Hi, I bought a manual car about 7 months ago, thinking I would be able to get my manual licence. However, I failed the test 3 times, and had been learning how to drive a manual 18 months before I took the test. I find that I make many more mistakes when driving under the stress of test conditions, and made hardly any when in the relaxed atmosphere of a lesson. I then realized that normal driving could get just as stressful as a test, and that an automatic would be the best option for me in terms of confidence and safety. Now the problem is - I have a rather nice Daihatsu Sirion (2003 model), that has done just 30,000 kms. My question is - is it possible to buy (from a wrecker or spare parts business) an automatic transmission of the same make and model as my current car, and replace the manual transmission? Or should I just trade my current car in for an automatic? I'd prefer the cheaper (and safer) option, as trading my car in would most likely involve me needing a loan from the bank.
2007-10-12 10:59:54 · 16 answers · asked by Anonymous in Cars & Transportation ➔ Other - Cars & Transportation
By the time you buy a trans, convert all your linkages, change the computer,wiring harness, mounts, radiator, drive shafts and pay some qualified mechanic(which you probably wont even find one crazy enough to tackle the job)you will have more $$$$$$$ tied up than just buying another car
2007-10-12 11:30:08 · answer #1 · answered by gary k 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It is possible, but it may be more cost effective to buy a civic with manual transmission. Look on the internet for automatic to manual swap. You need to buy a manual transmission, maybe axles, cylinders for clutch operation, maybe new ecu, etc. Then you need someone with the right tools and knowledge to install it all. It will cost alot of money and downtime(for the car). Like I said before, unless you're a mechanic, or have lots of cash, you should probably just buy a manual car.
2016-04-08 05:50:53 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yeah, it's possible, there are even garages that specialise in this type of work.
You really could learn to drive a manual if you put in the time. What would help is to go somewhere where there is no trafic and just practice changing up, changing down over and over again and you will soon be able to do it in your sleep. I think if you had someone with the patients to teach you how to do this, you'd be fine.
My wife is in the same situation as you. I taught her to drive a manual, but she never got comfortable with it. When she started driving an auto, she never went back.
If you get used to driving manuals, you will save a lot of money and likely enjoy driving more. You've never heard of an automatic Ferrari have you?
2007-10-12 11:29:46 · answer #3 · answered by Ben O 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
For a start, just CONCENTRATE on what you're doing & relax, I've been driving semi's for years with 18 gears to play with. If you knuckle down and want to achieve anything, you can. You obviously wanted your manual licence enough to sit the test 3 times so don't give up. However, if you think you're unable to manage, just go & get an automatic car & be done with it.
2007-10-12 16:14:02 · answer #4 · answered by muffinclaudematey 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
yes you can change your transmission,but to change to an auto box it will be costly and may be worth your while to trade your car! getting a box from a breaker is an option but i doubt it will be guaranteed if all goes wrong???
also,garages will love to fit the new box as the labour charges will probably feed their families for the rest of the month!
my advice is to call a few garages and get a quote for the job you are asking,especially a Daihatsu dealership!
DONT be bullied into giving them your business though!
All the best when you get on the road and good luck with the test!!!
2007-10-12 11:44:22 · answer #5 · answered by ANDY M 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Not easily done. The linkage is totally different, and in a lot of cases, so is the mounting to the engine and frame. Had the same problem with the stress and bit the bullet until I could afford to get a good automatic vehicle.
2007-10-12 11:04:24 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
Changing something like that is not as simple as it sounds. the obvious would be all of the different linkages and things that need to be changed. the hole in the floor where the clutch used to be and the computer would have to be changed or reprogrammed or you would need to get one with the new tranny. Depends on how it is designed. Bottom line, it isn't worth the hassel and you would be hard pressed to find a competent mechanic who would do that for you. I don't know any.
2007-10-12 11:07:08 · answer #7 · answered by higgimonster 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I know it is possible because my dad changed my sister's car from a manual to an automatic because she never could learn how to drive a standard.
2007-10-12 11:02:53 · answer #8 · answered by LG 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Listen to "Laid Back" he is right. It's going to cost you a least a few grand probably more. Better to look into a trade-in or buying a new car.
2007-10-12 11:09:57 · answer #9 · answered by t. 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It is probably cheaper to get another car than to change the transmission
2007-10-12 11:13:04 · answer #10 · answered by tj is cool 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