[FJmat]

I am looking to buy my first FJ. It's a 2007 FJ 4x4 with some 60K miles.

It's also a 6spd manual. Does anyone have any thoughts if I should stick with auto or manual. Is there any advantages/disadvantages to either while off-roading?

I like manuals, but want to make sure if it's a good fit with my off road intentions.

Thanks for your help! I am looking forward to officially joining this great community very soon.

 

[DrunkPacMan]

i love mine. i have a 08 TT edition 6spd manual. i love it offroad. if you happen to stall on a hill offroading you can puch the cluch cancel and start it in gear, and in 4low you will climb right up it without having to worry about rolling back. i also like the spead that i get from the manual. my buddy timed it and it was like 5.56 seconds 0-60 mph.

 

[FJmat]

i love mine. i have a 08 TT edition 6spd manual. i love it offroad. if you happen to stall on a hill offroading you can puch the cluch cancel and start it in gear, and in 4low you will climb right up it without having to worry about rolling back. i also like the spead that i get from the manual. my buddy timed it and it was like 5.56 seconds 0-60 mph.

Hah! Great! When I test drove it today, it definitely felt more 'peppy' than I expected. Sounds good too.

Just wasn't sure if there were those who got the manual, took it off road and regretted it. I am glad to hear there is that clutch start button. I noticed that, but didn't know it's use.

This is the only manual FJ I've seen in my area, so I'm very tempted to get it asap.

 

[Ragnar Danneskjöld]

Just so you know - the manual is FULL-TIME 4wd. The Automatics are the part-time 4wd. The manual uses a Torsen center diff, which I believe is a great feature. When the trails get rough, you simply lock the center diff, and the rear if you really need it.

And I'll add - I think full-time is the way to go.:bigthumb:

 

[FJmat]

Just so you know - the manual is FULL-TIME 4wd. The Automatics are the part-time 4wd. The manual uses a Torsen center diff, which I believe is a great feature. When the trails get rough, you simply lock the center diff, and the rear if you really need it.

And I'll add - I think full-time is the way to go.:bigthumb:

This I did not know. Fantastic.

 

[brianh]

I have a manual but really if you're going to off-road a lot the auto has some advantages. It's easier to finesse over obstacles (without burning a clutch). The full-time 4wd also negates any mileage advantage the manual would normally have.

Don't get me wrong, I like manuals too and I don't think you'll be unhappy with the FJ 6-spd but most hardcore off-roaders go with the auto I think.

 

[hearseman]

just got my 07 about a month ago with a 6 spd. I refused to give in to manual. to me it made it more fun to drive and the awd/4wd in the snow is great. it actually seems to drive better in the snow without the center diff locked in. It doesn't seem to "push" around corners like a fwd car as it does in the 4wd mode. It's just me but I like the more "sporty" feel. And if you compare mpg's between the two I didn't even question it.

 

[snafu58]

I really like my 6MT. No complaints on or off road. It does well in 4Lo just puttering over stuff. Plus you get full time 4X4.

 

[eli]

I also have a 6-speed Fj. I think its an advantage in down hill situations do to engine breaking, but as the course becomes more technical the constant use of the clutch & brake etc. could be taxing. I love this rig and would love it even more with a multi- speed transfer case . . . I would def. prefer a lower geared transfer case to slow the vehicle and control the speed at witch I approach and descend an obstacle . . . If at all possible I would recommend driving (in the type of off-roading environment you prefer) both automatic/manual versions before making your decision . . . I think Lower Gearing is more critical with a manual vrs. an automatic (due to the torque multiplication of the torque converter) Good Luck

 

[NightwingRobin]

I'm a little confused on the all time 4wd info for 6 speed MT..
I have the 6 speed MT, and it came with a shift lever to go from 4WD-high to 2wd, and also to 4WD-low and you are not supposed to go over 60mph in 4WD-high. (so I slip into 2wd for interstate on nice days).
So can you guys explain how you are getting 4WD all the time? (Are you staying in 4WD-high and not going fast or what?).
Thanks for any info you can provide, just trying to make sense of it all.

 

[Ivan70]

I'm a little confused on the all time 4wd info for 6 speed MT..
I have the 6 speed MT, and it came with a shift lever to go from 4WD-high to 2wd, and also to 4WD-low and you are not supposed to go over 60mph in 4WD-high. (so I slip into 2wd for interstate on nice days).
So can you guys explain how you are getting 4WD all the time? (Are you staying in 4WD-high and not going fast or what?).
Thanks for any info you can provide, just trying to make sense of it all.

6MT is full time 4WD period Autos have an option for 4x2 or 4x4.
Your transfer case have additional lower settings for 4X4 but does not allow you to switch to 4X2

To OP:
Each (AT or 6MT) has its advantages and disadvantage, AT sometimes is easier to manage, lets say it`s more user friendly MT is better in the snow in my opinion, a lot more control. All boils down to personal preferences...

 

[lgrt]

love my MT but each have their advantage... all depends on your wheeling style. good luck to you.