Want to Buy Jeep. Manual or Automatic Trans?

[Odublar]

I've heard mixed things about this when asking about what I type of tranny I should get. I don't know how to drive a stick, but could learn. I want to get a jeep just because I love jeeps. Several people told me you lose respect from other jeep guys with out a stick. I'm not too worried about that aspect, but I drive through some crazy traffic. I'm pretty sure that would make a person who is just learning to drive a manual, much more stressed about it...ie stalling and such. Anyways, let me know what your opinions are.

[CanaMark]

There is some debate about auto or manual. While offroading if you have a stick you need like 3 legs to work the clutch, brakes and gas. But the pedals are close together so you feather the brake and gas with right foot. Stick is cheap to fix. Automatics are expensive to repair and can overheat But you can chow down on a Krispy Kreme donut while on your AT&T cell phone drinking a Mocha from Starbucks. I can drive a auto with no hands on steering wheel. I am a tall dude with long legs so I tilt the steering column down abit and steer with my knees. This is only good driving straight.

If I were you I would do the Automatic Transmission.

[JustinC9905]

I totally disagree. I got my first Jeep (a 94 4 cyl) when I was 16 so I was learning how to drive, at the same time I was learning how to drive stick. I live outside of DC and had to commute every day in traffic and in my opinion, the Jeep clutch is one of the most forgiving I have ever driven. It is very easy to learn how to use, and once you learn you will never want an automatic again. After about 20 minutes practice I was able to drive all the way to my school and only stalled once....when I had to back into a parking space (woops). I think that overall you will be more happy with a stick if you enjoy driving....if you see your Jeep as an offroad vehicle and you drive on the road cause you have to, then go for the auto I guess. Its all about personal preference, but it will be hard for me to ever own another automatic again...I just bought a 2004 Rocky Mountain, and had to get the stick.

[Odublar]

yeah, this is the biggest decision I need to make. I already know I'm going for the V6. I want to raise it and add a full exhaust system later, from headers to tailpipe. I'm pretty sure it would be useless for offroading in hawaii until I get back to North Carolina. I really want to learn Stick, but at the same time, I don't want the risk of burning the clutch because it's expensive out here to fix. The auto would be nice, but I don't know.

[JustinC9905]

Where is Hawaii are you living? I just got back from a trip out there, you live in a gorgeous state. My opinion though, get the stick What I would do is get a rental car that is a manual transmission. I think that you can request them...and just get the compact car for like a day or two and learn on that. Then you can make your decision.

[Odublar]

The island of Oahu. I've been posting on alot of forums, and the majority of posters say they wish they had an auto over their manny....but who knows.

[GreenJeep10]

I have a 97 auto with 113,XXX and I haven't had any trouble out of it. I have owned several sticks even a 80 mustang with a pain in the rear german clutch. I have to say that driving a stick has a appeal to it but the reason for my auto is my GF doesn't know how to drive a stick. After teaching a previous GF to drive one I vowed never again so I got an auto so she can drive it..........if needed. Also can't forget resale value. GJ10

[Dr. Love]

If you often drive through heavy traffic in the city, then get the auto.

[fredjacksonsan]

That about covers it all.....heavy city traffic all the time, non-driver gf = auto.

Fun, respect, cheap, mpg, 3 legs = stick.










stick I've never had a problem off road with the stick, even in tight spots or heavy sand.