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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?
 
#2 ·
I grew up on manuals. Switched to an auto because it was the only option in the truck I wanted. I am now back to manual trannys and will have one until the end.
 
#3 ·
'12 JK Sport... I love the 6 speed... a lot more fun to drive as far as I'm concerned over the auto... to me the auto was somewhat boring, kinda like my Tahoe. I drove several for several days each trying to decide, and while the auto was nice as well, the manual seemed a lot more "jeep" to me... not sure your age should have anything to do with it... I'm 57 :punk:
 
#6 ·
I'm happy I went with the 6 speed. Long throws, but it shifts smooth and the clutch is light. I don't drive in a ton of stop-and-go traffic and my offroading will be mild compared to some, so the two biggest advantages of the auto are not an issue for me. I think the towing specs are the same for both transmissions on the new ones.

I have the 3.73 rear gears, and it will roll along at a snails pace without stalling in first.
 
#25 ·
I have the 3.73 rear gears, and it will roll along at a snails pace without stalling in first.
You can throw it in reverse or first, get going and start hitting the brake, slowing it down to amlost nil and it will not stall until almost at a dead stop. It seems to increase the throttle automatically to keep you going. Fun! give er a try.
 
#7 ·
Love the manual. I hate the new auto's doesnt matter who makes them or how many speeds they all feel clunky. To me auto's have gotten worse over the years instead of better. Your call, but I like the manual. This also my first Jeep and without a trip to the dealer to look at them I would have never known that they came in auto since I have never seen one in the past that wasnt a manual.
 
#8 ·
Drove the manual and it felt weak compared to my last manual transmission experience which was a Tremec in a 5.0L Mustang. Also, I grew up with manual transmission jeeps so thought there was no other way to do off road. We almost walked away, the salesman turned us on to the automatic we have now. The automatic to us felt more solid on the test drive.

On the trail we wheel with alot of each. For the most part, unless you are a very seasoned off roaded, while in the rocks and tight spots the manuals will stall, re-start, and repeat that cycle throughout the obstacle. The autos, 2nd gear, 4lo and they crawl right through without any issues.

In the end we are extremely happy with the auto. Fact ours came with Jeep's liftetime warranty didn't hurt the deal in anyway either.

I would say drive them both and do your own assessment for street driving. For off road, IMO, with an automatic there are two less things you have to worry about while going through an obstacle. No worrying about what gear you are in, changing gears, then have one hand on the gearshift and one foot on the clutch. In an auto, just put in gear and go.
 
#10 ·
I am very satisfied with the 6 speed. This is my 4th wrangler and all have been manuals. I don't think I could do an auto jeep. Rowing gears with the open air makes a unique experience for me. My wife has an auto with paddle shifters, and it isn't anywhere close to the fun of a manual. Just turn the hill start assist off when you get home!
 
#11 ·
I like mine. I wanted a manual because its more "Jeep" to me and i like control over my rig and manuals dont bother me.

They have two draw backs. One is traffic here in L.A. sucks with the 1st, neutral, brake, repeat. Its annoying after a while or if you commute everyday.

Second is if you plan serious trailwork they take some getting use to for hill climbing and rocks. That being said its advantage in the dirt is staying put in gear and engine braking downhill.

Towing? If you know how to drive a stick towing won't be an issue as they are meant for light loads and people have been towing in manual trucks long before the automatic started showing up in trucks. Double check the tow rating though before you buy as I think the manuals limit is lower.
 
#14 ·
No regrets at all! It is one of the best parts of the experience of owning one IMHO.
 
#16 ·
I LOVE my 6 speed manual. My third Wrangler, all have been manual. I hope to keep this one along time. But when my son turns 16 I am gonna get him an auto Wrangler. Just cause thats what he wants. He also want the 4 door Wrangler. He has the Jeep in his blood from riding in mine. He loves it.
 
#17 ·
I was dead set on getting a manual, all my other cars were manuals, the last bing a Miata...one of the standards for a snik snik manual. Test drove the JK manual and was more work than fun, so I ordered an auto and haven't looked back. Everyone is different and have had different experiences and expectations from a Jeep manual. Best thing is to test rive both back to back til you are satisfied. Took me only 5 minutes to decide. The new engine doesn't have to have a stick like the older engine did to get up and go!
 
#18 ·
Why does everyone always compare these to car sticks. To do a proper comparison, test drive a 4x4 with a solid front axle and a manual. Only comparison will be certain 3/4t, and 1t trucks. The jeep has imo one of the shortest throw and smoothest sticks around. A cars tranny is more suited for street and speed. A truck is power and pulling. 2 completely different animals.

It is not a car and should never be compared to a fair weather vehicle.
 
#20 ·
I agree with traitor08, the throw on a Jeep is pretty standard, no pun intended, compared to other trucks and SUVs.

I am ambivalent as to which one. I am looking around right now and will take whatever I can get a deal on. Something to consider, if you eat and or drink on the run, especially coffee, an auto may be for you. 7-11 coffee is a pain to try to drink while in traffic with a manual.
 
#23 ·
Most folks will not say that they regret buying something that they own...and the manual vs. auto debate starts religious wars.

I started on trail bikes (manual trans of course) before I was a teen...and then drove manual trans jeeps for the next 30 years...but I LOVE my 2013 JKR auto with 4.10. Without a doubt, driving it is the most fun that I have ever had in a Wrangler. I feel like I am in a sports car. Well, factor in that I have only even owned jeeps. ;)
 
#24 ·
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?
depends if you have a wife that doesnt want to drive a stick and you dont want to ruin your marriage trying to teach her. i traded in my very practical '11 gc limited to get a 10a in which i really wanted a manual until i thought about trying to teach her how to drive it. i thought about how much fun she would have taking her friends and nieces and nefews out in it and not having to worry about her trying to learn how to properly drive a stick. i ended up ordering my 10a w the auto and navi so she would be happy but i would still get my real jeep (she wont drive my '00 tahoe obs either, nor my '86 iroc) so it depends if you are buying it for just you or not. mine will be for us (we r getting married in a few months and this was my last cockamamy idea before me becomes we) and she didnt argue when i gave my perfectly good loaded '11 gc back to the dealer at least a month before i get my black / red 10 a. so the auto was worth it...even though the stick would be really cool but id rather impress her than the other dudes on the road
 
#27 ·
Sold my previous car for the sake of a manual trans car. New purchase turned out to be a 6spd 13' JK.

Like some have said, feels sporty and much more with intake + exhaust :D
 
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