I'm looking to buy a Westfalia and it was suggested
that the automatic is a better choice than the standard.
I've always driven standard because I like the control
it gives me.  Generally you get better fuel economy too.

I've never driven an automatic Vanagon/Westfalia.  Is
there a reason I should consider an auto over a standard?

Thanks,

--tabe johnson
xtabe AT yahoo DOT com
Vancouver, BC

I have a '90 Westy with an auto tranny.  If I had a choice, I'd opt for
a manual transmission for two reasons:  1)  you're right;  the auto
tranny sucks a lot of horsepower that otherwise could be put to the rear
wheels.  2)  In a pinch, you can push start a vehicle with a manual
transmission.  To be sure, I've push-started cars with automatic
transmissions in my life, but not a VW and nothing with the published
caveats about not push-starting the vehicle.

Bob Trousdale
'90 Westy