Automatic vs. 5 Spd

J

JDodge142

New Member
Hey Gang,
I’m new to the Delica world and have been patiently searching for the right purchase. I think I have have settled on a Chamonix, and have test driven automatics only.

my questions are:
1. What is better for drivability for a van that will primary be the daily driver with occasional long distance trips. It’ll be lifted 2” with all season tires. Lightly tuned. A 100% dad van.

2. has indicated that automatic transmission is better option for highway travel, with about 10 mph top speed over the 5 spd transmission. (I know it’s not a space ship, and I’m ok with that, I also have a 4 spd diesel VW Vanagon)

3. Any first time buyer advice?!

Thanks in advance for the info and advice!

Jake
 
Automatic for sure. At 100kph an auto will be doing 2400rpm, which is right in the engine's economy range. A manual will be doing 3000rpm, which is louder and uses more fuel. The auto is also a lot nicer to drive around town, and does well off road too. The manual is better for towing and off road, but it's more agricultural.

I'm glad you have a Vanagon, that means you know what to expect (and you probably know how to handle a wrench). Delicas are designed for Japan's 100kph speed limit. They'll do 100kph all day long, but the faster you go the less happy they are. You might get 130 (80mph) out of it, but it's not going to be pleasant.

My top things to watch for when buying:
-Rust around the windscreen, A-pillars, and roof gutter (and sunroof(s) but N/A on a Chamonix). Do not buy a van with rust here.
-Rust in the wheel arches (all four) and front floors. Not such a dealbreaker but be aware.
-Dirty, sludgy transmission fluid. (Engine oil will be black: if it's clean it's just been changed. Like, that day. Suspicious.)
-Rusty coolant. A neglected cooling system could mean an engine that's been overheated, which can lead to a cracked head or failed head gasket.

There's a more comprehensive checklist for new owners here: https://delicaforum.com/index.php?threads/new-delica-mechanical-check-list.1040/#post-7559
 
automatic is amazing on the highway and is generally bulletproof. it's actually an AW (Basically a Toyota box and shared with Hiace/Hilux etc).
 
Growlerbearnz said:
Automatic for sure. At 100kph an auto will be doing 2400rpm, which is right in the engine's economy range. A manual will be doing 3000rpm, which is louder and uses more fuel. The auto is also a lot nicer to drive around town, and does well off road too. The manual is better for towing and off road, but it's more agricultural.

I'm glad you have a Vanagon, that means you know what to expect (and you probably know how to handle a wrench). Delicas are designed for Japan's 100kph speed limit. They'll do 100kph all day long, but the faster you go the less happy they are. You might get 130 (80mph) out of it, but it's not going to be pleasant.

My top things to watch for when buying:
-Rust around the windscreen, A-pillars, and roof gutter (and sunroof(s) but N/A on a Chamonix). Do not buy a van with rust here.
-Rust in the wheel arches (all four) and front floors. Not such a dealbreaker but be aware.
-Dirty, sludgy transmission fluid. (Engine oil will be black: if it's clean it's just been changed. Like, that day. Suspicious.)
-Rusty coolant. A neglected cooling system could mean an engine that's been overheated, which can lead to a cracked head or failed head gasket.

There's a more comprehensive checklist for new owners here: https://delicaforum.com/index.php?threads/new-delica-mechanical-check-list.1040/#post-7559
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Hello mate ! I have an automatic and at 90km/h my RPM is close to 2400/2500. Is it normal? Will check tomorrow precisely. Thanks
 
As a 5spd manual owner, AT is certainly better for highway cruising and easier off road. 5spd is a lot of fun and better for auto-crossing, but takes some practice off road on more technical trails unless you have a hobby of replacing clutch.
 
Scav said:
Hello mate ! I have an automatic and at 90km/h my RPM is close to 2400/2500. Is it normal? Will check tomorrow precisely. Thanks
Click to expand...
That sounds about right, you probably have the 4.875:1 axles which rev a bit higher than the 4.6:1 axles. Still revving a lot lower than a manual!
 
Growlerbearnz said:
That sounds about right, you probably have the 4.875:1 axles which rev a bit higher than the 4.6:1 axles. Still revving a lot lower than a manual!
Click to expand...
Thank you so much mate, I'm reading everytime with attention your posts. Have Good day guy's.
 
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