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OT - 4x4 automatic car.
Please do not get sniffy. I drive an automatic car. I do not have a manual
licence ( OH does b ut I cant be reliant on him!) . I am not a confident driver although I am SAFE, that was why I got an automatic in the first place. I travel 100 miles a day to work and back without incident, so there. Now, I want to get a 4x4 car. I don't mind if it is second hand ( I will go to a dealer) or new. I have a automatic Clio currently and my PH has a little used ( about 500 miles in three years!) Scudo van. I was thinking to change the Scudo for a 4x4 - possibly keeping my 2 year old Clio ( although I might have to change his van for an older 4x4 and even a manual depending on what I can get). Thats the scenario. Now, what sort of 4x4 is good - OK? I don't need a big one or that fancy, just reliable. I had been looking at a Suzuki Jimny. The problem is I have been to several dealers fora NEW ( brand new) car and found them very sniffy when I mentioned wanting an automatic. I have looked on the web sites of many manufacturers but they don't state which vehicles they will do as an automatic option. I have found this before , so its not new to me but is a problem and I am tired and don't have time to sort through it and take the flack. My old Renault dealership when were helpful has been taken over by a big firm who are sniffy about anyone who mentions automatics! I could do with some advice. I don't need to be patronized please, I have had that from men in the motor trade. ( No , this is not my inheritance money but I do need a 4x4 to keep travelling 400 miles a month this winter to sort out the house I have inherited. OH van is 2004 and could do with changing too so a 4x4 could be a better option). Thanks for any help in selecting a suitable vehicle. Smallish, economic and reliable are the criteria - not big and blousy and "boys toy". I don't care about eco friendly. I need a car to get from A - B and is useable in all weathers. |
OT - 4x4 automatic car.
On Nov 28, 9:34*am, "sweetheart" hotmail.com wrote:
Please do not get sniffy. I drive an automatic car. I do not have a manual licence ( OH does b ut I cant be reliant on him!) . I am not a confident driver although I am SAFE, that was why I got an automatic in the first place. I travel 100 miles a day to work and back without incident, so there. Now, I want to get a 4x4 car. I don't mind if it is second hand ( I will go to a dealer) or new. I have a automatic Clio currently and my PH has a little used ( about 500 miles *in three years!) Scudo van. I was thinking to change the Scudo for a 4x4 - possibly keeping my 2 year old Clio ( although I might have to change his van for an older 4x4 *and even a manual depending on what I can get). Thats the scenario. Now, what sort of 4x4 is good - OK? *I don't need a big one or that fancy, just reliable. I had been looking at a Suzuki Jimny. The problem is I have been to several dealers fora NEW ( brand new) car and found them very sniffy when I mentioned wanting an automatic. I have looked on the web sites of many manufacturers but they don't state which vehicles they will do as an automatic option. I have found this before , so its not new to me but is a problem and I am tired and don't have time to sort through it and take the flack. My old Renault *dealership when were helpful *has been taken over by a big firm who are sniffy about anyone who mentions automatics! *I could do with some advice. I don't *need to be patronized please, I have had that from men in the motor trade. ( No , this is not my inheritance money but I do need a 4x4 to keep travelling 400 miles a month this winter to sort out the house I have inherited. OH van is 2004 and could do with changing too so a 4x4 could be a better option). Thanks for any help in selecting a suitable vehicle. Smallish, economic and reliable are the criteria - not big and blousy and "boys toy". I don't care about eco friendly. I need a car to get from A - B and is useable in all weathers. x-posted to uk.rec.driving - ask the experts ! |
OT - 4x4 automatic car.
sweetheart wrote:
Please do not get sniffy. I drive an automatic car. I do not have a manual licence ( OH does b ut I cant be reliant on him!) . I am not a confident driver although I am SAFE, that was why I got an automatic in the first place. I travel 100 miles a day to work and back without incident, so there. Now, I want to get a 4x4 car. I don't mind if it is second hand ( I will go to a dealer) or new. I have a automatic Clio currently and my PH has a little used ( about 500 miles in three years!) Scudo van. I was thinking to change the Scudo for a 4x4 - possibly keeping my 2 year old Clio ( although I might have to change his van for an older 4x4 and even a manual depending on what I can get). Thats the scenario. Now, what sort of 4x4 is good - OK? I don't need a big one or that fancy, just reliable. I had been looking at a Suzuki Jimny. The problem is I have been to several dealers fora NEW ( brand new) car and found them very sniffy when I mentioned wanting an automatic. I have looked on the web sites of many manufacturers but they don't state which vehicles they will do as an automatic option. I have found this before , so its not new to me but is a problem and I am tired and don't have time to sort through it and take the flack. My old Renault dealership when were helpful has been taken over by a big firm who are sniffy about anyone who mentions automatics! I could do with some advice. I don't need to be patronized please, I have had that from men in the motor trade. ( No , this is not my inheritance money but I do need a 4x4 to keep travelling 400 miles a month this winter to sort out the house I have inherited. OH van is 2004 and could do with changing too so a 4x4 could be a better option). Thanks for any help in selecting a suitable vehicle. Smallish, economic and reliable are the criteria - not big and blousy and "boys toy". I don't care about eco friendly. I need a car to get from A - B and is useable in all weathers. I know nothing about 4x4 cars so can't answer your question but, having driven automatics for the last 25 years, I don't understand what problem you're having in getting an auto. You say the dealers/salesmen are "sniffy" about autos - just tell them in no uncertain terms that that is what you want, end of. When I passed my test at 17 back in 1975 I thought auto's were wussy and I never, ever, wanted one - until I drove one a few years later. Automatic gearboxes are definitely one of mankind's better inventions and I would never go back to a manual transmission now. |
OT - 4x4 automatic car.
