Advice sought, considering a diesel auto

[steve-45]

I'm beginning to worry about my auto box now .....

[SD1too]

Originally Posted by bigblue75

... the replacement reconditioned auto box had less than 25000 miles on it.

Joe, that would always concern me. My advice is to look for a car which still has its original factory-fitted automatic transmission. "Reconditioning" can mean anything depending upon who has done it, and to what standard. It's a big risk, unless you have written proof of the replacement's provenance.

Simon

[Mickyboy]

Originally Posted by steve-45

I'm beginning to worry about my auto box now .....

I wouldn't worry to much, when they slip you soon know about it, as they have wet clutches like motorbikes, and they tend to "slip" more when warm than cold, also the one I found slipping in a freelander TD4 had a triptronic box, that has +/- we don't have that on ours.
Mick

[bigblue75]

All advice and experience welcome.
Ideally would be after a 75 with an original autobox with service history (preferably by someone known to the OC). Wouldn't have even looked at the car if the receipt from the gearbox engineer hadn't been kept... nearly two and a half grand in total (does that seem right?) but as mentioned, the gear changes were barely noticeable and I can use the viewing as a benchmark.

As with all used cars there is a certain amount of luck involved but any pointers to help educate me and prevent me buying a lemon are appreciated

[SD1too]

Originally Posted by bigblue75

... the gear changes were barely noticeable...

That's how the JATCO was designed to work in the 75/ZT Joe. It's not unique to the car you viewed. Purely from memory, the engine ignition timing is changed when a gear change is required to achieve the smooth transition you've noticed. This is inhibited if the car is deliberately driven in a sporty fashion. This feature is one of the better uses of computer control.

... if the receipt from the gearbox engineer hadn't been kept... nearly two and a half grand in total (does that seem right?)

Possibly. The last time I enquired, a standard reconditioning job was £1,500 and that was enough to persuade me to do it myself. The cost of my repair was £300 (including hiring the engine crane). This was on an AP automatic transmission.

Simon

[shasbat3]

I just found a great car on Auto Trader:

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classifi...01708118241716

This one was mine up until around 18months ago. It's only done around 1800 miles since I let it go and was a great car. It still has the mesh grill that myself and GusV fitted, and those are the wheels I put on it.
I only parted with it to buy my v6.