Hi,
still cogitating on these japanese exports to Canada (BC)... the only issue I can think of with this 89 T.D. 4wd is that it's automatic. most off roaders I know around here stay away from that. For you who advocate the townie, how do you feel abou the auto trans.? should I be worried?... should I wait another xxx amount of time for a standard? do they have a bad reputation is basically what I'm asking!
thanks
armel
- (#8269) Armel, 1 Feb 04 20:40
Toyota's autobox is an Aisin. Known in the trade to be one of the best. (Aisin build for all sorts of makes, Volve and VW for example) Smooth changing, long lasting, and the lockup converter means not so much of an economy hit.
You'll find that manual boxes are rare in the townie, as the Japanese like their autos for city use.
Plus if you are off-road, the more hard-core rockcrawlers like autos because there's one pedal less to worry about and a bit more finesse is possible over the really rough stuff...
- (#8269) david miller, 2 Feb 04 01:18
Auto is becoming more common in off-roaders.
I have a MasterAce Surf, TD auto.
I have used it off-road, and have been quite happy with what it can do, although I am a family man and not into 'hard-core'.
Having owned both manual and auto 4X4's, in my opinion the auto is easier in most situations, and also more forgiving. The manual will take an EXPERIENCED driver further, and is more fun, but the auto will get a novice further in most cases.
The combination of Turbo diesel and low range, with the lock up auto, seems to be pretty good, with good engine braking and low speed control.
I don't know if all Townie Surfs have low range, but I know that the US vans don't have low range with the autobox - avoid non-low range Aces if you intend to use it off-road!(If you can even get a non-low-range Ace? - does someone know for sure?)
The biggest restriction will not be the auto/manual, but rather that there is little you can do to them to make them better off-road, and the IFS and a few low points under the van mean you have to go carefully.
But they are surprisingly capable, moreso than you would think.
Dave.
- (#8269) DaveW, 2 Feb 04 02:21
Could anyone please give me a rough guide to the fuel economy figures for an automatic 4wd townace,diesel. Its a 89 model imported from Ireland. Also is there any advice on how to maximise the fuel economy as mines seems to be doing about 20 mpg, I do hope this is not normal. that apart its a lovely car/van/thing.
- (#8269) Eric Russell, 5 Feb 04 10:57
That's poor, we get 28-30Mpg on our 4wd 2ct Townie, possibly more if we switch off a/c & drive sensibly, but neither my wife nor I can drive slowly it seems.
Regards Rob.
- (#8269) Rob Drinkwater, 5 Feb 04 11:06