Driving

[Siobhan_H]

Has anyone had to change from manual to automatic car? Managed years not giving in to the diagnosis but the last few months have been very hard to push it aside

[Rosepetal60]

It was during my Driving lessons using a manual car, I realised I would not be able to continue driving a manual car due to Arthritis in my left foot. So after over 20 years of driving, I can absolutely recommend buying an Automatic car as long as you research the different car models first. I’ve found the Vauxhall Astra cars have suited me up to now. Easy to drive, once you put the gear into drive for forward, it’s a pleasure to drive. I keep my left leg /foot stretched out flat out on the floor to the left, but I’ve heard some people tucking their left leg up and away. I wouldn’t be able to do that and find it more comfortable to stretch it out. I’ve been fortunate in finding low or fairly low mileage 2nd hand Automatic cars.

[Fra22-57]

Yes I have got a mobility car that is automatic. My hands are too bad to change gears etc so it does help alot.My husband tends to hog the driving so I have only managed to nag at him a few times to drive it.You will love it. Mine is a brightly coloured toyato aygo

[Minicar]

Hi Siobhan, I have recently changed to an automatic car as the arthritis in my hands has got worse and struggling with the reverse gear as I couldn’t lift and push it over, I have a Vauxhall corsa and it’s great wouldn’t go back to a manual again and I’ve been driving over 40 years. Hope this helps you.

[Jep144]

I had to change to an automatic as arthritis in my hands stopped me from being able to change gear properly and it was very hard to lift the gear lever to put it into reverse. That was about 8 years ago, before I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia….. an automatic has been a godsend to me as now I can move my left leg freely to ease aches and pains on a long drive.

[PVK1954]

Hi

I was considering giving up driving as my left knee was getting very still. I was leaving the doctor's one day when the garage next door had left a black Lexus IS automatic on the pavement. It was instant love and I scrapped together every penny I had and traded in my manual car. Six years later and I am still enjoying driving.

[Farmerboy in reply to PVK1954]

Lovely to read your post. I’ve driven since I was 17 years old all manner of motors now retired my daughter kept say get an automatic dad, well I have MS and I was medically retired after my diagnosis unable to return to work farming. So I bough an ex mobility car under 9000 miles easy to access and easy to drive and level access for the boot scooter,

[Patdoyle]

Yes 2years ago I stopped to automatic and best thing I’ve ever done. So much easier on the joints. I managed to buy a 2 year old Audi A1 hitch had been owned by someone on disability. It only had 1200 miles on the clock and was like brand new inside. I couldn’t go back to a manual car now.

[Charr53]

Yes I have had to. I'm also having to becareful using handbrake as well . The pain gets so bad, the automatic does help but accelerator is also problem also when u have to lift your foot from the accelerator to the brake . The pain strikes top of my right thigh.. speed control and cruise helps alot as well... If you can change to auto does help..

[Sugarhobbit]

I am deciding if to switch to an automatic car. I understand that they are more expensive than a manual one. My gp suggested an automatic car. There is nothing wrong with my car although I don't drive it often as my arms ache or using gear stick and handbrake with my shoulders being painful.

The question my husband asks me is who I am separated from but he is my career. Would it benefit me more paying out for an automatic car when there is nothing wrong with mine and mine would be ok for another few years. I understand what he is saying. He puts my scooter in the boot to take me out I am unable to do this. Because I am unable to walk far when I get anywhere would anyone know if it would still be of benefit for me ? Although it's only me can make that decision. I have chronic fatigue syndrome for donkies years and was diagnosed with fibromyalgia last year. Medically retired nurse.

Thank you for any advice. I have a Toyota Yaris and love it but also Mazda one is meant to be good apparently.

[Tim61]

Yes, I’ve changed to an automatic car earlier in the year , you’ll find it a lot easier when you get used to it . Adaptations can also be made to the controls as well , say if you suffer from weakness in your legs . If I was you go for it , I actually enjoy driving again since I’ve had the automatic.

[Siobhan_H]

Thank you everyone for your input! Time to start looking i think. Been driving a manual 15yrs now, i have tried an automatic but i think i need to now just to make travelling comfier and bad days x

[fabpup01]

I changed to an automatic about 2 1/2 years ago and it has made driving so much easier. My previous car was just two door and so they were big and heavy (Audi). Now I have a smaller automatic car with 4 doors which are much lighter.