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Any regrets on getting a manual?

10K views 116 replies 81 participants last post by  sinbob 
#1 ·
I'm getting really close to ordering a JKU. I keep going back and forth on whether to get a manual or automatic. I've always had manuals. My favorite was in a much beloved SAAB that was t-boned several years ago. Then got a used Mercedes C280 with an automatic. The automatic is so convenient and easy but lacks the soul of automatic. Just a bit concerned that after the newness of the Jeep wears off, the manual might get tiresome. In my initial test drives (there have been several), I loved the manual. The automatic was not bad either. On the other hand, worried about kicking myself if I got the automatic and then pined for a manual.

The Jeep would be mostly be a daily (in-town driver) with some traffic but not too bad. And then used for several long-distance trips annually.

I'm in my early 50's and this would be my first jeep. There is a possibility that I may get a small tear drop camper in the near future. That was also a concern to tow something with a manual.

This and figuring out the color are really my last decisions to make (black, billet, blue). Thoughts?
 
#34 ·
I agree with you on this.

I also agree with your sig, I am also an NRA member.:wavey:
 
#31 ·
I think my wrangler is more of a sports car then most sports cars when you bo it down.
True convertible.... check.
Gearing option..... check.
Limited slip...... check.
Manual trans.... check.
Fun to drive..... check.
Great acceleration. ... check.
Great handling... ok not so much.......

But you get the point. About the only true "sports car" left is a Miata. Then if you tack on much more money the next is a Corvette. Not that a wrangler IS a sports car its just poking fun at how compromised sports cars have become. I mean you can't even option an LSD on a BMW anymore. Havent for years.
 
#32 ·
I "grew up" driving manuals so I always get manual if available. I drive as DD including occasional trafficand I love my MT. I tow a 4x8 utility trailer for Home Depot runs, no issues. Backing up the trailer is a little more difficult because you're working clutch, brake, steering, and trying to watch the trailer. But practice makes perfect.
 
#33 ·
Go with your gut and don't over analyze it. The only thing I'd mention is dont buy a stick for your ego....some believe it is less cool, I say don't be a follower..just get which ever suits you more..it's like buying shoes and asking someone about else how they feel...the only one that matters is you. I've always driven manuals but my current JK is an auto and I don't miss the stick for a DD. I would not mind have a an old CJ with a stick though.
 
#41 ·
I agree with Mark, a proud NRA member.Jeeps should ALL be sticks IMO.
Seems like a traitor act to run a jeep with an auto.
If I wasn't such a weenie, I'd dump the A/C too! As it is I stripped out all the power options except air and radio/cruise control.
Manuals ROCK! AND simple and waaay cheper to fix!
Chrysler automatics suck bigtime anyway!
 
#42 ·
Mine keeps me alert in traffic, and if you dont tailgate in traffic then you wont have to stop all the time. As far as the "Long Throw" you're not drivin' a '70 chevelle LS6 w/ a 4 speed, you're drivin' a Jeep!!! And if you learn to not use the clutch, you'll save on that too.
 
#44 ·
If you drive in LA traffic and leave enough room where you don't have to stop everyone will pull in front of you to ensure you have to stop.
 
#47 ·
My new JKU is stripped down to only the AC,AM/FM Cd radio, and cruise control. But I do have an automatic because driving a stick in Southern California traffic sucks ass. Everyone freaks when they find out I have manual door locks and windows, and no keyless entry. That shit adds weight and breaks in the middle of the desert or on top of a mountain in the rain and snow.
 
#48 ·
I towed a trailer thru NYC traffic last Friday. It was bad but an automatic wouldn't make it any better. I love my 6speed
 
#51 ·
I struggle with driving my 6-speed manual on some of the aggressive trails. I often stall out when trying to attack steep hills. Most of my off roading is done in mud so I don't run into that problem too often. I do love being able to drop the clutch and throw mud on who ever is behind me. I sometime forget to shift when I turn the volume on my stereo up. I normally shift by listen to the sound of the engine.
 
#52 ·
You need to use 4low off road. Well you don't need to but it'll save your clutch. And in first gear it really can't stall. That would save you. If you really have to go fast go to 6th gear. You can hit 25 in that gear. You can start in 2nd or 3rd if you don't need such a low gear. Your call but it'll save your clutch
 
#53 ·
I stay in 4H until there is something I know may be trouble then 4L. gets engaged. For most dirt trails 4h is fine. Rutted out trail with hills and steep descents 4L. It is very hard to stall. Just remember to turn TCS OFF! Its always on unless you turn it off in 4H. If you cycle the key you wi have to do it again. If you go from 4H to 4L it shuts off automatically but is back on once you go back into 4H. BLD is always working regardless so let it spin a little and it will kick in and pull you over/up whatever
 
#59 ·
I love my manual. Most of my cars have been stick, and the only autos I have owned was because my EX wife complained she didn't want a manual. That's why she's an ex. lol.
I will say this, though. Manuals are fun as heck, unless you live in So Cal and have to drive on the 405 around rush hour. Then, you'll want an auto. There's more of a learning curve when off-roading with a stick vs auto. I think it'd be easier to do heavy duty rock-crawling with an auto, but for just mudding in Florida or running some BLM managed dirt roads out in Utah, you're just fine with the manual. I'm sure there are some hardcore Maob Hell's Revenge/Cliffhanger guys that run a manual, but I think that'd take years of practice before mastering without frying a clutch all the time. I'm just not that proficient at 4-wheeling just yet.
I have towed a large boat with an old manual F150 I had, and it's fine and dandy until you hit a steep ramp and are trying to recover the boat. That's when I wanted an auto. But if you're towing a trailer or even a small popup, a manual won't give you any more grief than an auto. If you're gonna tow an 18' boat, get the auto for sure.
Manual is just more of a fun driving experience.
 
#61 ·
I wanted a stick, the $1k savings was icing on the cake..... or pays for the first clutch....... and you still don't have any expensive auto trans issues to deal with......
 
#65 ·
Just sold my 4dr auto and have a 2 Dr 6 s
Need...

Although I'm not worried about it in the rocks Im rehearing the diffs and transfer case for that the auto is easier off road for sure....

As with any stick there's quirks, up hill starts, rock piles, in town traffic on the other side of the fence gas mileage is better I go up hills easier and I can control my gear range a lot better without shifting....a lot less drag with no torque converter....

I have 37s on both 4dr had 5:13 gears and the 2dr has 3:21 till next week - going up my hill I had trouble getting to 55 from a stop in the regeared dr but the 6sp 2dr flies up it....both were built and both modified for heavy rock crawling.....

Yes 4drs are heavier bit not that much.

Love em both..-....

There might be some use full info here lol of just leaves you back in your same position...lol


Good luck and have fun.
 
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