JK/JKU, auto vs manual

[chasespeed]

This may be as simple as elementary preference....

But, with the new autos out there....

I've been toying with getting a JKU for a while. I prefer a stick. Always have. My wife on the hand, while suddenly having an interest in learning how to drive one, doesn't know how.

So, in looking at available JKUs, I have noticed several things...

First, it seems like most drove through a truckers world, and ordered every accessory that can be bolted on, then, toss a budget boost on, and say it adds 10k. Most of the used jeeps I'm seeing, are more money than a new one...

Second thing, it seems almost impossible to find one with a manual.

So, going down to look at new ones today, and maybe discuss ordering one?

Okay, done rambling, now...

What are the benefits(if any) of an auto? Why should I even consider one?

I'm not a kid anymore, and on those days where my lower back is sore, a slush box would be preferable... But, those are not the norm, and not a factor.

I want to hear real world stuff.
Especially from converts....

Another thing, I have a company vehicle. So, MY personal vehicles are rarely if ever daily drivers. But, I prefer my wife to drive them when the conditions warrant it.

Thanks,
Chase

 

[Dock Rocker]

I can't think of a single reason other than personal preference for a manual transmission in a jeep. The autos will out perform the manuals at every level.

My manual TJ was a pain in the rocks. You end up working the clutch over when trying to pull up on a rock. Also it was just tiring in the rocks and when stuck rocking back and fourth.

A sports car is a hoot to drive with a manual, a jeep with tires even with gears is lackluster at best. It doesn't corner so pulling hard out of a corner and banging the gears coming out isn't an option in a jk.

A manual may be a little more fun to drive from time to time, but every time I get into traffic I am thankful for my auto!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Hopeless Diamond]

I too prefer a manual. I grew up with hot rods and trucks that always had big engines and manuals, had a '69 GTO with a clutch so stiff I kept breaking the clutch pedal (try driving in bumper to bumper LA traffic with no clutch, lots of fun). 2 foot driving, dancing between the pedals, heel and toeing, became more natural than walking I think.

That being said, I felt the auto on the Jeep was a better fit. It's my wife's daily and she was open to getting a manual (I really didn't want to hear the complaining later though). While a manual may give you more precise control over gear/RPM selection, the autos aren't too bad. Not having to manage clutch and deal with feathering it in, and the associated heat build up on the fly wheel, being able to have just brake and throttle to control, makes things simpler. Probably better on the vehicle too.

If/when I build a dedicated trail rig, I'm not sure what I would put in it. Street rod, no question manual (too much fun to be had). For off road, an auto may be better.

My theory on the used Jeep market is all these people see the cool Jeeps and have to have one that looks a certain way. They drop a lot of money on it, then blow even more cash replacing all of the components. They never understood what they bought in the first place or why, then did things to amplify the worst aspects (i.e. ride quality, power, handling), all to look cool. After they drive it a little bit, it's no longer fun, so they trade it in on the next cool look. Must be nice to hav ethat kind of expendable income (or just put it all on credit then default at some point and let somebody else pay for it)

 

[Kmrtnsn]

You've asked the wrong question. The question should have been, "what are the benefits of a manual transmission?" The answer to which is, there are none. This explains why you can't find a manual equipped Wrangler anywhere. In fact, the market value of the manual is so bad FCA almost didn't offer a manual on the upcoming 2018.

 

[kojackJKU]

really! I can't stand manual transmissions now. I used to love it for all the reasons hopeless diamond said, but then...I grew up. I just want to toss it in D and go.

 

[Weeds]

When I bought my JK in 2008, I drove both transmissions several times. I went in to get the auto, but with only 4 gears is was a real dog. I wound up buying the manual. With the motor and manual you do have to drive it on the freeway. You can put it in 4th and set the cruise and make steep grades at 70 mph. I have driven mine from Washington to California, Arizona, and Utah.

I always keep up with the traffic if you anticipate the grades. I am not afraid to take the motor almost to redline if need be.

That said I love the 9 speed auto in our GC, with the diesel engine it is a great combination. If the new JK has this combo I may have to sell the 2008!

Also, I do not live or very seldom drive in a large city.

 

[Kmrtnsn]

When I bought my JK in 2008, I drove both transmissions several times. I went in to get the auto, but with only 4 gears is was a real dog. I wound up buying the manual. With the motor and manual you do have to drive it on the freeway. You can put it in 4th and set the cruise and make steep grades at 70 mph. I have driven mine from Washington to California, Arizona, and Utah.

I always keep up with the traffic if you anticipate the grades. I am not afraid to take the motor almost to redline if need be.

That said I love the 9 speed auto in our GC, with the diesel engine it is a great combination. If the new JK has this combo I may have to sell the 2008!

Also, I do not live or very seldom drive in a large city.

The JK hasn't had a four speed auto since 2011. It's had a 5 speed OD ever since.

 

[kojackJKU]

I find my 2011 with the 4 sp fine. 33s 3.73s and some lift...its fine! I really don't see the big deal.

 

[chasespeed]

Well, went and looked at some today....

