Posted on 14/12/2017 20:57
I'm changing my car in the new year and although I would prefer an auto I'm not adverse to getting a manual gearbox.
Can you good folk give me some idea of their tow car performance with a manual box, preferably comments on clutch wear and what sort of mileage did you achieve before a new clutch was fitted??
This is important to me as it will determine the car I end up purchasing.
Thanks guys
Posted on 15/12/2017 15:12 by MethevenIt was this year TW, looking to change the car and already dismissed the Discovery Sport so went into the Subaru dealership. Whether it was a one off or not I don't know, but the demonstrator was terrible and put me off immediately. This was obviously solo and haven't a clue if the CVT was any good for towing.
If a dealership wants to sell then it must present the very best to get a sale, as I went away with the thought that every one was like that.
Posted on 15/12/2017 15:43
That is very odd. Mine was a dream and I only got rid of it because it wasn’t being used. 3000 miles in 15 months! I see the dealer where it ended up has just reduced it. No idea how it would be as a tow car though.
Posted on 15/12/2017 18:26
The 7 speed Skoda (VAG) DSG is a dry clutch unit with poor reliability, we chose to stick with manual when we bought our new Seat last month for that reason. The wet clutch DSG boxes are fine if properly serviced. The Citroen automated manual is also dire but further up the range and with Peugeot PSA use torque converter autos even on their small cars. The Audi CVT box is also notoriously unreliable and was dropped by Audi a few years ago.
Posted on 16/12/2017 13:59
Kinda going off subject here guys. Let me try and explain what I was after. . . .
Example, I'm looking at either a 180 ps (177bhp) Kuga. And depending what's available either manual or automatic, I just really want to know your experiences regarding using a manual gearbox. My current vehicle as your may have guessed is a Jeep Grand Cherokee, 2.7crd (Mercedes engine and auto box). A proper air cooled torque convertor and tows our caravan really well.
I am only changing it for something more economical to run, but with the newer cars having less than inspiring reviews on their automatic gearboxes, I am wondering if I'll be better off with a manual. But what sort of mileage can expect a clutch plate to last?? Bearing in mind, I do less than 100000 miles a year and I consider myself to be a brilliant driver!! ( meaning I am mechanically minded, and know how to drive, both manual and autos properly) 
Posted on 16/12/2017 16:23
I suspect nobody has the required experience of these vehicles to enable them to give the responses you want, GC.
It's been pointed out that there are so many variables that it’s almost impossible to answer. We don’t know how you drive, where you go, how many hill starts you do and so on.
Therefore, the conversation has drifted to autos in general and it'll all be of interest to someone.
2 people like this
Posted on 16/12/2017 18:48 by JVB66This thread has been of interest to me as ,I am having problems wth my left hip so am thinking of an auto again next time (getting closer
)last one was Rover sdi
Posted on 16/12/2017 19:01
The world of autos has come on in leaps and bounds since Rover's SD1 (not SDi 
) Once you've got your head around just two pedals, there's no reason to ever buy another manual car (I know there are some die hard 3 pedal owners about). But as above, not all autos are the same, you need to do a bit of homework & test drive each of the different autos & see what you think.
This might be of interest
Posted on 16/12/2017 16:23 by TinwheelerI suspect nobody has the required experience of these vehicles to enable them to give the responses you want, GC.
It's been pointed out that there are so many variables that it’s almost impossible to answer. We don’t know how you drive, where you go, how many hill starts you do and so on.
Therefore, the conversation has drifted to autos in general and it'll all be of interest to someone.
Posted on 17/12/2017 01:15
I only mentioned the Kuga as that's one of the cars on my shortlist.
And I do appreciate the variables. But I know from other threads there are some die hard three peddlers out there that can shed some light on the topic based on the tow cars they own or have owned.
G Cherokee
Caravanner from West Midlands