Manual or automatic

Richparker · May 31st, 2009, 21:02

I am thinking of buying a XC-90 , probably an 04 or 05 diesel , and wondered which transmission would be recommended by this forum?

artwilliam · May 31st, 2009, 21:40

gotta go for the auto - manuals are quite a bit cheaper to buy but the foot action handbrake can make hill starts a nightmare.

Beavis · May 31st, 2009, 21:47

i agree, the auto is so relaxing to drive, even though the auto box changes quite frequently. If the ratios are the same in the manual, i think i would be constantly changing.

the foot 'hand' brake is also easier to operate to whilst doing hill starts in the auto.

RoscoMac · May 31st, 2009, 22:38

I bought the Manual, on the basis of it being cheaper, slightly more economical, marginally quicker and i think emissions (co) are a touch better as well!

I test drove an auto, but felt that I had to have my foot constantly on the throttle to get anywhere and felt I was using fuel all the time (not sure if that makes sense!).

Can't say I have ever had any trouble with the foot parking brake - just takes a bit of thought and forward planning. I would def by another manual.

R.

jshack · Jun 1st, 2009, 06:54

I went for the manual for much the same reasons as above. Hill starts with the handbrake are fine with a bit of practice. The engine is so torquey and flexible that infrequent changes are required.

The main reason for me though was that I was buying a car with reasonably high mileage and intended to keep it for a long time. There's a lot less to go wrong with a manual. At 100k miles I do expect to replace the clutch and dmf in the non too distance future but there's plenty of life left in it and this job is common to most mechanics compared to specialist rebuild of the geartronic system.

Hope this helps.

James

artwilliam · Jun 1st, 2009, 19:38

i don't think longevity is a problem for the auto box fitted to 163's - should be good for 200k plus

Richparker · Jun 2nd, 2009, 16:33

Thanks for the comments. It seems like you are all happy with your choice so maybe it's just best to go for the car in best condition , whatever transmission its got. My main concern was the foot operated handbrake. I have got a Mercedes at the minute which has a similar system , but mine's an auto so no problem , but as I tow a caravan not sure how I would get on with a manual on hill starts!
Again thanks for your comments.
Richard

PlankWithANailIn · Jun 2nd, 2009, 23:07

If the manual is cheap now think what you will get when you trade it in! Resale on a ten year old manual xc90 will be shocking!

RoscoMac · Jun 2nd, 2009, 23:17

Not sure residuals will be "shocking"?! I think the values will even out - some people will always buy a manual over an auto. You pays your money & takes your chance.

I've been towing with my manual 90 and no problems so far.

R.

Monkey1 · Jun 6th, 2009, 23:18

Mine is an '03 plate auto and it is great - would never go back to manual now. Really smooth.

May 31st, 2009, 21:02	#1
Richparker New Member Last Online: Feb 5th, 2011 18:39 Join Date: May 2009 Location: Leicester	Manual or automatic I am thinking of buying a XC-90 , probably an 04 or 05 diesel , and wondered which transmission would be recommended by this forum?

Jun 2nd, 2009, 23:07	#8
PlankWithANailIn New Member Last Online: Jan 3rd, 2010 11:10 Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Orpington	Think of resale! If the manual is cheap now think what you will get when you trade it in! Resale on a ten year old manual xc90 will be shocking!

Jun 6th, 2009, 23:18	#10
Monkey1 New Member Last Online: Aug 11th, 2015 11:09 Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Stratford upon Avon	Auto Mine is an '03 plate auto and it is great - would never go back to manual now. Really smooth.

May 31st, 2009, 21:40	#2
artwilliam Member Last Online: Feb 17th, 2012 21:50 Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: york	gotta go for the auto - manuals are quite a bit cheaper to buy but the foot action handbrake can make hill starts a nightmare.

May 31st, 2009, 21:47	#3
Beavis Premier Member Last Online: Jun 19th, 2023 08:14 Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Wiltshire	i agree, the auto is so relaxing to drive, even though the auto box changes quite frequently. If the ratios are the same in the manual, i think i would be constantly changing. the foot 'hand' brake is also easier to operate to whilst doing hill starts in the auto.

May 31st, 2009, 22:38	#4
RoscoMac Scottish Section Chair Last Online: Apr 28th, 2024 22:21 Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Ayrshire View Photos By: RoscoMac	I bought the Manual, on the basis of it being cheaper, slightly more economical, marginally quicker and i think emissions (co) are a touch better as well! I test drove an auto, but felt that I had to have my foot constantly on the throttle to get anywhere and felt I was using fuel all the time (not sure if that makes sense!). Can't say I have ever had any trouble with the foot parking brake - just takes a bit of thought and forward planning. I would def by another manual. R.

Jun 1st, 2009, 06:54	#5
jshack Junior Member Last Online: Apr 6th, 2022 13:39 Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Abersoch	I went for the manual for much the same reasons as above. Hill starts with the handbrake are fine with a bit of practice. The engine is so torquey and flexible that infrequent changes are required. The main reason for me though was that I was buying a car with reasonably high mileage and intended to keep it for a long time. There's a lot less to go wrong with a manual. At 100k miles I do expect to replace the clutch and dmf in the non too distance future but there's plenty of life left in it and this job is common to most mechanics compared to specialist rebuild of the geartronic system. Hope this helps. James

Jun 1st, 2009, 19:38	#6
artwilliam Member Last Online: Feb 17th, 2012 21:50 Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: york	i don't think longevity is a problem for the auto box fitted to 163's - should be good for 200k plus

Jun 2nd, 2009, 16:33	#7
Richparker New Member Last Online: Feb 5th, 2011 18:39 Join Date: May 2009 Location: Leicester	Thanks for the comments. It seems like you are all happy with your choice so maybe it's just best to go for the car in best condition , whatever transmission its got. My main concern was the foot operated handbrake. I have got a Mercedes at the minute which has a similar system , but mine's an auto so no problem , but as I tow a caravan not sure how I would get on with a manual on hill starts! Again thanks for your comments. Richard

Jun 2nd, 2009, 23:17	#9
RoscoMac Scottish Section Chair Last Online: Apr 28th, 2024 22:21 Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Ayrshire View Photos By: RoscoMac	Not sure residuals will be "shocking"?! I think the values will even out - some people will always buy a manual over an auto. You pays your money & takes your chance. I've been towing with my manual 90 and no problems so far. R.

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)