Ducato automatic gearbox - good or not? (1 Viewer)

[Roger Wilkinson]

Planning to purchase a new Ducato-based van later this year and we're wondering about having an automatic. Always had manual before, but as we age we find we're getting a little less deft with things like gear changes and I guess we won't be getting any smarter in the future. We hired a car last year with one and were very impressed - technology has advanced since I last drove one decades ago. I've done a bit of research and it seems there were some issues with the Comfort-Matic or whatever they call it in its early days, but couldn't find any recent problems (not to self - never be an early adopter).
I am interested to hear what anyone's experience is, good or bad. Have you had problems? Would you never buy another? Would you never go back to manual? etc etc.

 

[ABZSteve]

Planning to purchase a new Ducato-based van later this year and we're wondering about having an automatic. Always had manual before, but as we age we find we're getting a little less deft with things like gear changes and I guess we won't be getting any smarter in the future. We hired a car last year with one and were very impressed - technology has advanced since I last drove one decades ago. I've done a bit of research and it seems there were some issues with the Comfort-Matic or whatever they call it in its early days, but couldn't find any recent problems (not to self - never be an early adopter).
I am interested to hear what anyone's experience is, good or bad. Have you had problems? Would you never buy another? Would you never go back to manual? etc etc.

All good with mine, 2015 and will buy same again. Try a search of other posts, many previous discussions

 

[Arewethereyet]

We have a 2013 150bhp with comfortmatic box and love it, if I had one comment to make is that they do take a bit of getting used to when making small movements ie inching backwards or forwards up ramps and the such like as it can feel like a either all or nothing, but once you have experienced it a few times you should have no problems

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[Zepp]

Have a look here link below

http://www.motorhomefun.co.uk/forum/threads/automatic-v-manual-on-motorhome.147638/

 

[Bill_OR]

The Comformatic box is excellent - I would never go back to a manual!

 

[mikebeaches]

Yes, we like our comfortmatic gearbox, with standard 2.3l 130hp engine. Van is so much more relaxing to drive.

No problems and wouldn't consider going back to a manual gearbox now.

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[CWH]

Ducato automatic gearbox - good or not?
Good.
No chance of ever going back to manual.

if I had one comment to make is that they do take a bit of getting used to when making small movements ie inching backwards or forwards up ramps and the such like as it can feel like a either all or nothing

... of course you can always knock it into manual for fiddly things, and I always do so on a campsite to keep to low speed limit of around 5mph.

 

[two]

Happy with mine, but it's not old enough to show up any problems. Ask again in a couple of years or so.

 

[Clarky]

Excellent!
Next question?

Richard.

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[BobtheBass]

We love ours now I have got used to having an elderly man in the cab with me pressing the clutch pedal!

 

[Jo662]

We love our comformatic gearbox,,and wouldn't go back to a manual now. So relaxed and easy to drive,go for it!

 

[Roger Wilkinson]

Many thanks for all the replies. Looks like we've made our decision.

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