General Multiwagon - Selespeed?

[Alanovich]

Right then. This should be good for a laugh.

I have a 2005 (05) Multiwagon JTD 115. 30k on the clock, mint condition, and I love the car to pieces. I’ve had it 7 months now, and have replaced the battery and the tyres in that time, no other problems with it at all, apart from an irritating stiffness on the clutch pedal. I had this looked at a specialist clutch centre, and they were at a loss to explain it. Just seems the way it is on my particular car. It didn’t need bleeding, nor did they recommend any adjustments. Hmm.

Anyway, this is part of the reason for my post. My missus needs to drive the car occasionally and has, in the last year, developed two physical problems down the left side of her body which necessitate an automatic car rather than a manual.

So, the logical thing to do is to sell up and buy an automatic car. She fancies a Mazda 3 or 6, which look fine to me, but I do love my MW to bits.
It seems the only “auto” option on Stilos is the Selespeed gearbox, and I believe that was only ever available on hatches, not the MW. Am I correct? We wouldn’t consider getting a hatch as we need 5 doors, and frankly, no offence, but the 5 door Stilo hatch is one ugly customer. Besides, I’m not sure the Selespeed was ever available on the 5 door.

So, I’ve been thinking. Could a Selespeed gearbox be fitted to a MW JTD? If so, how difficult a job would this be for a main dealer or an indy specialist? What would it likely cost? I’d be prepared to spend on thecar as I’d want to keep it for a good many years in to the future, and we’d be spending money on a replacement car anyway.

Anyone got any thoughts on this, or am I condemned to driving an automatic Mazda around for all eternity? Anyone fancy offeirng me sensible money for the MW?

I've considered an automatic Croma, but they're just a bit too rare for me to be a long term ownership proposition, and I don't think the auto has a semi-manual mode. Also, I'd love an Alfa, but Mrs A simply won't wear Alfa ownership after the long and sorry history of crap Alfas I've had.

 

[john55]

It would be Very Very expensive to try to fit a Selespeed to a JTD as they have nothing in common.

My advice would be Get that Mazda 6. They are brilliant cars. Far nicer than a Stilo to drive and much more reliable. Insurance and Tax is not much more either. (Avoid high mileage Diesels unless someone has already paid for an engine rebuild and new Turbo - they fail often).

 

[Alanovich]

Thought that might be the case, John. Thanks.

The 6 I'm looking at is a 55 plate, 2.0 petrol, 28k miles. £6.5K asking. The 3 is a 55 plate, 27k miles, 1.6 petrol, £5.5k. Both autos, obviously. Diesels are a bit too pricy given that this car will only do about 6000 miles a year.

Sob. Want to keep my Fiat.

 

[s130]

You could drop down in the Fiat car size and power and look at a second hand Selecta style of automatic. Basically a Fiat CVT. Most were reliable but were easily damaged by simple front end colissions.

Fiat/Alfa have never been big and experienced on auto boxes, and generally went the performance Selespeed route. Great idea, great performance and great technically BUT were/are troublesome for many.

The older style automatic gearboxes with fluid torque converters have over the years proved far more reliable etc. but are less fuel efficient.

You could find difficulty in obtaining a suitable (size/power), reliable Fiat auto option.

Sad. You have to remeber also that Fiat are/were the small car kings and autos were and still are the doamin of fat cat, expensive, luxuary money sinking brands like Mercedes, BMW, Jaguar etc.

I gather Volvos are not too bad. I guess there are other out there as well.

Best of luck / hunting

 

[Alanovich]

Just had a thought which might yet save the day. A nearly new Bravo with Dualogic gearbox. Hmm, I wonder if there are many about yet.......

 

[Alanovich]

Well, that's the end of the MW for me. I have just agreed to trade it in for a Mazda 6 2.0TS Auto. Beautiful bit of kit.

Thanks to all on here for their assistance over the past year, I'll be back whenver I next get the urge to buy a FIAT. Surely only a matter of time!

 

[john55]

Well, that's the end of the MW for me. I have just agreed to trade it in for a Mazda 6 2.0TS Auto. Beautiful bit of kit.

:worship:

Great cars. I had one before I got the Stilo (2.0TS Manual) and would be happy to trade back to the Mazda any day. Great cars for twisty A roads as they drive like they are on rails.

However I have just bought a BMW 320D Touring to replace the Stilo, after almost buying a Mazda 6 estate Diesel. Will see how it compares when I actually get it (very soon I hope).