s18mcn wrote:

cheers guys!! I've test driven both and found the auto to be a bit sluggish but is that just because i'm not used to it?

I have heard that the auto is supposed to learn your driving style. So would get better, if you drove it more. ie. hold gears more, if you give it lots of welly, and change up early if you drive like your Gran (no insult to Grans meant )

Personally I'll go for an auto next time, mainly for offroading, as I've definately found the manual not not be as suited. don't get me wrong, you can offroad in a manual, very well, but going up steep hills, tricky bits, and trying to tow someone out of a hole is difficult using a manual, and I've had the clutch smelling quite a bit on a few occasions, knocking a few miles off its life. I realise that an auto is not a replacment for a low box, and you can burn out a tourque convertor as well, but you have to give it a lot more abuse.

If you don't plan to go through the muddy stuff (you must be mad though, it's the best thing ever) it'll all be down to personal preference, either way you won't be disappointed.

Rich

I agree with the excellent summary above by Rich (rmb)  Stornoway Grey GS ... What a fine motor ... but not any more ... ... psst look at my gallery!
Company cars ... a thing of the past - May 2013.

I chose auto to make driving more relaxing on today's roads. As per earlier comments, the auto is great in traffic and for off-roading / towing. I note the comments about it feeling sluggish, but it's actually quicker than the manual, but the gearbox is set up for economy, so it's always keeping the revs down, unless of course you keep your foot down, then it moves quite well.

I'm fortunate in that I have the auto and my Dad has the manual. I get 32 - 33 mpg and he gets 34-36 mpg for general driving. There is the extra tax issue, but I personally never want to go back to a manual and I think torquey diesels such as this TD4 are more set up for an auto. The issue I've found with the manual is if you want to pick up the pace, you're forvever changing gears, due to the short rev range. Also the gearbox is not the most posative.

Have fun in whatever you choose.  Gone - TD4 XS Auto, Sumatra Black, Mud flaps and side strips, clear indicators, private plate, privacy glass

One week into my new vehicle its definitely the best I've had. Auto box and power from engine make it driveable on all roads and oh so easy.

Not thrashed it as its new, but not held back and getting 32mpg, better than I thought!! Lago Grey Ebony HSE auto, 19" alloys, privacy glass

Theres nothing wrong with a manual for off-road stuff, just don't abuse the clutch and its fine. If you are abusing the clutch then you are also abusing the gearbox and drive train. take it steady and let the engines torque get you through. At work
At home

"I can't always believe facts I read on the web" - Charles Dickens

winner by default of the tractor vs caravan race

CG - maybe you never did a LRE Here they will teach you all the benifits of a auto when off-roading. After we did our LRE I realised ALL the benifits of an auto and wished I had got one instead, but too late now  2007 Freelander 2 HSE TD4 Manual with Premium Pack & Moonroof.
Stornoway Grey with Ebony Black Pleather, Clear Indicators, Body Side Mouldings etc.

Maybe so, I do know about autos, but the manual still has its place off-roading, I completed the tough section at keilder without a sniff of a hot clutch and found the clutch very useful during low speed manoeuvres around nasty potentially car damaging rocks. But I am 'CG' self proclaimed master of all trades  At work
At home

"I can't always believe facts I read on the web" - Charles Dickens

winner by default of the tractor vs caravan race

But I am 'CG' self proclaimed master of all trades

Except caravan towing by all accounts  2007 Freelander 2 HSE TD4 Manual with Premium Pack & Moonroof.
Stornoway Grey with Ebony Black Pleather, Clear Indicators, Body Side Mouldings etc.

yes the auto is better off road, but i agree with CG, the manual still has the same off road presence, but as with any manual it all depends on the driver on what happens to the clutch

I have had to smell the burn when reversing my caravan on over grown grass uphill, but have never smelt it off road Former Mod/Member, with the most post & Chicken George Arch nemesis

I've smelt my clutch before, but then I was trying to pull a tree stump out the ground

P.S.
No offence Rover60  ______________________
2011 Full Fat RR 4.4 TDV8
2012 FL2 SD4 Auto HSE
2013 Kawasaki Versys 650

i did the tree stump trick with my old Vaux Cavalier, tree came loose, rope snapped and hit the rear of my car, leaving a nice dent  Former Mod/Member, with the most post & Chicken George Arch nemesis

npinks wrote:

but i agree with everything CG says ,

about time too At work
At home

"I can't always believe facts I read on the web" - Charles Dickens

winner by default of the tractor vs caravan race

AndyC wrote:

But I am 'CG' self proclaimed master of all trades

Except caravan towing by all accounts

CG doesn't tow vans but if he did he would be the best van tower ever ........straight to the nearest cliff and over it goes. At work
At home

"I can't always believe facts I read on the web" - Charles Dickens

winner by default of the tractor vs caravan race