Clutch/gearbox

[gunner1]

What is the cheaper option Rav4 buy regarding Clutch/Gearbox repair problems, a Manual or an Auto.

Lets try and make this easier to read.. If I had problems relating to changing gear would it be possible cheaper to be a Manual or an Auto Rav4, if both had a full dealer service history and was about 6 yrs old.

[anchorman]

I would expect a petrol engined car with either a manual or auto box to last the life of the car (10-12 years) without any problems. One which has towed may require a clutch much sooner depending on how it is driven.

The diesel only comes with a manual box and there is a higher risk of problems with the DMF (dual mass flywheel). I am unable to accurately quantify this risk but would guesstimate at 20% of diesels that have covered 60,000 miles or more are unlucky. I suppose we should have a poll on this subject which might help us understand things a bit better.

Leave it with me!

[bothwell_buyer]

The manual gearbox is over-engineered and capable of tackling 350bhp - you're unlikely to have any problems unless you really really abuse it - I abuse the 1994 beast and it takes it ok. Can't talk about the automatic tho.

[gunner1]

The Auto has 30k, FSH, 1 owner and a Towbar, I have been quote £1200-1500 if it needed to be fixed.

It is probably o.k. but I was trying to find out the worst case sceniario (£) if I had to have an expensive job done

[Hoovie]

Is the life of the clutch quite a lot down to the amount of gearchanges? so a 100,000 motorway machine could have a clutch in far better condition then a 10,000 townie? (assuming both cars driven by same person)

[anchorman]

IMHO you could have a low mileage one that has been driven by somebody who slips the clutch a revs the peas off it or one which pushes a caravan up a field 6 times a year. You could also have one with 100k which has had 4 clutches due to abuse. I would define it (one with less chance of being worn) as one which has not been slipped or otherwise abused during its lifetime.