What do you guys know about automatic stick shifts? I have heard some bad things about them, but was not sure what was rumor/truth. I am looking for a bug for
my grandfather. I found an auto stick near his house for a descent price.
Auto Stick
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 Ghiaholic |
Auto Stick |
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Posts: 162 (11/08/09 17:01:57) |
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joelherman |
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Posts: 387 (11/08/09 17:33:57) |
from what I've read, as long as it works, it's ok. You can't do much to the engines as the transmission are not all that strong. I've driven
one, they're kind of cool
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CarlIseminger |
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Posts: 7 (11/09/09 14:27:21) |
I have a '68 autostick. Fun to drive. Love it. My mechanic says that as long as I maintain the car, oil changes, etc, the transmission and clutch
assembly will outlast the engine. It may need some adjustments over time as the clutch plate wears a bit, and maybe change the hoses as they get brittle and
crack, but other than that, no worries.
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CarlIseminger |
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Posts: 8 (11/10/09 10:41:50) |
I was short on time yesterday when I replied. Driving an Autostick is different than a regular manual VW. Yes, it is slower, but not that much. I find it
very "perky" for around town driving. Being able to leave it in drive range "1" and not having to shift for around town driving is a plus.
Highway driving, the top speed is not as high. I have managed to get mine to 65MPH, but that is with the pedal to the metal. My bug likes to cruise at about
60. Very comfortable to drive at this speed. One still needs to be slightly coordinated when making the shifts, but the engine and transmission are very
forgiving during a goofed shift.
The torque converter acts as a "shock absorber" for the transmission and engine, so clutch wear usually is minimal even after 100,000 miles and the engine is spared the "shock" of a clutch that is suddenly let go. My little old lady neighbor has had her '68 autostick since new and it now has over 90,000 miles on it. She has never had to have anything done to the transmission assembly at all. The horror stories arise when the electronics and the vacuum operations either get out of sync or a part fails and no one knows how to work on them. Then the grinding and cussing begin. Or someone claims they know how to repair and they screw it up even worse. |
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