When buying a used car are manual transmissions more reliable than automatic? Should I stay away from auto's?

Answer 1

Not necessarily. As long as it behaves under inspection and the fluid's clean and translucent, there's no reason why it shouldn't go on for a long while. It's more difficult to wreck one, certainly more difficult than abusing a clutch and manual box. Costs more if it does go wrong, but that's the luck of the draw.

Steer clear of small engines, though, a small engined auto can be extremely tedious. And be aware it'll probably be more costly on fuel.

Answer 2

Depends on whether it's been a generally abused car. If a 20 something has owned it....walk away.

I've used both manuals & auto, on various sizes of engine.

In general - small engines - stick to manuals as you get more power out of it - big engines - an autobox will be better at delivering the power smoother...and more relaxed.

For autos - if there are ANY whines or jerking up or down ranges when smoothly accelerating...it's knackered. A bit of a jump is OK if you have your foot welded to the floor!

For Manuals - check clutch bite position - if it's practically near the top - clutch is probaby due for a change in the next 10,000 miles. The shift should be smooth & no force required to get it into gear, a bit of 'slop' is OK on older cars as the 'gate/link bushing' will be worn.

Answer 3

That depends entirely on the manufacturer, how well the vehicle has been seriviced, and how old it is... it is the same with anything on a car, as long as it has been made to a high quality (say Japanese or German) and well looked after, then there should be no problem.... but i would say unless you're buying a Big car.... like a Jeep, Jaguar, Top of the range BMW, Audi etc, go for a manual... small engined autos are boring :-)

Answer 4

Depends on what your buying. If you can, pull out the transmission dip stick, if the fluid is brown and smells burnt walk away. Bigger engined autos tend to work best, but we've owned smaller CVT autos as well and they can be very flattering and smooth. Also remember that an auto car can be in a better condition as the gearbox is harder to abuse.

Answer 5

auto boxes are kinder to the engine and transmission than manuals ..drivers tend not to over rev auto es ..but they normally do not do as many m.p. g. as manual .. there are a lot of cars on the market that are both auto and manual .. just by moving the gear leaver

Answer 6

get a manual,if it a older car autos had a lot of trouble some years ago. and to get a new box you are looking at about £500 where a new clutch is about £200 but a clutch should last about 120,ooo miles. i would say its more impotent that you ask then the timing belt was last changed as these need to be changed every 50000-60000 miles and should cost about £200 good luck

Answer 7

neither one manual you have the possible clutch failure which is not uncommon at all . auto can fail to but seems to happen much less often . best bet take any used car to a mechanic that has nothing to do with the seller and have him check it out this should take about one to two hours for a total inspection.
every person should do this when buying a used car. and it the seller will not allow that walk no run away.

Answer 8

They are more expensive to repair but they are no more apt to break than a manual-there's a better chance that you'll replace a clutch that's worn out than need to fix an automatic transmission.

Answer 9

Yes, stay away from autos, because it's not proper motoring.

Answer 10

Stay away from American and Mitsubishi automatics.Always add a trans cooler,change fluid and filter every 30,000 miles or 90,000 if using synthetic ATF.