I would say the auto is about as reliable as the early vanagon manual, which is to say good for 100k definitely and maybe much more, but maybe only the 100k, unlike the bulletproof Bus manuals. Personally I like the auto, I feared it as you did but own 2 now a '87 and a '90. I find it miraculously well geared for here (WV hills) the 3 speed shift points are well placed and I've lost nothing in driveability with a 2.1 van. Mileage may hover at about 19 instead of 22 but that isn't really all that important. All this said the box in the '90 did die, but upon thourough dissasembly (and replacement with an ever so common and cheap late golf tranny section) I could find nothing wrong with the vanagon box. To tell the truth I feel that an incorrect shim stack had been placed between the tranny and final (apparently a common problem FROM VW!!!) and as the thrust bearings got a little wear, what I feel just might have been my problem developed. I seriously considered putting in correct shims and reinstalling but figured I can always do that later if the golf box (sans oil cooler) croaks. Revs are a bit higher BTW, 70mph will cruise you right over the green section on the tach which might account for the mileage difference, although about the same final and direct gear, so I think the torque converter loses you a little bit even when locked up. My only major gripe, the converter seals on the tranny tend to go around 75-100k and they start slinging a fine film of ATF that gets over the front edge of the engine compartment. Otherwise pretty positive IMHO. Buy the van if it is well priced and be happy. FWIW I would do the stall speed tests per Bentley before purchase, gives a quick indication of the general condition of the box, at least as much as you can do in a pre purchase inspection. I guess my news for all is step into the light and don't fear the auto as I did for so long. John janderson@iolinc.net |
Please note - During the past 17 years of operation, several gigabytes of
Vanagon mail messages have been archived. Searching the entire collection
will take up to five minutes to complete. Please be patient!
Return to the archives @ gerry.vanagon.com
The vanagon mailing list archives are copyright (c) 1994-2011, and may not be reproduced without the express written permission of the list administrators. Posting messages to this mailing list grants a license to the mailing list administrators to reproduce the message in a compilation, either printed or electronic. All compilations will be not-for-profit, with any excess proceeds going to the Vanagon mailing list.
Any profits from list compilations go exclusively towards the management and operation of the Vanagon mailing list and vanagon mailing list web site.