6 is perfect IMO. Would entertain 8 but 10 seems unnecessary. Both of my vehicles are 6-speeds, one auto and one manual, and I've never wanted more gears. Obviously ratios play a big part, but I have owned 5 speeds where I've wanted a 6th.
Modern reliable automatic transmissions
- Thread starter amateurbob
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Yes it is.
I almost mentioned it but hesitated, lest I be ridculed as a confused "nissan fanboy", sigh
Patman
Staff member
The CVT that comes in the last two generations of the Civic has a good reputation for being reliable. The CVT in my 2016 is plugging along perfectly with 298,000 km on it and it has only had three fluid changes in it’s life too.
Wear it with Pride. Black sheep amongst a sea of haters.
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Toyota A750, A340, A760, and the Nissan RE5R05A get my vote. They’re ancient compared to new, modern transmissions of course. Bonus points for the ZF8 too.
But it’s a VW! Jk, I got one and it’s amazing compared to standard slush boxes.
VW DQ250 DSG, Nissan RE5R05A, ZF8 get my votes. I also like the Mercedes 5G Tronic - very reliable but it’s 2 generations old now.
You’re got some of us with you on the “some Nissans are actually pretty great vehicles” boat
Came to say ZF8 many others beat me to it. First auto that I don’t think I could do better shifting with a manual
That would be any automatic transmission that has no electric wires going inside it.
Lamenting the simplicity of the manual trans. relative to the high multi-speed automatic transmissions but must admit they are almost seamless after the first few gears. Good luck if they fail as cost of repair may preclude retaining ownership, but the manufacturers seem to have a better handle on it with the current models.
As an aside just watched a video pushed to me on the top ten cars owners return for resale due to reliability and high cost of ownership. Multiple Land Rover and Mercedes models heavily featured along with BMW. Not been my experience, but as a diy mechanic do all of my own work whenever possible and usually exceed maintenance schedules. Have to wonder if today's everyday owners are not as vigilant on maintenance to avoid costs given the expense of a service, or perhaps there is a decline in the quality of workmanship at the dealers. Ultimately, they will pay for it, or the next owner may. Questioning my former strategy of buying off lease vs new to save a few thousand dollars. May not be prudent decision for late model vehicles?
As an aside just watched a video pushed to me on the top ten cars owners return for resale due to reliability and high cost of ownership. Multiple Land Rover and Mercedes models heavily featured along with BMW. Not been my experience, but as a diy mechanic do all of my own work whenever possible and usually exceed maintenance schedules. Have to wonder if today's everyday owners are not as vigilant on maintenance to avoid costs given the expense of a service, or perhaps there is a decline in the quality of workmanship at the dealers. Ultimately, they will pay for it, or the next owner may. Questioning my former strategy of buying off lease vs new to save a few thousand dollars. May not be prudent decision for late model vehicles?
The 6r80 in my Navigator L 4x4 is built like a tank. 174,000mi on it now. Didn’t get its first fluid change until I bought it at 140,000. I did a pan drop, filter change, and 3 total drain and fills with Amsoil ATL. It’s been smooth as silk, hauls a family of 6 regularly (at 6980lbs gross in that config) and pulls my 33ft 7500lb camper without missing a lick. I added a larger Mishimoto transmissionmission cooler to replace the factory one. Transmission temps hang around 204 (as factory intended) with hill spikes to 225 or so on a mountain climb in 95 degree temps and it cools back down within a mile or two. Never a hiccup or misbehavior.
Most drivers can’t even check their tire air pressure. Anything beyond filling it with gas is outside of their capability, so to them, luxury marques are going to be expensive to maintain when you’re paying luxury dealership repair costs and have zero clue about basic vehicle inspection and maintenance.
If you’re DIY like we are, they are no more expensive than any other vehicle.
I love the way these shift, but the first gear creep always has me wondering when the clutch will wear out.
I became so adept at changing rebuilt plow truck transmissions that I could change out a Th400 in 45 minutes.That would be any automatic transmission that has no electric wires going inside it.
I’ve bought three BMWs, one Mercedes and one Jeep off lease and had no issues with any of them.
Reassuring to read.....
For the added comfort I will try the dealership first and eat the extra cost on the assumption they did a thorough once over and have checked in to the history and maintenance. Successful so far with my decision and vehicle choices over the last ten years.
The NAG1 aka W5A580 is excellent. Got almost 164k on mine, shifts are perfect. Much much better than Chryslers God awful 545/65RFE.
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