Hello All, I am in the process of purchasing my first Land Rover Discovery and I have an opportunity to purchase a 1996 Discovery with a manual transmission. I am located in the Mid-West (USA). Is there any reason I should not be going for a manual transmission? Any problem on getting parts for a manual transmissions? Is it correct to assume that a manual transmission will get one an extra mpg or two, a little bit more performance, and less transmission problems? Thank you in advance for any feedback. Dennis...

 

The Rover ZF is a very rugged gearbox and when properly maintained will usually last a long time. The same can be said for the R380, with the addition of "if you shift properly".
The R380 has the addition of the clutch to consider and you'll eventually have to replace the clutch and release bearing, like with any manual gearbox.
Generally I think people prefer the autobox when off-roading, but I've been driving manual gearbox Rovers off-road for over 35 years and never really thought to myself, "I wish I had an automatic."
We bought a 97 automatic for my wife Friday and one day later I was already annoyed by the interlocks between the brake/transfer case/gearbox. But those can be disconnected I believe.
One thing that can't be worked around on the automatic is the inability to roll start it, like you can on the 5-speed.
- MPG - generally manual is better, but EPA ratings were the same for both in Land Rovers
- I suspect "problems" are close to the same frequency
- No idea on performance, I've never driven a new manual and new auto side by side, I doubt few people have
- Parts aren't really a problem (though used R380's are much more rare as not nearly as many were imported)

I don't think there's any reason to not get an R380 if that's what you want, I shopped around a lot in 2000 before I bought mine because that's what I wanted.

If you do get it, switch to Redline MTL. They came with ATF in them, but L/R released a TSB later saying they should have manual transmission fluid. The transfer case takes the same on both, 85/140 gearlube, or the like.

 

Is the clutch actuated hydraulically?

 

Yes, same design Land Rover has used for at least 40 years.

 

A lot of will depend on the type of wheeling you do, how much, how often and if you always want to be shifting.
As Tom mentioned, the automatic is a great tranny and performs well on and off the road.
I have owned manual trannys before and will never go back to another one after years of wheeling with an automatic.