Have never driven an automatic before but am going to look at an automatic auto trail Navajo, just wondered what other people's experiences of driving an automatic are and what any negatives or positives are. Thanks.
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Have never driven an automatic before but am going to look at an automatic auto trail Navajo, just wondered what other people's experiences of driving an automatic are and what any negatives or positives are. Thanks.
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To be fair, that must be the worst auto box ever produced by any manufacturer in recent years. The T4 manual is streets better - I had cause to drive both a few years ago, sometimes on the same day. I rather like automatics in general, but I really didn't like that one.I have a VW T4 automatic
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To be fair, that must be the worst auto box ever produced by any manufacturer in recent years. The T4 manual is streets better - I had cause to drive both a few years ago, sometimes on the same day. I rather like automatics in general, but I really didn't like that one.
The current VW DSG auto is a very different animal, as are the robotised manual boxes fitted to many modern vans. There are now three distinct gearbox types - traditional manual, traditional torque converter autos & then the various varieties of automatic clutch robotised manuals, of which the Fiat Comfortmatic is the commonest among motorhomes.
Each type require a slightly different driving style to get the best out of them. If you change from one to another, you have to be prepared to learn how best to drive it, otherwise you are probably better to stick to what you are used to.
appeared a bit slow starting off round a round about (which I am sure I will get used to)
Thanks everyone, your replies have been very helpful, have just had a test drive and although appeared a bit slow starting off round a round about (which I am sure I will get used to) and trying to use the invisible clutch, I found the drive okay etc.
That technique is fine for a torque converter automatic but I wouldn't do it with a robotised 'box like the comfortmatic and a heavy MH. Recipe for a burnt out clutch, assuming the electronics would even allow you to do it.I'm a big fan of autos, although current cars are all manual.
Autos do need a different driving technique and I found that for a quicker getaway, when stopped use your left foot on the brake and apply a bit of gas with the right (but don't hold the position for too long!) .
Then, when you want to go, kind of hit the throttle more as you release your left foot from the brake. This way you avoid that dreaded" dead" spot as you pull away.
Probably find folk who will tell you not to do this as it damages the car, but in my personal experience of many cars (all German apart from Jag) two to three years of this technique/ 30,000 miles does no harm.
Good luck with your choice, whatever you choose.
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That technique is fine for a torque converter automatic but I wouldn't do it with a robotised 'box like the comfortmatic and a heavy MH. Recipe for a burnt out clutch, assuming the electronics would even allow you to do it.