Why didn't you tell me automatics are so good!

[ITSv40]

Originally Posted by cheshired5

I don't know really as it's just how I've always driven.
At one of the companies I worked for, the 5 drivers would get identical brand new vans every 2-3 years, all doing the same fully laden deliveries to the same addresses around Britain on rotation and the difference in the maintenance required for the vehicles was immense.
Me and another guy always had zero issues and the other 3 drivers would have really high maintenance bills outside routine servicing and would be in a hire vehicle every few weeks.
This was over 9 years, 3 cycles of different vans 3+ million miles across all the vans so a decent sample.

When I bought my current car with 150k miles, I never doubted it would still be running fine 60k later.

I bought a nearly new '87 360GLT with 14,000mls - scrapped at 270,000mls. A '97 V40 bought at 50,000mls and scrapped at 370,000mls. 'er indoors had a '98 Mk4 Fiesta, bought at 8,000mls and scrapped at 180,000mls. All still on original clutches and still all good. Tin worm was the reason for scrapping all three. Clutches are at the mercy of the driver.

[green van man]

Originally Posted by S60D5-185

I had my 2006 S60 D5-185 with 6 speed manual for nearly 6 years and used it on several occasions to travel down to the South of France.

Keeping the speed to around 75mph I often averaged just over 50mpg ( real not computer ) and wonder how some with a similar set up manage to get abysmal figures,

Prehaps your background as an advanced driver with its ingrained anticipation of hazards and proactive measures rather than reactive measures has a lot to do with it.
Constant speed is far more frugal than on off acceleration and braking and proper observation makes constant speed far easier to maintain.

Long clutch life and frugal fuel consumption are a product of driver ability rather than car mover ability.

I bought a v70 tdi with 104k on the clock, it went to scrap at 256k on the original clutch and in the 10 years I owned it it towed the caravan.

Paul.

[Baxlin]

I like to have the ‘instantaneous fuel consumption’ readout displayed, which I believe encourages a smoother driving style.

[Bonefishblues]

Originally Posted by Baxlin

I like to have the ‘instantaneous fuel consumption’ readout displayed, which I believe encourages a smoother driving style.

I go the other way and try to eke out the miles to empty number

[Polestar Pete]

Originally Posted by Baxlin

I like to have the ‘instantaneous fuel consumption’ readout displayed, which I believe encourages a smoother driving style.

I had this on my old Mondeo ST200.

Planting your right foot had the silly effect of reporting 0 miles per gallon!

[Whippy]

Originally Posted by S60D5-185

I had my 2006 S60 D5-185 with 6 speed manual for nearly 6 years and used it on several occasions to travel down to the South of France.

Keeping the speed to around 75mph I often averaged just over 50mpg ( real not computer ) and wonder how some with a similar set up manage to get abysmal figures,

Interesting, just yesterday I took my two ltr diesel down to just outside Southampton and back, mix of roads and speeds. Average MPG? 52. Autobox.

[Whippy]

When I drive the wife's car I get all nostalgic putting her car in reverse.

It really takes me back.

[Rocinante]

Originally Posted by Bendolfc

These days the auto option is usually more efficient than the manual equivalent. Things have moved on a lot in the last 10 years or so.

I'm not sure where you're getting this information that automatics are more fuel efficient.

As an example, the first car I checked.
2020 V60 D4 Auto - 49.9 mpg
2019 V60 D4 Manual- 52.2mpg.

Can you demonstrate evidence of this claim that autos are more fuel efficient ?

[XC90Mk1]

Originally Posted by Rocinante

I'm not sure where you're getting this information that automatics are more fuel efficient.

As an example, the first car I checked.
2020 V60 D4 Auto - 49.9 mpg
2019 V60 D4 Manual- 52.2mpg.

Can you demonstrate evidence of this claim that autos are more fuel efficient ?

Most, but not all autos are more efficient.

In your example it is the manual that is slightly more efficient.

[Bonefishblues]

Certainly modern 8-9 speed DSG-alikes/CVTs are better than manuals.