My wife is the same way, it’s either manual or nothing...Yes. I'm in it for the long haul. I'd never get an automatic
Keep in mind, if you're trying to find a manual on a lot it's going to be the same issue since they can't sell a vehicle with an open recallWell, this totally sucks! @JimmyZ , did you order a stick too? I think we will cancel our order and find something on a lot somewhere.
Sean,...
Also, your leap to explain the 6MT desires with ego is a stretch. Some of us just find it more fun and engaging. Besides, what's more engaging that trying to escape a burning vehicle?
Screw you, you made me change my mind back to manual!My guess is that the manuals on the production line will ship weeks before March 19th. The March 19th date sounds like the nationwide roll out of a large recall program which I imagine takes a lot of logistics, communication, and dealer enablement. And that level of coordination takes time to plan, review, and schedule. Assuming it’s still just a software fix, I think the assembly line will be resolved much faster and perhaps already has. Perhaps the recently built manuals just need to wait for something like a formal test/analysis of the fix.
just my thoughts on why the March 19th date may not apply to those of us who ordered.
I think most people buying the manual transmission now understand that the 8 speed is a great transmission overall. Jeep probably sells automatics 20 to 1. Modern automatics have improved substantially over the years. There will be a time when the manual is gone from new vehicles.Sean,
You are entirely correct. What I was trying to convey is that there will be those that'll never drive an automatic under any condition whatsoever. Call that ego, stubbornness, whatever. I get that. Hell I was in that camp myself until this JL.
I have zero stock in any FCA or ZF8 products. I am about as biased toward manual transmissions as any true gearhead could be. However, after driving this ZF8 automatic I really do have to give credit to FCA for getting something right.
Sure there will be ZF8 units that fail for various reasons but I can only speak for my experience. My transmission has really changed my driving experience. Prior to my JL Sport, which candidly I only purchased because of a once-in-a-lifetime deal (read my earlier post #14 within this same thread above). I too would have never considered anything but the MT6.
However after putting some serious on and off-road mileage on this thing, the more I do really appreciated it's execution. If you want the total convenience of an auto, it's there. If you want to manually shift through all 8 gears, you can do so. If you want near instantaneous gear selection the ZF8 shines. In 4wd, never (and I mean never), have I ever found myself wanting or even wishing to ride the clutch.
The experience with this trans had really opened my perspective on needing a third clutch pedal at all. Do I miss it? Sure sometimes. But I'm finding I'm more focused on the end result. Getting to the desired gear in any condition is the goal, not necessarily the bodily actions required in getting it there.
With AutoStick I can easily select my desired gear with a down or up shift of the lever. What's nice is that the ZF8 just does it. Clutching and changing gears smoother and quicker than I ever could. Certainly in the realm of milliseconds. When navigating difficult obstacles, looking for the most traction in any condition, the ZF8 just gives me near instantaneous gear selection response.
Perhaps ego may be the correct description if you believe you can out perform the ZF8 for a change of gear in any condition. Perhaps maybe for arguments sake in full automatic 'Drive'. But in manual mode, you basically only have to think about when (just like with the MT6), the ZF8 nearly instantaneously just does it.
You're now immediately applying torque to the situation rather than clutching, gliding and potentially losing momentum. Even for the second or so to push and release the clutch. Now difficult, even severe obstacles are a lot less challenging, especially without lockers, because I am in full control of the torque delivered within any condition. Selecting the most appropriate gear and getting it there near instantaneously is truly awesome.
I've really had a change of heart with this transmission. Almost to the point of not wanting to go back.
Plus my wife is loving the fact that she too can now Jeep. She absolutely despises a manual, always has. I suppose that's one true downside, I now have to share my JL... Happy wife, happy life.
Go rent a JL. I'm certain that almost all rentals will have the ZF8. If you truly have an open-minded character trait, you'll get a better feel for just how way cool driving a Jeep can be without losing any type-A sort of personality control. The only thing lost is the clutch pedal.
Trust me, you'll have an entirely different perspective.
Or ignore me. I could care less. I'm sharing a little of my Jeeping enjoyment. Keep on waiting, complaining, hoping, wishing, praying and making excuses for the MT6. Maybe (just maybe) in another couple of model years they may eventually straighten this mess out. Until then, it's only going to be a big klugde. Keep that fire extinguisher handy. That ultimately is the best advice anyone can give.
Jay
Thanks Kaitlin. So you are saying my manual which was built 10 days ago will likely sit until some (not determined) date in March before it’s shipped? I thought this clutch issue only impacted units built before mid-January?There's a few comments on this thread I've seen, so I will try to answer them in one post:
1) There is a recall, we are still building but vehicles will have the recall repaired prior to delivery.
2) The fix is a software update, which is expected in March. The inspection that someone mentioned is related to a different recall that was released last year, W12.
3) The fix doesn't affect engine performance under normal circumstances or towing.
There are some other threads out there that discuss this same topic as well.
Kaitlin
Jeep Cares
Thank you for something positive -- I'm depressed about ordering a MT, I was so excited when I ordered it!My guess is that the manuals on the production line will ship weeks before March 19th. The March 19th date sounds like the nationwide roll out of a large recall program which I imagine takes a lot of logistics, communication, and dealer enablement. And that level of coordination takes time to plan, review, and schedule. Assuming it’s still just a software fix, I think the assembly line will be resolved much faster and perhaps already has. Perhaps the recently built manuals just need to wait for something like a formal test/analysis of the fix.
just my thoughts on why the March 19th date may not apply to those of us who ordered.
I'm not Kaitlin, buts that what it seems. The January 22nd date is when they stopped shipping manuals from the factory. Mine is sitting there with yours and I was told not from JeepCares not expect delivery until March at the earliest.Thanks Kaitlin. So you are saying my manual which was built 10 days ago will likely sit until some (not determined) date in March before it’s shipped? I thought this clutch issue only impacted units built before mid-January?