My very first automatic transmission vehicle

[Johnny]

I've never owned a vehicle with an automatic transmission. Never wanted one. I recently replaced my Honda Accord with a Dodge Ram pickup (crew cab) and am still getting used to the change. So far, I'm liking it. Thoughts so far:

Likes:
+ Pickup offers better visibility. I can literally see over cars when pulling out in traffic.
+ Since I'm only driving about 6,000 miles a year, the lower gas mileage of the pickup doesn't matter much.
+ I can do so much more with a pickup than a car: towing, hauling, deep snow.
+ Driving is simper without a clutch and my right hand is free.

Concerns:
- I may miss the fun driving experience you get with a manual transmission in the future.
- Dogs have a harder time getting in and out of the truck. We're gonna have to rig some sort of ramp or step.
- The pickup is a lot bigger than my old car. Squeezing into tight spaces isn't so easy anymore.

[baboon]

Not my very first automatic transmission, but first one in a long time & in a pickup. I wouldn’t have been able to drive a clutch right after the knee replacement.

[44044]

Both have their advantages…

[aviator]

If you drive in Miami you'd be glad you have an auto transmission, You could wear that clutch out in a month with all the stop and go traffic.

[mrkalashnikov]

I bought my first car in 1971 when I turned 16. It was a 1955 Chevy BelAir with a 265 V8 engine and a 3-speed auto transmission. I subsequently owned other cars with manual 3 and 4-speed transmissions. If you do a lot of stop & go type driving auto is the way to go imo.

[RedOak]

Just wait till you approach a stop sign and instinctively go for the clutch petal, which isn't there. Milliseconds of panic.

[dinkydow]

I like an automatic trans in my daily drivers abd a manual transmission in my play toys.

[Johnny]

Just wait till you approach a stop sign and instinctively go for the clutch petal, which isn't there. Milliseconds of panic.

Even after logging over 400 miles on this truck, I still occasionally reach for the gear shift or push the invisible clutch.

The absolute dumbest thing I did was jump in our 1996 Dodge pickup (manual transmission) holding the right foot on the brake, turning the key and wondering why it wouldn't start. I went so far as to pop the hood then announce to my wife that the old truck is busted. Just as the words left my mouth, I realized what I had done.

[Johnny]

I like an automatic trans in my daily drivers abd a manual transmission in my play toys.

I always felt like I had more control over a car with a manual transmission, especially in the snow. I am liking having my right hand free from shifting duties.