Should I Get a Manual or an Automatic Vehicle?

When you’re in the market to buy a car, there are plenty of options to consider. One factor you’ll need to think about is whether you want a manual or automatic transmission. This is a decision you won’t want to make lightly. You’re committing to how you’ll drive your car for however long you have it. Some people love the control of a manual transmission, while some love the convenience of an automatic. Make sure you consider all the pros and cons of each option, which we cover in today’s Thompson Sales blog.

Manual Transmission

When you drive your car, your transmission changes your gears from lower to higher gears depending on the situation. Lower gears offer more power, but less speed. Higher gears are the opposite, less power but more speed. When you have a manual transmission, you have the power to decide which gear you want to drive in.

Some of the benefits of a manual transmission include:

• Control – If you like to be in complete control of the way your vehicle works, manual transmissions are the way to go.
• Less Expensive – A manual transmission can save you money in a couple of ways. Most of the time, manual transmission vehicles are cheaper to buy. They’re also cheaper to maintain. Automatic transmissions have more complicated inner workings, meaning they cost more to fix. Also, you’ll generally spend less on gas if you’re driving it correctly.

The biggest downsides of manual transmissions are:

• Learning Curve – If you don’t know how to drive a manual, you’ll have to learn. This can take some time.
• More Effort while Driving – With a manual transmission, it’s up to you to change gears. This can be a little draining on a road trip or if you have a long commute.

Automatic Transmission

Automatic transmissions are extremely common in modern-day vehicles. These transmissions are what most drivers in the US are used to. Here are some of the biggest benefits of automatic transmissions:

• Ease of Use – Automatic transmissions take care of all the shifting for you, meaning you don’t have to worry about it. This is extremely easy and convenient for the driver.
• Safer for Inexperienced Drivers – If you’re not an experienced driver, an automatic transmission can make it easier. You can keep both hands on the wheel and you don’t have to worry about more difficult roads.

The biggest downsides of automatic transmissions are:

• Less Control – If you enjoy being in complete control of your car, you might get a little bored with an automatic transmission.
• More Expensive – As we mentioned in the manual section, automatic transmissions are more expensive to purchase and to repair, so keep this in mind.

Purchase a New or Used Vehicle at Thompson Sales

Whatever kind of vehicle you’re looking for, Thompson Sales can help you find something you’ll love. Browse our online inventory of new and used cars, or come on over to our lot to see everything we have to offer!