I have an auto HDJ81 and have driven in low D quite a lot. With centre and rear diff locks on it is wondefully powerful particularly if you have a heavy right foot. With the front diff lock on, it is even better but only in a straight line - great for getting out of trouble when there are no bends around.

Starting off in low D in my car is fine, but if I want the box to change up, it responds best to a heft boot from the right foot. Once in 3rd, speed and power is excellent.

This auto box is one of the reasons I went for an HDJ81. The thread started with a q re the pros and cons of auto v manual and whether a Patrol is a 'close equivalent to a Toyota Landccruiser'. Chacun a son gout...but as my car has to get me about back here in London traffic and the UK and do the trips I want to do, I went for auto.

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pigapitcha

http://www.jljphotography.co.uk

Hi NCR,
You have more experience with TLCs than I do - Ive driven a few VXs/80s we had in the Military (hired) -they are very good.
Maybe the TLC is the exception - but every other auto I have ever driven when compared to a manual has this traight of running faster due to the torque converter.........



......Maybe the need to start in a specific gear does not exist for you - but believe me, on the terrain I drive it is a big help - and has got me out of many a bogging - if im working vehicles in tight slippery woodland with very steep slopes, here in the UK or Canada - I need to be in low range for control....and selecting a higher low range gear does work a treat....reducing torque to the wheels...especially on a slippy hill start, a long slippy hill climb or on ice......or soft sand.....when your transmission is hot beceause you are in high range maybe ?
Next time you are climbing something slippy, try a higher, low range gear....you might be suprised how well it works...and if you fail the climb you have the control of low range reverse to bring you back down.....instead of coming backwards in high range.

Im trying to highlight the pros and cons of autos IMO and experieces as per the original question......the torque and power you have in the TLC means you can be 'lazy' with using gears - but is not something that every vehicle has...so making use or the ability to use all the gears IMO is a big advantage.

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Cheers
Grif

'11 KTM 450 EXC
'09 Suzuki DR650
'00 Discovery Series 2 V8
'95 Defender 90 300 Tdi Overlander
http://gipperstravels.blogspot.ca