I am looking for a cheap automatic for my wife to learn to drive in. She has a US license but needs a UK one now and is a bit scared of a manual at the moment. My budget is £500 and I am thinking along the lines of a Rover 400. If anyone hears of anything I would appreciate a heads up!

My next door neighbour sells cars... shall I ask him?

Yes please!!! :D

OK, I'll ask him some time this week. I've got to catch him in.

Speaking as an ex driving instructor, if she already has the skills of manouvering a car the switch to a manual will be straight forward. Just time spent learning the bite point of the clutch needed really, the rest should fall into place. Maybay time to bite the bullet and switch? You could teach her yourself....... mind you my experience of teaching a member of the family to drive dash2 C-ouch

I agree with you Ganda, but the main thing is that she hasn't driven in this country either. In Florida they have massive straight roads and no roundabouts. She's terrified of a local landmark we have called the Robin Hood roundabout as there are so many incidents there. I also don't think I'd be a very good teacher, I don't have the patience and I wouldn't put her through it!

Perhaps a couple of paid lessons would do the trick Strafin. Not only teaching control of the clutch and gearbox but also giving confidence knowing that if a mistake were made the dual controls could be brought into play.

Just a thought, hope you don't think I'm interfering...... :unsure:

I've got a name and number for you.... I'll PM you.

You wanna give my mate Terry a call.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YVYW-4zPKLE

I convinced the missus to learn a stick shift and have managed to pick up an Audi A4 SE (1.8 98 model) for £850! Chuffed.

Excellent, sounds like a bargin Strafin. Hows Mrs Strafin coping with the manual box?