Member Since: 30 May 2016
Location: LANCASHIRE
Posts: 60
Manual or automatic d3
Well the research continues, as do the questions.....What's my best option for the gearbox in the D3? Is 1 more reliable than the other? Is there a noticeable difference in MPG between the 2? and any other advice.....
To be honest most I've seen for sale are automatic, but I remember when searching for my current car, auto's were to be avoided due to the problems they had.
Cheers
17th Jun 2016 10:37 pm
lynalldiscovery
Member Since: 22 Dec 2009
Location: Maidstone
Posts: 7274
A search on here will show both have their issues.
Ive alwayss had manual cars, now I wouldnt go back unless forced.
17th Jun 2016 10:42 pm
Iceman08
Member Since: 22 Sep 2014
Location: Hereford
Posts: 2284
I've always driven manuals but absolutely love my auto D3.
I'm needing my box rebuilt but most others get away with a new torque converter if needed and that comes in around £1000. My rebuild will come in around £2,500
17th Jun 2016 10:47 pm
Biker Pete
Member Since: 23 Jan 2014
Location: Gateshead
Posts: 513
I chose a manual purely because it was the best car available at the time.
I have had no trouble with the gearbox other than a new clutch at 118,000 miles and a couple of quid on a new detent clip.
When I do get raound to changing I shall probably look for an automatic purely because I prefer an auto when stuck in traffic, which I am twice a day
All the clever electronic trickery works far better in an Auto than a Manual....... 8)
I would suspect that a torque converter once into the higher mileages, would be the equivalent to a couple of clutches? ------------------------------
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Huge Permagrin
Member Since: 07 Dec 2004
Location: Bramhall
Posts: 26701
Auto all the way for me! Yes the ZF gearbox and torque converter in the D3 are prone to shuddering gear changes and failure at higher mileage, but is is a direct result of Land Rovers ridiculous stance of claiming its a sealed for life unit, not needing oil change until 150k
If you find a car that's been maintained by an enthusiast, and perhaps done a transmission flush at a reasonable mileage, then there is nothing to fear.
19th Jun 2016 8:59 am
BIGDAZ1971
Member Since: 17 May 2015
Location: stoke-on-trent
Posts: 30
manual for me ,i do a lot of towing with my caravan and its being fantastic .can drop down easy when need to and the engine breaking is better than sitting on the brakes for me but sitting in traffic is a pain no matter what gearbox you got.
19th Jun 2016 12:29 pm
DigitalJunior
Member Since: 22 Nov 2008
Location: Cumbria
Posts: 4398
Gareth wrote:
Auto all the way for me! Yes the ZF gearbox and torque converter in the D3 are prone to shuddering gear changes and failure at higher mileage, but is is a direct result of Land Rovers ridiculous stance of claiming its a sealed for life unit, not needing oil change until 150k
If you find a car that's been maintained by an enthusiast, and perhaps done a transmission flush at a reasonable mileage, then there is nothing to fear.
I had oil flush done but the TC still failed at 128,000 miles - £1200 for new TC and other components but now its like brand new.
19th Jun 2016 12:32 pm
Sydney
Member Since: 11 Aug 2013
Location: St Neots
Posts: 903
Mine's a manual but would go for an auto next time, purely just to make driving that little bit easier, yes I'm getting lazy in my old age!!!De-Tango
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My friend had an auto with about 130k on the clock, with the strange noise on lifting the throttle that appears to be converter related, he spent over a grand replacing the turbo, another 1200 replacing the convert to try and get rid of the noise but it never totally went, he was so fed up of it he swapped the disco for a manual. He reckons he get 5-6 more mpg from the manual.
21st Jun 2016 6:34 am
lynalldiscovery
Member Since: 22 Dec 2009
Location: Maidstone
Posts: 7274
That noise is actually quite common, mine does it and has done it since Ive owned it.
I did speak to two auto box guys and they both said all ZF t/cs do it even new ones obviously the newer they are the less noticeable it is, can be heard best with the tranny plate off, one even showed me what it is that makes the zinging noise, but I cant remember!
21st Jun 2016 6:42 am
Someone-Gone
Member Since: 21 Dec 2015
Location: Gone
Posts: 5117
Had both, I used to swear by manual, but the auto box takes a lot of beating and the prices hold better when you sell it on.
Manual - 80k miles since new, I'm still delighted.
IMHO a manual will give you 1.5-2.5 more MPG, over 80k miles mine is giving 24.6 MPG calculated accurately, driven hard with a tweak from Pete Bell of BAS.
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21st Jun 2016 7:01 am
Woolmeister
Member Since: 26 Mar 2007
Location: Chandler's Ford
Posts: 3457
Can't disagree with any of the comments above. It's largely down to personal preference but I think it's fair to say that the autos may be more desirable than the manuals and my next car will be an auto.
My D3 manual regularly achieves > 30mpg (calculated) on the sorts of motorway journeys I do. The trip computer invariably displays ~32mpg.
I didn't buy it for fuel economy, though.
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21st Jun 2016 7:40 am
A.J.M
Member Since: 31 Oct 2009
Location: Carluke
Posts: 2815
Auto for me.
Manual was never a choice as every time I drive my bosses manual one, I'm glad I have my auto.
Yes it needs the tc changed and likely a box freshen up but it's got 150k on it now so it's not a young or low mileage car.
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