Automatic gear boxes

Post by **boiliebob** » 16 Aug 2006, 09:16

Hi all, does anyone own an T25 with an automatic gear box?
I have my eye on a Villa 3 (89), 2.1 injected, with cruise control and an auto box. Is this overkill? Anyone advise against auto boxes? Or even recommend?
All advise is very much appreciated.

Cheers
Rob

Post by **max biaggi** » 16 Aug 2006, 09:31

I've got a 1.9 LHD auto 1987.

Very nice to drive. Gets you in holiday mood as you tend to drive slower.

Post by **SplendiferousII** » 18 Aug 2006, 08:54

I had a 2ltr Aircooled with an Auto box a few years back. Loved it! Very reliable. You wouldnt even know it was only a three speed box.

Post by **Dubstar** » 18 Aug 2006, 10:30

I've just bought a 2ltr Aircooled auto from German Ebay-in Berlin! Hopefully flying out to pick it up next weekend, so I'll let you know-if it makes it back that is.I hope they haven't seen Deliverance......

Post by **stuckin88** » 19 Aug 2006, 06:58

Your talkin about a 17 yr old van--anything can fail---& a manual gearbox is a lot cheaper to replace than an autobox if it fails--in fact I made some enquiries for a friend & nobody was very interesred in reconning an autobox at all---

Post by **Dubstar** » 28 Aug 2006, 20:46

Just done 1568 kilometres in 4 days from Berlin-with a few stops on the way-and it didn't miss a beat. It's a 2ltr Aircooled with auto box, and it just did what it was supposed to, and on the the fairly flat roads in Germany, Holland, Belgium and France, it cruised mostly at 100-110 kmh.Sorted.So yes,I can recommend the auto box, but I've never driven a manual T3 so I can't compare the 2. All I know is my auto is really good. And the van only cost me 2600 Euros, which is about £1800.Well pleased.

Post by **chipster1** » 02 Sep 2006, 13:55

i dream of an auto gear box a mate had one superb and a lot less hard work!!!

Post by **billy739** » 03 Sep 2006, 20:48

got a caravelle running the auto box with a peugeot 1.9td conversion,done 12000 miles sofar never missed a beat,even towed a few cars and a devon poptop 150 miles once,no problem,
as its got power steering as well a total doddle to drive.
would recomend!

Post by **Arvi** » 07 Sep 2006, 09:31

did you buy the van in the end?

i have and auto 2.1 briliant

Post by **Shipdrives** » 13 Oct 2006, 09:39

I've had my 1980 Aircooled LHD westy 2.0 auto over 2 years & found it very relaxing to drive and have just got back after driving it down to southern Spain (where I left it for future holiday use)

.

The main problem I've encountered is that only having 3 gears, progress can be a bit slow going up steep hills. My son usually pulls away from me in his manual T2 Bay (4 gears!) however once back up to 40mph my T25 accelerates well & I get past him. Last week I was down to 15mph in 1st gear on some of the Spanish mountain roads but the bus still kept chugging along although the altitude (+ 4 adults, baggage, etc.) may have had something to do with it. My original Solex carbs were worn out so I fitted a single Weber kit earlier this year & that greatly improved the power & fuel consumption.

I've just bought a 1985 RHD Holdsworth 1.9 manual for use here in the UK and what's surprised me is I really miss the automatic gearbox - so effortless! Also the steering wheel being on the other side is taking some getting used to!