In a message dated 12/21/02 12:31:56 PM Eastern Standard Time,
bestergaard@SHAW.CA writes:

>
> Just looking for some opinions on the vanagon auto transmission...never
> really hear of anyone discussing them.  I have heard of these being used in
> a few high powered dune buggies etc so i am assuming they must be a pretty
> robust unit.  How are they to drive (thinking up the hills) and are they
> reliable?
>
> Brad
>

contrary to most vehicles, the vanagon auto tranny (on the waterboxer models)
is more reliable than the manual transmission.....the manual transmissions
are prone to the 3/4 gear slider hub cracking problem, necessitating a full
rebuild or replacement..   wheras with regular ATF and diff fluid changes,
the auto tranny will last longer than your engine...

chris