sweetheart hotmail.com wrote:
( No , this is not my inheritance money but I do need a 4x4 to keep travelling 400 miles a month this winter to sort out the house I have inherited. OH van is 2004 and could do with changing too so a 4x4 could be a better option). Firstly, uk.d-i-y is not the usual place to ask this sort of question. The idea of Usenet is that there are a number of newsgroups and the title gives some clue to the sort of post that is on topic. You may get better answers or a better range of answers from uk.rec.cars.misc or uk.rec.driving, although having said that many people post there and here. You also haven't given a budget or a preference for fuel type which makes recommending a particular vehicle somewhat difficult. Your post gives the impression that you think that a 4x4 will work some magic and allow you to drive through conditions that will defeat other cars or that a 4x4 will somehow be "safer" in these conditions. Neither statement is necessarily true and in last year's snow I passed many stranded 4x4s. If you're going to get the best out of a 4x4 you need to get some training in addition to having a driving licence, particularly if you have never driven a 4x4 before. Also an automatic 4x4 is markedly inferior in coping with poor road conditions than a manual car. Have you given a thought to the fact that many automatic 4x4 vehicles actually have multiple gear levers? For example I have two 4x4s at present, a Jeep and a Ford. The Jeep makes use of a second gear lever to change between 4x4 High ratio and 4x4 Low ratio. The Ford has a selector switch for rear wheel drive only, 4x4 high, 4x4 low. Other 4x4s also have other controls such as differential locks. If you're not confident or able to drive a manual, is a 4x4 with its plethora of controls going to be right for you? Only you can answer these questions and I'd recommend that before you spend cash on a 4x4 you actually get experience of driving one. As to which one, again you have to decide. Do you want an off-road 4x4 (Land Rover/Jeep in appearance) or would you be happy with a 4x4 saloon car? For someone who has no experience of using a 4x4 I'd recommend a Subaru Forester. These are essentially car-like, available with automatic gearboxes and are well built. You could also consider a Subaru Impreza, which is even more car like. The Forester is more "utility vehicle" and was designed around the needs of people who have horses or small farms and who need a tough vehicle with 4x4. Good low mileage Foresters and Imprezas start around £5k. The other thing you need to think about is tyres. The tyres fitted to all cars and 4x4s in the UK are inadequate for winter use in snow. If you're going to be driving in snow you need to change the tyres on the vehicle to ones suitable for snow. These may be referred to as "Mud and Snow" or "Winter" although you can also use "All Terrain (AT)" tyres. Winter tyres for a Forester will cost you about £100-130 each. You'd also be well advised to pack a snow shovel, water, blankets/sleeping bags, HiVis vests or an insulated workman's fluorescent jacket, a torch and batteries and possibly some source of food that will last in the car. As mentioned earlier, I passed many 4x4s stranded in the snow last year and I heard that many drivers were in their cars for one to two days. A Suzuki Jimny IMO isn't right for what you want, it's a car that be rolled fairly easily hence not a good first 4x4, and it would crucify anyone driving several hundred miles a week. If you insist on one of those then there is an automatic version. Check Autotrader to see if one is in a garage near you. Note that you have this week a choice of 10 auto Jimnys in the UK and 76 auto Foresters, so the Jimny auto is a rare (difficult to find) vehicle. |
OT - 4x4 automatic car.
On Sun, 28 Nov 2010 09:34:21 -0000, sweetheart wrote:
Now, I want to get a 4x4 car. There is a little Fiat Sedici 4x4 but don't know if it has an auto option. Auto boxes waste quite a bit of energy so tend not to be found on smaller engined cars. http://www.whatcar.com/car-reviews/f.../summary/25541 -3 -- Cheers Dave. |
OT - 4x4 automatic car.
sweetheart wrote:
Please do not get sniffy. I drive an automatic car. I do not have a manual licence ( OH does b ut I cant be reliant on him!) . I am not a confident driver although I am SAFE, that was why I got an automatic in the first place. I travel 100 miles a day to work and back without incident, so there. Now, I want to get a 4x4 car. I don't mind if it is second hand ( I will go to a dealer) or new. I have a automatic Clio currently and my PH has a little used ( about 500 miles in three years!) Scudo van. I was thinking to change the Scudo for a 4x4 - possibly keeping my 2 year old Clio ( although I might have to change his van for an older 4x4 and even a manual depending on what I can get). Thats the scenario. Now, what sort of 4x4 is good - OK? I don't need a big one or that fancy, just reliable. I had been looking at a Suzuki Jimny. The problem is I have been to several dealers fora NEW ( brand new) car and found them very sniffy when I mentioned wanting an automatic. I have looked on the web sites of many manufacturers but they don't state which vehicles they will do as an automatic option. I have found this before , so its not new to me but is a problem and I am tired and don't have time to sort through it and take the flack. My old Renault dealership when were helpful has been taken over by a big firm who are sniffy about anyone who mentions automatics! I could do with some advice. I don't need to be patronized please, I have had that from men in the motor trade. ( No , this is not my inheritance money but I do need a 4x4 to keep travelling 400 miles a month this winter to sort out the house I have inherited. OH van is 2004 and could do with changing too so a 4x4 could be a better option). Thanks for any help in selecting a suitable vehicle. Smallish, economic and reliable are the criteria - not big and blousy and "boys toy". I don't care about eco friendly. I need a car to get from A - B and is useable in all weathers. we found the older Freelander - top of the range automatic with the BMW 2 liter turbodiesel - to be the exact right compromise - its a serious off roader especially if you get the tyres for that and a comfortable and refined 'up to 90 on a motorway' saloon as well. consumption is not great though. 33mpg typically on the auto. WE use cars only when we have to these days. |
OT - 4x4 automatic car.
Pete Zahut wrote:
sweetheart wrote: Please do not get sniffy. I drive an automatic car. I do not have a manual licence ( OH does b ut I cant be reliant on him!) . I am not a confident driver although I am SAFE, that was why I got an automatic in the first place. I travel 100 miles a day to work and back without incident, so there. Now, I want to get a 4x4 car. I don't mind if it is second hand ( I will go to a dealer) or new. I have a automatic Clio currently and my PH has a little used ( about 500 miles in three years!) Scudo van. I was thinking to change the Scudo for a 4x4 - possibly keeping my 2 year old Clio ( although I might have to change his van for an older 4x4 and even a manual depending on what I can get). Thats the scenario. Now, what sort of 4x4 is good - OK? I don't need a big one or that fancy, just reliable. I had been looking at a Suzuki Jimny. The problem is I have been to several dealers fora NEW ( brand new) car and found them very sniffy when I mentioned wanting an automatic. I have looked on the web sites of many manufacturers but they don't state which vehicles they will do as an automatic option. I have found this before , so its not new to me but is a problem and I am tired and don't have time to sort through it and take the flack. My old Renault dealership when were helpful has been taken over by a big firm who are sniffy about anyone who mentions automatics! I could do with some advice. I don't need to be patronized please, I have had that from men in the motor trade. ( No , this is not my inheritance money but I do need a 4x4 to keep travelling 400 miles a month this winter to sort out the house I have inherited. OH van is 2004 and could do with changing too so a 4x4 could be a better option). Thanks for any help in selecting a suitable vehicle. Smallish, economic and reliable are the criteria - not big and blousy and "boys toy". I don't care about eco friendly. I need a car to get from A - B and is useable in all weathers. I know nothing about 4x4 cars so can't answer your question but, having driven automatics for the last 25 years, I don't understand what problem you're having in getting an auto. You say the dealers/salesmen are "sniffy" about autos - just tell them in no uncertain terms that that is what you want, end of. When I passed my test at 17 back in 1975 I thought auto's were wussy and I never, ever, wanted one - until I drove one a few years later. Automatic gearboxes are definitely one of mankind's better inventions and I would never go back to a manual transmission now. there is no doubt that manual is more fuel efficient and generally better for smooth fast driving, but the wear and tear on the left foot and the left arm in traffic.. As I get older and my reflexes are not what they were, the auto is more and more useful. Really, only 10% of the population could be said to drive a manual better than an automatic would,and I am not sure I count in that group any more. |
OT - 4x4 automatic car.
