Is it easy to find automatic cars in Tenerife?

thimble · 25th March 2008, 20:17

Hi

Can anyone advise how easy it is to find automatic cars?
Do you pay a higher tariff?
Are there any specialised dealers?

Thanks in advance!!

One more thing is my blue disabled badge valid?

Thimble

Mike in Chayofa · 25th March 2008, 20:28

Automatic cars are available on the island but not popular.

The reason is that you are usually on a motorway, so there's no need .... or on a hilly road - in which case they are a pain because unless you manually lock it into gear, they are forever changing up and down.

thimble · 25th March 2008, 20:31

thanks

unfortunately for medical reasons they are the only cars I am Licenced to drive

Could you recommend a dealer please

Mike in Chayofa · 25th March 2008, 20:40

If it's to buy a new car, all the dealers have access to what is available within their franchise.

thimble · 25th March 2008, 20:41

thanks mike I will do some research when I arrive

Mike in Chayofa · 25th March 2008, 20:48

If you want a 'whatever make' automatic, go to a 'whatever make' showroom. They will tell you what is available on the island, because of a reciprocal 'swap' arrangement.

They will also be able to tell you what is to be shortly available, and when. For some strange reason advance order cars (which they all are here) tend to be shipped to La Palma.

I word of warning - in the UK a whatevermake 1400cc auto is OK (although not ideal). Here you need to be looking at 2 litre minimum - especailly if you want one with aircon (recommended)