Club 80-90 Forums

Im looking to buy a van with an automatic gearbox. The gearbox is 4 yrs old so shouldnt have wear issues, question is, are they any good ?, it has the DG 1.9 petrol engine . cheers, Tony

the auto box is very good.in fact i believe its the strongest box vw produced.just make sure you check the auto transmission fluid every now and again.there is a dipstick in the engine bay.follow this procedure.get the oil up to temperature 60 deg c.(a 5 or 6 mile run) make sure van is on a level surface.put hand brake on.put gear selector at park "p" leave engine running.check dipstick.fluid should be between min and max.from cold fill to below min mark,(newer dipsticks have a 20deg c mark on them) fill to this.warm engine up to operating temperature and fill to between min and max marks.do not overfill too much can result in damage and must be drained off.

can be a bit heavier on juice if its auto

Lovely box. So easy in traffic. A bit heavy on fuel (arnt they all) and a bit heavier on the brakes.
T

R0B wrote: just make sure you check the auto transmission fluid every now and again.

*sniggers*

i have a 1980 auto 2 ltr and love it , as said easy to drive and quiet.

Can the auto box handle a Subaru engine?

yes , there are a few auto vw boxes with scoobie motors

i have a scooby auto adapter plate if your interested!

I have both 5 speed and an auto, i love both, but curse the 5 speed more

18 mpg auto, 20 manual, on lpg

I like a good auto , better with 500+bhp but....... used to use Torqueflytes for racing, firm in London are very good for modding converters to be almost unbustable, undo years of development with the smoothest box around and fit a shift kit plus make a good ratchet shifter and away you go, they certainly can be a lot kinder on the drive train and Id like to try an auto van, Just do as Rob says, If ever the fluid smells burt then hope it isnt and change it.
mike

HAve to say would not have manual after having my auto for 5+ years. I am running a 2.2 Scooby engine and it drives really well, bit better on fuel than a vw engine and alot quicker!

There's a 2 Litre Turbo'd Subaru Vanagon in the States with an auto gearbox. Box has just been modified for change points and perhaps the cooler beefed up... reliable and great fun I'm told