Dave, I bought my 91 Carat new. It has a manual tranny. I bought it so that my wife could drive it. If I was buying for me, I would have bought a manual transmission model which I did test drive. Anyway, my wife drove it for two years and then stated that she wanted a Honda just like her girl friends have. I inherited the Vanagon and sold my Fox wagon (another story). My Vanagon now has 170,000 miles on it, original engine (heads done at 100,000), original transmission. I get the tranny serviced every 60,000 miles, filter and fluid. No adjustments have been required so far and I don't expect any at my next service. It shifts smoothly and dependably. I expect it to last for many years to come without any major service, probably longer than the engine. I would whole-heartedly recommend the automatic transmission as far a reliability and longevity. Personal taste is another matter. Best of luck, Dennis Lockwood 91 Carat Original Owner |
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