What's the difference between automatic and manual cars?

Automatic cars have a couple of key differences from manual cars. Most obviously, automatic cars don't have a clutch pedal. Automatic cars also come with a simplified gearbox that will change gears for you and decide when you shift gear. With a manual car and gearbox, you must shift gears yourself using the clutch and gearstick. Manual cars tend to be cheaper than automatic though, and the higher costs can extend to repairs.

Is an automatic car easy to drive?

Automatic cars tend to offer a simpler driving experience. Whether it's easier than manual depends on what you're used to and your personal preference. Manual cars come with five or six gears (plus reverse) – which offers greater control but also requires more work. Automatic cars have simplified gearboxes that usually come with four modes: Park (P) Drive (D) Reverse (R) Neutral (N) Essentially, you just need to move the selector from park (P) to drive (D) to set off, then use R and N accordingly. The car will choose the right gear based on your speed and the road conditions.

Why choose automatic cars?

Automatic cars are usually preferred by drivers who struggle with the gearstick, or drivers with physical restrictions that mean they need a modified car. Automatic cars can also be popular among city and motorway drivers. When stuck in heavy traffic, not having to repeatedly use the clutch and gearstick can help reduce driver fatigue. When driving on the motorway, automatic gear changing can also help reduce fuel consumption by offering a smoother ride.

Can I drive an automatic car on my licence?

You can drive an automatic car using a full UK manual driver's licence, but not vice versa. If you learned to drive in an automatic car and have an automatic driver's licence, you'll have to take another driving test and get a full manual licence to drive a manual car.

Automatic Cars for Sale

With 261,446 used Automatic cars available on Autotrader, we have the largest range of cars for sale available across the UK.

Search 261,446 cars

Used cars available to reserve

Carousel slide 1

Carousel slide 2

Carousel slide 3

Carousel slide 4

Reserve today with Autotrader

Do more online and reserve your car when you're ready. You'll also be able to add finance or part exchange to your order.

Used vehicles

Carousel slide 1

Vauxhall Mokka

1.7 CDTi Tech Line Auto 2WD Euro 5 5dr

£500

5 seats
5 doors
SUV
Diesel
Automatic
1.7 litres

Carousel slide 2

Mercedes-Benz C Class

2.1 C220 CDI AMG Sport G-Tronic+ Euro 5 (s/s) 2dr

£2,495

Lower price

4 seats
2 doors
Coupe
Diesel
Automatic
2.1 litres

Carousel slide 3

Audi A6 Saloon

2.0 TDI ultra Black Edition S Tronic Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

£8,000

Lower price

5 seats
4 doors
Saloon
Diesel
Automatic
2.0 litres

Carousel slide 4

Honda Legend

3.5 4dr

£999

5 seats
4 doors
Saloon
Petrol
Automatic
3.5 litres

New vehicles

Carousel slide 1

Fiat Topolino

5.4kWh LHD Auto 2dr

MRRP

Manufacturer's Recommended Retail Price

£8,995

Now

£8,720

Save

£275

Carousel slide 2

CUPRA Formentor

1.5 eTSI V2 DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

MRRP

Manufacturer's Recommended Retail Price

£40,810

Now

£30,995

Save

£9,815

Video

Carousel slide 3

Nissan Micra

Standard Range 40kWh Engage Auto 5dr

MRRP

Manufacturer's Recommended Retail Price

£22,995

Now

£18,558

Save

£4,437

Carousel slide 4

Leapmotor B05

67.1kWh Auto 5dr

MRRP

Manufacturer's Recommended Retail Price

£30,495

Now

£28,395

Save

£2,100

Video

Leasing

Carousel slide 1

Volkswagen Polo

1.0 TSI R-Line DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

From

£202

Per month (inc. VAT)

£2,416 initial payment

24 month contract

6,000 miles p/a

5 seats
5 doors
Hatchback
Petrol
Automatic
1.0 litres

Carousel slide 2

Jeep Compass

1.2 e-Hybrid Altitude DCT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

From

£190

Per month (inc. VAT)

£2,274 initial payment

24 month contract

5,000 miles p/a

5 seats
5 doors
SUV
Hybrid
Automatic
1.2 litres

Carousel slide 3

Citroen C5 Aircross

1.2 PLUS e-DSC Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

From

£195

Per month (inc. VAT)

£2,337 initial payment

24 month contract

5,000 miles p/a

5 seats
5 doors
SUV
Hybrid
Automatic
1.2 litres

Carousel slide 4

Citroen C3 Aircross

1.2 Hybrid MAX e-DSC Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

From

£185

Per month (inc. VAT)

£2,220 initial payment

24 month contract

5,000 miles p/a

5 seats
5 doors
SUV
Hybrid
Automatic
1.2 litres

Our latest articles

News

Green Machines | Recycled Range Rovers, some electric BMWs get £3,750 grant and Ford teams up with Geely – Sustainability news July 2026

JLR’s circular economy project, BMW iX1 and iX2 get the full Electric Car Grant and Ford builds cars with Geely in Europe

Published Today

Long-term Review

Living with a… Honda CR-V

Just how spacious and economical is this hybrid SUV? – We've got three months to find out

Published Today

News

Here are all the cars eligible for the Electric Car Grant

The Fiat 500e, BMW iX1 and iX2 qualify for the full £3,750 grant – here are all the other eligible EVs

Published Yesterday

News

Video | Polestar 5

The Polestar 5 hits the ground like a luxurious bat out of hell, but is it worth the price tag?

Published 2 days ago

Your questions answered

Automatic cars have a couple of key differences from manual cars. Most obviously, automatic cars don't have a clutch pedal. Automatic cars also come with a simplified gearbox that will change gears for you and decide when you shift gear. With a manual car and gearbox, you must shift gears yourself using the clutch and gearstick. Manual cars tend to be cheaper than automatic though, and the higher costs can extend to repairs.
Automatic cars tend to offer a simpler driving experience. Whether it's easier than manual depends on what you're used to and your personal preference. Manual cars come with five or six gears (plus reverse) – which offers greater control but also requires more work. Automatic cars have simplified gearboxes that usually come with four modes:
- Park (P)
- Drive (D)
- Reverse (R)
- Neutral (N)
Essentially, you just need to move the selector from park (P) to drive (D) to set off, then use R and N accordingly. The car will choose the right gear based on your speed and the road conditions.
Automatic cars are usually preferred by drivers who struggle with the gearstick, or drivers with physical restrictions that mean they need a modified car. Automatic cars can also be popular among city and motorway drivers. When stuck in heavy traffic, not having to repeatedly use the clutch and gearstick can help reduce driver fatigue. When driving on the motorway, automatic gear changing can also help reduce fuel consumption by offering a smoother ride.

Automatic Cars for Sale