Car With Automatic Gearbox: Models To Avoid

Today, motorists are increasingly turning to cars with automatic gearboxes when purchasing or leasing their vehicle. However, there are different models of automatic transmissions and they are not all equally efficient.

In this article, we advise you on which car models with automatic gearboxes to avoid!

What are the different automatic gearboxes?

The automatic gearboxes are opposed to the manual gearboxes. So the clutch pedal will disappear of this type of vehicle and the change of gear ratios is replaced by the positions D (Start), N (Neutral), P (Parking ) and R (Back). However, several automatic gearboxes exist on the automobile market and we find the following models:

• The simple clutch automatic gearbox: also called robotic gearbox, it is mainly found on small city cars or low-power vehicles. Its maintenance is very easy and it does not cause excess fuel consumption;
• The double clutch automatic gearbox: it is more powerful than the previous model but also more expensive. It offers better performance to the vehicle as well as greater driving comfort but it is heavier and more important in terms of space occupied;
• The automatic gearbox with torque converter : it corresponds to a compromise between the robotic gearbox and the double clutch, it offers good performance in terms of the engine. Concretely, a propeller connected to the engine is immersed in an oil bath and, when it turns, sends oil to another propeller attached to the gearbox;
• Continuously variable automatic transmission: also known as CVT ( Continuously Variable Transmission), it is small and consumes little fuel. However, it is not optimal in terms of driving comfort and power.

What car models with automatic transmission should you avoid?

The car models with automatic gearbox to avoid will mainly vary depending on the model of the gearbox with which they are equipped . As a general rule,it is advisable to favor vehicles with an automatic transmission with a torque converter automatic gearbox. However, for other models it is best to avoid:

1. Models with a single or double clutch automatic transmission: the DQ200 transmissions present on certain vehicles from Audi, Seat, Volkswagen and Skoda, the Easytronic transmissions from Opel as well as the BMP6 and ETG6 boxes at PSA;
2. Models with a continuously variable automatic transmission: old generation transmissions present CVT or B Autotronic on cars produced between 2004 and 2012 should be avoided as per example the Class A or the Class B from Mercedes Benz.

If you opt for CVT automatic transmissions, you should favor more recent vehicles because the gearboxes will be more efficient. On the other hand, for robotic boxes, you will have to turn to the following references: SMG at BMW, DSG 7 or DQ500 on the Volkswagen Tiguan or the Audi RS3 and the DSG 7 DL501 on the Audi A4, A5, A6, A7 and Q5 engines.

How much does a car with automatic transmission cost?

Cars with an automatic gearbox are often more expensive than those with a manual gearbox. Depending on the model and brand of vehicle, the price difference can be between €500 and €3,000. Furthermore, we must not forget that the automatic gearbox also requires very specific maintenance to guarantee the reliability of the vehicle and the performance of the engine .

Now you have all the good advice you need to choose your car with an automatic gearbox. Do not hesitate to compare market prices as well as the different tests carried out on the vehicle models that interest you!