Type 3 Automatic Transmission

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Falcon6136
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Joined: 23rd May 2021 - 10:42am

Type 3 Automatic Transmission

Post by Falcon6136 » 24th May 2021 - 1:18pm

Hi

I'm new to the club and thirsty for information about type 3's Fastbacks and Squarebacks. Please could someone give me their honest experience of owning a Type 3 with an automatic gearbox (as in economy, durability and reliability)?

Regards Falcon

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jmarkha1
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Joined: 25th July 2006 - 9:02pm
Location: Surrey

Re: Type 3 Automatic Transmission

Post by jmarkha1 » 24th May 2021 - 3:46pm

Type 3 auto is the perfect combo - for relaxed driving. In my type 3 squareback it is really relaxed - drives very nice, economy is not a good as a carefully driven manual but any early vw isn't going to be bought purely on eco. Durability wise - the gearbox is very over engineered and tough but does need maintenance. The core of the gearbox is also used by the vw bay windows and some early US market Audis. I have rebuilt the one out of the squareback and the rebuild kit was available via US sellers on eBay...
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Falcon6136
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Joined: 23rd May 2021 - 10:42am

Re: Type 3 Automatic Transmission

Post by Falcon6136 » 24th May 2021 - 4:10pm

Thanks for the reply jmarkha - what sort of economy could I expect if driven gently and carefully in a well maintained car?

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jmarkha1
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Location: Surrey

Re: Type 3 Automatic Transmission

Post by jmarkha1 » 24th May 2021 - 4:44pm

tricky as I never really measured with any accuracy but I would have thought high 20s if the car was setup well. Probably more on a longer run. I wonder what the official figures were when they were first released...
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sparkywig
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Re: Type 3 Automatic Transmission

Post by sparkywig » 24th May 2021 - 5:26pm

According to the 1969MY owner's manual you could expect 30mpg for the auto and 31.5mpg for the manual.

https://www.thesamba.com/vw/archives/ma ... page58.jpg

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jmarkha1
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Re: Type 3 Automatic Transmission

Post by jmarkha1 » 24th May 2021 - 5:33pm

maybe my car wasn't set up perfectly :-)
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sparkywig
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Re: Type 3 Automatic Transmission

Post by sparkywig » 24th May 2021 - 6:45pm

I would imagine, like manufacturers figures today, that those are a bit optimistic.

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broady_6
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Joined: 13th January 2009 - 8:55pm

Re: Type 3 Automatic Transmission

Post by broady_6 » 24th May 2021 - 8:50pm

Yeah, I used my manual 1600 twin carb as a daily and regular commuted from Southend to Lincoln and always returned about 30mpg. For work which was half town half country it was around 27mpg. Autos typically offer less per gallon than manuals
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Falcon6136
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Joined: 23rd May 2021 - 10:42am

Re: Type 3 Automatic Transmission

Post by Falcon6136 » 25th May 2021 - 7:49am

Hi guys

Thanks for your replies on autos and mpg, I’ve had a look at all the type 3s for sale on auction sites and classic sites. Myself, my wife and our two little dogs have travelled miles round the country but to no avail. Any type 3 on the market at the moment that I have viewed has been in very poor condition with severe rot or other serious issues. I’m probably looking for the holy grail, a tidy straight type 3 square back or fast back!!! Any ideas?

Sorry if this is posted in the wrong place.

Kind regards type 3 newbie

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broady_6
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Re: Type 3 Automatic Transmission

Post by broady_6 » 25th May 2021 - 8:27am

It will be a game of patients. They dont pop up for sale all the time like modern cars. But I expect if you keep looking this year you will find the car you want. Try an advert in the wanted section as well. I will keep any eye out for anything suitable as well.
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jmarkha1
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Location: Surrey

Re: Type 3 Automatic Transmission

Post by jmarkha1 » 25th May 2021 - 12:35pm

have a look at thesamba - there are usually a few very nice cars that come up for sale in europe if you're happy to import and register.
I looked for about 3 yrs until my car came up for sale - worth the wait...
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Rob 400e
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Location: Burnley

Re: Type 3 Automatic Transmission

Post by Rob 400e » 25th May 2021 - 10:07pm

If your interested in a type4 fastback RHD auto four door very rare solid... have a look at mine on type four register... title introducing DBE 133 K ... 1972 fuel injection. I’m thinking of selling. Rob
Type 411 Le four door auto .

Falcon6136
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Joined: 23rd May 2021 - 10:42am

Re: Type 3 Automatic Transmission

Post by Falcon6136 » 26th May 2021 - 1:04am

Hi guys

Thank you very much for the response on the subjects, I will keep looking and hoping.

Kind regards Falcon

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