Jeep Garage  - Jeep Forum banner

GC SRT8 - Do you miss the manual trans?

Tags
srt srt8
3.7K views 22 replies 13 participants last post by  Fullslp  
#1 · (Edited)
GC SRT - Do you miss the manual trans?

Hey gang,

I've owned a lot of cars over the years, mostly in the performance category with the exception of my current Wrangler JKU. All of them have had manual transmissions and I love it. The last automatic I had was back in high school and I haven't missed the auto trans at all.

I really really like the '14+ SRT's and was wondering if any of you guys/gals regretted getting one because of the auto-only trans. To me, the trans is the only drawback to getting a GC SRT, I love just about everything else about it.

Thanks!
 
#6 ·
Re: GC SRT - Do you miss the manual trans?

It is my daily driver and I do sit in traffic. As good as the 8 speed is (and it really is) I would pay a significant premium for a manual. A dual clutch auto would be moderately distant second choice.


Sent from my iPhone using JeepGarage
 
#7 ·
Re: GC SRT - Do you miss the manual trans?

The SRT is actually the first automatic car I've ever owned (previous cars were a handful of mustangs, BMW 330i and most recently an M3). So far, 95% of the time I don't miss the manual; on a sunny day when I'm just out for a cruise, I'd rather have the manual but in most other situations the auto fits my needs. No regrets for me, in the future I'll get a weekend car that's manual and have the best of both worlds.


Sent from my iPhone using JeepGarage
 
#8 ·
Re: GC SRT - Do you miss the manual trans?

I miss manual also.. I've just decided to build a is300 2jzgte.. So that will make up for it.. Lol
 
#9 ·
What the heavens would anyone in their right mind :lol: want a manual transmission for in place of state of the art 8 speed auto ? they dont do anything better except wear out your left leg and shift gears slower ??
 
  • Like
Reactions: ChaseU
#10 ·
Re: GC SRT - Do you miss the manual trans?

Factually, more control of the vehicle and more involvement in the art of driving. I could maybe see your point vs. a dual clutch but not vs. a conventional automatic.

That said, I don't think there's a way to explain it that would make sense to a non-believer. You either are or aren't manual appreciative.


Sent from my iPhone using JeepGarage
 
#11 ·
Factually, more control of the vehicle and more involvement in the art of driving. I could maybe see your point vs. a dual clutch but not vs. a conventional automatic.

That said, I don't think there's a way to explain it that would make sense to a non-believer. You either are or aren't manual appreciative.

Sent from my iPhone using JeepGarage
More control doesn't mean better necessarily. More involved doesnt mean better. Otherwise you will tell me you don't want that horrible power steering. Or power windows. I guess I'm just auto appreciative. You do get that extra 1 MPG with a manual.
 
#12 ·
More control? How ? An auto does the same thing, but at a much quicker smoother pace, just use the paddles ...I have had dozens of manual cars including a 911 turbo and Ferrari 360 . I think you either move on with technology or you stay stuck in the past ! Lol . Like the paper book brigade v the kindle adopters ��
To each their own
 
#14 ·
More control? How ? An auto does the same thing, but at a much quicker smoother pace, just use the paddles ...I have had dozens of manual cars including a 911 turbo and Ferrari 360 . I think you either move on with technology or you stay stuck in the past ! Lol . Like the paper book brigade v the kindle adopters ��
To each their own
  • Your automatic never downshifted when you didn't want it to? Is always in the gear you want?
  • Paddle shifting a conventional automatic is satisfying? Really?
If you wanted to move on with technology you'd be better off driving a Telsa, not a large displacement pushrod V8 installed in a 5,100lbs. SUV.

As you said, to each his own.
 
#13 ·
Re: GC SRT - Do you miss the manual trans?

If my 46' cj2a had an automatic it would be boring as hell to drive. Might as well have a golf cart. However, I don't commute in it or tow much with it. My 13 year old son loves to drive it around our property as well. Low range 4wd makes for an awesome vehicle to learn on as you have to try very hard to stall it. I also have an early 90's mustang that originally can with an automatic, but I swapped it out for a tremec 3550 5 speed when the overdrive went out. The manual transmission sure improved the driving experience. I realize that modern automatics have become amazingly efficient and smooth shifting, but some times I really do miss being more engaged with driving a vehicle. The paddle shifters just don't fill the gap for me. That's my opinion.


Sent from my iPad using JeepGarage
 
#17 ·
I've mentioned this to my wife several times since I bought my '14 SRT about 10 months ago - I really miss having a stick shift. Not all the time mind you, but definitely at least some of the time.

When I'm commuting home in traffic from work, no way. My left foot appreciates the automatic after a long ride home.

But casual drives on country roads, man I miss it.

This is the first automatic I have ever owned. The transmission is amazing, but there's something so great about reving it up and popping the clutch and skidding around turns that you just don't get with automatics.

And the paddle shifters??? Sure they are nice but no way are they a substitute for three pedals and a stick.

When I retire and don't have to go to work every day, I have a feeling I'll be moving back to a stick - that is if they are still actually producing them in ten years...
 
#23 ·
IMHO don't bother with a manual unless you go mid 90s performance car or earlier. My 97 SS Camaro has an actual cable that operates the throttle and no stability or torque management or traction control. PURE. They are cheap, easy to fix and a blast to drive. I think a mid 90s viper goes for upper 20s now.