[JeepFan]

Among the many photos posted from the recent test mule, a manual transmission shifter can be seen. This isn't the first time. Months back a JL test mule was spied with a 6-speed manual shifter.

Expect this to be paired with the same 3.6 currently offered.

 

[Gina]

Manual is way more fun, but for those who do a lot of city driving the auto would be better. There are advantages and disadvantages to both, really down to personal preference.

 

[JeepFan]

Manual is way more fun, but for those who do a lot of city driving the auto would be better. There are advantages and disadvantages to both, really down to personal preference.

That depends on who you ask because driving a manual in traffic doesn't have to be that bad. The trick is to hang back in the slow lane, keeping it in one gear and just cruising. Can't be like everyone else that races from one cars bumper to another.

 

[Johnson]

If there's anything I could say about driving Wranglers from 2013ish that had the 6 speed, the clutch on them is super light so driving in traffic really isn't bad at all. It's also extremely forgiving and easy to drive smoothly. The only problem I found was that the gearbox is very sloppy.

 

[Gina]

It is harder to rock-crawl with a manual gearbox, but how often do people really do that and slipping the clutch a little to climb down a hill is fine.

 

[JeepFan]

If there's anything I could say about driving Wranglers from 2013ish that had the 6 speed, the clutch on them is super light so driving in traffic really isn't bad at all. It's also extremely forgiving and easy to drive smoothly. The only problem I found was that the gearbox is very sloppy.

For someone that always wanted a manual regardless of the vehicle they have, this will be a treat even if its not perfect. Personally I wouldn't get it, seen all the issues the JK was plagued with, plus this will be my daily driver. Rather have a relaxed daily.

 

[HighRider]

I'd just go for the automatic, it's the more sensible option as a daily driver and rowing through the gears in heavy traffic isn't my idea of fun.

 

[Johnson]

Most definitely. At first I did want to go with the manual but with a change of lifestyle now, the automatic will be the route I'll be going considering the amount of inner city driving I'll have to be doing

 

[JeepFan]

I'd just go for the automatic, it's the more sensible option as a daily driver and rowing through the gears in heavy traffic isn't my idea of fun.

Not only that but automatic provides better gas mileage and we've reached a time where automatics get far better mileage than manuals. Basically you have to really like manual to get it, not for everyone.

 

[Johnson]

Based on what research do you find automatic transmissions getting far better mileage than manuals ?! I find that to be pretty nonsense.

Maybe, depending on the vehicle, there would be ~3mpg differences (that's pushing it) but driving a manual transmission vehicle conservatively and properly, and you can get the same, if not better mileage than an automatic will get you.

Here are some sources for you to check out:

http://www.autotraining.edu/blog/manual-vs-automatic-transmission-which-gets-better-mileage-and-why/

http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/2012/01/save-gas-and-money-with-a-manual-transmission/index.htm

 

[Gina]

A few miles per gallon doesn't really matter much in the grand scheme of things, like how much you enjoy a car and what you use it for. Maybe the manual gearbox in the new JL will get 203 more mpg, or it could use a 5,6 or 7 speed auto transmission for more fuel savings.

 

[Johnson]

For sure, those extra gears will generally help greatly on consistent highway commutes because you'll be able to lug around at a much lower rpm.

 

[Principal Skinr]

Here are a few observations after 9 years and 113k miles with a JKU with a manual transmission:

1. Rock crawling is no issue, whatsoever. Mine is a Rubicon with 4.10 final drive ratio, and 33" (really 33.5") tires.

2. I've had three problems with my transmission, two of which were typical enough that there were TSB's. First, I had a squeak at 18k miles. That was fixed quickly. The 2nd saw it popping occasionally out of 1st gear. I'd say this was somewhere around 60k miles, IIRC. They did some major teardown for this, but had it back to me quickly. Finally, the slave cylinder crapped out at 90k. I was able to drive it halfway across the country with no clutch, as the JK transmissin is VERY easy to speed shift. 300 bucks, and away I went, in about 3 hours. Yes, those were annoying problems, but none stopped me. I'm still on the original clutch, btw, and it feels fine. I've also done lots of towing. Not great, not terrible. As for driving, I've loved it.

3. 6 gears is plenty with the manual. With the 4.10 gearing, I've not felt the 3.8 has been as sluggish as my friends' JK autos. Theirs shift up and down, in and out of 4th gear, all the time. (I know the 3.6 w/ 5 speed Auto is MUCH better in this regard).

4. I don't have to EVER worry about transmission temperature or a cooler with a manual transmission.

5. The new JL reportedly will have a shorter driveshaft with steeper angle with the auto, as it is a longer package. This is an educated guess at this point, but it was by people familiar with the latest FCA auto transmissions. However, the manual is supposed to be a new unit, so we'll see. I'm betting it is a newer, stronger unit.

There is still a small chance I'll look at the auto. However, I love the driving experience of a manual, and it makes one **** of a theft deterrent, as statistics show a FAR lower theft rate becasue thieves can't drive them. :wink2: I also don't mind saving a thousand bucks, either.

 

[HighRider]

As with all manual and automatic debates, it comes down to preference. Each one has certain advantages, in my case In prefer automatic because it takes less concentration and I can enjoy the ride without having to worry about operating the clutch and shifter.

 

[Gina]

Manual gearboxes are generally cheaper to maintain compared to all the added components in an automatic transmission and it does not have a torque converter. and of course the point about car theft, most do not know how to drive a manual and if they try, likelihood of stalling is pretty high.

 

[Johnson]

After driving a manual for so long, you honestly forget that anything is really going on lol. What I mean by that is it all feels like second nature so you'll be rowing and operation the clutch without really realizing it or paying much attention to it at least. But definitely, to each their own.

 

[JeepFan]

Very true. The only difference is those first couple weeks where you're getting use to the shift pattern, gear ratios, etc.

 

[HighRider]

Guess I'm the minority here when it comes to transmission. :grin2: I may be adverse to a manual gearbox because I've never had a car with one and I'm too stuck in my ways. Don't really see a point in learning how to drive stick when the new JL is coming with an automatic option.

 

[Johnson]

It's definitely not something you need to now either. If you're perfectly content with an automatic, there's no reason to spring for a manual lol. On top of that, with the manuals disappearing, everything will be automatic later on and you won't even need to know it anyhow haha.

 

[Gina]

Performance cars are still being designed with manual gearboxes in mind, but the more mass produced cars are moving away from manual and we honestly don't know how long they plan to continue producing them before going automatic fully. Maybe 2 more generations later we won't see manual Wranglers offered anymore.