The new 5 speed auto
02-22-2013 | 05:53 PM
#11
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 165
Likes: 1
From: So Cal
I test drove both, and walked away from the auto feeling very "meh". I ended up buying the 6 speed. I love the long throws, and I love having one hand on the wheel and the other on the shift knob. No offense to the auto guys, but having just come from a full size truck with an auto, I was ready to go "all out" and really get into the Jeep style.
It's also important to note I live where there is very little traffic and lots of open desert. If I was back in LA though... auto all the way.
The "slap stick" shifting is a complete joke though, there is no way around it. I found it to be very annoying during the test drive. I imagine it could be helpful off road though.
It really comes down to what you want out of your jeep. They are both good options, it just depends on what you want.
It's also important to note I live where there is very little traffic and lots of open desert. If I was back in LA though... auto all the way.
The "slap stick" shifting is a complete joke though, there is no way around it. I found it to be very annoying during the test drive. I imagine it could be helpful off road though.
It really comes down to what you want out of your jeep. They are both good options, it just depends on what you want.
02-22-2013 | 07:12 PM
#12
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 310
Likes: 1
From: Houston, TX
I like my auto, but I'm scared!,,, My jeep had 2k on it when I put on the 37's with 5.13's,, 200 miles later,,, total failure!!! My planetary gear blew up internally in a flat parking lot. Dealer covered it due to the low miles,, but said if it happened again, they most likely would not. Now I'm always nervous.
i love my auto. This keeps my right hand free for my ice cold drink
02-22-2013 | 07:14 PM
#13
Thread Starter
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 232
Likes: 0
From: Alameda
Agreed! The slapstick style manual shift mode is a joke to me, feel noooo use for it unless I'm towing which is never. If I were single, I would have waited gotten the 6 speed, but since they're were none left on the lot and the simple fact that my wife can't drive a standard, I was forced into getting the auto that like but I definitely don't love it, but one day, I'll have another jeep and for sure ill get to have real fun driving and a true connection with my jeep back.
02-27-2013 | 06:35 PM
#15
JK Newbie
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
From: Hopewell. NJ
Went from and Auto truck to a 6 speed jeep in 2009. Loved it on the trails, but hated the DD to work. Test drove a 2013 Rubi with Auto. Sold me. Just ordered a 10A. Love to wheel, but spend 90% of my driving on pavement so went with the Auto. Will get my manual driving fix when I need it in my vette.
02-28-2013 | 12:41 AM
#16
JK Super Freak
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 1,840
Likes: 0
From: Denver, CO
I like a manual trans for zippy, light, sporty vehicles, it's like sailing a small boat, you are more involved with the driving process. For big, heavy vehicles, auto makes it so much easier for towing , low speed trail work, daily driving. The 5spd auto is such an improvement over the 4spd , very responsive ,especialy with the " slap stick".
I drove both and didn't care for the manual, love the auto 5-spd.