G
Guest
Guest
Poppy, welcome to the list.
I have driven extensively on Lanzarote so appreciate your conditions.
I have also spent many years driving a range of 4WD's on rock roads
in the Balkans.
I would go for a manual not auto. As Chris says, in your traffic-free
driving you do not need to be relieved of the effort of gearchanging
in traffic with an auto, and you have a lot more control over the
vehicle especially on gradients with a manual. The maintenance issue
is also another point. Although the TLC auto is bulletproof compared
with others, it still needs careful maintenance by someone who is
fully trained to a high standard. Manual gearboxes are easy to
maintain by anyone and will outlast the auto given that you top up
and change the oil regularly. They are also easier to sell-on, there
is always a lot of suspicion of a second-hand car with an auto box,
unless you are trading-in for a replacement model at a dealership.
Your clutch wear should also be minimal with the driving style you
will have on the islands, with little stop-start use in queues. Don't
be put off by Lubo's comments either !
Lubo - I second Chris, the stiff second gear selection is a 'feature'
of the 80 and no more. If it reassures you, I had my box rebuilt
earlier this year with a 'new' exchange gearset and new bearings, oil
seals and synchro rings and hubs. I naturally also had the clutch
replaced. Since then the box has performed effortlessly. It still
needs that slight hesitation in neutral between gears when changing,
but that is a 'feature' of a new vehicle too. So its time you got
your box overhauled I think.
Cheers
Jon
Herts
'92 HZJ80 ex UN Bosnia surplus
I have driven extensively on Lanzarote so appreciate your conditions.
I have also spent many years driving a range of 4WD's on rock roads
in the Balkans.
I would go for a manual not auto. As Chris says, in your traffic-free
driving you do not need to be relieved of the effort of gearchanging
in traffic with an auto, and you have a lot more control over the
vehicle especially on gradients with a manual. The maintenance issue
is also another point. Although the TLC auto is bulletproof compared
with others, it still needs careful maintenance by someone who is
fully trained to a high standard. Manual gearboxes are easy to
maintain by anyone and will outlast the auto given that you top up
and change the oil regularly. They are also easier to sell-on, there
is always a lot of suspicion of a second-hand car with an auto box,
unless you are trading-in for a replacement model at a dealership.
Your clutch wear should also be minimal with the driving style you
will have on the islands, with little stop-start use in queues. Don't
be put off by Lubo's comments either !
Lubo - I second Chris, the stiff second gear selection is a 'feature'
of the 80 and no more. If it reassures you, I had my box rebuilt
earlier this year with a 'new' exchange gearset and new bearings, oil
seals and synchro rings and hubs. I naturally also had the clutch
replaced. Since then the box has performed effortlessly. It still
needs that slight hesitation in neutral between gears when changing,
but that is a 'feature' of a new vehicle too. So its time you got
your box overhauled I think.
Cheers
Jon
Herts
'92 HZJ80 ex UN Bosnia surplus