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Subject Topic: Manual V`s Auto Post Reply Post New Topic
05/4/2019 at 8:36am
 Location: Lindum Colonia
 Outfit: Insignia 2.0cdti SRI Sprite Finesse 2
View Skarla's Profile View Profile   Reply to Skarla Reply   Quote Skarla Quote  
Joined: 26/6/2018

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Having read a few post on this topic I'm now beginning to sway more towards an auto to tow our new (to us) caravan.
Having been an avid 3 pedals & a stick driver for more than 30 years I'm getting quite accustomed to the other half's picanto auto.
Another (& big) advantage is once I've towed the shed, I mean caravan to site, (I'm the only one of us that can tow), she can do all the driving on days out which means I can have a beer or 2, or 3, or 4, well you get the picture.
All I need to do now is sell the camper we currently have & find a good tug, (in the sense of a tow car for those with a dirty mind)

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Vans' of the past
1986 Sprite Musketeer. sold
1989 Swift Corvette. sold
1998 Merc Sprinter self build camper. sold
2006 Peugeot, Elddis 100 Sunstyle. sold
2002 Swift Challenger 400. sold
2008 Fiat, Timberland Destiny. sold
2003 Peugeot, Leisuredrive Calypso. sold
2011 Sprite Finesse. current


via mobile 05/4/2019 at 9:01am
 Location: Royal Forest of Dean
 Outfit:  Swift Major 4SB
View Rob and Tina's Profile View Profile   Reply to Rob and Tina Reply   Quote Rob and Tina Quote  
Joined: 17/10/2007

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Diesel auto every time.
Rob


05/4/2019 at 8:00pm
 Location: 
 Outfit: 
View Mike3003's Profile View Profile   Reply to Mike3003 Reply   Quote Mike3003 Quote  
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Diesel auto......Not even worth a debate!

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Not ALL Newts get p**sed.

“Semper Fidelis”


05/4/2019 at 8:23pm
 Location: Milton Keynes
 Outfit: Bailey Alliance 66-2 Motorhome
View David Klyne's Profile View Profile   Reply to David Klyne Reply   Quote David Klyne Quote  
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Having towed for 7 years both in the UK and all over Europe with an auto diesel I would say its a no brainer, auto every time.

David


07/4/2019 at 4:03am
 Location: Midlands
 Outfit: Mondeo Avondale Gram
View Grampian91's Profile View Profile   Reply to Grampian91 Reply   Quote Grampian91 Quote  
Joined: 11/5/2008

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Petrol / Manual is you have no other choice.

Petrol / Auto slightly better if fuel economy is not an issue.

Diesel / Manual for fuel economy

Diesel / Auto ticks all the boxes ?


I have had a petrol and diesel version of the same car (2L Mondeo)

Petrol / Manual towing a 1100kg caravan 330 miles, cost now approx £140   (25 - 26mpg)

Diesel / Manual same caravan/miles £98-£115 (33-39mpg)

39mpg was after increasing the power from 130bhp to nearly 160bhp. Made towing more economical.



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07/4/2019 at 11:31am
 Location: Lindum Colonia
 Outfit: Insignia 2.0cdti SRI Sprite Finesse 2
View Skarla's Profile View Profile   Reply to Skarla Reply   Quote Skarla Quote  
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Thanks everyone, will probably be a diesel auto. Problem now is finding the right car with the right gearbox. Proper auto, dsg, eeg, esg, powershift, the list goes on

-------------
Vans' of the past
1986 Sprite Musketeer. sold
1989 Swift Corvette. sold
1998 Merc Sprinter self build camper. sold
2006 Peugeot, Elddis 100 Sunstyle. sold
2002 Swift Challenger 400. sold
2008 Fiat, Timberland Destiny. sold
2003 Peugeot, Leisuredrive Calypso. sold
2011 Sprite Finesse. current


07/4/2019 at 7:27pm
 Location: East Herts
 Outfit: 1992 Elddis Wisp 450CT + X Trail
View Colin21's Profile View Profile   Reply to Colin21 Reply   Quote Colin21 Quote  
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Personally I would avoid any auto that uses clutches rather than a torque converter. Older torque converters gave autos their reputation for poor fuel consumption, as there was always a degree of controlled slip within them. More "modern" torque converters have a lock-up device that eliminates that slip once the vehicle is cruising, so they are more fuel-efficient. When I say "modern", the term is relative as my 1999/2000 Volvo had lock-up.

The torque converter is one of the biggest assets of the automatic, in my opinion. They make the transmission so much smoother, and they double-up the engine torque on starting away. Very useful on hill starts.


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Best Regards,
Colin


07/4/2019 at 7:33pm
 Location: Midlands
 Outfit: Mondeo Avondale Gram
View Grampian91's Profile View Profile   Reply to Grampian91 Reply   Quote Grampian91 Quote  
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Just make sure they are serviced properly, some of thos gearboxes need servicing at less than 50,000 miles and it can be quite expensive and tends to get skipped.

Lots still see auto's as sealed for life, then wonder why it failed early in the cars life. Neglect..

Change the gearbox oil and filters at the recommended limits and if towing maybe more often.

Check the costs to service the box your considering.



07/4/2019 at 9:05pm
 Location: 
 Outfit: 
View Mike3003's Profile View Profile   Reply to Mike3003 Reply   Quote Mike3003 Quote  
Joined: 15/7/2013

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Skarla. Don’t get involved in the DSG v Torque Converter issue. The modern DSG is an amazing Auto box, and is far stronger mechanically than a TC box. As for the “much smoother” comment! I will leave it there. 😂😂😀👍

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Not ALL Newts get p**sed.

“Semper Fidelis”



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