Auto Trader Share Discussion Threads

[jungle jim] 23/6/2002 07:45

I've owned many various autos for 20 years. Steer clear of small Ford's with the CVT boxes (also I think in some small Mazda's and maybe small Fiats?), they are known dogs. CVT's on the whole should be avoided. Generally Ford autos are not good.I've had three or four Mondeos and Granadas, they can be good but the design doesn't encourage long life. Omega auto boxes are excellent, Jaguars are very good, BMW 5 series diesel matches to their auto box very well. I've not owned many Japanese but in many conversations with auto specialists (while waiting for the Granada box to be rebuilt) it is thought that the Japanese have good designs and build quality.

[trueblue] 23/6/2002 00:39

I've had VW, Merc & BMW autos. Once you had an auto you won't want to go back to doing it yourself!

Drawbacks - use more fuel (a diesel auto defeats the object), not good on very wet or ice/snow becuase the power surge is not as well controlled. If not a prestige marque can be difficult to sell on.

Pluses - way easier in traffic jams, motorway driving with cruise control a dream. Just much more relaxed.

If you can afford it go for a 6 cylinder BMW with crusie control. If not then an older merc which are almost all autos.

[buckie] 23/6/2002 00:23

I run a 2.0 Litre Mondeo auto Estate. Coming up to 100K and it's great.Another year or two and will trade it in for current new shape model. P.S. Primera's are made in Sunderland and not Japan and that is why they are so good.

[stucom] 22/6/2002 17:50

GREENSPAIN,try getting a sense of humour before you buy a car. stick to silvercross',you tart......stu

[katylied] 22/6/2002 13:37

Peugeots are worth a mention. Currently mine is an old 405 GTXi which uses (I think) a ZF auto box. No complaints whatsoever (though some 405 engines are known to be a bit fragile). I believe the current 406 is much better car and there are plenty of secondhand ones around (I would never buy a new car). I think Peugeot/Citroen are also one of the few, to offer autos with diesel engines. Years ago (not in the UK), I once owned a Chrysler New Yorker Coupe (7+ litre engine, automatic). The model year was 1974, so suffice it to say, it was about as big as US autos ever got. The auto box was (I think) called a hydraglide. Anyway, it was the same box as was used by the Rolls Royces of the day. In a straight line that land-yacht was simply an amazing ride. However, even gentle corners were bad news.



PS. Would definitly recommend this automatic (if you could find one) as long as you own an oil well and you don't intend to navigate corners or ever try to park. :o)

[johngreenspains] 22/6/2002 11:00

thanks!!

anymore?

[kingfish] 21/6/2002 21:06

24 hour Le Mans endurance race, usually approximately half of competitors drop out with mechanical failure.

2000
1st Audi
2 Audi

2001
1st Audi
2 Audi
3 Bentley (owned by Audi)

2002
1st Audi
2 Audi
3 Audi

[johngreenspains] 21/6/2002 19:12

Anymore views pls?

[johngreenspains] 19/6/2002 16:14

Again, thanks to all those that have been helpful here.

Anymore views - pro/con autos??

Thanks

[the pink pound] 19/6/2002 15:05

EGS Shareholders car park at the AGM....

[nanny] 19/6/2002 14:59

Yes. You're a tit. The Rabbit thinks so too.

DVS

[johngreenspains] 19/6/2002 14:30

Hi guys!!

Thanks to all those that have posted helpful comments here, all of which will be considered when buying the auto!!

Anymore views pls??

[nanny] 18/6/2002 13:57

Jag x-type.

Oozes class. Can't beat it.

[moves] 18/6/2002 13:30

John,

I've had 3 autos

The best mid-sized being a Renault Megane RT, extremely quiet, good economy but also has plenty of power when you kick down, the sports button is great fun. Renault build some nice autos, a female friend of mine had an auto Clio and loved it.

I fancy the new shape V6 Laguna when I finally get the cash from my other house sale.

[avoint] 15/6/2002 22:45

Try the Volvo S60 or S80..Great cars and bargains too!

[hatman] 15/6/2002 22:30

Recently bought a BMW 7 Series 728i, automatic with sports option and tiptronic. The prices of secong hand 7 series have plummeted because of the launch of the new 7 series, and a lot of people are buying the Merc s class or waiting for the new e class. Two years old, 30,000 miles, leather everything, parktronic, 3 year BMW warranty. £19,000. Bargain. There are lots of them around at the moment.

[azalea] 15/6/2002 20:41

Got an L Reg Toyota Corolla Exec Auto. Bought it second hand in 1998 from a Toyota Dealer, one owner, one year warranty. Wonderful car, still original exhaust, no mechanical faults since owned, bit of characteristic tyre/road noise. Would not dream of buying a manual gear car, or anything other than Japanese. If I could justify buying one, I would go for the most recent model (second hand) of the 6 cylinder, auto, Toyota Camray.

[marwalker] 15/6/2002 18:25

Have a k registered nissan primera estate . Bought five years ago now done 145k miles. Only needed tyres brakes, one new exaust apart from usual service. Burns no oil and always starts . Very happy with this automatic, people say it's good because it was built in Japan.

[stucom] 15/6/2002 17:46

i find the flintstone sedan is eco friendly,cheap,ultra reliable,and far easier on the eye than the much rated shackleton recliner! but,as always,...DYOR... LOL stu.