Advice sought

[KeithP]

Hello everyone,
First off, great site, very knowlegeable community.

With a bit of luck I will be joing the surfers shortly, just sold my Alfa GTV but with the cash and a trade in (the Wife's Atoz) looking to get 3ltr td Surf.

I have seen quite a few autos and the odd one or two manuals, prices for parts for both seem very reasonable, at least compared to the Alfa.

What I would like to know is how does the manual compare with the auto. I have no preduces either way except maybe a feeling of being more in control of the engine with the manual. The auto is proabably more relaxing to drive.

How is mpg affected.
What is the normal expected life of the clutch on the manual.
Are the auto boxes good for 100k+ so long as fluid is changed regularly.
Are there any opinions as to why manual should be avoided in preference to the auto.

Any thoughts anyone, all replies greatly appreciated.

[NiftyNev]

On the subject of KZN 130 - 3 ltr autos, here is something to read.

http://toyotasurf.asn.au/forum/viewtopic.php?t=195

Neville

[da SLUG man]

On the subject of KZN 130 - 3 ltr autos, here is something to read.

http://toyotasurf.asn.au/forum/viewtopic.php?t=195

Neville

i was trying to explain that to someone a while back but could never find that web page.

[KeithP]

Err thanks guys, I think.

Those links just put me off auto transmissions for life.

Does anyone here have those sort of proplems or is our ambiant air temp too low, except for the odd day or two?

[NiftyNev]

Most problems with the 3 ltr autos over here seem to be when the vehicles are being used off road or for towing.This seems to show the weaknesses in the auto transmissions.Small torque converter + extra load = more heat in transmission which in turn places the cooling system under more stress.Never liked autos anyway.

Neville

[da SLUG man]

mines only ever got hot when the rad's been caked in mud and no airflow.

[KeithP]

Luckily the one we're seeing this weekend is a manual, I think I might be making a serious offer for it.

Never seen these type of auto tranny problems before on other cars I've had - XJS, Rover(2),
Wife's Atoz

Neville, any ideas as to how long the clutch should last? The one we're going to see has 59k on the clock (I assume miles).

[steved]

The duel mass flywheels on the manuals are a problem The auto box on my KZN185 has given no problem despite some heavy use towing and at work we have a Prado same box and running gear and that has done more then 600,000 miles with no problems from the box despite spending most of its time towing a twin wheel trailer with a 4x4 vehicle on it.

[NiftyNev]

Neville, any ideas as to how long the clutch should last? The one we're going to see has 59k on the clock (I assume miles).

That's a tough one.It depends on how it's been treated.Mine needed replacing at around 120,000 Km. I think you will find this about the average from what I've seen over here.The flywheel springs weaken and start rattling around.This causes the coils on the springs to wear from rubing on the internal part of flywheel and then they start to break up.Three out of the four springs on mine were badly worn and on another I dismantled they came out in pieces.I think TonyN found parts of a spring in a clutch plate once.

Neville

[KeithP]

Many thanks for the replies everyone.
I can appreciate lots of answers to these types of questions can depend on how the vehicle has been used in the past. One of the things I will be very careful of is known history of any vehicle we see and proof of any work carried out etc. At the end of the day we will be buying from a dealer so should get at least 3 months warranty etc.

My big problem is in the past always having two cars to rely on, so if one needed any work I could get that sorted and use the other.

I do about 100 miles each day M-F to work, we got two dogs, we're rebuilding/renovating a house, so I need one vehicle for everything, including a bit of fun.

The Wife and I have decided it will be a Surf, 3ltr diesel, about 95/96ish Just torn between manual or auto.....

[fatfires]

Many thanks for the replies everyone.
I can appreciate lots of answers to these types of questions can depend on how the vehicle has been used in the past. One of the things I will be very careful of is known history of any vehicle we see and proof of any work carried out etc. At the end of the day we will be buying from a dealer so should get at least 3 months warranty etc.

My big problem is in the past always having two cars to rely on, so if one needed any work I could get that sorted and use the other.

I do about 100 miles each day M-F to work, we got two dogs, we're rebuilding/renovating a house, so I need one vehicle for everything, including a bit of fun.

The Wife and I have decided it will be a Surf, 3ltr diesel, about 95/96ish Just torn between manual or auto.....

Hi kieth
I have just been posting on these threads, for what it's worth see my posts re overheating and towing on todays threads
regards
tony

[KeithP]

Gone and Got it!

Well we went and bought it!
I am/will be the proud owner of a 3lt td manual from Sat the 30-07.
Got a good deal on the Wife's Atoz so will be Surfin after that.

Seriously though, can't wait...

Might see me back here with a few dodgy questions, but I will have it checked out by the local garage initially, got a bit in reserve for a clutch change, new radio etc. Might then think about going back to how I used to do it in my 'youger' days . Get the manual and read it!

I got a nice blue one over silver, chrome bumps, spare on the tail gate. Can't wait.

See you all shortly