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 264,205 used Automatic cars available on Auto Trader, we have the largest range of cars for sale available across the UK.

Search 264,205 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

Volkswagen Golf

1.4 TSI SE DSG Euro 5 5dr

£2,995

5 seats
5 doors
Hatchback
Petrol
Automatic
1.4 litres

Carousel slide 2

Suzuki Wagon R

1.3 GL 5dr

£790

4 seats
5 doors
Hatchback
Petrol
Automatic
1.3 litres

Carousel slide 3

Volvo S40

2.0D SE Lux Powershift Euro 4 4dr

£1,595

5 seats
4 doors
Saloon
Diesel
Automatic
2.0 litres

Carousel slide 4

Smart fortwo

0.7 City I-Move Cabriolet 2dr

£890

2 seats
2 doors
Convertible
Petrol
Automatic
0.7 litres

New vehicles

Carousel slide 1

SEAT Arona

1.0 TSI FR First Edition DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

MRRP

Manufacturer's Recommended Retail Price

£28,630

Now

£20,990

Save

£7,640

Carousel slide 2

Audi RS5

2.9 TFSI V6 25.9kWh Tiptronic quattro Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£97,920

Carousel slide 3

Mazda Mazda6e

78kWh Takumi Auto 5dr

MRRP

Manufacturer's Recommended Retail Price

£38,995

Now

£38,495

Save

£500

Video

Carousel slide 4

Dacia Spring

100 24.3kWh EXTREME Auto 5dr

MRRP

Manufacturer's Recommended Retail Price

£17,640

Now

£11,799

Save

£5,841

Leasing

Carousel slide 1

BYD Seal

82.5kWh Design Auto 4dr

From

£293

Per month (inc. VAT)

£3,507 initial payment

36 month contract

5,000 miles p/a

5 seats
4 doors
Saloon
Electric
Automatic
354 miles

Carousel slide 2

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

Carousel slide 3

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

Carousel slide 4

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

Our latest articles

News

Video | New Audi Q7 first look

Alex Legouix takes a tour Audi’s new diesel-powered luxury SUV

Published Today

Long-term Review

Living with a… Leapmotor B10

Chinese cars are taking the UK market by storm so we thought we’d better try living with one – say hello to our Leapmotor B10!

Published Yesterday

News

Skoda is hoping to pique your interest with its new all-electric seven-seater, the Peaq

The Peaq will be Skoda’s largest electric car majoring on space and comfort

Published Yesterday

News

Video | The new AMG GLC 53 is faster than Mercedes claims!

The Mercedes-AMG GLC 53 spent two hours with Rory Reid and showed its metal on the open road

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