The four gearbox types
Each behaves differently and costs differently to maintain.
- Torque converter (ZF, Aisin) — smoothest, most durable, best for motorway miles.
- Dual clutch (DSG, PDK, S tronic) — fast and efficient; needs its oil service on time.
- CVT — very smooth in town, can feel elastic under hard acceleration.
- Automated manual — cheapest, jerkiest; test drive one before committing.
What to check on the test drive
Drive from cold. Shifts should be clean with no flare in revs, no shunt when pulling away, and no hesitation on kickdown. Ask for gearbox service records on dual-clutch cars.
Frequently asked questions
- Are automatic cars more expensive to run?
- Modern eight- and nine-speed automatics often match or beat manual fuel economy. Maintenance can cost more, so budget for gearbox oil services at the recommended interval.
- Do you stock automatic used cars in Suffolk?
- Yes — you can filter our Needham Market stocklist by gearbox to see every automatic currently available.
