This is one of the big debates – much like petrol four wheel drives vs diesel ones. At the end of the day all you can do is research online and see what the overall opinions are. In general though:

Automatics:
- Need to stay cool and for extensive towing often require modifications to the transmission
- Use slightly more fuel
- Lack engine breaking
- Increased brake wear
- You can’t stall the engine
- Gear changes are much quicker and as a result tend to be considerably better for sand driving

Manuals:
- Are more simple
- Require clutches to be replaced
- Can be push started
- Are more economical
- More fun to drive

I mentioned it is a much debated topic – many people say that Automatics are considerably better for four wheel drives, and then you get others who say the opposite. I prefer manuals, but it doesn’t mean they are better.

Have a search on google, and you will find plenty of (heated) discussions about which is better!

Aaron