I have had my '85 auto trans 7 passenger van since '96, and have put over 150k 
miles on it in the time since I put it on the road.
As to the auto trans. It is in general stronger and less trouble than the 
manual. You do lose some at highway criuse, because there is no overdrive, but 
the convienence of not "rowing" the darned thing in town usually makes up 
for it. Depends on your driving uses. In the first 12 years of my '85's life 
with me, it was foremost my daily driver - lots of around-town, in-traffic 
stuff. Autos are usually easier on the engine, too, because the engine winds up 
to speed, and then stays there. Relatively steady speeds, and loads. Abrupt or 
sudden changes in speed and load wear things out faster. Not a big deal, but 
over time it makes a difference. My Butternut has over 150K miles on that 
rebuilt engine, and it still doesn't burn any oil. Or leak any, come to think of 
it. I continue to be amazed at that...

I did discover an odd weakness in the auto transmissions, and none of the trans 
shops that I went to had even heard of this problem, let alone had advice for 
repairs! There is a steel plug on the trans, that is used to block off one end 
of a manufacturing bore. It is in a shallow depression on the top front of the 
trans, and will collecct dirt in that depression. Then, it will rust. Then leak. 
I chased that leak for over 5 years, never finding it, just fixing all the other 
seals on the trans instead, until I found it by accident one afternoon, thinking 
I needed to change the trans cooler, and doing wiring upgrades. What a PIA! I 
used a steel freeze plug to block it back off, after removing the remains of the 
old plug. It did the trick. I won't need to worry for probably another 20 years, 
now.

I put 15" Audi alloy wheels on it in 2002, and did not regret it a bit. The ride 
improved, the handling improved. Safe tire choices opened up by a large margin, 
also. But, as long as you have correctly rated tires - not just "good enuf" - 
the 14" will serve just fine. They will not be cheap, though.
 Evan Mac Donald 

"...in the absence of facts, myth rushes in, the kudzu of history."
-Stacy Schiff 

________________________________
From: Art <awa0330@GMAIL.COM>
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Sent: Fri, November 25, 2011 7:12:22 PM
Subject: Advice request; 1986 Vanagon automatic

Hi all,

I’m not an experienced Vanagon owner...yet.  I’m investigating a 1986 Vanagon 
with 108,000 miles on it.  If I buy it, I’ll probably replace the fridge with an 
electric model from GoWesty. This unit has the built in stove and fridge.  My 
plan is to take a couple of months and simply travel around.  I have 3 questions 
that I’d love some help with;

It’s an automatic.  should I run like hell?  I haven’t found any serious warning 
signs on bogs or in research so far.

Many recommend upgrading from 14” wheels & tires to larger.  It’s a heck of an 
expense.  Any thoughts?

AC has been disconnected because it is barely adequate anyhow.  I seem to see 
that this is a condition of these units.  any solutions other than simply 
dealing with the lack of AC that makes sense?

Thanks in advance for your help!

Art.