Towing with an Automatic

Sandgroper replied on 17/10/2019 17:27

Sandgroper

Posted on 17/10/2019 17:27

Hi, still looking at a potential new car for next year. A number of options are 'automatic' which may not be a bad idea in my old age. I have driven auto's so I am quite familiar with them but would be interested in views on their use as tow cars.

More specifically the options in my sights atm are Ford Mondeo Powershift and the Mercedes 2litre diesels. I hope to buying something like 2017 or newer versions if that makes a difference.

Any comments would be helpful.

15 replies

EmilysDad replied on 18/10/2019 12:08

Member

EmilysDad

Caravanner

Posted on 18/10/2019 11:39 by flatcoat

The latest Ford powershifts are TC boxes from about 2016. I have driven and towed with 2 cars with VAG DSG well over 100k miles. If serviced properly there isnt a problem with the wet clutch versions however best to avoid the dry clutch types.

Posted on 18/10/2019 12:08

however best to avoid the dry clutch types.

... which I believe applies to both the DSG & Powershift.

DS3 replied on 21/10/2019 02:23

DS3

Caravanner from Lincolnshire

Posted on 21/10/2019 02:23

I have towed my whole driving life with manauls until two years ago when I bought my Rexton. The Mercedes 7 speed gearbox is a proper auto with a torque converter, and I wish I had gone over to an auto years ago.

I won't be having a manual car anytime soon. No anxiety worrying about getting stopped in traffic on a hill, or pulling away on hills and buring the clutch out.

Just foot off the brake, foot on the throttle and away you go. It is so much easier and stress free. I love it, and I never thought I would say that.

EmilysDad replied on 21/10/2019 23:06

Member

EmilysDad

Caravanner

Posted on 21/10/2019 02:23 by DS3

I have towed my whole driving life with manauls until two years ago when I bought my Rexton. The Mercedes 7 speed gearbox is a proper auto with a torque converter, and I wish I had gone over to an auto years ago.

I won't be having a manual car anytime soon. No anxiety worrying about getting stopped in traffic on a hill, or pulling away on hills and buring the clutch out.

Just foot off the brake, foot on the throttle and away you go. It is so much easier and stress free. I love it, and I never thought I would say that.

Posted on 21/10/2019 23:06

Most people say the same after they've given an auto a proper go .....

2 pedals good ... 3 pedals bad 😉