Question 1

How can I tell if the clutch on a manual car is worn?

Accepted Answer

A biting point very high in the pedal travel, revs climbing without the car accelerating, or a burning smell on a hill start all point to a worn clutch. A test drive with a hill start and a firm pull in a high gear shows it quickly.

Question 2

What is a dual-mass flywheel on a manual car and why does it matter?

Accepted Answer

Many diesels and powerful petrol cars with a manual gearbox use a dual-mass flywheel to damp engine vibration. When it wears, you hear knocking at idle or feel vibration when pulling away, and it is usually replaced together with the clutch at considerable cost.

Question 3

Can I drive a manual car with a licence passed on an automatic?

Accepted Answer

Not straight away: a B licence passed in France on an automatic is restricted to automatic cars. After three months, a seven-hour course at a driving school lifts the restriction without a new test.

Question 4

Are manual cars cheaper?

Accepted Answer

A manual is usually cheaper to buy than the automatic version of the same model, and its gearbox is simpler and less costly to maintain. Electric cars and nearly all hybrids are automatic only, so a manual means a petrol or diesel engine.

Used manual cars in France

Audi A1 Sportback 25 TFSI 95ch Advanced

Audi a3 2.0 tdi 150 quattro s line sporback

CITROËN C4 II 1.2 THP 110 Cv MILLENIUM

AUDI Q2 30 TFSI 110 BVM6 S line

CITROEN C3 1.2 VTI 82 GARANTIE ET RÉVISÉ ✅

Audi TT 45 TFSI S line Compétition 245 CH - Boite Manuelle - Excellent état

AUDI A1 Sportback Design 1.0 30 TFSI - 110cv - Garantie 12 mois

PEUGEOT 208 I PHASE 2 HDI 100 2019 AVEC SEULEMENT 128000KMS

Audi A1 1.0 TFSI 95ch ultra

Audi a3 2,0 fsi 150 cv ambition luxe 3 portes couleur noir 40000 kms