Volvo Owners Club Forum - View Single Post

john.wigley · Jan 21st, 2020, 09:50

I agree absolutely with 'L.S.' regarding autos. Opinions differ, often fiercely (!), but I personally feel that these cars really suit automatic tranmission.

Like 'L.S.', I've had both in my time, but much prefer autos - I also had a 145DL Auto from 1972 when it was 12 years old, followed by 2's, 7's and a 9 series car, and currently a V70 - all autos! My one regret was that the 3 series cars were not available with a 'conventional' automatic - only a CVT on the basic 1.4 models. Would have loved one on the 1.7 GLE and 2.0 litre GL versions that I once owned.

Having said that, if it has to be a manual try and get one fitted with an overdrive - I've had two, a 145DL and a 245GLT. In my view they were nicer to drive than those without - quieter and more refined at speed, and 10 - 12% more more economical overall when driven like for like.

Regards, John.

Jan 21st, 2020, 09:50	#20
john.wigley VOC Member since 1986 Last Online: Today 11:35 Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Leicestershire	I agree absolutely with 'L.S.' regarding autos. Opinions differ, often fiercely (!), but I personally feel that these cars really suit automatic tranmission. Like 'L.S.', I've had both in my time, but much prefer autos - I also had a 145DL Auto from 1972 when it was 12 years old, followed by 2's, 7's and a 9 series car, and currently a V70 - all autos! My one regret was that the 3 series cars were not available with a 'conventional' automatic - only a CVT on the basic 1.4 models. Would have loved one on the 1.7 GLE and 2.0 litre GL versions that I once owned. Having said that, if it has to be a manual try and get one fitted with an overdrive - I've had two, a 145DL and a 245GLT. In my view they were nicer to drive than those without - quieter and more refined at speed, and 10 - 12% more more economical overall when driven like for like. Regards, John. __________________ Time flies like an arrow, fruit flies like a banana .....