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

[DaveNP]

Originally Posted by XC90Mk1

Yes, that sounds concerning. However... the last Scorpio was made in 1998 so that’s almost 25 years old. As you were testing it was it a 1994 so almost 30 years old....

30 years ago I wouldn’t want a auto, now they are far far better.

It would probably have been more like 1990, a German registered LHD it became the last survivor of a fleet of about 20 assorted vehicles, ranging from a Fiat Uno up to the Scorpio, that we were using for on the road testing.

And yes modern autos are much more refined and restrained with the major aim now being to achieve good fuel economy by using the optimum gear and engine revs combination, driver comfort and convenience is a beneficial side effect.

[Whippy]

One massive problem is with dual mass flywheels on manuals, some manufacturers seem intent on making them from warm chocolate.

[cheshired5]

Originally Posted by Whippy

One massive problem is with dual mass flywheels on manuals, some manufacturers seem intent on making them from warm chocolate.

Some manufacturers don't seem to specify the highest quality but the Volvo ones on Volvo engines seem to be top notch and I've not had a problem with any other manufacturers but I've not driven every manufacturer.
Mine's still original though the previous owner changed the clutch at around 120k which is a joke.

I think more often the problem is many people don't understand clutches so wear them out prematurely. The same poor practice will see off a DMF too.
I ruined the clutch on my first car, learned how they work and have never needed a clutch in 30 years.

They're not a consumable item in my eyes.

[S60D5-185]

Originally Posted by cheshired5

I ruined the clutch on my first car, learned how they work and have never needed a clutch in 30 years.

They're not a consumable item in my eyes.

I totally agree Chesh.

When I taught my two kids to drive, before they ever got in the car I spent a little time explaining how a clutch worked and demonstrated the principle of friction by asking them to press their hands firmly together and try to twist them in opposing directions and then gradually easing the pressure which made the process much easier.

The penny quickly dropped and they now understood what was actually happening with the clutch and more importantly why, when they pressed and released the clutch pedal.

Lack of Mechanical sympathy always narks me immensely.

[cheshired5]

Originally Posted by S60D5-185

Lack of Mechanical sympathy always narks me immensely.

Exactly.
When it's disengaged, there's no wear, when it's engaged with the correct gear and throttle input, there's no wear and if you manage the transition from disengaged to engaged correctly, there's minimal to no wear.

Yet some still can't manage it.

The hands analogy is good too.
I've also described it as riding a bike and imagining the clutch is your knees acting as the middle man between the power in your thighs and your feet turning the crank.
Set off in too high a gear and the stress in your knees is what the clutch experiences.
Pedal like mad in a low gear then quickly change to a high gear and the jolt and shock in your knees is what happens to the clutch.
Pedal steadily and increase the gears as your speed increases and the transition is imperceptible.

[MikeGMT]

My last two cars have been Geartronics, but I used to relish the challenge of driving a manual, always being in the right gear for the situation and matching speed to engine revs; to make smooth progress without the passengers doing the 'nodding dog' during a gear change. One thing I was guilty of was rushing my gear changes. It was soon picked up on by a police driving instructor, who showed me how to slow down my changes, put a pause in neutral, match engine revs and take the gear. A lot of newer cars do this as standard now, especially on a down change. I do miss the challenge of driving a manual well.

[XC90Mk1]

I think ‘technically’ a clutch is considered a consumable although I do agree regarding the ability to stretch it out a great dostance.

I have not required a clutch at less than 120k and I have always bought my cars with around 60k so if I owned from new perhaps I would get even more distance.

I must say however I do think the driving situation does have a bearing. If for example you drive in traffic I have no doubt achieving 150k plus may be more challenging.

[cheshired5]

Originally Posted by XC90Mk1

I must say however I do think the driving situation does have a bearing. If for example you drive in traffic I have no doubt achieving 150k plus may be more challenging.

I understand what you mean but it's still easily doable.

I've taken 3 vehicles from brand new to 230k miles and a truck from 600000km to 1 million km and they were used in all kinds of situations and more often than not fully loaded and none of them needed a clutch.
They weren't mollycoddled either but they were always driven with an eye on mechanical sympathy.

[RonFleet]

Originally Posted by EssexExile

I've been driving automatics since my first rented car in the States back in 1978. I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner how good they are!

Like you, driving a rental in the States (back in 1980) persuaded me that automatics were generally a "good thing" and not the spawn of the devil as I'd believed.

[Bonefishblues]

Originally Posted by RonFleet

Like you, driving a rental in the States (back in 1980) persuaded me that automatics were generally a "good thing" and not the spawn of the devil as I'd believed.

Mind you, the first time you press the non-existent clutch pedal's quite exciting