5 speeds manual vs automatic transmission

LetFreedomRing · **Joined:** Mon Jun 28, 2010 8:51 am **Posts:** 268

Hey guys, new guy here looking to purchase a Liberty. I ran across a Freedom edition with 50,000 miles on it with a 5 speed for $8,900. First of all, is this a good deal? Judging from all the months I've been searching for one, it sure seems like it.

Anyways, my major question here is how reliable is the 5 speed manual compared to the automatic? I like the idea of another 5 speed, but will look elsewhere if they aren't as reliable as the automatic.

Also, I did try searching, but all I ended up with was the CRD guys complaining that they all wanted a manual. :wink:

Any help would be appreciated!

Thanks! :mrgreen:

ryanee182 · **Posted:** Mon Jun 28, 2010 10:05 am

I don't know if either option is "more reliable", but I know the automatic's have a higher towing capacity. 5000 lbs for the auto, and 3500 lbs for the manual.

I rarely tow anything, so I looked for a manual when I bought my Jeep!

LetFreedomRing · **Joined:** Mon Jun 28, 2010 8:51 am **Posts:** 268

The only thing I would be "towing" is my dirtbike on a hitch carrier.

Let me rephrase then, which would require less maintenance? Like fluid change, etc?

Thanks!

linewarbr · **Posted:** Mon Jun 28, 2010 12:25 pm

It's a lot easier to replace a clutch than to rebuild an entire auto trans. . . . Considering the "special" nature of the Freedom Edition, I would jump on it - particularly if it is a 4x4. But tell the dealer, "I didn't really want a manual trans though. I'll give you $7000 for it."

myfirstjeep02 · **Posted:** Mon Jun 28, 2010 12:30 pm

well just as a minor thing when i got mine i didn't realize the automatics had a dipstick to check your tranny fluid, the manuals do not and changing the fluid on a manual tranny unless your pretty handy and have the right tools can be a pain in the rear.

LetFreedomRing · **Joined:** Mon Jun 28, 2010 8:51 am **Posts:** 268

linewarbr wrote:

It's a lot easier to replace a clutch than to rebuild an entire auto trans. . . . Considering the "special" nature of the Freedom Edition, I would jump on it - particularly if it is a 4x4. But tell the dealer, "I didn't really want a manual trans though. I'll give you $7000 for it."

"Special" nature? Care to elaborate on that? :?:

Also, this is an individual that is insisting he is very firm on his price. He is telling me it blue books for over $11,000... It is a 4X4 though, wouldn't buy one without. :twisted:

It does need 2 new tires though. Hope I can get him down on that.

linewarbr · **Posted:** Mon Jun 28, 2010 12:37 pm

No mechanical differences, but it should have different trim work, different rims, and some Freedom Edition lettering. There are a couple of Freedom owners on the board, such as mag03kj.

If it has the 17" Dakar rims, those are cool although your tire options would be limited.

LetFreedomRing · **Joined:** Mon Jun 28, 2010 8:51 am **Posts:** 268

linewarbr wrote:

No mechanical differences, but it should have different trim work, different rims, and some Freedom Edition lettering. There are a couple of Freedom owners on the board, such as mag03kj.

If it has the 17" Dakar rims, those are cool although your tire options would be limited.

Yes, it does have the 17 inch dakar rims. And I realized that means no more General Grabbers AT2. .....

Here it is.

http://altoona.craigslist.org/cto/1801332336.html

SavageUrge · **Posted:** Mon Jun 28, 2010 1:17 pm

I've owned my Liberty since the day it was new and I'm a pretty agressive driver. I'm up to almost 115,000 miles and I've had no issues with my clutch or any part of the Jeep for that matter. It's a solid vehicle.

linewarbr · **Posted:** Mon Jun 28, 2010 1:38 pm

Looks clean. If I was shopping, being a manual enthusiast myself, I would pull the trigger. I might would dicker a little because of the tires.

LetFreedomRing · **Joined:** Mon Jun 28, 2010 8:51 am **Posts:** 268

linewarbr wrote:

Looks clean. If I was shopping, being a manual enthusiast myself, I would pull the trigger. I might would dicker a little because of the tires.

Will do. Those pictures don't do it justice. He sent me HUGE phots and those wheels and the rest of the vehicle are flawless. I do plan on dickering about the tires, but all in all I think it is a good deal regardless.

jeep4life7 · **Posted:** Mon Jun 28, 2010 1:48 pm

buy it i love my manual transmission its so much funner to drive then an automatic

LetFreedomRing · **Joined:** Mon Jun 28, 2010 8:51 am **Posts:** 268

jeep4life7 wrote:

buy it i love my manual transmission its so much funner to drive then an automatic

I hear you on that. I had an 05 ranger that was a 5 speed :jester:

That thing was fun!

Sir Sam · **Posted:** Mon Jun 28, 2010 2:58 pm

Do it, I love Freedom Edition Jeeps!

ATXKJ · **Posted:** Mon Jun 28, 2010 3:03 pm

From a reliability standpoint
the key issue is that a driver can kill a manual - sometimes quickly.
normally an automatic will only die if you don't maintain it.

manuals commonly sell for less - because fewer people can drive them.

(and yeah - lots of CRD owners would have paid extra for a manual.....)

Fulltimer · **Posted:** Mon Jun 28, 2010 4:56 pm

I get a kick out of "it's loaded" when referring to the KJ's. They pretty much all are loaded. But, that is a nice looking rig. I hope you get it!

Terry

LetFreedomRing · **Joined:** Mon Jun 28, 2010 8:51 am **Posts:** 268

Fulltimer wrote:

I get a kick out of "it's loaded" when referring to the KJ's. They pretty much all are loaded. But, that is a nice looking rig. I hope you get it!

Terry

Hopefully I will. I should be going to look at it tonight! :mrgreen:

Jeepjeepster · **Posted:** Tue Jun 29, 2010 10:26 am

You say that an auto tranny has a dip stick and yes they do(although 07+ libertys do not) and thats b/c the level of tranny fluid in an auto tranny is much more important than a manual. Not saying you can run a manual tranny low on fluid but you should(read, should, most do not) change the fluid more often on an auto tranny than a manual tranny. Far as I know a manual tranny just has a drain and fill hole, no filters or pans to drop like on a auto tranny. I for one would MUCH rather have a manual tranny over an auto tranny.

linewarbr · **Posted:** Tue Jun 29, 2010 5:45 pm

Yep. All you really need to do a fluid change on a manual is a wrench, a pump to pump new oil in (since the fill hole will be too close to the body to allow you to upend a bottle) and the correct gear oil. You should already have a wrench, and the pump is available rather cheaply at Harbor Freight. Much easier and cheaper than an auto trans service, and less often too.

Heck if you put a lift on the Jeep, you won't even need to jack it up to do your servicing.

LetFreedomRing · **Joined:** Mon Jun 28, 2010 8:51 am **Posts:** 268

Well guys, put money down on it and am going to pick it up thursday! :mrgreen:

He didn't budge on the price at all, but I don't blame him. He already was asking under blue book for a mint jeep! :wink:

5 speeds manual vs automatic transmission

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