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