The auto-tranny in the Vanagons is a better tranny than the manual. Stronger, generally gives less trouble that the manual if services properly and regularly. The 3-4 slider cracks int the manual unit. Additonally, one can rebuild the auto-tranny in ones garage, if so minded, but the manual tranny requires expensive tools and some jigs that the average home-mechanic will not have in his toolbox. If the the price is right, and the van is in good shape, it probably is a good deal even with the "apparent" tranny problem. It may well be eminently repairable without considerable expense, then again, maybe not. It's a gamble you will need to decide on as to whether or not to take. Good Luck. John Rodgers 88 GL driver ok artguy wrote: > I have an opportunity to buy a running '90 Carat automatic (110k, working > AC, nice body/int, alloys etc) for what I feel to be a veery low price. The > owner tells me that it was driving fine until last week, when it made a > "slight grinding noise from the rear" while exiting the freeway. He > tells me > he got to where he was going and parked, and when he tried to leave an hour > later the van wouldn't move in any direction. He says that he checked the > fluid in the pan, and it was clean and at the proper level. He suspects the > torque convertor, but isn't sure. I have NO experience with auto-trans > buses, so I'm not sure what obtaining a new one/swapping it out will > entail. > Overall, it sounds like it might be a good deal, but I wanted to get some > input from the list first. Thanks- > > JJ > > > > _________________________________________________________________ > MSN 8 with e-mail virus protection service: 2 months FREE* > http://join.msn.com/?page=features/virus > |
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