Hi Deli Fans, what's the deal on manual vs. auto?

[ericmgt]

Hey friendly Deli Fans,

I've been lurking and lusting over these Delica's for a while now .... and am thinkin' about taking the plunge.
Done some searching over the various features, but can't seem to find much info regarding manual vs. auto trans. I've always preferred to drive vehicles equipped with manual transmission, but it sounds like the 5 speed Delica is actually geared lower than the 4 speed auto, resulting in lower gas mileage [hiway] and not quite comfortable cruising at hiway speeds. I don't plan to do any serious bush bashing with this Van, maybe some light camping, so 4 wheel drive in low is probably not a concern. Is one transmission more reliable than the other?

Can anyone fill me in on the transmission choice?

thanks, great board, hope to be a "real" member soon!

[robinimpey]

Yes the gearing is lower on the Man vs the Auto transmission. I spoke to my brother in New Zealand before I bought my van about which tranny to go with and he said the auto is a very good transmission and more common so go for it. I did and I'm happy with mine so far as I'm just driving around town or out on the highway.

[josh]

I don't plan to do any serious bush bashing with this Van, maybe some light camping, so 4 wheel drive in low is probably not a concern. Is one transmission more reliable than the other?

The 4wd Low is real low in the auto and manual... you wont stop for anything with it... so no concern is right.

Is one transmission more reliable than the other?

I was talking to John of Rocky Mountain Imports last weekend, and he said that the auto is substantially cheaper to fix if anything goes wrong. The parts are common and local for the auto, and the manual you have to use almost only japanese parts with a higher price tag. But that said, how many people ever really have a manual transmission need to be worked on? Its rare.

Josh

[ericmgt]

thanks for the info, much appreciated!

[rdub]

Ive have a 5 speed manual,yes it is a little slower on the freeway 90 to 100 but its a tough tranny off road wicked,in town its good ,its fun too! pick up and go and the shifting is really smooth ,climbing grids is also a plus with the manual i do alot of off road camping,and adventuring i like the 5 speed,parts are totally avalible ive had no probs so fare ,a good synthetic oil is all it needs.,down shifting is also a great break saver.
my 2 cents.

Rich