Auto transmission on sand

[tonykarter15 Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close tonykarter15]

I am currently researching towards updating models. My current car is a manual which in soft sand use 2nd low when taking off in really soft sand

Does the automatic transmission have an override function to start in either 2nd gear or 3rd gear in low range?

What is every bodies opinion in relation to automatics 'v' manuals- have the automatic come a long way in the 150 series or are they still fairly clunky off-road?

[Corigator Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close Corigator]

Tony,
You can force it to start in 2nd Gear (not 3rd). There's a 2nd start button. Frankly I'm very happy with my 08 auto in the sand. YOu do sometimes need to force it into 1st gear up some dunes, but really I don't have any probs with mine. Perhaps you have a different expectation.

[VXWesty Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close VXWesty]

Yes, the auto has a 2nd Start button allowing you to start in second gear (low or high range).
I've never driven a manual 4WD but find the auto extremely functional in all situations. Whether its steep, rocky ascents/descents, sandy beaches or muddy tracks, the auto hasn't let me down.

VXWesty

[hulbyw Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close hulbyw]

This question is likely to be a real can of worms. It really depends on what you prefer, but an auto does work very well in sand (I have driven both and much prefer the auto). Neither my 120 or the new 150 are clunky and the auto's work well (although I haven't tried the 150 in sand yet). I have never used the 2nd gear start. Maybe you could find a local PPer that has an auto who could take you for a demo drive
Cheers.....wayne

[hulbyw Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close hulbyw]

This question is likely to be a real can of worms. It really depends on what you prefer, but an auto does work very well in sand (I have driven both and much prefer the auto). Neither my 120 or the new 150 are clunky and the auto's work well (although I haven't tried the 150 in sand yet). I have never used the 2nd gear start. Maybe you could find a local PPer that has an auto who could take you for a demo drive
Cheers.....wayne

[Anth120playdo Banned Find all posts View Profile Close Anth120playdo]

Auto is great in the sand. 2nd start is good.
Just don't forget to switch off the traction control or you will get stopped!!!!
I use a manual, I can handle the extra challenge, even with an old 1kz.

[raydes Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close raydes]

The auto does everything better than a manual, yes and going down steep descents if driven properly

[mjrandom Out of control poster! Find all posts View Profile Close mjrandom]

Where the auto kills the manual is when you hit a patch of soft sand. In the auto you just stick your boot into it and drive through. In the manual you are most likely in too tall a gear and by the time you shuffle down it is all over. For me auto off road is the best option.

I would suggest you search this site (PradoPoint+automatic and similar options) and you will find lots and lots of discussion. No need to start the war again here

[maxjj Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close maxjj]

Problem I found with manual and the late model diesel turbo`s is that you cannot take off real slow, not enough revs and engine stalls. Too many revs and wheels spin. In auto just slowly drive out.
Never forget going fishing with mates on the Aus Bight. Real soft sand, Prado, Jackaroo, Pajero, Patrol turbo diesel manual all bogged. Took the auto Pajero and manual diesel 80 series with its low down grunt in first low range to get us out.

Over Easter did the trip from Beachport to Robe, I was in the Prado auto, mate in the Troopcarrier manual and difflocks. Lets just say, I didn`t need to be pulled out of soft sand.
There is a long sand dune near the end, Robe side, despite long run up he couldn`t get up, not until he unloaded the passengers. I just drove up.

[brogers Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close brogers]

Auto auto auto Oi oi oi! Seriously NEVER thought I would ever drive an auto 4wd....I test drove an auto reluctantly as there were no manuals in stock...and was convinced....and now, after well over 100,000km, I can honestly say I will NEVER get a manual 4wd.

Fraser Island, Bribie Island. Moreton ISland, Stradbroke Island , Double Isl Point etc, and the auto eats the sand, soft sand, dry powdery sand, you name it... and I have snatched out several cars from soft sand....I love the auto.
I've towed a camper and a trailer off road, on sand, dirt, etc, as well, and the auto is fantastic. You won't regret gettibng the auto. Rad the extensive discussions, but as far as sand goes, and as far as I'm concerned....no issue, no argument, no worries, its an auto all the way for me.

[mjrandom Out of control poster! Find all posts View Profile Close mjrandom]

When we bought the 120 my wife was adamant she wanted a manual. Not as many electronic aids so I stood my ground on the auto. Now to get her to drive the manual ute is a task I usually don't attempt.

[Cuvier100 Member Find all posts View Profile Close Cuvier100]

Yes, once you taste an auto in sand, especially if its a diesel with plenty of torque, you will never go back to a manual.