reliability - automatic vs. manual

islandrider · Post by **islandrider** » Tue May 29, 2007 10:08 am

Hi,

I am new to the forum, and have read though the FAQ and the aussie forum too. I am looking for information to help me decide between the automatic and the 5 speed. The main question I have is:

Which version is more reliable and less likely to break down?

I have read the debate about which is better for 4wd, and while interesting, it is not really the most important factor. I plan on driving this down to Mexico (Baja) and simply want to avoid mechanical issues.

Are there any known problems with either the automatic or manual?

Thanks for any and all information!

Cheers,
Paul

Adrock · Post by **Adrock** » Tue May 29, 2007 11:21 am

auto = faster

with my 31s I can hit around 100kmh (60mph) which is less than the speed limit. I have a manual. If oyu want to do long highway cruises go auto. I use my 5 speed, it would be nice to have another gear. It can go faster, but cruising over 3000rpm for extended periods of time comes with its own problems. I don't think there are significant reliability differences with either though. I know my 5 speed can do it though, went to palm springs and back, cruising fast for 30 hours straight didn't cause any problems. I'm sure an auto could do the same thing but faster. I just got back from about a 1000km round trip for the weekend. Still no issues.

James@JDM · Post by **James@JDM** » Tue May 29, 2007 1:10 pm

reliability is about even both are pretty good, watch for the flywheel on a manual delica, they are from memory dual mass (or maybe I'm thinking pajero??) they can give symptoms of a slipping clutch when in fact the flywheel is giving up. auto's again can slip if they haven't been serviced. It really comes down to personal preference more than reliability.

Agree with Adrock auto has a higher potential cruise speed. 5 speeds tend to have a maximum cruise speed of 115-120kmh and there revving fairly hard at that speed.

islandrider · Post by **islandrider** » Tue May 29, 2007 1:46 pm

Thanks for the input. I have alway preferred manuals in the past, but since this will be primarily for long trips, I am thinking I will go for the auto. My only concern is having something go wrong with the auto trans while down in Mexico - I am guessing it might be harder to fix down there! Then again, I have heard great things about the Mexican mechanics.

Does anyone know if they sell Delicas in Mexico?

Cheers,
Paul

visotzky · Post by **visotzky** » Tue May 29, 2007 3:21 pm

When cruuising at 100kph in my 5 speed In rev around 3000rpm but the engine just purrs along at those rpm's. I am just wondering if people are not just a little paranoid about running so high. Is it not possible that this engine was designed for this kind of abuse as it sure sounds happy at those rpm's. Any comments?

EnviroImports.com · Post by **EnviroImports.com** » Tue May 29, 2007 4:37 pm

the delica seems to not mind the higher rpms for a diesel, my surf would hate it for long periods of time, the important thing is to make sure you rad is flushed with good coolant and make sure you have an auto trans fluid cooler, ya ya ya, almost all have them , I know, but make sure YOU have one and would not hurt to have the trans fluid changed, my next love is still in japan until oct and all the fluids are being flushed and changed befor it gets here.

Personally I am putting in a overdrive (cable operated) not sure if I will go with the actuall overdrive box or do another reverse chev 203 transfer case , either way I will be able to sail along about 1700 rpm at 120Km no its not speeding everwhere 8) Hell where i go logging 120km is the posted limit. but I do all my own work so hourly rate is not an issue for mods.