I would say the auto is about as reliable as the early vanagon manual, which
is to say good for 100k definitely and maybe much more, but maybe only the
100k, unlike the bulletproof Bus manuals.  Personally I like the auto, I
feared it as you did but own 2 now a '87 and a '90.  I find it miraculously
well geared for here (WV hills) the 3 speed shift points are well placed and
I've lost nothing in driveability with a 2.1 van.  Mileage may hover at
about 19 instead of 22 but that isn't really all that important.  All this
said the box in the '90 did die, but upon thourough dissasembly (and
replacement with an ever so common and cheap late golf tranny section) I
could find nothing wrong with the vanagon box.  To tell the truth I feel
that an incorrect shim stack had been placed between the tranny and final
(apparently a common problem FROM VW!!!) and as the thrust bearings got a
little wear, what I feel just might have been my problem developed.  I
seriously considered putting in correct shims and reinstalling but figured I
can always do that later if the golf box (sans oil cooler) croaks.  Revs are
a bit higher BTW, 70mph will cruise you right over the green section on the
tach which might account for the mileage difference, although about the same
final and direct gear, so I think the torque converter loses you a little
bit even when locked up.  My only major gripe, the converter seals on the
tranny tend to go around 75-100k and they start slinging a fine film of ATF
that gets over the front edge of the engine compartment.  Otherwise pretty
positive IMHO.  Buy the van if it is well priced and be happy.  FWIW I would
do the stall speed tests per Bentley before purchase, gives a quick
indication of the general condition of the box, at least as much as you can
do in a pre purchase inspection.  I guess my news for all is step into the
light and don't fear the auto as I did for so long.

John
janderson@iolinc.net