i love my auto.a bit heavier on juice than a manual im told.ive not had a manual petrol.so cant confirm this.mines gassed so its cheapish to run anyway...
2.1 LPG/Petrol Auto Caravelle
"The difference between genius and stupidity is that genius has its limits"
I've got an auto and I really like it. The gearbox went just before christmas but it was my own fault for not changing the oil sooner. Read this blurb from Go Westy, and if you do get one, the advice I've read is to change the oil every year rather than every three. I might actually do it this time! http://www.gowesty.com/library_article.php?id=305
And I've treated myself to an oil cooler too. I'll let you all know if it's any good when I fit it.
No, I didn't repair it, I got a second hand one off Ermie - thanks again Emma, and Steve for bringing to Manchester. I do have a genuine VW manual on how to repair them, though I might just use as a coffee table book! From what I've read on the web etc. the auto box off an Audi 80 is the same, just needs to be bolted to the final drive off the van. If I see one cheap enough I might give it a go to see what's involved.
Had the box rebuilt at a place near Charlton, just before crimbo, £500 plus vat. They had it for 4 days in total, job done, 12 month or 12,000 mile warrenty. It's so smooth now though.
Only down side is like Tonytech has said 25-28mpg on a run, but late teens around town.