Hi I have just git an x5 love it to bits wondering if an auto would be as mutch fun
Yes once you acclimatise.
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ā¦yes, particularly if they come with flappy paddles?
The mx-5 is the only manual we have now and if we replaced it, it would be with another manual mx-5. Itās just nice to drive a āproperā car. The Audi S3 I also own is DSG and in no way could you change gear as quickly in a manual, this helps to make it extremely quick. My partnerās Mercedes-Benz SLC has a 9 speed slush box and is so smooth you canāt feel the gear changes. Horses for courses.
Iāve owned one auto Eunos and thought it was very good indeed! Old school box but held in 2nd on twisty roads, as good as any manual, dare I say, better?
Our main car A6 S line Avant is manual and a great drive but took son in lawās MB 220 dci estate in for service this morning and really liked the auto box. No idea how many speeds? Maybe 8 or so 
Barrie
9 probably!
wow! TBH, I didnāt venture beyond D5 
Barrie
I had a golf GTi with a DSG box (having had a manual before, as I wanted a golf ball gear knob!!) and it was excellent. For a car like that which I used to do many miles, it was ideal. However I specifically bought the MX5 as it has a manual gearbox and for me, the interaction with the car is key to its enjoyment. I change gear down a country road far more than I need to as it has an excellent box and I enjoy changing gear.
However not everyone feels like this and thatās fine, but for me it is not bout the speed but the interaction. I have had faster cars but they were less enjoyable.
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Our Mercedes-Benz SLC doesnāt drop into top (9th) until youāre at motorway speeds!
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Right, never got there, just local roads journey to garage. 
Barrie
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Just find a manual a lot more fun than our VW GTi with DSG.
If I canāt heel n toe it aināt enough fun .
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Has it said the software update to fix the dodgy emissions?
Yes it was updated some time ago, they wouldnāt tell me what the update was, but I know now!
I saw a lovely pale blue NC auto PRHT just before I bought mine and seriously considered it, but it was sold very quickly because apparently theyāre SO rare.
I find the gear change on my manual MK1 a delight to use, Iāve just sold my BMW Z3 3.0 auto for something more āpureā and engaging and the MX5 excels.
The only other manual gear change that has given me more fun was on my old Cerbera, but for the money I donāt think you can beat the Mazda. Would like to try a Honda S2000 one day though.
Oh really. 
If you feel the need to improve I can get you proper lessons.
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Iāve got an ND auto, I had an NC manual before, I totally love the auto in every way, but theyāre not for everyone and I guess if itās a second car then itās nice to play with a manual. Having said that, I can put the auto into manual, switch on sports mode and use the paddles. Get one of each!
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So thatās what passes for culture north of the Border is it ? Iāve often wondered ā¦
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Iāll arrange our Culture Secretary to PM you a brochure.
Specially selected just for you-hoo. 
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