Hi...this is an endless debate and many people with swear by manuals and others by auto's. I've got an auto and I love it....too much hassle to change gear, but I've had a manual defender before which I did more off-roading in and I would think the manual offers more control for off-roading. If you're doing a lot of normal tarmac driving, particularly around town, then the auto is just easier to drive.
RichardH
Active Member
loads of threads on this if you search, it's basically down to personal preference.
Mine's an auto which I originally bought for road use but started laning after a few years and like the auto box just as much off road. I'm always in the right gear so one less thing to worry about and I never stall it
Mine's an auto which I originally bought for road use but started laning after a few years and like the auto box just as much off road. I'm always in the right gear so one less thing to worry about and I never stall it
Jonnyb1990
Well-Known Member
When I was looking at buying my D1 I asked the same questions,
Fundamentally the manual is better, engine braking is key
Fundamentally the manual is better, engine braking is key
Yes but with the auto in low range and 1st gear selected it holds that gear so you get the engine breaking same as a manual.
Rapserv
Member
I went through the same process prior to purchasing my 01 Disco TD5.
I've always had manual cars and was of the opinion that a 4x4 really needs to be manual. After a lot of research I ended up going for an auto and I have not looked back. Engine braking is one of the main advantages with a manual but this can be achieved by using 1st gear low range in the auto and the other advantage is being able to push start if needed.... although with an aux battery fitted this overcomes that issue.
Transmission wise, if you perform regular services and use good quality fluids, the auto transmission is virtually bullet-proof.
I've always had manual cars and was of the opinion that a 4x4 really needs to be manual. After a lot of research I ended up going for an auto and I have not looked back. Engine braking is one of the main advantages with a manual but this can be achieved by using 1st gear low range in the auto and the other advantage is being able to push start if needed.... although with an aux battery fitted this overcomes that issue.
Transmission wise, if you perform regular services and use good quality fluids, the auto transmission is virtually bullet-proof.
ifloochies
Well-Known Member
As has been said, its really a matter of personal preference.
This topic has been debated upon countless times over the years. Do a search of those threads if you have to; the various comments are sure to help you decide.