"Steve Firth" wrote in message .. . sweetheart hotmail.com wrote: Firstly, uk.d-i-y is not the usual place to ask this sort of question. The idea of Usenet is that there are a number of newsgroups and the title gives some clue to the sort of post that is on topic. You may get better answers or a better range of answers from uk.rec.cars.misc or uk.rec.driving, although having said that many people post there and here. You also haven't given a budget or a preference for fuel type which makes recommending a particular vehicle somewhat difficult. Your post gives the impression that you think that a 4x4 will work some magic and allow you to drive through conditions that will defeat other cars or that a 4x4 will somehow be "safer" in these conditions. Neither statement is necessarily true and in last year's snow I passed many stranded 4x4s. If you're going to get the best out of a 4x4 you need to get some training in addition to having a driving licence, particularly if you have never driven a 4x4 before. Also an automatic 4x4 is markedly inferior in coping with poor road conditions than a manual car. Have you given a thought to the fact that many automatic 4x4 vehicles actually have multiple gear levers? For example I have two 4x4s at present, a Jeep and a Ford. The Jeep makes use of a second gear lever to change between 4x4 High ratio and 4x4 Low ratio. The Ford has a selector switch for rear wheel drive only, 4x4 high, 4x4 low. Other 4x4s also have other controls such as differential locks. If you're not confident or able to drive a manual, is a 4x4 with its plethora of controls going to be right for you? Only you can answer these questions and I'd recommend that before you spend cash on a 4x4 you actually get experience of driving one. As to which one, again you have to decide. Do you want an off-road 4x4 (Land Rover/Jeep in appearance) or would you be happy with a 4x4 saloon car? For someone who has no experience of using a 4x4 I'd recommend a Subaru Forester. These are essentially car-like, available with automatic gearboxes and are well built. You could also consider a Subaru Impreza, which is even more car like. The Forester is more "utility vehicle" and was designed around the needs of people who have horses or small farms and who need a tough vehicle with 4x4. Good low mileage Foresters and Imprezas start around £5k. The other thing you need to think about is tyres. The tyres fitted to all cars and 4x4s in the UK are inadequate for winter use in snow. If you're going to be driving in snow you need to change the tyres on the vehicle to ones suitable for snow. These may be referred to as "Mud and Snow" or "Winter" although you can also use "All Terrain (AT)" tyres. Winter tyres for a Forester will cost you about £100-130 each. You'd also be well advised to pack a snow shovel, water, blankets/sleeping bags, HiVis vests or an insulated workman's fluorescent jacket, a torch and batteries and possibly some source of food that will last in the car. As mentioned earlier, I passed many 4x4s stranded in the snow last year and I heard that many drivers were in their cars for one to two days. A Suzuki Jimny IMO isn't right for what you want, it's a car that be rolled fairly easily hence not a good first 4x4, and it would crucify anyone driving several hundred miles a week. If you insist on one of those then there is an automatic version. Check Autotrader to see if one is in a garage near you. Note that you have this week a choice of 10 auto Jimnys in the UK and 76 auto Foresters, so the Jimny auto is a rare (difficult to find) vehicle. This is precisely what I mean about sniffy. The idea that because I drive an automatic I haven't enough experience or I am inferior in some way. I didn't state type of fuel because it doesn't matter. I didn't state budget because it isn't that important - remember I am changing a 2 litre Scudo - expensive all round for this. As for driving in snow. I did 100 miles from Exeter to Cornwall in blizzards last January , so I have experience of taking an automatic | ( Clio) over dartmoor and Bodmin Moor in snow. I also know about tyres, thanks. I just thought a 4x4 would give me more options. I have a friend who has a Jeep which is automatic and I didn't see a mass of levers in his car thanks. Either way, please do not think that because I drive an automatic I cannot drive. My licence limits me, not my skills. But thanks for the information about the Jimny. Scratch that. Again though , I like driving smaller vehicles although I would prefer one that will give me some flexibility ( not a saloon - I have a car .... my Clio, which I know experts are also sinify about but remember my Clio passed loads of equally stranded drivers of its " betters" on the way over Haldon Hill last year.) Just looking for a decent , middle of the range vehicle . Not big and blously and as I said not a " boys toy". I am not looking for a " Top Gear" answer. I don't need a Jeremy Clarkson. I just want advice on a common all garden decent and reliable car ( 4x4 still remains a favourite as it is a common feature where I live - rural Cornwall , although no one type predominates). I prefer not to be sleeping out Thanks. I want to get home. I judge my chances of that when I leave in a morning usually, although right now weather forecasts are next to useless frankly. I cant even work out if I should go sick Tuesday to avoid getting trapped in Exeter. I asked in DIY and did put Off topic. I have usually found people in DIY to be more practical and user friendly. Thanks. |
OT - 4x4 automatic car.
On 28/11/2010 in message
sweetheart wrote: Thats the scenario. Now, what sort of 4x4 is good - OK? I don't need a big one or that fancy, just reliable. I had been looking at a Suzuki Jimny. The problem is I have been to several dealers fora NEW ( brand new) car and found them very sniffy when I mentioned wanting an automatic. I have looked on the web sites of many manufacturers but they don't state which vehicles they will do as an automatic option. Dealers are sniffy because you are a woman, they live in the last century. Have a look at reviews on Australian web-sites, they don't pull their punches and a 4 x 4 that's tough enough for the Outback will certainly be tough enough here. Suzuki Grand Vitaras are one of the few off-road cars that actually work off road so probably a good choice. The Jiminy and 3 door Grand Vitara jolt and bump and are very uncomfortable. I traded my 3 door Grand Vitara in for a 5 door 3months ago and it is a much more comfortable drive although it does tend to track a bit on poor road surfaces. Having an automatic box removes many of the benefits of 4 WD, what about taking your manual test? X-Posted to uk.rec.driving. -- Jeff Gaines Wiltshire UK There is absolutely no substitute for a genuine lack of preparation |
OT - 4x4 automatic car.
On 28/11/2010 10:27, Steve Firth wrote:
Your post gives the impression that you think that a 4x4 will work some magic and allow you to drive through conditions that will defeat other cars or that a 4x4 will somehow be "safer" in these conditions. Neither statement is necessarily true and in last year's snow I passed many stranded 4x4s. If you're going to get the best out of a 4x4 you need to get some training in addition to having a driving licence, particularly if you have never driven a 4x4 before. Also an automatic 4x4 is markedly inferior in coping with poor road conditions than a manual car. Have you given a thought to the fact that many automatic 4x4 vehicles actually have multiple gear levers? For example I have two 4x4s at present, a Jeep and a Ford. The Jeep makes use of a second gear lever to change between 4x4 High ratio and 4x4 Low ratio. The Ford has a selector switch for rear wheel drive only, 4x4 high, 4x4 low. Other 4x4s also have other controls such as differential locks. If you're not confident or able to drive a manual, is a 4x4 with its plethora of controls going to be right for you? Only you can answer these questions and I'd recommend that before you spend cash on a 4x4 you actually get experience of driving one. As to which one, again you have to decide. Do you want an off-road 4x4 (Land Rover/Jeep in appearance) or would you be happy with a 4x4 saloon car? For someone who has no experience of using a 4x4 I'd recommend a Subaru Forester. These are essentially car-like, available with automatic gearboxes and are well built. You could also consider a Subaru Impreza, which is even more car like. The Forester is more "utility vehicle" and was designed around the needs of people who have horses or small farms and who need a tough vehicle with 4x4. Good low mileage Foresters and Imprezas start around £5k. The other thing you need to think about is tyres. The tyres fitted to all cars and 4x4s in the UK are inadequate for winter use in snow. If you're going to be driving in snow you need to change the tyres on the vehicle to ones suitable for snow. These may be referred to as "Mud and Snow" or "Winter" although you can also use "All Terrain (AT)" tyres. Winter tyres for a Forester will cost you about £100-130 each. You'd also be well advised to pack a snow shovel, water, blankets/sleeping bags, HiVis vests or an insulated workman's fluorescent jacket, a torch and batteries and possibly some source of food that will last in the car. As mentioned earlier, I passed many 4x4s stranded in the snow last year and I heard that many drivers were in their cars for one to two days. Can I endorse what Steve has said and add just a bit from my own experience. I ran a Land Rover for a few years around 1970 and 4x4s (Range Rover, Sierra Estate, Audi Quatro) for about 25 years from 1980ish to 2005. The Range Rover was the only one of the later three that really coped well in snow and even that, with the sort of tyres I had on it, wasn't as much cop as the ancient Land Rover which had been my first experience of 4x4. The Sierra was a delight to drive on greasy roads but not so much in snow. The Audi was a bit of a disappointment even on greasy roads with a tendency to travel in a straight line where better cars would turn in easily. All 4x4s will give better traction than 2x4s but when you want to brake 2x4s have just as good brakes as 4x4s. ABS can be a pain in the snow if you want to stop going down a steep hill. With locked wheels you will lose the ability to steer but it is the build-up of snow in front of the wheels that slows you down, not the constant rotation that you get with ABS. I was talking to a farming acquaintance this morning and he said that he hadn't needed to engage 4 wheel drive to get off his farm today. Some part time 4x4s have what I consider a significant shortcoming - no differential between front and rear drives which leads to the straight-on syndrome on bends. It used to be said when I was a youth that the most common place to see a Land Rover on a snowy road was ditched on a bend. Ground clearance and particularly tyres make a world of difference in snow (or indeed in mud). I can remember one particular incident which illustrates the later. One particularly cold and snowy day I backed my Sierra out of the garage into perhaps 4" of new snow, no problem at all. Went to lock up and when I tried to drive off the car would no move. In the meantime the snow had turned to ice under the weight of the car and the wheels just spun uselessly even though the ground at that point was very near flat. |
OT - 4x4 automatic car.
