Used Cars for Beginners: Manual or Automatic?

Solo – Kompas.com – For some people who are just learning to drive or who want to own their first car, buying a used car is often considered safer and more economical than buying a new car. Besides the more affordable price, the range of models and transmission types available in the market is also quite diverse. However, novice buyers often struggle to decide between manual and automatic transmissions. Each has its advantages and disadvantages, depending on the buyer’s needs and driving character. Iwan, owner of the Iwan Motor Honda workshop in Solo, said that for beginners a used car with manual transmission is preferable, but if you are seeking something easy to drive, you can choose an automatic transmission. “But if you want it to be more practical and more comfortable to drive, an automatic is the right choice,” Iwan added. According to Iwan, manual cars still have several advantages, especially in terms of ownership costs which are relatively lower. Besides the used unit price tending to be lower, fuel consumption of manual cars is generally more economical than automatics, especially for cars aged more than five years. Drivers do not need to press the clutch and shift gears frequently, making daily use more relaxed. Therefore, before buying a used car, prospective owners should tailor the transmission choice to their usage needs, driving ability, and long-term maintenance budget.