Ever wondered why a lot of members started with a manual, moved to an auto and wouldn't go back to a manual? members with a lot more freelander2 miles under their belt than you

charliefoxtrot999 wrote:

Far better than your st

Manual is far superior.

Funny how this has gone into a good old manual vs auto topic.  LL.B (Hons) - University of Derby
LOT (Lord of Time) - University of Gallifrey

Tandemman wrote:

Ever wondered why a lot of members started with a manual, moved to an auto and wouldn't go back to a manual? members with a lot more freelander2 miles under their belt than you

I would venture to suggest that your experience of driving an automatic freelander is at best cursory, perhaps the people who run the landrover experience centres are now using exclusively automatic cars because they also know less than you about the freelander.

Tandemman wrote:

I would venture to suggest that your experience of driving an automatic freelander is at best cursory, perhaps the people who run the landrover experience centres are now using exclusively automatic cars because they also know less than you about the freelander.

Auto is simply easier to drive off road cos of no clutch, thats it. Experienced off roaders swear by manual defenders so those with experience can handle manuals off road. I have driven many FL2 autos, once for a long weekend when I had a fault with my old FL1. Basically you pay £1500 more for a car that costs more to tax and run. The auto revs too much before changing and kick down is hideous. Manual box is smooth and the stop/start is excellent. It puts me in control rather than an auto gearbox which doesn't know what its doing.  LL.B (Hons) - University of Derby
LOT (Lord of Time) - University of Gallifrey

Tandemman wrote:

I would venture to suggest that your experience of driving an automatic freelander is at best cursory, perhaps the people who run the landrover experience centres are now using exclusively automatic cars because they also know less than you about the freelander.

LR experience have used auto's for years. It's particularly good with the FL2 with no low-range box. Far more controlled. I have my views of auto v manual, but I think it's narrow minded to suggest one is s t over the other.

Back to topic (kind of), it's interesting to see the SD4 is exclusively auto, with manual as an option though  Gone - TD4 XS Auto, Sumatra Black, Mud flaps and side strips, clear indicators, private plate, privacy glass

SD4 is auto only as far as I know. One reason is the current clutch in the manual would not be strong enough to cope with the extra power.

The cost to LR to create a stronger clutch would not justify customer demand. Shame really cos that would win me round to the SD4. Not a fan having driven one at LR day. LL.B (Hons) - University of Derby
LOT (Lord of Time) - University of Gallifrey

Philsh
A wise and balanced comment! 2010 HSE Galway Green auto GONE

I used to work for L/R at Solihull and their own demo drivers used the auto box quite simply because it's so much easier to control off road. It shows the vehicle's capability much better.

Just to prove i'm not biased one way or the other; my own FL2 is a man box cos i hardly venture off road and mpg. Another member of the failed FL2 clutch/DMF club, twice.

The Doctor wrote:

SD4 is auto only as far as I know

You're correct. Don't know where I got that from I could have sworn there was mention of a manual SD4 at some stage, but can't find anything to support this  Gone - TD4 XS Auto, Sumatra Black, Mud flaps and side strips, clear indicators, private plate, privacy glass

I was perfectly happy with my manual when driving solo, but worried about the strength of the clutch when towing, especially in Alpine regions. A crossing of the San Bernadino giving rise for concern, so after seventy odd thousand miles I swapped to an auto. I have now covered thirty thousand miles in this and for the type of driving I do I find it is better than the manual.
I still have a manual Cooper and a manual MX5 so am not purely an auto driver. I think that some members will get the best from a manual and some will get nthe best from an auto.

having an auto leaves your left hand free to roam to your female passengers thigh...

Tandemman wrote:

I was perfectly happy with my manual when driving solo, but worried about the strength of the clutch when towing, especially in Alpine regions. A crossing of the San Bernadino giving rise for concern, so after seventy odd thousand miles I swapped to an auto. I have now covered thirty thousand miles in this and for the type of driving I do I find it is better than the manual.
I still have a manual Cooper and a manual MX5 so am not purely an auto driver. I think that some members will get the best from a manual and some will get nthe best from an auto.

I can see your point for towing definitely. Less faffing and so on. No plans for me to tow at this time....
Thumbs up from CG  LL.B (Hons) - University of Derby
LOT (Lord of Time) - University of Gallifrey

That's what the rear seats are for  Another member of the failed FL2 clutch/DMF club, twice.

shilen wrote:

having an auto leaves your left hand free to roam to your female passengers thigh...

Like your thought process  Gone - TD4 XS Auto, Sumatra Black, Mud flaps and side strips, clear indicators, private plate, privacy glass