Only 1 manual, within 100miles... Red sport. Eh...

There was a nicely equipped Rubicon I was thinking about pulling the trigger on.... But....

3.73 gears? I thought all rubicon so where 4.10s?

So, pulled back, and going to dig a little deeper.

Could lease it for a while, and if I don't like the auto, I can turn it in, and walk away at the end.

But, for that, I might as well order what I want... But, 8-16 week lead time... And right now, they are NOT taking orders...

So, basically, what is available out there, is what I can get at the moment....

Then again, there was a beautiful GC SRT on the floor....

Anyway, holding fast for now..


But, preference for me, is manual. That, and something just seems wrong about a Jeep with an auto.

Thanks,
Chase

 

[Presto88]

I've driven manual my whole life (I'm 54). Before 2006 I had owned a total of 2 automatics - and I didn't keep either of them for more than a few months. Just couldn't take it.

In '06 I ended up with a Honda with an auto (not my first choice, but the situation was what it was) and I'm never going back. A modern auto is a thing of beauty!

When I bought my '16 JKUR, I special ordered it and waited 6 weeks. No regrets at all. When you get the Rubicon with the auto the 3.73 gears are standard, but when you are ordering it you can get the 4.10's for...I think it was about $500 extra.

I had never ordered a car before and I don't think I'm going to go back on that either. It's just so nice to get exactly what you want without any extra crap. It's a big purchase. I can wait a few weeks to get exactly what I want.

I highly recommend the automatic with 4.10's and special ordering to get exactly what you want.

 

[slvyj]

I love driving manuals but my wife is a different story. I test drove a 2011 with manual and it felt weird, to "electrical" for my likes. Ended up buying a 12 with auto, wife never drives it but available in an emergency. I had a 94 YJ with 5 spd, lifted and all that, just sold my 75 FJ40, both were fun to drive with manuals.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using Tapatalk

 

[NatersXJ6]

When I bought my 14 JKUR, a manual was considered for about 3.5 miles, 2 stoplights, a u-turn, and the quickest return route to the dealer I could find.

My manual experience is all with big diesel, big basser, big torque engines. The JK manual just didn't fit with my driving style. You have to rev the crap out of the little JK engine in order to make the manual function, and I felt it was too plastic feeling, transmitted too much vibration, and didnt have enough clutch feel for me.

Now, 32,000 miles in, I couldn't be happier. We spend a lot of time on rocky trails here, with massive elevation changes in short periods, and the Auto allows spectacular speed control off road. There are a very limited number of times on the freeway that I wish I was in a manual. Those are so far between that I don't really think about them anymore. I've never really gotten the hang of manually shifting an Auto, it just doesn't feel right without a clutch.

My only lingering concern is that I can't clutch-start this rig... By the time that is a real problem, I'll probably own something else.

 

[HRPINDC]

I waffled on this for a while. My first Jeep was a manual and I loved it, so my second Jeep was going to be a manual too. I thought my wife knew how to drive a stick, but it had been a long time and she wasn't confident. An auto Jeep I thought.....its just not natural. So I reluctantly began looking at the automatics. Boy am I glad I did. The auto in the Jeep is an AMG unit and I really like it. On the trails I can force it to hold a max gear and don't have to worry about depressing the clutch in the mud. With the Sport shift, you get to control the gears. I thought I would use this feature more, but I don't. On the road it always knows what gear to be in and rarely hunts. If the modern auto is good enough for Ferrari, it's good enough for my Jeep. Good luck.

 

[chasespeed]

Thanks, I think I'll look a little harder at them.
We're talking it over, going back and forth.
Need to do something... My WJ needs a new rear diff. It's tough to justify rebuilding a d35. And an axle swap may be a pain in the ********. But, I really need bigger axles... And, it's being used a lot more now than it was. But, it's tough to walk away from my current jeep, which is pretty much ALMOST where I want it.

I waffled on this for a while. My first Jeep was a manual and I loved it, so my second Jeep was going to be a manual too. I thought my wife knew how to drive a stick, but it had been a long time and she wasn't confident. An auto Jeep I thought.....its just not natural. So I reluctantly began looking at the automatics. Boy am I glad I did. The auto in the Jeep is an AMG unit and I really like it. On the trails I can force it to hold a max gear and don't have to worry about depressing the clutch in the mud. With the Sprort shift, you get to controll the gears. I thought I would use this feature more, but I don't. On the road it always knows what gear to be in and rarely hunts. If the modern auto is good enough for Ferrari, it's good enough for my Jeep. Good luck.

And this is something I was wondering about, and was looking into.

It's the NAG1. Which is the same transmission behind our Hemi. I use the paddle shifters all the time, and with the programming I have in it, it's great.

So, at least I know it'll take a beating....

Chase

 

[evilfij]

I have driven both and prefer the manual. My parents just bought a rubicon hard rock and, with my help, found one with an auto and 4.10 gears, that is probably the best set up for most people but it is really not common to see new ones with that set up and it is $2045 ($1350 auto, $695 4.10).