"sweetheart" hotmail.com wrote in message ... "Steve Firth" wrote in message .. . sweetheart hotmail.com wrote: A Suzuki Jimny IMO isn't right for what you want, it's a car that be rolled fairly easily hence not a good first 4x4, and it would crucify anyone driving several hundred miles a week. If you insist on one of those then there is an automatic version. Check Autotrader to see if one is in a garage near you. Note that you have this week a choice of 10 auto Jimnys in the UK and 76 auto Foresters, so the Jimny auto is a rare (difficult to find) vehicle. Interestingly the What Car site suggests the Suzuki Jimny as a good all rounder , quite different to here. So what am I to believe? |
OT - 4x4 automatic car.
sweetheart hotmail.com wrote:
This is precisely what I mean about sniffy. The idea that because I drive an automatic I haven't enough experience or I am inferior in some way. Grow a thicker skin. By definition someone who cannot pass a test to drive a manual car is not as capable as someone who can. As to automatics, I have three cars, two automatics and one semi-auto. But I took and passed the manual test and drive manual cars on a regular basis. I have a friend who has a Jeep which is automatic and I didn't see a mass of levers in his car thanks. Then I suggest you didn't look properly. There is a *huge* second gear lever to the left of the automatic gear selector. |
OT - 4x4 automatic car.
In article o.uk,
Dave Liquorice wrote: There is a little Fiat Sedici 4x4 but don't know if it has an auto option. Auto boxes waste quite a bit of energy so tend not to be found on smaller engined cars. Depends on the auto. The 'DSG' type is an automated synchromesh type with a servo plate clutch (or two) so not that far off as efficient as a normal manual. But the cost as a percentage of a small new car price might be too much. -- *Do infants enjoy infancy as much as adults enjoy adultery? Dave Plowman London SW To e-mail, change noise into sound. |
OT - 4x4 automatic car.
"Jeff Gaines" wrote in message ... On 28/11/2010 in message sweetheart wrote: Having an automatic box removes many of the benefits of 4 WD, what about taking your manual test? That is not an option. I have a co ordination problem with my left foot and hand ( dyspraxia). I can work had eye and anything else but I cannot do foot eye and hand. Hence the automatic. Take away the clutch and I am fine. I can drive paddle drives very well. |
OT - 4x4 automatic car.
"Steve Firth" wrote in message ... sweetheart hotmail.com wrote: This is precisely what I mean about sniffy. The idea that because I drive an automatic I haven't enough experience or I am inferior in some way. Grow a thicker skin. By definition someone who cannot pass a test to drive a manual car is not as capable as someone who can. As to automatics, I have three cars, two automatics and one semi-auto. But I took and passed the manual test and drive manual cars on a regular basis. How many accidejnts have you had with your manual? I have driven for 30 years with no troubles at all. I drive 100 miles a day, and on rural roads, so not exactly without experience of difficult roads. However, you are right, I am limited. I have a slight dyspraxia which limits my ability to co ordinate my left foot for the clutch. Thats the issue. Not a " disability" officially, so not motorbility challenged, just safer in an automatic. Probably safer than you my friend. |
OT - 4x4 automatic car.
"sweetheart" hotmail.com wrote in message ... "Steve Firth" wrote in message ... sweetheart hotmail.com wrote: This is precisely what I mean about sniffy. The idea that because I drive an automatic I haven't enough experience or I am inferior in some way. Grow a thicker skin. By definition someone who cannot pass a test to drive a manual car is not as capable as someone who can. As to automatics, I have three cars, two automatics and one semi-auto. But I took and passed the manual test and drive manual cars on a regular basis. Probably safer than you my friend. How do you define " as capable"? I tried for SIX years to co ordinate the clutch in a manual car and failed. I bought an automatic and took the test the next day and passed it first time. My driving skills match your sany day in terms of my " capability" to steer, watch the road, anticipate etc. I do not see that being good with the clutch makes you "more capable" as a driver - just better with a clutch. Thats not driving, |
OT - 4x4 automatic car.
Roger Chapman wrote:
I was talking to a farming acquaintance this morning and he said that he hadn't needed to engage 4 wheel drive to get off his farm today. When I had a Series Land Rover I very rarely needed 4x4. The big difference comes from the tyres and the Avons I used to have on it were able to plough through thick mud and snow. In fact when I sold it the new owner went on an off-road course and completed all of the tasks bar one. Then they were told that the front free-wheel hubs were broken and they had completed the entire course in 2WD. |
OT - 4x4 automatic car.
sweetheart hotmail.com wrote:
Interestingly the What Car site suggests the Suzuki Jimny as a good all rounder , quite different to here. So what am I to believe? Buy the car you want to buy, live with the consequences of your choice. It's your money and will be your car. Personally I'd go for the Forester it's an infinitely better vehicle than the Jimny. Here's a clue, which of the two will you see most often on farms? |
OT - 4x4 automatic car.
In article , sweetheart
hotmail.com wrote: Having an automatic box removes many of the benefits of 4 WD, what about taking your manual test? That is not an option. I have a co ordination problem with my left foot and hand ( dyspraxia). I can work had eye and anything else but I cannot do foot eye and hand. Hence the automatic. Take away the clutch and I am fine. Ignore the luddites who go on and on about manuals. Most haven't driven a modern decent auto. I can drive paddle drives very well. My BMW has the Steptronic option. This allows you to select any gear by moving the lever back or forward - a bit like a motorbike box, but hand controlled. It works very well if you like that sort of thing - but in practice never gets used. The auto does what it says on the tin. Some early synchromesh autos with paddle shifts didn't work well at all as autos. The latest ones are much better - but still not as smooth as a conventional auto with torque convertor. The main problem is a decent auto costs. And are just made for larger cars. Smaller ones tend to get a stripped out/down sized version or some abortion like those belt driven types that have now thankfully near disappeared. -- *Certain frogs can be frozen solid, then thawed, and survive * Dave Plowman London SW To e-mail, change noise into sound. |
OT - 4x4 automatic car.
