Not ALL Newts get p**sed.

“Semper Fidelis”


Persondaveyjp
27/2/2019 at 10:00am
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Congratulations on getting a good one.

To call it "total rubbish" based on one experience isn't useful to the OP, because it isn't "total rubbish".

Ford introduced the Powershift and it was proved to be so unreliable they were landed with a 10 million dollar fine for continuing to sell something they knew was problematic.

In other Countries they extended the warranty to 10 years to avoid further action from consumer bodies.

I have had two dual clutch gearbox cars, one was great, the other was a complete dog and I wouldn't risk a £2,000+ bill for fixing one.

Ironically just read another motoring forum where this month two Ford owners have reported failed Powershifts. One on a 5 year old Galaxy, one on a 4 year old S max. £4,000 quoted to fix.



Post last edited on 27/02/2019 12:01:37


Personblueexpo97
27/2/2019 at 10:05am
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Quote: Originally posted by Mike3003 on 27/2/2019
I do hate to use the saying, but Auto is an absolute no brainer.





Very, very disappointed with you there Mike.

-------------
XVI yes?

As well is two words!
How does a sage know everything about everything? or does he? or does he just think he does?
Remember, if you buy something you bought it, not brought it.


PersonMike3003
via mobile 27/2/2019 at 12:16pm
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Quote: Originally posted by blueexpo97 on 27/2/2019
Quote: Originally posted by Mike3003 on 27/2/2019
I do hate to use the saying, but Auto is an absolute no brainer.





Very, very disappointed with you there Mike.


I thought you might pick that one up! 😀😀👍

-------------
Not ALL Newts get p**sed.

“Semper Fidelis”


PersonColin21
27/2/2019 at 12:38pm
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Another vote for autos here, wouldn't have anything else. My first automatic was a Ford Zodiac back in the 1970s, and that's all I buy now, especially for towing. Back in the 70s autos were more thirsty than manuals, but there have been so many improvements in the auto technology the gap has narrowed considerably and in some cases disappeared altogether.

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Best Regards,
Colin


Personiank01
27/2/2019 at 2:25pm
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Quote: Originally posted by daveyjp on 26/2/2019
There's autos and autos. If the Ford has a dual clutch Powershift unit do not go anywhere near one.


Excellent advice. We managed to get a full refund when we returned our brand new 2011 Mondeo as we thought the Powershift was rubbish as too hesitant when selecting a gear.



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