VW Bug experts - what do you think of the Autostick?
 

I like driving a stick shift and so does my wife but she prefers an automatic for driving around town. The bug that I end up buying will just be for tooling around town, hardly getting on the freeway. So, what are your thoughts about an Autostick? I’ve been checking out YouTube and The Samba. Opinions vary widely so I’m more confused now. Cars with AS are cheaper but is it because the mechanicals are more complicated and less reliable or is it just because it’s not a stick?

horrible

slow shifting
robs performance that is
marginal to begin with
prevents any engine modifications
(cam, dual carbs etc) that might increase
the already lacking performance
(decrease of intake manifold vacuum
prevents proper shifting)

just a really bad idea IMO

I remember driving them in the 80s.
Do not like. The worst of all worlds. It’s a very poor substitute for a normal stick shift.

Bad.

It was perfect for my grandmother and great aunt to do their shopping in - back then.

not an expert but when I had a '63 VW pick-up, a friend bought one. It was neat for 10 minutes and then it just sucked.

I think it was my 74 Super Beetle that had it. Man it sucked! Always had to pull the shifter apart to clean or change the contact points.

.

No. I had a '68 Type I Autostick. No.

If you get one, you will regret it, and you won't be able to sell it.

My fat chick girlfriend in high school had one. It was a dog but I got her laid in it at the drive-in.

I think buying an autostick VW nowadays would be like getting a new car in 50 years:

"Remember when cars had internal combustion engines and they would automatically shut off to save fuel when you came to a stop? Yeah, man, those things sucked!"

For that matter, I think the only thing desirable from an autostick VW was the starter. Supposedly those are well sought after in the rest of the VW world.

It'll hurt your 0-60 times: Later today vs. sometime tomorrow.

Ok ok no autostick. Got it. Thanks all!

And for the first time ever on PPOT, everyone agreed and had the same opinion.