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 257,621 used Automatic cars available on Autotrader, 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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MINI Hatch

1.6 Cooper Steptronic Euro 4 3dr

£2,500

4 seats
3 doors
Hatchback
Petrol
Automatic
1.6 litres

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BMW 5 Series

2.5 525i SE Auto Euro 4 4dr

£1,275

5 seats
4 doors
Saloon
Petrol
Automatic
2.5 litres

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Citroen DS4

1.6 e-HDi Airdream DStyle EGS6 Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£2,390

Great price

5 seats
5 doors
Hatchback
Diesel
Automatic
1.6 litres

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Volkswagen Golf

1.9 TDI SE 5dr

£1,500

5 seats
5 doors
Hatchback
Diesel
Automatic
1.9 litres

New vehicles

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Fiat Topolino

5.4kWh LHD Auto 2dr

MRRP

Manufacturer's Recommended Retail Price

£8,995

Now

£8,720

Save

£275

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Nissan Micra

Standard Range 40kWh Engage Auto 5dr

MRRP

Manufacturer's Recommended Retail Price

£22,995

Now

£18,558

Save

£4,437

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Leapmotor B05

67.1kWh Auto 5dr

MRRP

Manufacturer's Recommended Retail Price

£30,495

Now

£28,395

Save

£2,100

Video

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Citroen C3 Aircross

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

MRRP

Manufacturer's Recommended Retail Price

£26,340

Now

£21,945

Save

£4,395

Leasing

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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