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 262,330 used Automatic cars available on Auto Trader, we have the largest range of cars for sale available across the UK.

Search 262,330 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

Kia ProCeed

1.6 2 Auto Euro 5 3dr

£2,150

Good price

5 seats
3 doors
Hatchback
Petrol
Automatic
1.6 litres

Carousel slide 2

Vauxhall Corsa

1.4i 16v Design 5dr (a/c)

£1,295

5 seats
5 doors
Hatchback
Petrol
Automatic
1.4 litres

Carousel slide 3

Vauxhall Corsa

1.4i 16v Club 5dr

£1,595

5 seats
5 doors
Hatchback
Petrol
Automatic
1.4 litres

Carousel slide 4

Vauxhall Astra

1.6 16v SRi Auto Euro 5 5dr

£1,000

5 seats
5 doors
Hatchback
Petrol
Automatic
1.6 litres

New vehicles

Carousel slide 1

Citroen C4

1.2 PureTech MAX EAT8 Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

MRRP

Manufacturer's Recommended Retail Price

£26,705

Now

£18,990

Save

£7,715

Carousel slide 2

Mazda Mazda6e

78kWh Takumi Auto 5dr

MRRP

Manufacturer's Recommended Retail Price

£38,995

Now

£38,495

Save

£500

Video

Carousel slide 3

GWM Haval Jolion Pro

1.5 Lux DHT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

MRRP

Manufacturer's Recommended Retail Price

£28,590

Now

£19,400

Save

£9,190

Video

Carousel slide 4

Jeep Avenger

1.2 e-Hybrid The North Face DCT E-AWD Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

MRRP

Manufacturer's Recommended Retail Price

£35,840

Now

£26,995

Save

£8,845

Leasing

Carousel slide 1

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 2

BYD Seal

82.5kWh Excellence Auto AWD 4dr

From

£301

Per month (inc. VAT)

£3,613 initial payment

24 month contract

5,000 miles p/a

5 seats
4 doors
Saloon
Electric
Automatic
323 miles

Carousel slide 3

CUPRA Terramar

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

From

£375

Per month (inc. VAT)

£4,496 initial payment

48 month contract

5,000 miles p/a

5 seats
5 doors
SUV
Hybrid
Automatic
1.5 litres

Carousel slide 4

Peugeot 3008

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

From

£237

Per month (inc. VAT)

£2,834 initial payment

36 month contract

5,000 miles p/a

5 seats
5 doors
SUV
Hybrid
Automatic
1.2 litres

Our latest articles

News

New BMW X5 Coming Soon: Specs, price and release info

BMW’s X5 goes electric and packs more tech than ever before

Published Today

Expert Review

BMW M5 Touring (2025 – ) review

Too big, too expensive, too fast, too complicated yet also brilliant, the M5 Touring is a winning blend of speed and practicality

Published Today

News

The Dacia Spring gets a massive discount – it could now be yours for less than £12,000

The tiny all-electric Dacia Spring is the cheapest EV you can buy

Published Yesterday

News

The AMG that got away (again) | Editor’s Choice June 2026

Reviews editor Dan has (just) missed his chance to reunite with an old flame – here’s why it stings!

Published Yesterday

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