Manual vs Automatic?

Jrijr · Apr 18, 2015

I am still searching for my first FJ. I have found a couple I like, but automatics tend to be the most available. After having a five-speed Wrangler for nearly ten years, I've come to enjoy being able to control the drive.

What are the pros/cons/thoughts of manual FJs? Does it really make a big difference? What is the sixth gear for (since I've never driven a six-speed).

Any and all info is appreciated!

Jim in IN

fjforrest · Apr 18, 2015

Go with the auto. The manual is fun but I've had a lot of problems with mine and so have others.
Also the manual is all wheel drive all the time and the auto is rear wheel drive until you shift it to 4 wheel drive.
6th gear is just another gear for the highway but with big tires and no regear I rarely use it.
If you do go with the manual make sure the throw out bearing had be replaced.
Search on the forum for throw out bearing issues and read up.

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HERSOG · Apr 18, 2015

I love my 6/MT, never had a problem with The TOB. In normal driving condition the power is transferred 70% to the rear and 30% to the front.
No regrets here.

amaclach · Apr 18, 2015

Same here.
Depends on what kind of wheeling you do, how much traffic on your commute if it's your DD, and if you like to sip a coffee while you do that commute.

While mine is a PITA in stop-start traffic, and the big ratio gap between 1st & 2nd irritates the hell out of me, I wouldn't change it for the world

Ragnar Danneskjöld · Apr 18, 2015

I've had my MT for 5 years now. The full-time 4wd is awesome, especially in wet/slippery roads where traditional 4wd doesn't make sense.

I commute about 40 miles each way, mix of freeway and surface streets. I like the MT because I feel like I'm actually driving a machine.

Jrijr · Apr 18, 2015

Currently my commute is about five minutes... But I drive a lot outside of work. The "feel like I'm driving a machine" is exactly what I'm talking about - even in my Wrangler. I just appreciate what a MT offers.

Redeemed · Apr 18, 2015

http://www.fjcruiserforums.com/forums/newbie-discussions/43424-any-benefit-manual-vs-automatic-when-4x4ing-fj.html

http://www.fjcruiserforums.com/forums/general-discussion/90807-just-simple-poll-manual-vs-auto.html

http://www.fjcruiserforums.com/forums/newbie-discussions/140603-fj-transmissions-manual-vs-automatic-2.html

IMHO - Who cares, get what you like

funknut · Apr 18, 2015

Redeemed said:
IMHO - Who cares, get what you like

Sage advice.

WASP · Apr 18, 2015

The auto is easier to control when driving through rock gardens. The manual does offer you a lower gear ratio than the automatic. My last 4x4 was auto and my current one is 6 speed manual. If my budget would allow, i would get an auto with an aftermarket crawl box, the best of both worlds, low ratios and ease of control.

Subverto · Apr 18, 2015

Manuals are like stairs. Automatics are like escalators. I take the stairs whenever possible.

FAUJI · Apr 19, 2015

X2, could not have said better.

98765 · Apr 18, 2015

knuts6 · Apr 19, 2015

Manual all the way. Had mine 7 years and works perfectly, lots of fun!

FJ Cruiser Matt · Apr 19, 2015

I did not get a choice because I got the FJ from my dad. If I had a choice I would have wanted a Manuel though... I hurt my right arm pretty badly a few times and am always thankful then that I have an auto.

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algonaman · Apr 19, 2015

I like the manual, however, I have an old hip injury that dictates my clutch leg is not what it used to be. Therefore the auto was my sensible choice.

nolamule · Apr 19, 2015

After test driving FJs for years, I took possession of my first last week, a TTUE 6MT. I love the manual and looked for four months with cash in hand to find the right one. It is really a personal preference but a manual provides a direct connection to the truck.

Manual vs Automatic?

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