The auto-tranny in the Vanagons is a better tranny than the manual.
Stronger, generally gives less trouble that the manual if services
properly and regularly. The 3-4 slider cracks int the manual unit.
Additonally, one can rebuild the auto-tranny in ones garage, if so
minded, but the manual tranny requires expensive tools and some jigs
that the average home-mechanic will not have in his toolbox.

If the the price is right, and the van is in good shape, it probably is
a good deal even with the "apparent" tranny problem. It may well be
eminently repairable without considerable expense, then again, maybe
not. It's a gamble you will need to decide on as to whether or not to take.

Good Luck.

John Rodgers
88 GL driver

ok artguy wrote:
> I have an opportunity to buy a running '90 Carat automatic (110k, working
> AC, nice body/int, alloys etc) for what I feel to be a veery low price. The
> owner tells me that it was driving fine until last week, when it made a
> "slight grinding noise from the rear" while exiting the freeway. He
> tells me
> he got to where he was going and parked, and when he tried to leave an hour
> later the van wouldn't move in any direction. He says that he checked the
> fluid in the pan, and it was clean and at the proper level. He suspects the
> torque convertor, but isn't sure. I have NO experience with auto-trans
> buses, so I'm not sure what obtaining a new one/swapping it out will
> entail.
> Overall, it sounds like it might be a good deal, but I wanted to get some
> input from the list first. Thanks-
>
> JJ
>
>
>
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