Best choice of auto gearbox for daily

[Bender]

Can you guys advice what will be the best choice for a daily with auto gearbox. The most important thing for me is realibity of gearbox I done hours or research got few types but maybe some of you can share opinion. Budget is around 3 maybe 4k and need to do at least 30mpg in mixed driving. So i choose few cars that meet the criteria but if you want to add something to the list feel free

1. Lexus Is250 (2006-2010)

2. Honda Accord 2.2 i-Dtec (2009-2012)

3. Toyota Avensis 1.8 V-matic (2009-2012)

Was thinking about Lexus Gs450h (2006-2010) but after joining the owners group the problems with hybrid batteries seems a quite a issue so not sure about that

[Dnk]

The main thing my autobox guy told me is make sure its been serviced with fresh atf and filter and sub 70k miles preferably 

Can't fault the box in my 04 E46 

Isn't the Lexus GS450h the CVT box ? 

 

Edited February 15, 2023 by Dnk (see edit history)

[Dnk]

I found this on the CVT box https://www.honestjohn.co.uk/our-cars/lexus-gs450h/the-cvt-gearbox-a-love-hate-relationship/

 

[Swampy442]

The IS will be a normal auto, the GS450h will be CVT. Every BM Ive owned has had a great auto box, the same box is in my Jag and its just not the same

[Dnk]

3 hours ago, Swampy442 said:

The IS will be a normal auto, the GS450h will be CVT. Every BM Ive owned has had a great auto box, the same box is in my Jag and its just not the same

Yes i should of said the GS450h

[Bender]

Yes 450h has cvt gearbox and is 6 speed auto both with very good reputation. 

@Dnkit could be hard to go under 70k with my budget but who knows

[Bender]

15 hours ago, Swampy442 said:

The IS will be a normal auto, the GS450h will be CVT. Every BM Ive owned has had a great auto box, the same box is in my Jag and its just not the same

Did you ever had any problems with any of yours bm auto box? 

[Dnk]

11 hours ago, Bender said:

Yes 450h has cvt gearbox and is 6 speed auto both with very good reputation. 

@Dnkit could be hard to go under 70k with my budget but who knows

I think the route I would take is try to find one that's had the ATF and filter done before it got to 70k, I see quite a few cars listed with ATF replaced pre 70k as words got out that it isn't for life as dealers originally suggested 

A Range Rover I know didn't but had it done at 100k and 10k later it needed full refurb which cost approx £2k 

Is the CVT a different kettle fish being I guess nothing like a normal auto box ?

If it were me I'd be giving my autobox specialist a call to find out before I bought one 

Maybe worth a call as he's a very helpful guy, Transmission Technology in Knowle 01564 779407 his names Ken 

Edited February 16, 2023 by Dnk (see edit history)

[nolizma]

I drive a is250 daily for the last 5 years and its been excellent. 

I have to point out that the is250 is a CVT also. It can be a bit annoying at times but it is generally very smooth. 6 "speed" and there is also a "manual mode"

It is a bit strange as it is not a real manual but you limit the amount of available gears with the paddles, if that makes sense.

Reliability wise I had no issues at all with the gearbox. The atf was changed at around 60k if I remember correctly (before I bought it) although lexus insists that it is not needed.

If you go that route there are some nice buying guides in the lexus owners forum.

 

Edit: Keep in mind E5 fuel ONLY for the is250.

Edited February 21, 2023 by nolizma (see edit history)

[Bender]

7 hours ago, nolizma said:

I drive a is250 daily for the last 5 years and its been excellent. 

I have to point out that the is250 is a CVT also. It can be a bit annoying at times but it is generally very smooth. 6 "speed" and there is also a "manual mode"

It is a bit strange as it is not a real manual but you limit the amount of available gears with the paddles, if that makes sense.

Reliability wise I had no issues at all with the gearbox. The atf was changed at around 60k if I remember correctly (before I bought it) although lexus insists that it is not needed.

If you go that route there are some nice buying guides in the lexus owners forum.

 

Edit: Keep in mind E5 fuel ONLY for the is250.

Thanks for your reply i was hoping someone got one of those cars which i mentioned in my post. I really like how Is250 looks and read only good reviews about auto gearbox. Can i ask you about how much mpg you get? If figure over 30mpg are possible in mixed driving. I also read about E5 fuel but if im not wrong that only for model made up to september 2007. After that date they can use E10 fuel (at least according to Lexus and gov website) 

[nolizma]

8 hours ago, Bender said:

Thanks for your reply i was hoping someone got one of those cars which i mentioned in my post. I really like how Is250 looks and read only good reviews about auto gearbox. Can i ask you about how much mpg you get? If figure over 30mpg are possible in mixed driving. I also read about E5 fuel but if im not wrong that only for model made up to september 2007. After that date they can use E10 fuel (at least according to Lexus and gov website) 

In my experience mpg is also dependand on fuel. Before the introduction of e10 I would use normal fuel. Back then I would get 27-28 mpg average with mixed driving. I would also get some issues, like vsc off light on the dash.

Since I started using e5 only I get 32-33mpg average and the vsc light issue has disappeared. 

[Bender]

1 hour ago, nolizma said:

In my experience mpg is also dependand on fuel. Before the introduction of e10 I would use normal fuel. Back then I would get 27-28 mpg average with mixed driving. I would also get some issues, like vsc off light on the dash.

Since I started using e5 only I get 32-33mpg average and the vsc light issue has disappeared. 

That is very intresting thank you for that tip if i end up buying is 250 will defenetly will be using E5 petrol