Hi
Just how bad is the 8th Generation automatic gearbox [Edit: 2.2L diesel version!]?
Are they clunky even when new - or is that indicative of a fault?
Does improve when they warm up?
I test drove one the other night and the gear changes were *horrifically* clunky...
Background
I do like the idea of an automatic gear box for city driving, and with slightly careful (mostly motorway) driving I am resigned to getting say 44MPG instead of 50MPG on manual. By my calculations, over a year if I do 20,000 miles that would cost me an additional £275. If I got a very much more relaxed drive particularly in cities, then I would pay for that. But if the geabox makes an un-relaxing CLUNK when changing gear I suppose I'd be better off with manual.
If the loud clunk is a fault, what would it cost to buy a new gearbox?
I tried to call my local dealer for a price but they are persistently engaged [deep sigh]
Either way are there any good non-Honda build/non OEM alternatives?
J
PS I just found this (May 2009) article in the Telegraph that says of the 2.2 i-DTEC Auto that "the engine sounded like a turbocharged cement mixer full of broken bottles" and "don't bother"!
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring/carreviews/4999996/Honda-Accord-review.html
Just how bad is the 8th Generation automatic gearbox [Edit: 2.2L diesel version!]?
Are they clunky even when new - or is that indicative of a fault?
Does improve when they warm up?
I test drove one the other night and the gear changes were *horrifically* clunky...
Background
I do like the idea of an automatic gear box for city driving, and with slightly careful (mostly motorway) driving I am resigned to getting say 44MPG instead of 50MPG on manual. By my calculations, over a year if I do 20,000 miles that would cost me an additional £275. If I got a very much more relaxed drive particularly in cities, then I would pay for that. But if the geabox makes an un-relaxing CLUNK when changing gear I suppose I'd be better off with manual.
If the loud clunk is a fault, what would it cost to buy a new gearbox?
I tried to call my local dealer for a price but they are persistently engaged [deep sigh]
Either way are there any good non-Honda build/non OEM alternatives?
J
PS I just found this (May 2009) article in the Telegraph that says of the 2.2 i-DTEC Auto that "the engine sounded like a turbocharged cement mixer full of broken bottles" and "don't bother"!
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring/carreviews/4999996/Honda-Accord-review.html