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.

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25
£7,990
Lower price
Ford Galaxy 2.0 TDCi Zetec MPV 5dr Diesel Powershift Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)
5 door Automatic Diesel MPV2017 (67 reg) | 106,581 miles
WORTHING
18
£18,600
Land Rover Discovery 4 3.0 SD V6 SE SUV 5dr Diesel Auto 4WD (213 g/km, 255 bhp)
5 door Automatic Diesel SUV2015 (65 reg) | 114,983 miles
NEWBURY
17
£13,989
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Volvo S90 2.0 D5 PowerPulse R-Design Saloon 4dr Diesel Auto AWD Euro 6 (s/s) (235 ps)
4 door Automatic Diesel Saloon2019 (19 reg) | 103,000 miles
BRADFORD
3
£6,500
Volkswagen Polo 1.2 TSI BlueMotion Tech SE Hatchback 3dr Petrol DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (90 ps)
3 door Automatic Petrol Hatchback2015 (15 reg) | 56,000 miles
HAILSHAM

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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

Used cars available to reserve

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Used

Ford Galaxy 2.0 TDCi Zetec MPV 5dr Diesel Powershift Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

Land Rover Discovery 4 3.0 SD V6 SE SUV 5dr Diesel Auto 4WD (213 g/km, 255 bhp)

Volvo S90 2.0 D5 PowerPulse R-Design Saloon 4dr Diesel Auto AWD Euro 6 (s/s) (235 ps)

Volkswagen Polo 1.2 TSI BlueMotion Tech SE Hatchback 3dr Petrol DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (90 ps)

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BMW X3 Xdrive20D Mht M Sport 5Dr Step Auto [Tech/Pro Pk] 2.0

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BMW 3 SERIES 320I M Sport 4Dr Step Auto 2.0

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BMW X3 2.0 20i MHT M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

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BMW X1 2.0 23i MHT M Sport DCT xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

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Your questions answered

Automatic Cars for Sale

Reserve today with Auto Trader

Ford Galaxy 2.0 TDCi Zetec MPV 5dr Diesel Powershift Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

Land Rover Discovery 4 3.0 SD V6 SE SUV 5dr Diesel Auto 4WD (213 g/km, 255 bhp)

Volvo S90 2.0 D5 PowerPulse R-Design Saloon 4dr Diesel Auto AWD Euro 6 (s/s) (235 ps)

Volkswagen Polo 1.2 TSI BlueMotion Tech SE Hatchback 3dr Petrol DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (90 ps)

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BMW X3 Xdrive20D Mht M Sport 5Dr Step Auto [Tech/Pro Pk] 2.0

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BMW 3 SERIES 320I M Sport 4Dr Step Auto 2.0

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BMW X3 2.0 20i MHT M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

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BMW X1 2.0 23i MHT M Sport DCT xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Volkswagen Id. buzz 150kW Style Pro 77kWh 5dr Auto

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addWhat's the difference between automatic and manual cars?

addIs an automatic car easy to drive?

addWhy choose automatic cars?

addCan I drive an automatic car on my licence?