I'm tentively looking around for possibilities for our next van.

Pudsey Bear said:
Had a search for these but the prices are eyewatering and not even a nice layout.

www.ebay.co.uk

FORD TRANSIT MOTORHOME DUETTO 2.4 TD ( RARE AUTOMATIC) ONLY 54K MILES 2 OWNERS | eBay UK

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for FORD TRANSIT MOTORHOME DUETTO 2.4 TD ( RARE AUTOMATIC) ONLY 54K MILES 2 OWNERS at the best online prices at eBay UK! Free delivery for many products!
www.ebay.co.uk
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24 yr old van , what did that cost new? Don't think I'd be looking at an automatic that old, ever, as they say rare, much like the spares I bet.
 
YeoBlade said:
24 yr old van , what did that cost new? Don't think I'd be looking at an automatic that old, ever, as they say rare, much like the spares I bet.
Click to expand...

I was thinking that. "Rare" is not necessarily a good thing and its pretty old.
 
 
May be rare in a Transit, but wouldn't be a rare gearbox as its straight out the parts bin.

More importantly, I have a feeling it would be a durashift, which is an automated manual. I'm not sure though.
 
Here you go.
small van.jpg
 
As we try to move forward, and my only experience of the automated manual gearbox was on a Mercedes Sprinter the year they came out, I aske Google for reviews, I don't think we'll be going that way based on this:-


Reviews for the Fiat Ducato Comfort-Matic are generally mixed, as it is a "robotised manual" rather than a traditional torque-converter automatic. While many motorhome owners appreciate its relaxed driving style, others find its mechanical quirks frustrating compared to modern alternatives.

Key Performance Insights
  • Driving Experience: It is widely praised for making long-distance cruising and heavy traffic (like navigating roundabouts) much more relaxing than a manual gearbox. However, gear changes—especially from 1st to 2nd—can feel "pedestrian" or slow.
  • Hill Performance: The system includes a "Hill Start" facility on later models, but users often report a "lack of creep," meaning the van may roll back briefly if you don't use the handbrake. An "UP" button is available to help the gearbox hold lower gears longer on steep inclines or under heavy loads.
  • Fuel Economy: Unlike many traditional automatics, the Comfort-Matic typically presents almost no penalty in fuel efficiency, with some owners reporting slightly better MPG than manual versions due to its "intelligent" shifting.
  • Reliability & Maintenance: While generally dependable, some owners have reported "clunky" shifts or electronic glitches. It is critical to change the brake/clutch fluid every two years, as moisture buildup in this shared system can lead to gearbox failures.

Pros and Cons

Pros Cons
Relaxing, two-pedal driving for long tripsNo "Park" position; requires handbrake + gear
No significant fuel economy penaltyCan be slow or "confused" on steep hills
Lower maintenance cost than true automaticsNo "creep" function for easy low-speed maneuvers
Switchable manual mode for full controlReplaced by a superior 9-speed ZF auto in 2019

Note for Buyers
If you are looking at newer models (late 2019 onwards), Fiat replaced the Comfort-Matic with a 9-speed ZF torque-converter automatic. Most reviewers agree this newer 9-speed box is significantly smoother and more advanced than the older Comfort-Matic system.

These owner reviews discuss the Fiat Ducato Comfort-Matic's driving experience, reliability, and suitability for various road conditions:
Fiat Ducato (2006 on) - Owners' Reviews - Honest John
Apr 7, 2016 — * 2.3 litre 150bhp MWB. reviewed by honkytonkpiano on 7 April 2016. 4. 4. 4. 4. 2. 2. With Fiat's Comfortmatic automatic transmiss...

Honest John


Fiat Comfort-matic opinions invited - MotorhomeFun
Oct 9, 2020 — I like ours. It has a hill assist button for hilly roads that makes the box change up and down faster and makes it more sensitive ...

MotorhomeFun


How to use the Fiat Comfortmatic Gearbox
Aug 1, 2022 — hello it's Sev here from Motor Home Dealer Group. and welcome to the video explaining the use of the Fiat Comfortmatic gearbox thi...

YouTube·Motorhome Dealer Group


14:43
COMFORT-MATIC ROBOTISED GEARBOX OFFER EXPANDED ON ...
For example, it offers maximum driving comfort, especially in heavy town traffic conditions, and great driving satisfaction due to...

Stellantis Media

Fiat Comfortmatic Gearbox | Page 3 | Motorhomer
I have had both and the new ZF box is brilliant.
 
