Thread: Budget Family 4WD

Originally Posted by Jake77

In a similar situation to the OP, curious what the recommendations from the experts are on manual vs auto in the early 90’s bighorns etc? Not looking at anything too extreme in terms of off-roading. Like the idea of teaching kids in a manual but they seem fairly light on the ground compared to autos.

An auto gives smoother control in the rough and rocky stuff, no lose of traction with gear changes. I think autos are better in river crossing scenarios too as you can't get water into the clutch and lose drive.
Manual better for teaching the kids how to drive, but adds another task to the whole learning to drive off road scenario.
Manual is better for faster takeoffs to try clear obstacles unless you are peddling good HP in front of an auto.
Can't crash start/tow start an auto easily if starter dies or flat battery. (carry a spare starter and jumper leads in an auto just in case.)