In a message dated 1/5/01 12:28:17 AM Eastern Standard Time,
radish150@EARTHLINK.NET writes:

> What is the general opinion of these auto transmissions? Do they really suck
> gas and power compared to the 4sp?
>
>

the 4spd sucks compared to the auto.    :<)    seriously, tho, the automatic
trannies in the wbx vanagons are far more reliable than the manual
transmissions.  You'd think it would be the other way around, eh?   NOT.
the manual trannies all develop the 3/4 gear slider hub crack sooner or later
necessitating a complete rebuild or replacement of the tranny.   Big $$.
 Wheras the automatics are generally trouble free, with proper fluid changes.
3 of the 4 manual transmission vanagons i've owned had this cracked slider
hub problem, while none of the auto tranny vans ive owned has ever had a prob.
Also, top cruising speed is the same for a 4spd vs AT vanagon.
chris

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