On 28/11/2010 09:34, sweetheart wrote:
.... Thanks for any help in selecting a suitable vehicle. Smallish, economic and reliable are the criteria - not big and blousy and "boys toy". I don't care about eco friendly. I need a car to get from A - B and is useable in all weathers. Not a vehicle I have owned, but a couple of people I know like Subaru. However, many big uneconomic 4x4s have very low second hand values and are cheap to buy, so you might want to review your requirements to take that into account. Colin Bignell |
OT - 4x4 automatic car.
"sweetheart" hotmail.com wrote in message ... Please do not get sniffy. I drive an automatic car. I do not have a manual licence ( OH does b ut I cant be reliant on him!) . I am not a confident driver although I am SAFE, that was why I got an automatic in the first place. I travel 100 miles a day to work and back without incident, so there. Now, I want to get a 4x4 car. I don't mind if it is second hand ( I will go to a dealer) or new. I have a automatic Clio currently and my PH has a little used ( about 500 miles in three years!) Scudo van. I was thinking to change the Scudo for a 4x4 - possibly keeping my 2 year old Clio ( although I might have to change his van for an older 4x4 and even a manual depending on what I can get). Thats the scenario. Now, what sort of 4x4 is good - OK? I don't need a big one or that fancy, just reliable. I had been looking at a Suzuki Jimny. The problem is I have been to several dealers fora NEW ( brand new) car and found them very sniffy when I mentioned wanting an automatic. I have looked on the web sites of many manufacturers but they don't state which vehicles they will do as an automatic option. I have found this before , so its not new to me but is a problem and I am tired and don't have time to sort through it and take the flack. My old Renault dealership when were helpful has been taken over by a big firm who are sniffy about anyone who mentions automatics! I could do with some advice. I don't need to be patronized please, I have had that from men in the motor trade. ( No , this is not my inheritance money but I do need a 4x4 to keep travelling 400 miles a month this winter to sort out the house I have inherited. OH van is 2004 and could do with changing too so a 4x4 could be a better option). Thanks for any help in selecting a suitable vehicle. Smallish, economic and reliable are the criteria - not big and blousy and "boys toy". I don't care about eco friendly. I need a car to get from A - B and is useable in all weathers. I am very pleased with my Honda CRV. It is what I believe is called an intelligent 4x4. In normal driving it is Front Wheel Drive but if it senses that the front wheels are in bother it cuts in the drive to the rear wheels as well. The prop shaft connects to a unit mounted on the back axle. The propshaft and rear wheels each drive a hudraulic pump in that unit at the same speeds. Any variation in their speeds causes the 4WD to engage. I tested that out quite thoroughly in last years snow, the cut in was smooth and the car immediately corrected the spin and slide I had deliberately induced. There is of course no extra gear lever. My own CRV is a diesel and with that you only get a manual gearbox, but my cousin has the petrol version with an automatic gearbox and he is equally pleased with it. Size wise, I suppose it is middling - not as big as Range Rovers, Freelanders etc. -- Tinkerer |
OT - 4x4 automatic car.
"Steve Firth" wrote in message . .. sweetheart hotmail.com wrote: Interestingly the What Car site suggests the Suzuki Jimny as a good all rounder , quite different to here. So what am I to believe? Buy the car you want to buy, live with the consequences of your choice. It's your money and will be your car. Personally I'd go for the Forester it's an infinitely better vehicle than the Jimny. Here's a clue, which of the two will you see most often on farms? I have bever seen a Forester on a farm her. The old Land Rover ( usually so old they are held together with string) seems popular. The Range Rover seems to be the choice of the Fair ( as in those who go round with the merry go rounds). The Suzuki seems a popular choice in the area where I live hence I looked at it. Not one particular type though. So, going on what I see on farms.... yeah , |
OT - 4x4 automatic car.
"Dave Plowman (News)" wrote in message ... In article , sweetheart hotmail.com wrote: Having an automatic box removes many of the benefits of 4 WD, what about taking your manual test? That is not an option. I have a co ordination problem with my left foot and hand ( dyspraxia). I can work had eye and anything else but I cannot do foot eye and hand. Hence the automatic. Take away the clutch and I am fine. Ignore the luddites who go on and on about manuals. Most haven't driven a modern decent auto. I can drive paddle drives very well. My BMW has the Steptronic option. This allows you to select any gear by moving the lever back or forward - a bit like a motorbike box, but hand controlled. It works very well if you like that sort of thing - but in practice never gets used. The auto does what it says on the tin. I prefer proper automatics for this reason ( the Clio is a " proper" automatic - has paddles but I never use them) . The Toyota on the other hand is rubbish. My mother has one and I wouldnt give you tuppence for the auto in that. In fact she has had it six months * brand new) and is changing it because the auto is cr*p. Like a manual. Some early synchromesh autos with paddle shifts didn't work well at all as autos. The latest ones are much better - but still not as smooth as a conventional auto with torque convertor. Precisely. The main problem is a decent auto costs. And are just made for larger cars. My Clio is a 1600 and works fine. The 1400 from a few years back worked wonderfully. Now if you ask me about a Polo - VW automatics are not as good as Renaults. I know about automatics and how they drive. ;-) The Mazda 323 was good. But more recent ones do not match up. I am into my third new Clio. Its better than the bigger Magane - less squshy. But some would rather claim they are better drivers . I just would like my OH to have a 4x4 for those occassiuons we may need it. Since he has now retired offocially we do not need a big van. |
OT - 4x4 automatic car.
Dave Plowman (News) wrote:
Ignore the luddites who go on and on about manuals. Most haven't driven a modern decent auto. I think you're missing the point Dave. The question is about a 4x4 to be used in poor driving conditions. An auto 4x4 is much less capable than a manual 4x4 in these conditions. An auto 4x4 will run away on hills, even in low ratio, and is much harder to control on slippery surfaces than a manual. In a manual 4x4 I can descend slippery hills in low ratio with feet off the pedals. In an auto 4x4 constant use of the brake is required and this is not a good thing since it can lead to loss of control, especially if ABS cuts in. That said, either of my auto 4x4s is capable of being driven safely in snow. It just feels like harder work than driving a manual in the same conditions. |
OT - 4x4 automatic car.
sweetheart hotmail.com wrote:
"Steve Firth" wrote in message ... sweetheart hotmail.com wrote: This is precisely what I mean about sniffy. The idea that because I drive an automatic I haven't enough experience or I am inferior in some way. Grow a thicker skin. By definition someone who cannot pass a test to drive a manual car is not as capable as someone who can. As to automatics, I have three cars, two automatics and one semi-auto. But I took and passed the manual test and drive manual cars on a regular basis. How many accidejnts have you had with your manual? I don't have a manual, see above. But the answer is "none". I have driven for 30 years with no troubles at all. I drive 100 miles a day, and on rural roads, so not exactly without experience of difficult roads. However, you are right, I am limited. I have a slight dyspraxia which limits my ability to co ordinate my left foot for the clutch. Thats the issue. Not a " disability" officially, so not motorbility challenged, just safer in an automatic. Probably safer than you my friend. I generally find that people who prattle on that they are "safe" are anything but, generally they are (a) slow and (b) lucky and usually (c) don't drive very far. You may be the sole exception, but on usenet you can make all the claims you want about how good a driver you are and they don't amount to a hll of beans. You seem to have a real chip on your shoulder BTW, is this why you declare that car salesmen are "sniffy"? |
OT - 4x4 automatic car.
