From the office of dumb questions

[OhSnap]

What is so bad about autotragic? Are all cars considered autotragic or only VW or only Beetles? If the average automatic transmission lasts 120-1250K, then isn't it just an expected expense in owning a car?

[Smileybug]

Its mostly a VW thing. Their autos have been crap since the mid 90's. Before that, they weren't too bad. My FIL had a '91 Vanagon with 260k+ on the original auto...and it was leaking trans fluid for 60k or more. Sturdy thing. It was only a 3-speed so it kind of sucked in that regard, but all in all, it wasn't bad.

Now, the autos are just junk. They tend to fail around 100-150k. 2.0L cars tend to have them last longer and I think there are a few around with 200k+ on them, but they are in a minority. And the rediculous cost that VW wants for auto transmissions are rediculous. I wouldn't say a failed transmission is "just an expense in owning a car". The 5-speeds are much more robust and last a lot longer.

Now, it could be worse. Honda had some serious issues with their autos in their V6 Accords in the '98-'02 gen. Some failed as early as 30k. 60k seems to be about the norm. Even after replacement, they'd fail again around a similar mileage. My hubby is lucky and has the 4-cyl car...almost 170k on his with the auto.

Keeping up with fluid changes are good, but sometimes they don't stop anything. I would just really avoid the auto at all costs.

[lil.smartie]

Probably cos Europeans all know how to drive a manual car! Surprised about Honda though the Japanese also love their autos like the US!

Kate (1.8t manual all the way!!)