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 262,774 used Automatic cars available on Auto Trader, we have the largest range of cars for sale available across the UK.

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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

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Mercedes-Benz C Class

2.1 C220 CDI Sport Auto Euro 4 4dr

£1,195

5 seats
4 doors
Saloon
Diesel
Automatic
2.1 litres

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Mercedes-Benz CLC Class

1.8 CLC180K Sport Coupe Auto Euro 4 3dr

£1,200

4 seats
3 doors
Hatchback
Petrol
Automatic
1.8 litres

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Audi A5 Cabriolet

1.8 TFSI S line Multitronic Euro 5 2dr

£3,495

Lower price

4 seats
2 doors
Convertible
Petrol
Automatic
1.8 litres

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BMW 5 Series

2.5 525i SE Auto Euro 4 4dr

£949

5 seats
4 doors
Saloon
Petrol
Automatic
2.5 litres

New vehicles

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MG MGS6

77kWh Trophy Long Range Auto 5dr

MRRP

Manufacturer's Recommended Retail Price

£41,540

Now

£28,549

Save

£12,991

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Fiat Topolino

5.4kWh LHD Auto 2dr

£8,940

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SEAT Ibiza

1.0 TSI SE DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

MRRP

Manufacturer's Recommended Retail Price

£23,045

Now

£16,995

Save

£6,050

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Fiat Topolino

5.4kWh LHD Auto 2dr

£8,995

Leasing

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BYD Seal

82.5kWh Design Auto 4dr

From

£255

Per month (inc. VAT)

£3,057 initial payment

36 month contract

5,000 miles p/a

5 seats
4 doors
Saloon
Electric
Automatic
354 miles

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Chery Tiggo 8

1.6T Summit DCT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

From

£258

Per month (inc. VAT)

£3,091 initial payment

24 month contract

5,000 miles p/a

7 seats
5 doors
SUV
Petrol
Automatic
1.6 litres

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JAECOO 7

1.5T SHS 18.3kWh Luxury Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

From

£300

Per month (inc. VAT)

£3,599 initial payment

36 month contract

5,000 miles p/a

5 seats
5 doors
SUV
Hybrid
Automatic
1.5 litres

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BYD Seal

82.5kWh Excellence Auto AWD 4dr

From

£303

Per month (inc. VAT)

£3,628 initial payment

24 month contract

5,000 miles p/a

5 seats
4 doors
Saloon
Electric
Automatic
323 miles

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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