Dave Plowman (News) wrote:
In article o.uk, Dave Liquorice wrote: There is a little Fiat Sedici 4x4 but don't know if it has an auto option. Auto boxes waste quite a bit of energy so tend not to be found on smaller engined cars. Depends on the auto. The 'DSG' type is an automated synchromesh type with a servo plate clutch (or two) so not that far off as efficient as a normal manual. But the cost as a percentage of a small new car price might be too much. Are there many (any) 4x4s with DSG? |
OT - 4x4 automatic car.
"Tinkerer" wrote in message ... "sweetheart" hotmail.com wrote in message ... Please do not get sniffy. I drive an automatic car. I do not have a manual licence ( OH does b ut I cant be reliant on him!) . I am not a confident driver although I am SAFE, that was why I got an automatic in the first place. I travel 100 miles a day to work and back without incident, so there. Now, I want to get a 4x4 car. I don't mind if it is second hand ( I will go to a dealer) or new. I have a automatic Clio currently and my PH has a little used ( about 500 miles in three years!) Scudo van. I was thinking to change the Scudo for a 4x4 - possibly keeping my 2 year old Clio ( although I might have to change his van for an older 4x4 and even a manual depending on what I can get). Thats the scenario. Now, what sort of 4x4 is good - OK? I don't need a big one or that fancy, just reliable. I had been looking at a Suzuki Jimny. The problem is I have been to several dealers fora NEW ( brand new) car and found them very sniffy when I mentioned wanting an automatic. I have looked on the web sites of many manufacturers but they don't state which vehicles they will do as an automatic option. I have found this before , so its not new to me but is a problem and I am tired and don't have time to sort through it and take the flack. My old Renault dealership when were helpful has been taken over by a big firm who are sniffy about anyone who mentions automatics! I could do with some advice. I don't need to be patronized please, I have had that from men in the motor trade. ( No , this is not my inheritance money but I do need a 4x4 to keep travelling 400 miles a month this winter to sort out the house I have inherited. OH van is 2004 and could do with changing too so a 4x4 could be a better option). Thanks for any help in selecting a suitable vehicle. Smallish, economic and reliable are the criteria - not big and blousy and "boys toy". I don't care about eco friendly. I need a car to get from A - B and is useable in all weathers. I am very pleased with my Honda CRV. It is what I believe is called an intelligent 4x4. In normal driving it is Front Wheel Drive but if it senses that the front wheels are in bother it cuts in the drive to the rear wheels as well. The prop shaft connects to a unit mounted on the back axle. The propshaft and rear wheels each drive a hudraulic pump in that unit at the same speeds. Any variation in their speeds causes the 4WD to engage. I tested that out quite thoroughly in last years snow, the cut in was smooth and the car immediately corrected the spin and slide I had deliberately induced. There is of course no extra gear lever. My own CRV is a diesel and with that you only get a manual gearbox, but my cousin has the petrol version with an automatic gearbox and he is equally pleased with it. Size wise, I suppose it is middling - not as big as Range Rovers, Freelanders etc. Thank you. I will look at that one. |
OT - 4x4 automatic car.
Huge wrote:
On 2010-11-28, Jeff Gaines wrote: Having an automatic box removes many of the benefits of 4 WD, Care to elaborate? Hill descent, I would imagine. To do that in an automatic requires one of those over-complicated braking computer things. A manual Landie can do it safely in Low ratio 2nd gear feet off pedals. I had to descend an extremely steep muddy slope in the Ford a year or two ago, scared the crap out of me. Left to its own devices in low ratio with the autobox set to 1, it ran away, touch the brakes and it skidded and the ABS cut in making things worse. |
OT - 4x4 automatic car.
On 28/11/2010 11:59, sweetheart wrote:
Now if you ask me about a Polo - VW automatics are not as good as Renaults. I know about automatics and how they drive. Aren't Renault automatics notorious for being the most unreliable gearboxes on the planet? |
OT - 4x4 automatic car.
"Clive George" wrote in message o.uk... On 28/11/2010 11:59, sweetheart wrote: Now if you ask me about a Polo - VW automatics are not as good as Renaults. I know about automatics and how they drive. Aren't Renault automatics notorious for being the most unreliable gearboxes on the planet? Reputations seem to be misguided then. I have never had a bad Clio automatic. I have had three brand new ones and I am into my fifth Clio all round - my previous ones were second hand. I keep my cars roughly four years ( sometimes five) and have never had a problem with a Clio other than changing tyres, lights etc. ( never even had an issue on an MOT) . I had one which needed a new exhaust before I dropped it ( I got the exhaust). They do tend to be expensive on parts but never unreliable - including coming through inches of snow and blizzards over the moors last year. The C lio has a " snow button" by the way. I used that. It bought me home from Exeter to Launceston over the notorious Haldon Hill and Kit Hill ( for those who know it and remember last year in the January when they closed the roads.) I would recommend a Clio any day for price and running costs although the road tax is steep now its worth it. My Mazda though was the workhorse. I had it second hand - was four years old when I got it and I drove it for fifteen years, with over 100, 000 miles on it no trouble ever. |
OT - 4x4 automatic car.
