New to jeep cherokees, although i have owned a yj. actually really into motorcycles, but thats another post. I recently sold my 92 suburban 2 dr and ive always had my heart stuck on the square cherokees, and my buddy has finally talked me into one. his is definitely not stock( 390 with exo cage and all that jazz) but im really just wanting the clean look and something that will do me well when i go camping, climbing and mtbiking, basically something that can hold its own but not a trail rig. So question is , auto or manual? I know, porbably dumb question but as i said, new to cherokees.

 

Auto. They're bulletproof. Besides, it's easier to 4 wheel with 2 pedals than three. Only got 2 feet......

 

cant argue that point

 

I had a 99 XJ with a manual. Loved it, but it rusted away and I ended up selling it. Just bought another 99, reluctantly with an auto (manuals are hard to find). I have always enjoyed the manual tranny, but I must say the auto is great... no complaints so far. I don't do a lot of off road stuff, but as others have said, I'm starting to believe the auto would be the better choice for that... much easier to control while bouncing around. I hate to admit it, but I kinda like the auto better now that I've quit stomping my left foot to the floor every time I start 'er up

One other point...

I find the auto much more comfortable with the extra room for my left foot. The manual is really cramped in that respect. FWIW though, the original clutch on my manual XJ was still fine at 150K miles when I sold it. Really can't go wrong either way IMO.