Auto in my 08, first auto I've ever owned. No regrets. I'm getting lazy in my age. Used aev module

 

My flashpaq helped out a ton and it was worth every penny. Did everything most everyone said it does.

 

I would never get an auto in a jeep. Idk I just feel like manuals are badass and a jeep needs to be as badass as possible lol. And on the trails I really prefer it. For me it wasn't a question.

 

Awesome info guys I have another question the wrangler X, its the base model JK right? What are the main differences between an X and say a Sahara ? Is it softer springs? I assume base options on it? Would it be worth while to save money and buy an X and just do it the way I want eg. Teraflex 2.5 coil lift with shocks Detroit true trac In the rear, with 33's, and not worry about spending the extra money on Sahara?

 

I have an x with all power options. Only difference I think is mine don't have painted fenders and the Sahara sticker. There's really not much difference IMHO. At least not like going from any other model to a rubicon.

 

Alright manuals are not all that and a bag of chips. I love manuals as its all I used to drive but some people have wives or s/o that don't know how to drive manuals or can't possibly learn and well just need to swap vehicles for legitimate reasons. So both have their place. I have seen plenty of badass jeeps that are autos and they aren't any less badass or wouldn't be anymore badass being auto or manual. With that said if it weren't for my wife and the need to have others drive my jeep then I would have gotten a manual just because every car I owned prior was a manual and I was just used to them.

 

I love driving my JKU. Only thing I would do differently, is get an auto. It's not a big deal on the road. Off road, auto is much better.

 

As I said before, avoid the 4 speed 42RLE auto tranny...it is poorly geared and a bad match for the 3.8. You will be asking everyone how much does a re-gear cost after a month.

Now, if you are gettnng a 2012 or newer...get the auto with 3.73's. The 5 speed NAG1/WA580 auto tranny is the tits, and is an outstanding match with the 3.6.

I looked at a manual, but could not pull the trigger when I compared it to the new auto tranny.

While people like to spout about how "real Jeeps" have manuals...it is just internet talk. The 6 speed NSG370 manaul tranny sucks compared to the new auto.

It isn't that I'm against manuals...my other car is a manual (as is obviously my motorcycle).

It is that the Jeep manual....well.....kinda blows. The clutch release is high, the throws are long, JK's are DBW (drive by wire), so the feel of the throttle is already odd, the parking brake is weak, and the throw out bearings seem to be faulty.

Not not to mention the fact that you have to pull the axle to get to the drum on the parking brake.

I wasn't going to buy a manual just so I could say "it is a manual Jeep" when the new auto was a superior unit.

The 42RLE is a different story....

 

If you're buying one with the 3.8 I'd go manual. I had an '07 unlimited x with auto, 4.10's, and 32's and it still felt like a dog. Also, a Sahara really isn't all that much better if you get a loaded X. I now have a '12 2 door manual sport that's about as bare as possible, but I didn't buy it for all the bells and whistles. It'd be nice at times, but it's a jeep. If it's your first one who cares how loaded it is? You'll be trading it for a new one soon after anyway

 

I would hold out for a manual since it has 2 extra gears vs the old auto, I used to live in Canada before I joined the army and I had a stick shift chevy Colorado Z71, and I feel like manuals are better in the snow than autos as well. I have a 2012 rubicon with the 6 speed and I'm so happy it's a manual, automatics are a deal breaker for me though, I almost bought another Colorado z71 with the v8 but when the salesman said it didn't come in stick I walked out the door and ended up in my JKR, best decision ever.