Question

[Stotch]

I do hear that automatics are great for off road a lot (at least the ones that don't over heat). That being said, all three of the Wranglers I've owned were manuals. That's just my preference. They get better mileage, are more fun to drive, and just feel more like a Jeep IMO. Plus, when one did have some transmission woes it was WAY cheaper to repair than an automatic.

 

[notnalc68]

I do hear that automatics are great for off road a lot (at least the ones that don't over heat). That being said, all three of the Wranglers I've owned were manuals. That's just my preference. They get better mileage, are more fun to drive, and just feel more like a Jeep IMO. Plus, when one did have some transmission woes it was WAY cheaper to repair than an automatic.

^^^That is another consideration. I really like manual transmissions, and that is one of the reasons. My wife can't drive one, though.

 

[Brute]

This is very true and I should clarify my comments regarding automatics was in regards to playing on really big rocks. In mud, I still prefer a manual if only because you can pick your gear and do a 2nd or even 3rd gear start and leave it there if needed.

I grew up driving manuals...3 on the tree, 3 & 4 speeds on the floor (including a '68 vw van, good luck on 1st gear)...however, my last 3 rigs are auto...and I wouldn't go back...and with the newer models with auto shift feature, you can start in 2nd gear for snow, sand or mud, and can pick your shift points & control rpm...best of both worlds

 

[Undertheradar]

I had manuals for years then made the switch to auto in '86. Took a lot of flack for many years for not having a manual until people saw it perform off road. That being said, it's a give and take. Here out west rock crawling is our passion, I have a sand rail for sand, and when you live 3 miles down a private dirt road you get over driving through mud pretty quickly. So an auto is great for rock crawling, but then you need to address your gearing. I have a 4:1 t-case and added a doubler and have no problems with the taller gears in the auto, just smooth wheeling.

 

[Kyle7R]

^^^That is another consideration. I really like manual transmissions, and that is one of the reasons. My wife can't drive one, though.

I taught my wife how to drive one when we bought our jeep, I knew she was going to end up loving it, or divorcing me. Lol.