Manual or Automatic?

[BXFXJeep]

Always had a manual, finally went automatic in the JLU, no regrets, it's an amazing auto transmission, plus there is the manual tip option which I use regularly when doing high speed cornering etc

Sponsored

 

[Wabujitsu]

There’s plenty of reasons why manuals are an obsolete, dying breed. Just let it die a peaceful death, and get the auto. Besides, the auto is a “manumatic” transmission (look it up); it has a manual shift mode if you prefer that method.

 

[Rubi D]

Totally get the reasons for a manual. In the past it has often been my transmission of choice, but over recent years traffic on motorways has taken the joy out of driving a manual for the daily grind. Not that we have a choice in Australia, (the manual transmission is not an option for the JL) the 8 speed auto is a treat and the ratios work well with the 2.2 diesel in my Rubicon. No regrets here.

 

[OldGuyNewJeep]

There’s plenty of reasons why manuals are an obsolete, dying breed. Just let it die a peaceful death, and get the auto. Besides, the auto is a “manumatic” transmission (look it up); it has a manual shift mode if you prefer that method.

Ugh. No. 1000x no to “manumatic.” Where’s the dislike button?

I love my manual and it was a big factor in my decision to get a Wrangler instead of another Raptor. Great fun teaching my 16yr old, and my two younger teens will be taught when they’re old enough.

 

[RastaPasta]

Save the manuals!

 

[Wabujitsu]

Ugh. No. 1000x no to “manumatic.” Where’s the dislike button?

I love my manual and it was a big factor in my decision to get a Wrangler instead of another Raptor. Great fun teaching my 16yr old, and my two younger teens will be taught when they’re old enough.

I have to admit, I was trolling you M/T guys a little with that post

 

[Jimmy_jak]

Wait... you won a Jeep?

Lol typo. Never even saw that. Should say own.

 

[QBert]

First, it's your Jeep, so get what you want.

When deciding what to order I took my time and test drove both the automatic and the manual. I made my wife drive both as well (this will be my Jeep, but I wanted her opinion as she may drive it from time to time). In the end I decided to order the manual exactly as I wanted it, mainly because it's nearly impossible to find a manual JLUR in a color that I would accept with most of the options that I would want nation-wide.

Here is why I chose the manual.

1 - Cost.

Aside from the Power One-Touch top, the automatic transmission (at least with the 3.6) is the most expensive single option you can add at $2500. That can be nearly 5% of the total MSRP depending on what other options you add. Also, traditionally automatic transmissions are more costly to maintain and repair. This is a new transmission and as such there are really no reliability or repair details available, but with all the technology included I fully expect repairs to be very costly. I intend to keep my Jeep for a long time (hoping to get 12 - 15 years or more before I think about replacing it), and I believe that in the long run the manual will be a more economic choice.

2 - Annoying features.

There are two specific features of the automatic transmission that I believe would drive me nuts regularly and detract from the joy of driving my Jeep. The first is the ESS. While this 'feature' is included on both the manual and the automatic, during my test drives only the automatic transmission ever hit the point where it would shut the engine off at a traffic light. This my be partially due to how I drive a manual (at a stoplight I keep the transmission in 1st gear) but even when I intentionally tried to engage the ESS (manual transmission in neutral and clutch out) it never happened. Yes, I know that there is a button that you can use to dis-engage this 'feature' but I don't want to have to press another button EVERY time I start my Jeep to keep it from doing sorting that I find annoying.

The second is the auto park feature with this automatic transmission. If you open the drivers door, even while moving at slow speeds, with transmission it will automatically put itself into Park. While this may not happen very often, it's something that I would rather just avoid.

For me the manual just brought more joy to the driving experience (more smiles per gallon), and let's face it, we all buy our Jeeps to enjoy the drive. Anyway, just a little about my reasons for choosing the manual transmission. Your mileage may vary.

 

[Gropax]

with the ESS system the auto makes it feel like its not even there. you pull up to a stop light and the car shuts off. then you just release some pressure off the brake and the car starts again and away you go. i have heard that with the manual its a little finicky and likes to stall or gets close to stalling. but the manual has an advantage no kid will try to steal your jeep since they can't drive it. and you will get free valet parking most of the time.

 

[SecondTJ]

This is a new transmission and as such there are really no reliability or repair details available

Just the opposite.

Jeep has been using the ZF-based automatic transmission since 2014. With the exception of Viper, it’s been in FCA’s entire portfolio of RWD based vehicles.

The Aisin manual transmission is all new with no reliability or repair data and FCA has not used it in any other vehicle.

 

[Rogues Gambit]

There’s plenty of reasons why manuals are an obsolete, dying breed. Just let it die a peaceful death, and get the auto. Besides, the auto is a “manumatic” transmission (look it up); it has a manual shift mode if you prefer that method.

Dying or not, purists are purists.

If JL's and JT's didn't come with stick, I'd just keep my Ram, but I wanna enjoy myself and be the pilot, not let the computer take over

 

[Rogues Gambit]

I have to admit, I was trolling you M/T guys a little with that post

Got me good

 

[word302]

thats what he said. we need details.


as to this topic i have the automatic and love it. smooth and helps out on the fuel economy. also as mentioned. it you are getting the cold weather group, the manual is out.

The manual isn't out if you get the cold weather group, it's just cheaper because you aren't paying for remote start.

 

[word302]

There’s plenty of reasons why manuals are an obsolete, dying breed. Just let it die a peaceful death, and get the auto. Besides, the auto is a “manumatic” transmission (look it up); it has a manual shift mode if you prefer that method.

Let it die? No thanks.

 

[word302]

with the ESS system the auto makes it feel like its not even there. you pull up to a stop light and the car shuts off. then you just release some pressure off the brake and the car starts again and away you go. i have heard that with the manual its a little finicky and likes to stall or gets close to stalling. but the manual has an advantage no kid will try to steal your jeep since they can't drive it. and you will get free valet parking most of the time.

No. The ESS is arguably MORE seamless in the manual than the automatic.

Sponsored