Automatic any good?

[Araknid]

The Spiders I've owned were always 5-speeds. In fact I wasn't even aware that they made Spiders with automatics until recently. Now I see a few for sale but kind of worry about their longevity.
I would like to hear from all you more experienced drivers.
Thumbs up or down for automatic transmissions?

Jeff

[racydave]

Im a gear jammer, like to drive my own without help. A friend has an auto, I drove it and it worked well, But he would rather be shiftin too!!!

[TJC]

I've never owned a Fiat with an automatic, but I know that they are GM units and normally GM does know how to make a decent automatic trans. Even Ferrari chose GM's Turbo-Hydramatic for their 400A of the late 70's (either the TH350 or 400, I can't remember which). I believe these three-speed units used in the Spider originally came from the Chevy Vega.

[So Cal Mark]

the autos are reliable, IMHO they make great commuter cars

[mdrburchette]

Actually they're a T180 from a Chevette and I don't recall problems with this tranny while working at the Chevy dealership long, long ago.

[spiderrey]

i had a 79 automatic, it was a good setup. i could drive to work and hold my coffee. when i had two spiders, i actually considered converting the 68 to automatic, my girlfriend cant drive a stick.

[sjmst]

Never drove one, but as my wife doesn't drive a stick, if I got another Spider (ie in addition to the one I have now), I'd think about an automatic.

[bradartigue]

The Spiders I've owned were always 5-speeds. In fact I wasn't even aware that they made Spiders with automatics until recently. Now I see a few for sale but kind of worry about their longevity.
I would like to hear from all you more experienced drivers.
Thumbs up or down for automatic transmissions?

Jeff

Consider that every ad FIAT ran had a girl in the car and said "if wish they made one with an automatic, just for me," or something like that. In other words, your girl would love it.

Something about it is just wrong, it has a huge shifter housing above the center console and it doesn't have a "5" on the top of it above an "R".

[Tappy]

real men drive stick

that sayed i've read somewhere the automatic has more life expectation becouse it always shifts on the right moment.

[sjmst]

The Spiders I've owned were always 5-speeds. In fact I wasn't even aware that they made Spiders with automatics until recently. Now I see a few for sale but kind of worry about their longevity.
I would like to hear from all you more experienced drivers.
Thumbs up or down for automatic transmissions?

Jeff

Consider that every ad FIAT ran had a girl in the car and said "if wish they made one with an automatic, just for me," or something like that. In other words, your girl would love it.

Something about it is just wrong, it has a huge shifter housing above the center console and it doesn't have a "5" on the top of it above an "R".

I recall that Ad. I think this is it..but note who is driving!

[Warren]

My 1979 automatic is fine other that at 70 MPH interstate speed the engine RPM is 4000 so rather noisy. Below 70 is ok. Wish there was a 4 speed conversion available to reduce engine RPM and noise.

[spidernut]

I also have a 79 with automatic. The transmission is rock solid with no problems whatsoever. I agree with Warren. The auto really could use an overdrive. It runs at about 3,000 RPM at 55 mph which is just fine, but that puts it at about 4,000 at 70 mph. It is great when driving with your lady! You don't have to take your hands off her to shift!!!