Sales Data on Manual v. Auto / Resale Value?

[L1011]

I've searched and I suspect the answer is 'no', but I'm wondering if there is any sales data on what the take rate is for the 6-speed manual v. the 8-speed auto on the JLU's. I really want a 6-speed on my future JLUR but I'm fearful that it'll hurt its resale value down the road and make it a lot harder to sell.

Absent any data on this, has anyone with a manual Jeep Wrangler Unlimited have trouble selling it? Have any would-be buyers said to you they wished it was an auto and declined to buy it? I've never owned a Jeep so I don't know if Jeep buyers are less likely to avoid a manual transmission versus the average car buyer. Most cars nowadays in the USA have automatics. The manual transmission is a dying breed. Thanks!

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[ThirtyOne]

I can’t give you exact data. I can tell you that manuals are much more popular in Wranglers than other vehicle but still very low. Ive heard around 10%-15%.

As far as resale value i don’t think it matters much. Either the same or 1% lower for manual. That’s what lease residuals say at any rate.

As far as more difficult to sell the answer is yes. But it only takes that one buyer.

 

[Halstem1]

I just traded a ‘17 JK that was a manual. They gave me less just because it was a manual. About 1500$ less, at least. They specifically told me it was because it was a manual and they would have a smaller buyer market. I knew that when I bought it but still hurts when you trade/sell sooner than you think you will.

 

[DanW]

I've searched and I suspect the answer is 'no', but I'm wondering if there is any sales data on what the take rate is for the 6-speed manual v. the 8-speed auto on the JLU's. I really want a 6-speed on my future JLUR but I'm fearful that it'll hurt its resale value down the road and make it a lot harder to sell.

Absent any data on this, has anyone with a manual Jeep Wrangler Unlimited have trouble selling it? Have any would-be buyers said to you they wished it was an auto and declined to buy it? I've never owned a Jeep so I don't know if Jeep buyers are less likely to avoid a manual transmission versus the average car buyer. Most cars nowadays in the USA have automatics. The manual transmission is a dying breed. Thanks!

Lol, why worry about that when you are saving 2 grand up front? I doubt it loses that much on the other end. For the record, I've NEVER had trouble selling a manual transmission vehicle. Usually it is a draw for people looking exactly for that because they are hard to find. I've sold every one I've had at the asking price. I would have walked on the deal with the dealer that knocked 1500 off. That's way too much and is typical salesman BS. I'd have allowed for maybe $500 in that situation, tops. No way $1500. Not even close.

I do think they'll have a lower book value, but It won't be $2,000 in the real world. Taking good care of your Jeep with good maintenance and keeping it clean and corrosion free will add more to the resale value than the manual will cost you.

Jeep wouldn't have gone to the expense and development effort if they didn't sell a significant number of manuals. Even if they are only 15% of sales, that makes for about 40,000 of them a year.

 

[ThirtyOne]

I just traded a ‘17 JK that was a manual. They gave me less just because it was a manual. About 1500$ less, at least. They specifically told me it was because it was a manual and they would have a smaller buyer market. I knew that when I bought it but still hurts when you trade/sell sooner than you think you will.

Paid $2,000 less and got $1,500 less at trade in. Looks like you came out ahead?

 

[macintux]

Usually it is a draw for people looking exactly for that because they are hard to find.

Speaking as someone who spends hours each week trying to find a manual XJ, yes. You’ll definitely catch the eye of some poor sucker like me who is crazy about manuals but can’t find one.

 

[DanW]

Speaking as someone who spends hours each week trying to find a manual XJ, yes. You’ll definitely catch the eye of some poor sucker like me who is crazy about manuals but can’t find one.

Yes, and that's what I've found when I've sold them. In fact, I'm not sure in some cases a buyer isn't willing to actually pay a little more for it for that reason, especially for one well cared for. Supply and demand. Sometimes it takes an ironic twist against conventional wisdom and works in your favor. A car dealership salesman or sales manager is never going to admit that, but instead try and use it against you. If they couldn't sell it, they wouldn't take it.

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