Used automatic cars for sale

Automatic cars work without the driver having to switch gear ratios. They have four gears: Park (P), Drive (D), Reverse (R) and Neutral (N). The type of automatic transmission will determine the way in which the car is powered.

• Hydraulic transmission utilises planetary gearsets and hydraulic fluid to change gears. Planetary gearsets are used to control and reduce speed and torque.
• A CVT gearbox is a type of single-speed gearbox which uses a pulley system to change gear ratios.
• AMT is a manual transmission endowed with automatic propulsion to operate the clutch and shift gears.
• DCT or dual-clutch gearboxes use two separate clutches for odd and even gear sets that work in tandem. DCT gearboxes are said to provide better fuel economy than some of the others mentioned.

Automatic cars typically require more advanced equipment and technology than manual transmission cars.

The automatic gearbox is a complex system, therefore higher production costs in relation to equipment and technology impact the vehicle list price.

Most of the manufacturers available at Arnold Clark offer automatic transmissions on their models. We have a wide range of automatic cars for sale, browse our stock to find one that suits your lifestyle and budget.

Or you can contact us directly to speak to one of our product geniuses, they will be able to advise you on which cars in stock are automatic.

The price of an automatic car will depend on a number of factors. Prices vary depending on the manufacturer, model, trim, engine and fuel type chosen. Our automatic models range from around £8,000 to upwards of over £140,000.

Manual and automatic cars both have their own individual benefits and drawbacks.

Choosing an automatic will typically make for an easier driving experience. This is because the driver does not have to operate a clutch or change gears. This reduces driver fatigue, especially in heavy traffic.

However, automatic cars tend to be more expensive than their manual counterparts. This is because of the complex equipment and technology they require.

Which is better depends on your individual preferences, lifestyle and budget.

Manual vs automatic cars - Which is best?

Automatic cars feature a Neutral mode so that the car is still able to be pushed or towed as neutral disengages the gearbox. This can help you to control the car in case of a malfunction or emergency.

Electric cars are mainly automatic because of the consistent speed and power delivered by this type of drivetrain. As a result, electric cars do not require a conventional clutch or gears for power.

A paddle shift in automatic cars refers to controls at the back of the steering wheel. These controls are usually buttons or levers.

The controls enable the driver to override automated gear shifts made by the transmission, ultimately, allowing the driver to shift into a particular gear.

The reasoning behind paddle shifts was to increase speed whilst reducing strain on the transmission. They are commonly found and used in race cars.

Semi-automatic cars feature a combination of both manual and automatic transmissions, giving drivers the best of both worlds as you still have the option to control the gears. However, most semi-automatic vehicles still do not feature a clutch pedal.

'L' in an automatic car can be found on the gearshift. This typically stands for 'low'. You can use this mode when towing or when driving steep uphill roads. This mode enables high engine power whilst keeping speed low and subsequently limiting any strain on the vehicle's brakes.

In an automatic car, 'B' can stand for brake. However, not all automatics have this function, it is commonly found in hybrid vehicles.

Toyota models are known for having the 'B' gear. It works as a regenerative braking system. You would use this function when driving downhill. This slows the vehicle's speed, reduces engine braking and moves gradually down through the gears.

This can prevent premature brake erosion and overheating. It's similar to using a lower gear in a car with a manual transmission when driving down a steep hill.