I am undecided by the auto stop-start. Part of me feels that it is good for the enviroment and that it is saving me petrol money and the other part of me thinks it could be a nuisance and I am pleased that there is a facilty to switch the auto stop-start off.

Questions:-

1/ Does using the auto stop-start cause any damage to the starter motor/engine?

2/ Does the auto stop-start actually save any money on fuel?

Thanks in advance for any well meaning answers/replies.

1/ No

2/ Yes

Personally I think they're a gimmick and in the case of autos that stop at junctions and then have to start the engine and apply drive, downright dangerous.  Had a seat Ibiza dsg auto as a hire car and it made fast pullouts dangerous.

Stop start models have heavy duty starter motors.  So yes it does cause a bit more wear, but the more durable part means you won't notice it.  It won't hurt the engine at all, the reason cold start up is bad for engines is because the oil has drained down over night and the internals are cold and 'loose', there won't be enough time for that to happen at a set of traffic lights.  If anything it's better for the engines longevity than idling for ages. 

It won't save you enough money in fuel to notice unless you sit in traffic every day.  What it does do is reduce emissions in the immediate area so useful around town to briefly reduce poisoning passers by...

Personally I don't mind it at all, leave it on permanently, it probably cuts in 3 or 4 times a drive.  I also find it's a bit more relaxing and calm at slow junctions where I'm otherwise impatient for the lights to change with the noise and vibrations of the engine lol.