Though i dont have a '12, (have an '11jk) i find the 6sp is perfect for commute and gas mileage. friends have the auto and like it, really depends on your needs, cant go wrong either way

 

My 2010 JK is a auto and I have been missing a stick since my 79 CJ

 

I got the automatic, then other people can drive it that can't drive a manual and won't burn up the clutch. :-)

 

I just bought at 2012 wrangler sport 6 speed and it's great

 

If someone can't drive a manual they can't borrow or drive my Jeep. I would not buy an automatic for the convenience of others. LOL. Either way enjoy your Jeep.

 

Congrats!!!

 

Not having read all of the posts.... It is all personal preference as the old rules of a stick being better off road no longer apply.
The new auto tranny in the 2012 allows manual shifting but not like what you get when you buy a BMW. It works well on steep grades so other then that pick what you like...

 

True but I've been hearing some horror stories about the 2012 autos on the road shifting gears when not needed and staying in the wrong gears to long but I think that depends on the gears you get

 

Jeeps are about taking the top down, taking the doors off and making any number of a million different modifications that floats your boat. A dent on the left side of the bumper only serves as a challenge to dent the right side in the exact same shape. YMMV but, for me, a manual transition adds to the fun. The only time I would recommend am automatic is if it's your daily driver AND you sit in traffic a lot. Otherwise, shift-on brothers and sisters.

 

I'm contemplating the same thing. I had manual YJ and was certain I wanted stick again, but I sometimes wonder about getting the auto. Lots of traffic in NJ and its easier for my fiancee to drive an auto. But hey, I think she can learn stick.