Quote:
Originally Posted by SDMCF
I agree with you, and for ultimate milage I would always opt for a manual, given a free choice. However the point is that it is possible to get good milage with an auto even though it is probably not the best. I think that is good news if you have to run an auto. I changed from a manual to an auto for reasons beyond my control and I have been pleased with the results. It is years since I ran an auto and I was expecting a bigger milage hit.
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That depends on the specific automatic transmission though. When I managed to get into the 50s mpg, that was a lot of coasting (engine on), and my transmission does not like coming back into D while rolling - there is a lot of slipping and refilling the hydraulics. Now when the trans is cold there is erratic shifting, and I am not doing any more coasting in it as I think it has worn it badly. If it breaks on me, I will either convert to a manual, or get another TDI with a stick shift.
I think my old Mercedes diesel with a rear pump would be a better automatic to hypermile, although the mileage would be less than spectacular compared to my TDI.