while searching for a kombi 1971-77 I have seen many manual cars. Today I looked at an automatic. While I prefer manual, are there any known issues with the automatic? How about replacement gear boxes and parts in camparison with manual?

2 L autos are strong as anything.
I have "heard" the 1800 auto aint so good.
I am very happy with my T4 2L auto!

Great for highway cruizing - a bit heavy on juice for the 2km trips though. Takes a while before 3rd kicks in

Kombi automatics come from the 411 sedan and are almost identical with Type 3 autos. They are a good, strong, smooth box when in good condition.

Some people will tell you that auto Kombis have difficulty mounting small obstacles like kerbs, or in loose dirt or sand and so aren't suitable for Campmobiles that might see off-road conditions. I don't want to take mine off the tar, so even if that's true I don't care. I HAVE noticed that you need plenty of revs to reverse over obstacles - reverse gear seems a bit weaker than the forward speeds.

But if you can live with that, then they are just great to drive, especially in the city traffic. I love mine so much I wouldn't go back to a manual now. They are not slow either - put the boot in and mine just leaps away from a standing start. The shift points are also very well designed, but of course you can row the lever if you want. I've never needed to.

They are not difficult to rebuild. I had mine done at Bruce Geddes in Peakhurst in Sydney, a long-time VW workshop that also specialise in gearboxes. Mine needed some new bands and seals but that was about it. It cost me about $600 for that. One interesting thing is that the two drive shafts are different lengths - the diff is offset to one side.

Don't be afraid of auto Kombis - they are great.

I too was scared, but retrospective knowledge shows that you have far more to worry about with a manual box -:jesus

I would agree with Phil74camper..... i think the auto is great.... i have driven over a few rocky unsealed roads and had no problem.... great in traffic.... not the best up steeeep hills but what kombi is???

My '89 Caravelle is auto, its fine, will tow a car on a car trailer no worries.
It is a bit slower that the manual 5 speed one and uses a bit more fuel.

Hey, perfect timing for a question I've been meaning to ask.
How hard is it to fit a 1.8L type 4 motor out of a manual to a 1.8L auto box?
('74 bus).
Obviously the flywheel & clutch are replaced by a drive plate? But is the end of the crank the same? Are there any other linkages to the Auto box, throttle or vacuum?
Thanks,
Andy

Andy, I've replied to your other post. I've heard that there were two different autos, one mechanical kickdown and one vacuum.