Automatic Vs Manual - Is the Auto a "Drivers" car?

[Davros]

I have always had manuals, except for a vs commodore I had years ago.

As I live near the city now, and commute there daily to work, I would like to have an auto as I get sick of gear changes in start stop traffic..
I do prefer the manual when off road though.

[krypto]

It really comes down to personal preference. Both are good options, its just a matter of what you prefer.

Fuel economy and power delivery are very close, not like in the old days where an auto was a lot slower and lost a lot of power.

[braddo]

I personally prefer to drive a manual, but I've seen the advantages of an auto off road (and in peak hour traffic). When I met SWMBO, she couldn't drive a manual, after teaching her, she now hates autos! The manual doesn't make the Prado a driver's car, but we both enjoy driving it (and my manual Forester turbo).

[barryswanson]

The DAC will work in low range only? And it just rides the brakes making horrific sounds.

Yep what he said^^^ Low range first gear only.

[wooley]

So can the DAC be activated for a decent in any gear (D, 1, 2, 3, 4, Low Range / High Range etc)? Reverse??
Perhaps when you press that magical electronic button it defaults to Low 1st, I've got not idea!

The DAC will work in low range only? And it just rides the brakes making horrific sounds.

[OzAdventura]

So can the DAC be activated for a decent in any gear (D, 1, 2, 3, 4, Low Range / High Range etc)? Reverse??
Perhaps when you press that magical electronic button it defaults to Low 1st, I've got not idea!

[OzAdventura]

Mine in low range will chug over anything at even the lowest of speeds but the V6 has got me up big sands dunes because of outright grunt that diesels didn't get up because they kept dropping off boost and dying in the ar$e. each to there own but if you like a bit of spirited driving now and then 202kw's can be fun.If you are towing regularly the diesel economy is much better day to day 4ish litres per hundred more using cheaper fuel than diesel and $1000 extra to spend on fuel when you purchase the car (cheaper purchase price) has to be considered. Both motors are great I think the D4D is a great workhorse.Mine does drop down gears to assist engine breaking.

Thanks for this info KAKADAZ.

[tassie tiger]

New electronic controlled autos are a perfect match to new generation diesels.

I would take an auto prado TD over a manual one.

And off road they are better than a manual. I kinda think the only people hanging onto the old manual is better off road probably havent driven an auto one of road much.

[bruggie]

My Prado use is 99% commuting and I am very happy with the 6sp manual diesel. It changes gears extremely smoothly and is a joy to drive

[stevensr34]

I test drove an auto V6 before eventually purchasing a manual V6, and I must admit, the auto was one of the first I've been impressed with...enough to consider it when purchasing.

Needless to say, I eventually got a pristine condition 2nd hand manual, but if a similar auto had cropped up, I probably would have bought it.

[Sambo150]

You will not regret the auto, especially after the update. Then again I would assume the new ones have this done from factory?

RE your last question, yes it will down change but only on downhill runs when you brake. Does a reasonable job of this.

[krypto]

I've always had manuals and my other car is a manual. My mate has a 150 manual and I have an Auto, we have travelled together and both tow campers.

The auto is fantastic, same economy as the manual, great off-road and my wife has a lot less trouble with it.

The other thing I've noticed is that with the auto you've got 5 gears with lock-up in effect giving you another 5 gears. The final drive on the manual is slightly lower than the auto.

[davesomma]

Well i just picked my new 150 GXL D4D yesterday and i choose manual. After a few inital crappy gear changes i found it to be really good and comfy with the gear changes. I also intend on towing a camper trainer. I have always had manual cars and could never see myself going to an auto.

[kav]

i used to be a manual man but now its auto all the way . by the way the auto gearbox in the prado learns how you drive and is renown as possibly the best auto box in the business . for serious 4wding get an auto. most autos these days you can use as a manual anyway . i do when running down long hills . my missus bought a new car 2 years ago , she drives a manual 6 spd corrolla always had manuals, didn't want an auto . she had to drive my auto around for 4 weeks . i told her to get the auto . 2 weeks after she got the new car she wanted the auto . she only drives 15 mins to work .

[D4D]

Auto all the way