On Nov 28, 10:27*am, (Steve Firth) wrote:
sweetheart hotmail.com wrote: *( No , this is not my inheritance money but I do need a 4x4 to keep travelling 400 miles a month this winter to sort out the house I have inherited. OH van is 2004 and could do with changing too so a 4x4 could be a better option). Firstly, uk.d-i-y is not the usual place to ask this sort of question. The idea of Usenet is that there are a number of newsgroups and the title gives some clue to the sort of post that is on topic. You may get better answers or a better range of answers from uk.rec.cars.misc or uk.rec.driving, although having said that many people post there and here. You also haven't given a budget or a preference for fuel type which makes recommending a particular vehicle somewhat difficult. Your post gives the impression that you think that a 4x4 will work some magic and allow you to drive through conditions that will defeat other cars or that a 4x4 will somehow be "safer" in these conditions. Neither statement is necessarily true and in last year's snow I passed many stranded 4x4s. If you're going to get the best out of a 4x4 you need to get some training in addition to having a driving licence, particularly if you have never driven a 4x4 before. Also an automatic 4x4 is markedly inferior in coping with poor road conditions than a manual car. Have you given a thought to the fact that many automatic 4x4 vehicles actually have multiple gear levers? For example I have two 4x4s at present, a Jeep and a Ford. The Jeep makes use of a second gear lever to change between 4x4 High ratio and 4x4 Low ratio. The Ford has a selector switch for rear wheel drive only, 4x4 high, 4x4 low. Other 4x4s also have other controls such as differential locks. If you're not confident or able to drive a manual, is a 4x4 with its plethora of controls going to be right for you? Only you can answer these questions and I'd recommend that before you spend cash on a 4x4 you actually get experience of driving one. As to which one, again you have to decide. Do you want an off-road 4x4 (Land Rover/Jeep in appearance) or would you be happy with a 4x4 saloon car? For someone who has no experience of using a 4x4 I'd recommend a Subaru Forester. These are essentially car-like, available with automatic gearboxes and are well built. You could also consider a Subaru Impreza, which is even more car like. The Forester is more "utility vehicle" and was designed around the needs of people who have horses or small farms and who need a tough vehicle with 4x4. Good low mileage Foresters and Imprezas start around 5k. The other thing you need to think about is tyres. The tyres fitted to all cars and 4x4s in the UK are inadequate for winter use in snow. If you're going to be driving in snow you need to change the tyres on the vehicle to ones suitable for snow. These may be referred to as "Mud and Snow" or "Winter" although you can also use "All Terrain (AT)" tyres. Winter tyres for a Forester will cost you about 100-130 each. You'd also be well advised to pack a snow shovel, water, blankets/sleeping bags, HiVis vests or an insulated workman's fluorescent jacket, a torch and batteries and possibly some source of food that will last in the car. As mentioned earlier, I passed many 4x4s stranded in the snow last year and I heard that many drivers were in their cars for one to two days. A Suzuki Jimny IMO isn't right for what you want, it's a car that be rolled fairly easily hence not a good first 4x4, and it would crucify anyone driving several hundred miles a week. If you insist on one of those then there is an automatic version. Check Autotrader to see if one is in a garage near you. Note that you have this week a choice of 10 auto Jimnys in the UK and 76 auto Foresters, so the Jimny auto is a rare (difficult to find) vehicle. In spite of Steve's way of presenting the options - his advice on the Subaru Forester is good - a vehicle worth checking out. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Subaru_Forester Don't be fooled by its car-like looks - there's a very sophisticated and respected 4wd system under the skin. I used to have an Isuzu Trooper (probably exactly the vehicle you don't want) - I used 4wd most often to get out of mud in my own driveway/farm-track to our house, and in the same location appreciated/ needed the ground-clearance every day. Here's the thing though - I bought it from the local Subaru/Isuzu dealer - and when I brought it in for a service, was usually loaned a subaru. I was very impressed with all of them (Forester/Impreza/ Legacy). I was also very impressed with the dealership (Thurlow Nunn Standen). Some of the Subaru dealerships, particularly the rural ones, are family-business agricultural equipment/vehicle suppliers that diversified - with a level of integrity lacking in many other salesman- run businesses. |
OT - 4x4 automatic car.
In message , Steve Firth
writes sweetheart hotmail.com wrote: "Steve Firth" wrote in message ... sweetheart hotmail.com wrote: This is precisely what I mean about sniffy. The idea that because I drive an automatic I haven't enough experience or I am inferior in some way. Grow a thicker skin. By definition someone who cannot pass a test to drive a manual car is not as capable as someone who can. As to automatics, I have three cars, two automatics and one semi-auto. But I took and passed the manual test and drive manual cars on a regular basis. How many accidejnts have you had with your manual? I don't have a manual, see above. But the answer is "none". I have driven for 30 years with no troubles at all. I drive 100 miles a day, and on rural roads, so not exactly without experience of difficult roads. However, you are right, I am limited. I have a slight dyspraxia which limits my ability to co ordinate my left foot for the clutch. Thats the issue. Not a " disability" officially, so not motorbility challenged, just safer in an automatic. Probably safer than you my friend. I generally find that people who prattle on that they are "safe" are anything but, generally they are (a) slow and (b) lucky and usually (c) don't drive very far. You may be the sole exception, but on usenet you can make all the claims you want about how good a driver you are and they don't amount to a hll of beans. You seem to have a real chip on your shoulder BTW, is this why you declare that car salesmen are "sniffy"? Prolly married to denise -- geoff |
OT - 4x4 automatic car.
"Steve Firth" wrote in message . .. sweetheart hotmail.com wrote: "Steve Firth" wrote in message ... sweetheart hotmail.com wrote: This is precisely what I mean about sniffy. The idea that because I drive an automatic I haven't enough experience or I am inferior in some way. Grow a thicker skin. By definition someone who cannot pass a test to drive a manual car is not as capable as someone who can. As to automatics, I have three cars, two automatics and one semi-auto. But I took and passed the manual test and drive manual cars on a regular basis. How many accidejnts have you had with your manual? I don't have a manual, see above. But the answer is "none". I have driven for 30 years with no troubles at all. I drive 100 miles a day, and on rural roads, so not exactly without experience of difficult roads. However, you are right, I am limited. I have a slight dyspraxia which limits my ability to co ordinate my left foot for the clutch. Thats the issue. Not a " disability" officially, so not motorbility challenged, just safer in an automatic. Probably safer than you my friend. I generally find that people who prattle on that they are "safe" are anything but, generally they are (a) slow and (b) lucky and usually (c) don't drive very far. You may be the sole exception, but on usenet you can make all the claims you want about how good a driver you are and they don't amount to a hll of beans. Equally true of those who prattle on that a driver of a manual car is " more capanle " than one who drives an automatic I am sure. There is far more to driving than changing gear using a clutch. Hills of beans indeed. |
OT - 4x4 automatic car.
"Steve Firth" wrote in message .. . Dave Plowman (News) wrote: Ignore the luddites who go on and on about manuals. Most haven't driven a modern decent auto. I think you're missing the point Dave. The question is about a 4x4 to be used in poor driving conditions. An auto 4x4 is much less capable than a manual 4x4 in these conditions. An auto 4x4 will run away on hills, even in low ratio, and is much harder to control on slippery surfaces than a manual. In a manual 4x4 I can descend slippery hills in low ratio with feet off the pedals. In an auto 4x4 constant use of the brake is required and this is not a good thing since it can lead to loss of control, especially if ABS cuts in. That said, either of my auto 4x4s is capable of being driven safely in snow. It just feels like harder work than driving a manual in the same conditions. So why do so many people have them? I considered this as a second car to replace my husbands van. An automatic would open up an option for me to drive it. My OH can drive a manual ( and even he admits I am a " better" driver than he is). I dont necessarily want it for off road or bad weather . I would prefer to avoid both but the fact remains that most 4x4's got out of the village last year when I couldnt. I simply want broader options than I have now. |
OT - 4x4 automatic car.
On 28/11/2010 10:07, Jethro wrote:
Thanks for any help in selecting a suitable vehicle. Smallish, economic and reliable are the criteria - not big and blousy and "boys toy". I don't care about eco friendly. I need a car to get from A - B and is useable in all weathers. Subaru seem to have traditional autos with a torque convertor, and the Forester or Impreza estate would be not B&B&BT |
OT - 4x4 automatic car.
On 28/11/2010 12:02, Steve Firth wrote:
Dave Plowman wrote: Ignore the luddites who go on and on about manuals. Most haven't driven a modern decent auto. I think you're missing the point Dave. The question is about a 4x4 to be used in poor driving conditions. An auto 4x4 is much less capable than a manual 4x4 in these conditions. An auto 4x4 will run away on hills, even in low ratio, and is much harder to control on slippery surfaces than a manual. In a manual 4x4 I can descend slippery hills in low ratio with feet off the pedals. In an auto 4x4 constant use of the brake is required and this is not a good thing since it can lead to loss of control, especially if ABS cuts in. We used to have a Mk1 Discovery V8 Auto, and I never had any problems with it running away downhill, select low range and 1st and it would just trickle along nicely, the V8 producing plenty of engine braking. Modern 4x4 have electronic hill decent controls which gently apply the brakes, using the abs sensors to provide feedback. They work very well, not sure how reliable they are longterm though. |
OT - 4x4 automatic car.
