Thread: TDI - Buy Auto or Manual?

Originally Posted by d2dave

I much prefer the auto. If you ever get on a beach for sand driving, you can't beat an auto.
Mine now has close to 400,000.

If you are going up a sand dune in a manual, you have to have the correct gear, as you can't change half way up a dune.

As for the cruise control. It was not available on tdi

I have seen pics of a factory fit cruise on a TDi, but they are quite rare

With the manual you can change half way up a hill. Pro, you get to choose when. Con, there is a moment of drive loss.

Today the auto would not kick down it laboured in lock going uphill with foot to the floor dropping from 100 to 80 before kicking down and accelerating back to 100.

So it looks like I need to adjust the kickdown thingy already mentioned in this thread.

Originally Posted by manic

With the manual you can change half way up a hill. Pro, you get to choose when. Con, there is a moment of drive loss.

Today the auto would not kick down it laboured in lock going uphill with foot to the floor dropping from 100 to 80 before kicking down and accelerating back to 100.

So it looks like I need to adjust the kickdown thingy already mentioned in this thread.

You just drive it like a manual and move the gear lever...

Even when adjusted correctly they don't always do what you want when you want

Originally Posted by d2dave

If you are going up a sand dune in a manual, you have to have the correct gear, as you can't change half way up a dune.

You certainly can change gear half way up a dune. I find it helps to change down a gear just before you think you actually need to. You soon get quick with gear changes, and may find that you have engaged the gear before pushing the clutch for the second time.

Aaron

I have a manual and I specifically looked for one when I was shopping, I really like it, but I do remember one of the autos I drove when shopping and honestly I still remember it being a lot faster and smoother off the mark which I was surprised at. It might have been a really nice auto, but still, all potential issues aside the auto is probably a great get.

Originally Posted by incisor

You just drive it like a manual and move the gear lever...

Even when adjusted correctly they don't always do what you want when you want

First auto of this vintage so was not sure about dropping to 3 from D whilst under load and foot to the floor. If that kind of thing is fine with the box I'll start doing that and leave kick down adjuster as is.

Originally Posted by manic

First auto of this vintage so was not sure about dropping to 3 from D whilst under load and foot to the floor. If that kind of thing is fine with the box I'll start doing that and leave kick down adjuster as is.

Still check the adjustment, its normal for the speed to drop in that situation as i believe that the lockup and overdrive speeds are too close.
If it locked in 3rd it would make for a much nicer driving experience especially when towing.

Originally Posted by loanrangie

Still check the adjustment, its normal for the speed to drop in that situation as i believe that the lockup and overdrive speeds are too close.
If it locked in 3rd it would make for a much nicer driving experience especially when towing.

I started a thread about this awhile ago am I am led to believe there is a mod that allows lockup in 3rd. Not sure of details or cost but it would make the TDI auto a better tow pig.