moparboy

New to the forums, and back in the market for a Cherokee. Owned a 2,5L 5 spd. model a few years ago and got rid of it when I relocated. I regret that decision, so now looking for a 4.0L model.

I've seen 2 on Craigslist, both well maintained, one 2 dr. 5 spd. with a new clutch, and some options, the other a 4 dr. auto. with some options.

I loved my 5 speed in fact the one I'm looking at has cruise on it, which I'd like for long distance driving. The auto also has cruise but I'm leery of the tranny in those, and was wondering what others' experiences have been, and if I do buy it should I perhaps put a larger tranny cooler on it (or some such).

Thanks.

mobilecherokee4

this question is usually split down the middle

That Jeep Guy XJMJ

every jeep i've owen except for 1 was an auto and i have never had issues..... i recently replaced one in my weekend warrior, but that was only cuz it had super super low miles compared to my 214k....

but the manual i did own was in a wrangler it was the I6 5sp....
it good really gitty-up when i wanted it too, but the shifting all the time got old especially on long drives....

so auto is simple, and manual can getty-up more

i'd go with the auto, just by my personal prefrence

(Eckks-Jay)

The Aw4 (automatic) is actually a very strong transmission, I am nearing 400k on one right now and i know many people who have over 200k on theirs.

I myslelf have always preferred manual in any vehicle, but I love the aw4, It will take whatever I throw at it without complaint.

Your choice should also depend on whether or not you will be towing, off-roading or just a daily driver.

The aw4 would be a much better choice for towing, a better choice for off road (JMO) and the 5-speed would definately be better for gas mileage. I got 24mpg with my 5 speed 4.0, i get 16 with my automatic.

NewXJaddict

First Jeep here so I have no basis for comparison but in general I have always liked the feel of shifting better than just letting the car do all the work. Love my 5 speed even though first gear is insanely low, I usually just skip first lol.

Ritter4.0

5speed, I have taken 1st gear all the way to 30mph, 2nd to 50mph and third to 70+(only a few times). After that it got too scary.but my tranny still feels solid but you can watch the gas guage move alot with stock gears and 33" tires. My dad has an auto, good for towing, but boring.

NewXJaddict

Mine is the crappy ba 10 and I have not had the Jeep that long I am usually in 4th at 35mph lol. Not sure how well the PO took care of it so I'm not going to try going fast in 1st until I know more.

humboldt2door

If you loved your manual, I would recommend that. The question is more about personal preference than anything else.
Speaking of personal preference, go with the 2 door.
Having a new clutch is nice, its one less thing you need to worry about replacing...for a while.
Also depends what you want to do with the car, because if you plan on being stuck in traffic a lot, you probably want the auto.

JackGTX440

I have a '97 5-speed 4-door and I love it.

atomic-xj

The XJ auto is super durable, which is a plus. The standard is too, but you will need a clutch job at some point. So the auto may end up being less trouble in the long run

Cobrasix

While I can't testify about the AW4 transmission, I know the 5 speed transmission very well and it is a beast. The same XJ taught me, my two younger brothers, and my wife how to drive standard.

To me, it depends on what you want to do with it. If you are using it like a normal SUV, the manual is really nice. I found that driving in snow, having a manual transmission can be a god send since I can start in 2nd to help avoid wheel spin (at the expense of the clutch).

If I was planning to build an offroad rig, I actually prefer an Auto. Having to shift gears and play with a clutch is just one more thing to worry about when you are already trying to give it just enough power, avoid the big rock in front of you, and still not get stuck. Of course, not much crawls down stuff better than 4L stuck in 1st on a 5 speed.