ditto. i'm amazing how easily i was able to convince her on the wrangler (new updates sold it), but the manual wasn't gonna happen, but i knew that long ago.

 

I'm gonna go for the 6 speed cuz an auto gets boring after a while.

 

for me, the type of trails/rocks and hills we play on I always prefer an auto trans (as long as the new one proves itself strong enough)

If you survey the guys ang gals who do the more "extreme" trails like southwest rockcrawling and Moab (not to mention comp. rockcrawling/racing)
they prefer an auto trans

in general auto's are safer in most off roading situations

the last 5 or so years the auto trans has shifted as the new standard

a manual trans may be perfect for you depending on your needs, nice low gearing with a stick is hard to beat in alot of situations

but don't let the macho thing decide what is best for the type and amount of wheeling you do

 

I've always driven manual transmissions, in everything from the cheap, flashy Subaru I had when I was single in New York, to the 4WD pickup I had most recently, and I enjoy it and like the extra control. I'm willing to pay for auto and see the advantages -- but my question is this: I've seen some reviews of this and older Wranglers that imply manual gives you more pep at the stoplight and on hills on the highways -- anything to that? thanks! enjoying this thread

 

on the road a manual is in most cases:

-quicker
-better fuel millage, if driven wisley
-more fun
-more control, in some situations
-can last longer


above applies in general and IMO if my '07 Wrangler was to be driven on road the most with mild to moderate off road use I would go for the 6-speed manual


but in recent years the automatics have gained alot of ground in how hi-tec they are and how many gears they have (there is a 8 speed from lexus I think)

the newest autos get milage as good or better then the manuals and they dont sap as much power before it gets to the wheels

they shift so quick and seemless its amazing

I havent driven an auto JK yet but being a four speed and the price point It likley has noticable shifts and hunts for gears on the road on hills etc.

*Should of mentioned on last post, an auto trans absorbs severe drivline shock when off road better then an manual (apples to apples a stick will break more driveline parts if you wheel hard with big tires and low gears)

*auto trans is not the best on steep down hill wheeling, not as much engine/compression braking

 

My YJ was a auto and I swore that my next Jeep would be a manual. Wasn
't married when I swore that though. In other words, I got an auto this time. That's ok, it drives so much better than the YJ ever did.

 

Nothing but a standard for me. Personally I think this one shifts better and smoother than my 5 speed XJ, or my YJ. But that is just me.


Scrambler

 

I think the reviews you read are right on about a manual. Clearly, you have more control over the torque you generate. That is one of the things I missed when I converted my TJ from a manual to auto. But, I still have no regrets. I drove the manual for 8 years. It was fun. But, now I'm lazy and am willing to sacrifice some control for decreased leg and arm fatique.

 

Safty feature so that stupid people don't down shift to 1st going 50 mph.

 

I agree here. I have driven stick cars and jeeps for 26 years. This year I went on some of the hardest trails going (4+ and higher) and begged to have an auto after them as my feet and hand were getting sore from feathering clutch and stalling to restart on a 45 degree ++ obstacle, slipping of and having to start again. Now I know why many chose auto for extreme rockcrawling. I want to concentrate on the obstacle and not have to patiently feather gas and clutch time and time during and obstacle. I love my totaly not stock 90 YJ with ax15 but I do like my wifes new JK unlimited rubi in rescue green with auto. Can't wait to jack it up and get it on trail!

PS, this winter I am going to change my AX15 / 231 to a 99 auto with 2005 rubi 241 rocktrack transfer case eventhough on the street I love launching and burning rubber changing gears with my supercharged 4.0L, wich really suprises people!