On 28/11/2010 12:44, sweetheart wrote:
I dont necessarily want it for off road or bad weather . I would prefer to avoid both but the fact remains that most 4x4's got out of the village last year when I couldnt. I simply want broader options than I have now. Good round clearance, snow tyres and manual transmission. |
OT - 4x4 automatic car.
"Roger Chapman" wrote in message ... On 28/11/2010 12:44, sweetheart wrote: I dont necessarily want it for off road or bad weather . I would prefer to avoid both but the fact remains that most 4x4's got out of the village last year when I couldnt. I simply want broader options than I have now. Good round clearance, snow tyres and manual transmission. Good ground clearance would be useful ( especially if the river runs to flood as it did last week. But manual not necessarily. As I said, I cannot afford to be reliant on OH who doesn't even want to get out of bed anymore. I suppose a lot of my fears ( and even the chip on my shoulder) is a result of too many people wanting to extol the virtues of their manual cars even when those cars do not prove themselves . The numbers who got stranded in the snow last year and the number who couldn't hack the floods recently for example. My automatic has managed both but I still end up fearful because of all the comments of others. Why does my car go when theirs don't seems to be a question in my mind? Equally, why do 4x4 autos get out of the village when I got stuck at the bottom of the hill on sheet ice? |
OT - 4x4 automatic car.
On Nov 28, 9:34*am, "sweetheart" hotmail.com wrote:
Please do not get sniffy. I drive an automatic car. I do not have a manual licence ( OH does b ut I cant be reliant on him!) . I am not a confident driver although I am SAFE, that was why I got an automatic in the first place. I travel 100 miles a day to work and back without incident, so there. Now, I want to get a 4x4 car. I don't mind if it is second hand ( I will go to a dealer) or new. I have a automatic Clio currently and my PH has a little used ( about 500 miles *in three years!) Scudo van. I was thinking to change the Scudo for a 4x4 - possibly keeping my 2 year old Clio ( although I might have to change his van for an older 4x4 *and even a manual depending on what I can get). Thats the scenario. Now, what sort of 4x4 is good - OK? *I don't need a big one or that fancy, just reliable. I had been looking at a Suzuki Jimny. The problem is I have been to several dealers fora NEW ( brand new) car and found them very sniffy when I mentioned wanting an automatic. I have looked on the web sites of many manufacturers but they don't state which vehicles they will do as an automatic option. I have found this before , so its not new to me but is a problem and I am tired and don't have time to sort through it and take the flack. My old Renault *dealership when were helpful *has been taken over by a big firm who are sniffy about anyone who mentions automatics! *I could do with some advice. I don't *need to be patronized please, I have had that from men in the motor trade. ( No , this is not my inheritance money but I do need a 4x4 to keep travelling 400 miles a month this winter to sort out the house I have inherited. OH van is 2004 and could do with changing too so a 4x4 could be a better option). Thanks for any help in selecting a suitable vehicle. Smallish, economic and reliable are the criteria - not big and blousy and "boys toy". I don't care about eco friendly. I need a car to get from A - B and is useable in all weathers. I have has 4x4s for years as I had a farm. You know what, they are not a bit of help in snow on the highway. The roads get blocked with other fools in 2WD cars who should have stayed in the house. Iif you are timid about even driving a manual, you should be aware that when a 4x4 bites it can be in a big way with 4 wheels skids and slides that are hard to manage. Also uinless you are prepared to fit chunky tires, they are only slightly better on ice & snow. These tires are noisy, detract from handling and wear out quickly. They can be a bugger in car parks due to their restricted lock when manouevering. If you have children, they can be dangerous as kids can be in front behind and you can't see them. They are harder to park too. They use more fuel, lots more. The general handling is poor, no feel, lots of body roll and poor suspension for road use. You are probably safer in an accident and you have a commanding view of the road and you can intimidate other users, esp. if your vehicle is old. Having said all that, your best bet for you is probably a Subaru, which is fairly small and is generally excellent. Don't buy anything that looks agricultural, it probably will be. And nasty. Now I have left my farm, I have desisted from them. |
OT - 4x4 automatic car.
On 28/11/2010 13:13, sweetheart wrote:
I dont necessarily want it for off road or bad weather . I would prefer to avoid both but the fact remains that most 4x4's got out of the village last year when I couldnt. I simply want broader options than I have now. Good round clearance, snow tyres and manual transmission. Good ground clearance would be useful ( especially if the river runs to flood as it did last week. But manual not necessarily. As I said, I cannot afford to be reliant on OH who doesn't even want to get out of bed anymore. I was putting manual forward as a suggestion as to why other 4x4s got out but you didn't. I suppose a lot of my fears ( and even the chip on my shoulder) is a result of too many people wanting to extol the virtues of their manual cars even when those cars do not prove themselves . The numbers who got stranded in the snow last year and the number who couldn't hack the floods recently for example. My automatic has managed both but I still end up fearful because of all the comments of others. Why does my car go when theirs don't seems to be a question in my mind? Equally, why do 4x4 autos get out of the village when I got stuck at the bottom of the hill on sheet ice? If other makes of auto get out on ice and you don't the reason must be a little more subtle. I can't find any info on the Clio system but Renault is backward about coming forward with the advantages of the Dacia Duster: "Dacia Duster is easy to drive and not only aimed at all-terrain drivers. Its combination of its low unladen weight (1,180kg in 4x2 - 1,280kg in 4x4[1]) and compact proportions, ensure particularly agile handling. In the 4x4 version, thanks to the unique and intuitive control (sourced from Nissan) located at the foot of the centre console, Dacia Duster drivers can easily adapt the vehicle's transmission configuration to meet their needs of the moment. This control allows one of three modes to be selected: - When the AUTO mode is selected, the front/rear torque split is calculated automatically as a function of available grip. This system is aimed at providing optimal traction, however much grip is available, and gives Dacia Duster genuine 4x4 ability. In normal conditions, the torque is transmitted through the front wheels only. If traction is lost, or when grip is at a premium, some of the torque is transferred to the rear axle. In extreme conditions, the torque is split equally front and rear. This split is performed by an electromagnetic torque converter supplied by Nissan. - In LOCK mode, the driver electronically locks it into 4x4 mode, whereby 50 per cent of torque is consistently fed through the rear axle. This mode is recommended in low grip conditions (snow, mud, dirt, sand) at low speeds." I don't see why the advice should to switch from Auto to Lock unless the weight distribution is exactly 50/50 which seems unlikely for this vehicle. Splitting the power equally between front and rear suggests to me that traction would be lost at the rear (ISTR most cars are nose heavy) well before that at the front leaving the 4x4 little better than a front wheel drive car in the same conditions. It could be that as this system is essentially a bit of part time 4x4 grafted onto what is essentially a front wheel drive vehicle it doesn't really do what it says on the tin and very low grip situations catch it out. |
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