Hi all,

I've been looking at the FL2 as you know. Always wanted an Auto but prices seem alot higher!

How many of you drive a manual? There seem alot more about.

Colin

Had both, personally like man. Auto is a lazy way to drive and slightly lower mpg.

The Auto box is a peach, I had one last year while mine was off the road, did I like it well I've just traded the manual in and gone auto.

I have a manual and have driven an auto and like it. My only concern about an auto is driving it in the snow/ice..when I think I prefer a manual

Beerok, I notice that you will also tow with your possible Freelander 2, another reason to go down the auto road, as the clutch takes a lot of strain if your not careful when reversing

This has been covered elsewhere but as a manual vs auto topic.

It is all preference and what you will use the car for. I own a manual but I test drove an auto first and have driven several autos as courtesy cars including when I still had the FL1.

Auto is better for off roading and towing end of. Manual is a lot less jerky (cos of autos kick down), costs less to buy, costs less to tax and costs less to run. The auto revs too high before changing which is annoying.

For me it was a no brainer. I got a good deal and once you get accustomed to the box you will know what gear is best and when is best to change to get the best performance, very smooth box and the stop/start feature is nice.

If you really want an auto then go for it but if you are not fussed either way and you like them both fairly equally after a test drive, save money and get the manual.

If you want point and shoot motoring get the auto. If you want more involvement and for me a more relaxing drive (on motorways and dual carriageways), get the manual.

Hope this helps  LL.B (Hons) - University of Derby
LOT (Lord of Time) - University of Gallifrey

Thanks for replies.
Seems like a split 50/50.

I will be towing so maybe that moves me toward Manual.

Thanks again

Colin

Don't forget the auto can be switched across to manual as well, I found that useful in the snow making the car change up earlier in manual than auto. 09 FL2 HSE auto Lago Grey
71 Triumph Stag 3L
68 NGTCV8 3.5L

ad210358 wrote:

Beerok, I notice that you will also tow with your possible Freelander 2, another reason to go down the auto road, as the clutch takes a lot of strain if your not careful when reversing

Ha ha at last a confession, vanning is bad for your car 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

beerok wrote:

Thanks for replies.
Seems like a split 50/50.

I will be towing so maybe that moves me toward Manual.

Thanks again

Colin

Auto every time, current SD is my 3rd FL2 Auto. Land Rover Experience vehicles are all Auto, they do not use manual(except Defender) on any courses.
View my gallery photos taken at Dunkeld Jan 2010 if not sure about a Auto in snow.
I drove 60 miles on snow covered(4-10 inches) forrestry roads recently using GGS programme, I was 1 hour ahead of Galloway Hills Rally with timekeeper. All FL2's (3) Gone
2011 Mercedes C180 CGI Gone
FL2 GS Auto SD with heated leather, factory tints, alloy spare and a few other bits.

Everytime I hear praise for the auto I want to drive one again but then everytime I do when mine has gone in for something I end up wishing for my manual back a.s.a.p!

If you are towing a fair bit then you must have the auto no question also better for off roading. I don't do towing (thumbs up from CG) and have only done mild off roading so manual is fine. If neither of the above concern you then its manual FTW.

P.S, the commandshift does not have the same feel as the proper manual so dont be fooled by thinking auto is best of both. Leave auto in D unless absolutely necessary. If you want to change gear do it like a proper driver and get a manual  LL.B (Hons) - University of Derby
LOT (Lord of Time) - University of Gallifrey

Can't disagree with that Doctor. If I wasn't towing I would have a manual for sure.

I possibly would have gone for a manual too, but the decision was made by the need to have an auto at my disposal in case my left knee flairs up as it is sometimes prone to do. Although it is a moot point if you're looking at a new SD4.

I never used to go for auto as I felt it was the 'non drivers' type of car but as traffic has increased, it seems every single journey I take now involves at least one traffic jam, I find an auto far more convenient. Mind you that said, it does depend on the type of car. I wouldn't want an auto box anywhere near our mx5

beerok wrote:

Thanks for replies.
Seems like a split 50/50.

I will be towing so maybe that moves me toward Manual.

Thanks again

Colin

Beerok, I think you have miss read my post, for towing you will be better with an AUTO, especially for reversing as the Freelander like other vehicles with a six speed manual box, the reverse cog is a little on the high side for comfort.