I have an '85 with auto. I like it. Top speed is unchanged. Drag racing a
4 spd, I'd expect to come in last but still ahead of a diesel, but 0-60 time
is not the Vanagon's strong point. Gas mileage is a little lower than
manuals -- I'm getting 15-16 mpg around town and 19-20 mpg on the highway.
The automatics do not have the same problems of the manuals and tend to be
very reliable if the fluid and filters are changed regularly.

Chuck
'85 Wolfsburg Westy - 'Roland the Road Buffalo'

In a message dated 8/8/01 1:53:32 PM Pacific Daylight Time,
LISTSERV@GERRY.VANAGON.COM writes:

Date: Wed, 8 Aug 2001 10:03:30 -0700
From: Steven Gross <sgross@SOCCCD.CC.CA.US>
Subject: auto transmission any good?

I'm the former owner of an '86 Westy that got wrecked and a current
owner of an '87 Westy.

I'm contemplating the purchase of a '90 7 passenger Vanagon for the wife
and kids.

It's got an automatic transmission and I'm a little nervous. How much
power does the AT suck from the already underpowered engine?

Any warnings or reassurances greatly appreciated!!!