Auto or not, advice for a newbie

McGrumpyone · Post by **McGrumpyone** » Sun Sep 16, 2018 4:38 pm

Hi All,

I am in the process of looking for a Lude again (after many years without) and couple of things I'm looking to find out.
I'm after a 5G in particular and have read a lot about choosing manuals, are auto's that bad? I always want to get manual but I'm seeing a lot more auto's up for sale - I'm on a low budget. Not had an auto before except the short period when I had my Dad's old Toyota.
Next question, I'm in Essex, are there any top tips on mechanics to use? I'm only familiar with Alfa specialists but that won't help me much with a Lude!

Cheers,

Adrian

songwriter · Post by **songwriter** » Sun Sep 16, 2018 5:28 pm

Hi Adrian
my 5th gen is auto and although all my other Honda's were manual, this auto box is great and perfectly balanced to change through the 4 speeds. I would easily buy another auto. I guess it's important to keep the fluid topped up and clean etc. etc.
I'm in Kent if you are ever nearby and want to see it?

McGrumpyone · Post by **McGrumpyone** » Sun Sep 16, 2018 5:38 pm

That's reassuring to know, I understand that manual's are preferred but I wouldn't be adverse to an auto if it gets me the car I want - I mean you can only buy what's available!
Have you found a good garage to look after it in Kent? Might take you up on the offer of having a look.

Andyjess666 · Post by **Andyjess666** » Sun Sep 16, 2018 5:41 pm

I've got a auto mate being all OK with it you could always do a Manuel conversion if it did go one day

McGrumpyone · Post by **McGrumpyone** » Sun Sep 16, 2018 5:54 pm

Andyjess666 wrote:I've got a auto mate being all OK with it you could always do a Manuel conversion if it did go one day

Good to hear that, if I got an auto I'd keep it that way unless it had to be changed. The 5G to me is such a nice car I feel the need to have one!

crxdriver · Post by **crxdriver** » Sun Sep 16, 2018 6:06 pm

The auto is very good for a auto. The 2.2 vtec has quite tall gears so dont expect it to be a rocket. Also dont expect the stability of a manual. I found on freaking insane drives when changing gear at high rpm around a long sweeper it was felling unstable, isnt a nice feeling. Also on the motorway dont expect to be able to accelerate up a hill without going down to 3rd. Keeping a steady speed though isnt bad.... If the other road users allow.

After converting to manual the first thing i noticed was it felt like a different car. The poke on the motorway in any gear was greatly improved. You now only need 5th gear 99% of the time. The acceleration was also greatly improved, more so than i thought. Good stability on long sweepers while changing gear was also back. Then came the fuel. Im not saying everyone will get this as everyone drives different, but i got about 50% more mpg. 22mpg average as auto and 35mpg as manual.

To do a Auto to manual conversion it's not that hard but very time consuming. Dont expect it to be easy and done in a weekend as it wont, unless you have done a few before. I would spend time deciding which you want and buy the right one in the first place.

Hope this small post helps you.

McGrumpyone · Post by **McGrumpyone** » Sun Sep 16, 2018 6:30 pm

crxdriver wrote:The auto is very good for a auto. The 2.2 vtec has quite tall gears so dont expect it to be a rocket. Also dont expect the stability of a manual. I found on freaking insane drives when changing gear at high rpm around a long sweeper it was felling unstable, isnt a nice feeling. Also on the motorway dont expect to be able to accelerate up a hill without going down to 3rd. Keeping a steady speed though isnt bad.... If the other road users allow.

After converting to manual the first thing i noticed was it felt like a different car. The poke on the motorway in any gear was greatly improved. You now only need 5th gear 99% of the time. The acceleration was also greatly improved, more so than i thought. Good stability on long sweepers while changing gear was also back. Then came the fuel. Im not saying everyone will get this as everyone drives different, but i got about 50% more mpg. 22mpg average as auto and 35mpg as manual.

To do a Auto to manual conversion it's not that hard but very time consuming. Dont expect it to be easy and done in a weekend as it wont, unless you have done a few before. I would spend time deciding which you want and buy the right one in the first place.

Hope this small post helps you.

That's really good to know, I've only had small experience of an auto before in a people carrier and my Dad's old Toyota, I've always gone for manuals before as I like the whole driving experience.

Now I have to decide if I want to go with an auto so I can get something soon or just hold on until a manual comes up - changing it from auto manual myself is above my ability!!

I do like these forums where you can get the experience of people who love their cars!

songwriter · Post by **songwriter** » Sun Sep 16, 2018 7:58 pm

What is it you are looking for? I might sell mine for the right price if you were interested!

toadster · Post by **toadster** » Mon Sep 17, 2018 12:29 pm

Lo

My Auto has been fine in the 10 years I have owned it.
Changed the Auto Box oil 3 times to keep it nice and cherry red .
Good luck with your search Matey

Cheers

Toadster.