Automatic, variator: pros and cons

Buyers of both new and used cars are increasingly choosing complete sets with automatic transmission. At the same time, auto manufacturers of different brands complete their cars with automatic boxes of various types: automatic, variator, and also a robotic gearbox. The latter is structurally analogous to a mechanical box in which the gear shift is controlled not by the driver, but by the computer.

Many car sellers do not apply to what type of automatic transmission is installed on a specific car model. Some do this in order not to overload the client with technical nuances, while others act so deliberately, knowing that the client, after learning the truth, can refuse to purchase.

Intending to purchase a car with automatic transmission, many customers do not pay attention to what kind of box is installed on the selected model: automatic, variator, or even "robot". But for some, this factor is one of the decisive. Most often, this happens to customers who have already encountered any of the PPC and are aware of its shortcomings, trying to avoid re-purchase.

Unfortunately, in most cases people choose an automaton, a variator or a robotic box, based on myths or fears, which is not entirely correct. To make the choice meaningful, you just need to consider all the pros, cons and prioritize. For example, cars with automatic machines lose significantly in dynamics, they have an increased fuel consumption (the exception is modern 6-7-speed automatic machines, which only put on expensive cars). Other disadvantages of the automatic box include the risk of damage to parts during operation in severe frosts and the need to replace expensive oil (although not often, but in a rather large volume - up to 10 liters).

The above mentioned shortcomings of many customers make it necessary to refuse buying a car on which the automatic box is installed. The variator of some of these disadvantages is deprived, but it has its drawbacks. First, the variator is a rather complicated and relatively new type of box, which often breaks down (and no one knows how to repair it properly). Accordingly, the slightest error in operation or failure of electronics can lead to very expensive repairs. Every 100 thousand kilometers (on some models 150 thousand) it is necessary to replace a special metal belt, which in itself is an expensive detail, and the cost of work can not be called cheap. And the oil in the variator is even more expensive than in the machine, however, it is less there.

On the other hand, each of the boxes has pluses. The variator has good dynamics, low fuel consumption, no jerking when changing gears (they are simply not there), as well as a high engine life, relative to machines with mechanics. The machine has almost the same positive qualities, in addition to fuel consumption, which can be low only if there are at least 6 stages.

What is better to buy: automatic, variator, or even just mechanics? There is no unambiguous answer to this question. On the one hand, a machine that has been tested for years (a variator, reviews of which are found increasingly often, began to be produced much later), on the other hand, a modern and economical variator. And the final choice is for the consumer, and in order not to regret it in the future, it is necessary, at least superficially, to get acquainted with the work of each box and read the "live" reviews of the current owners.