@
M-17
I agree completely with what @
Skippman said aside from the "must be auto" part. I whole heartedly agree that it is definitely a more comfortable drive. My TJ (Wrangler - 2006) was a 6-speed. It took a serious amount of adjustment driving that when I was coming from a 2003 Evo.
Basically had to get used to shifting at 3k RPMs max since the 4.0 (great motor) is built for low-down grunt and the upper half of the RPM range is an afterthought and just harsh.
My current 98 XJ (Cherokee) is auto.
The reason auto is preferred is because when it comes to serious off-roading you can very easily find yourself perched in a position where you need to manipulate braking, throttle, and clutch all at the same time to climb safely. Some of the MT guys actually go as far as mounting a secondary hand throttle to the shifter that they use with their thumb.
These situations are much easier to manage in an auto but can be handled with an MT as well. I'd typically drop into 4-Lo (these vehicles will climb a tree in low range.... very handy) and then slowly let off the clutch with my foot on the brake until the I could feel the idle start to inch the car forward then I'd let off the brake slowly while releasing the clutch and switching to the gas pedal when necessary.
There were times when driving my TJ, especially in traffic, sucked and I wished I had an auto since between the powerband and gearing the low gears are pretty harsh. Also the clutch pedal travel is absurd.
Outside of traffic it was enjoyable and the manual tranny/clutch are VERY durable and reliable. I did require that my XJ be an auto when shopping for it.
MAN.... I JUST realized how much I really do miss being able to go topless.