I'm about to order a new 2014 4dr Rubicon. I haven't decided yet whether I want a manual or an auto so I got prices for both with identical options (except for remote start which, of course, you can't get on a manual). I've been offered $708 under invoice on the manual and $776 under invoice on the auto. I got the holdback, but I'm told no incentives or rebates apply right now on vehicles scheduled for delivery after January 31.

The price I've been offered on the manual is just about $2000 less than the auto. I've been told that the manual has a better resale value than the auto, but that doesn't seem right to me especially since the manual costs $2000 less. A quick check on Edmunds shows that the trade in value of an identically optioned and conditioned used 2012 manual Rubicon with 30k miles is about $1642 less than an auto.

Thoughts?

 

Your ordering from the factory?

 

Yes. Nothing on any lots right now that match my exact configuration.

 

I'm wondering why you are buying, already looking to get rid of it....... Not an investment, no matter how you shake it out. A manual does tend to be more desired. With that, buy what suits you and your needs and wants.

 

Why wouldn't you want to limit your downside on something that depreciates so much? I'm on the fence between the manual and the auto for a variety of reasons. I love manual transmissions and have almost always had one, but the JK manual is not great and I do a lot of city driving. Tough call for me.

 

I ordered my new black on black auto 4dr Rubi tonight with all the options I wanted. I got $2,863 off MSRP (in other words, I got about 6.6% off sticker) plus I get any incentives/rebates or TDM that are available when I take delivery. I think it's a fair deal. I got 17% off sticker on my 2009 4 dr Rubi, but that was in October 2008 just after Lehman failed. It's a different market, but I'm not complaining. I'm looking forward to all the upgrades on the 2014 (I just hope they're worth the extra $10,000 I'm paying over what I paid for my 2009).