Manual vs. automatic cars: choosing the perfect used car for you | Dace Motor Group
When you are looking to purchase a second-hand car from Dace Motor Group, you may have already decided what type of transmission you are looking for. However, many Manchester motorists have only ever driven cars with manual gearboxes, and the thought of an automatic car could take them way out of their comfort zone. Similarly, automatic drivers may become flustered at driving a vehicle with a manual transmission.
But the reality is that each transmission type has its own pros and cons, just like choosing between petrol, diesel, or electric models.
So, how do you figure out which car is right for you?
Let’s take a look at some of the common questions that we are asked about the differences between manual and automatic cars.
How many manual cars are in the UK?
Many drivers automatically default to manual cars because we are used to it.
According to research by the Department for Transport (as reported by Directline), “Currently, manual cars still account for 70 per cent of the 31.7 million cars on UK’s roads. However, last year over half (54 percent) of new cars sold in Britain were automatic, compared to around 20 percent a decade ago.”
With the sheer volume of manual cars on the road, it is clear that when it comes to the used car market, drivers have more consumer choice if they are looking for a vehicle with a manual transmission.
Are automatic cars becoming more popular in the UK?
Drivers shouldn’t immediately discount automatic cars because they are becoming increasingly popular in the UK. In fact, in 2020, for the first time, sales of new vehicles with automatic gearboxes outsold sales of new cars with manual transmissions. And big car manufacturers such as Mercedes-Benz are phasing out their manual gearboxes, preferring to focus on automatic transmissions.
This could be because motorists are now choosing to invest in electric or hybrid cars, which are exclusively automatic gearboxes. But this could be good news for drivers looking to buy a used car in the next year or two. If drivers have taken out three-year PCP car loans on their automatic vehicles, we can anticipate that next year will see an increasing number of automatic cars entering the used car market.
What is faster - a manual or automatic car?
When you look to buy a used car, you should always think about your likely usage. For example, if you need to drive at high speeds (perhaps you are commuting around the M60 or M62), a manual car transmission will likely give you faster speeds.
But if you plan to drive around the streets of Manchester, using an automatic gearbox will mean that you don’t need to worry about constantly shifting gears, which is helpful when sitting in heavy traffic.
Are automatic or manual cars cheaper?
Currently, second-hand manual cars are cheaper to buy than used automatic cars. But that could be because of consumer demand – with more choices available; the prices will naturally be lower.
Moreover, if you factor in maintenance costs, manual car repairs may also be cheaper. Again, this is because the technology is much simpler for mechanics to work with.
How does car insurance compare for manual or automatic cars?
Your car insurance costs will always depend on how long you have been driving and whether you have any no-claims discounts. However, a typical insurance policy for a manual transmission car can be up to 20% cheaper than a standard car insurance policy for an automatic used vehicle. This could be because repairs are more expensive, and parts are harder to replace.
What has the best fuel consumption – manual or automatic cars?
Historically, automatic cars would use more fuel than manual gearboxes. But as technologies have changed, automatic cars are much more economical than they used to be, offering impressive MPG fuel consumption almost identical to second-hand manual vehicles.
As fuel prices continue to soar to historic highs, drivers are converting to electric or hybrid vehicles with automatic transmissions. This means that comparing fuel costs is harder to calculate, but electric cars are still cheaper to run, making them a popular choice amongst Manchester drivers looking for a second-hand car.
Are manual or automatic second-hand cars more reliable?
Cars with automatic gearboxes may develop more faults, but this is often due to the electrical systems powering the vehicle rather than the gearbox itself.
Anecdata may indicate that second-hand manual cars are more reliable. But as technology continues to change and evolve and manufacturers invest more into their electric and hybrid models, we can expect that automatic cars will become more reliable and efficient.
If you buy a used car direct from Dace, you can feel confident that our cars have met our strict reliability tests. We conduct thorough testing on all models that enter our forecourts, and all of our vehicles come complete with our Dace Motor Group warranty, giving you peace of mind as you drive away from our dealerships.
What driving licence do you need for an automatic or manual car?
Remember that your driving licence may dictate what type of second-hand car you can buy. For example, if you have a manual licence, you are covered to drive an automatic car. But if you only have an automatic licence, you will be unable to drive a manual vehicle unless you upgrade your driving licence.
What is better - a manual or automatic car?
Ultimately, it’s a personal choice that could be based on your driving habits and your budget.
While manual cars may seem more affordable in the short term, we can anticipate that the next two-three years could see a big decline in the number of manual cars on the roads. This is because automatic cars are now outselling manual vehicles within the new car sector. This is a direct result of drivers switching to electric cars or hybrid vehicles.
In terms of driving performance and engineering, technological advances mean there is little difference between an automatic and a manual car. However, your decision may rely on where you are likely to drive most – if you are going on the motorway, you may prefer a manual car, while city car drivers may benefit from automatic transmissions.
If you are still unsure whether a second-hand manual or automatic car is best, why not speak to a member of our sales team? Not only can we answer your questions, but we can arrange for a test drive in a used manual or automatic car to help you to discover your preference.