MrKenmore

I went with the auto in my new 2010 JKU. I test drove both extensively. I took the Jeep on the beach for the first time this past weekend and am happy I went with the auto. The added benefits of having the manual just wouldn't be realized for what I'm doing.

Although I do love to drive manual transmission, I personally didn't feel it was a right fit for the JKU.

Overall, its a matter of personal preference.

toober

A manual keeps your mind and body more active too which helps when you're tired. So is the consensus that a manual is more fun to drive street and an automatic is easier to drive off road? How to get the best of both worlds?

JKG8R

An automatic helps keep you awake by constantly kicking in and out of OD.

The only thing I hate about an auto offroad is getting hung up in the sand or mud and not being able to "rock" it back and forth as easy as you can with a clutch. It feels like I'm killing it when I have to shift from reverse to drive to reverse. Other than that no complaints.

Kastiron

Has no one mentioned that there have been no reports of a manual transmission catching on fire from over-heating?

Just a thought. I got mine because it was the cheapest.

o09jkny

My JK is auto, but every now and again I wish I bought the manual.. However, the auto works for me.. I do a lot of city driving and manual would suck in traffic.. I would suggest that if you are doing mostly city driving, to get the auto.. If you're gonna be off road, and doing mostly rural/ light city driving, a manual would be more fun.

JKU Rubicon

ONLY in 4LO

If you have to start the Jeep in deep water, you can dot it without using the clutch (very important)

SWRUBI

I concur with you. As a daily driver in traffic, a manual would get old. As a weekend toy, manual all the way.

johnnyj33p

I've been wheeln' for almost over 15 years and currently have both. From the stand point of off-road nothing brings peace to a huge hill climb better than an auto trans. The same goes for down hill with a manual. If you gear your jeep properly an auto will still work good going down really steep hills as long as you put it in 1st gear. Its a huge toss up, I love both, a manual feels sportier and an auto takes a lot of stress out. I started off with a manual years ago and now my 4 door JK has an auto. I find myself going back to the auto more often, I guess im getting old. Good luck, you wont go wrong either way!

Ps if you get a manual I highly recommend getting a line lock, its works amazing.

GoodysGotaCuda

Or just stay outta southern California

I've been in traffic a few times, not very often however. It does suck, but the 5% of the time I'm actually in traffic doesn't bother me.

GoodysGotaCuda

JK has the built in hill assist that works awesome on the rocks!