But the 8/9 speed is a different animal, but I reckon far and away out of our price range.

9-speed ZF versus the 8-speed auto in the ducato reviews
5 minutes ago


User and expert reviews suggest that both the ZF 9-speed and the newer 8-speed automatic transmissions in the Fiat Ducato
generally offer a smooth driving experience, but both have had some reported issues, mostly related to early software or torque converter problems that were often addressed by software updates or recalls.

ZF 9-Speed Automatic Transmission
Introduced in earlier models (pre-2024), the ZF 9-speed transmission was generally praised for being a delight when working correctly, with seamless and smooth gear changes.
  • Performance: Reviewers on Vanarama praised its nearly imperceptible gear changes, making for a relaxing drive, especially compared to the older, jerky "Comfort-matic" automated manual transmission it replaced. It has "Normal," "Eco," and "Power" driving modes, and in Normal mode it works very well.
  • Reliability & Issues: Early versions, especially on the 160hp and 180hp engines, had some widely reported issues including the torque converter malfunctioning and causing the vehicle to go into limp mode. These issues were largely addressed by a free engine and transmission control unit software update (Service Action 6926) issued by Stellantis. Some long-term users, after the updates, report trouble-free operation and consider it an excellent unit.

8-Speed Automatic Transmission
The 8-speed automatic transmission was introduced in May 2024 with the New Ducato Series 8/10, aiming for improved performance, comfort, and better efficiency.
  • Performance: Initial user feedback indicates it is also smooth and the engine/gearbox combination performs well, with some owners reporting better fuel economy compared to the previous 9-speed system. Fiat claims a 10% reduction in CO2 emissions with the new 8-speed.
  • Reliability & Issues: As a newer unit, there is less long-term data available. One user on Facebook found it irritating in city traffic due to a perceived lack of power delivery and slow kick-down. Another user reported potential issues in larger, fully-loaded configurations, but generally, not many widespread issues have been reported so far. Some sources note it was originally designed for the Fiat 500X car, not a heavy van, which may lead to some performance quirks when heavily laden.

Summary Comparison

Feature ZF 9-speed Automatic8-speed Automatic
Introduction DatePre-2024 modelsMay 2024 onwards
PerformanceGenerally smooth when working correctlySmooth, but some users report minor issues in city traffic with heavy loads
EfficiencyGood, with users reporting around 25mpg at 58mph after updatesFiat claims 10% improvement in CO2 emissions over the 9-speed
Key IssuesEarly torque converter and software issues, largely fixed by a free recall/updateFewer issues reported so far, but less long-term data available
Overall, the 9-speed, post-software update, is a well-regarded transmission. The 8-speed is newer and promises better efficiency, but with some very early user observations about responsiveness under specific heavy-load, urban driving conditions.
 
It was the no creep function that put me off the robotised manuals. Doubt it would be an issue with just a van, but when reverseing with a loaded trailer on, they are a PIA.

Think Fiat have dumped the 9 speed ZF in favour of the 8 speed ZF
 
This is why you should not rely on Artificial Ignorance, it wasn't the early 9 speeds that had a problem, it was the later ones with the 2.2 engine.
 
colinm said:
This is why you should not rely on Artificial Ignorance, it wasn't the early 9 speeds that had a problem, it was the later ones with the 2.2 engine.
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I reckon Writing for AI is where most of the "Pub Experts" have gone to....

I've seen so many examples of people asking it stuff and getting wrong information.

I'm sure it's great at some stuff.... But.
 
colinm said:
This is why you should not rely on Artificial Ignorance, it wasn't the early 9 speeds that had a problem, it was the later ones with the 2.2 engine.
Click to expand...
that is why I asked for reviews rather than a direct question Colin, but where do you get good answers, every one is different as is how they get used.
 
Pudsey Bear said:
Quite like this, I've asked for PX price, not sure if or where I might get finance though.

www.ebay.co.uk

AUTOCRUISE ACCENT 3 BERTH MOTORHOME FIAT DUCATO LWB **VERY RARE AUTOMATIC** | eBay UK

Aire Valley Campers Ltd - Call us on +441535281967 or click here to find out more.
www.ebay.co.uk
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I like that one Kev. They packed a lot in. Front and rear lounge. Great layout. It will pull well I imagine at sub 3500kg and 150bhp.

I bet you would get a better deal if you sold privately and did some haggling on the price though.
 
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