I am looking at buying a jeep and have a few questions

Everybody should learn how to drive a manual. It really depends on how often you would actually need that manual drive. I wouldn't prefer the manual because I wouldn't go trail riding that often. But if you like shifting all the time then go manual.

I have never been a fan of a manual in anything other than a sports car. FWIW

vast majority of the competition rigs use Auto's, manual in a jeep is more of a novelty these days. unless you are looking at a particular model with a transmission known for failures, get an auto

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I am wanting to buy a jeep

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You want to buy a vehicle that breaks all the time, rides like crap and is way overpriced as a weekend driver... don't do it.

If you want a cool weekend driver, go buy an old Willys or IH Scout fixed up. Same price range, way cooler and you can fix everything yourself.

2013+ you will really like it - these models will have the new pentestar engine. I have always had jeeps until I recently switched to a full size truck - my last jeep was a standard, it was fun but I enjoyed the automatic better offroad. You will only get a standard off the lot in the base models - if you jump a trim level from base most have automatics in them. I never had a hard top always a soft top never had any problems with leaks.

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Start socking away about $40 or $50 a paycheck for repairs.

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Never had to do this - didn't cost any more to maintain than my wifes Nissan.

Go for it - they are fun and if you like to hit the trails, you can run most 1-3 level off the show room floor.

so buying an ancient willys or an IH is a better option? no thanks. I want a jeep to go cruise around in. some trail riding, but mostly cruising back country roads when the weather is nice. the top will never be on. I'm not asking to be talked out of a jeep, I'm asking about the automatic transmission jeeps. In my experience, if you don't abuse your jeep by doing dumbass shite, you wont have a lot of problems.

Absolutely, you can even buy a new old Land Cruiser. Saw one at Toyota on Oneil a couple months ago.

New Old Land Cruiser

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so buying an ancient willys or an IH is a better option?

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Yes....Yes it is. For the price of a new jeep, you can buy a restored Willys or IH that wont require much maintenance. And another plus is that you won't look like a soccer mom cruising around.

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You saw this one for sale?

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I saw it on the lot under a tent. I was focused on trucks and didn't go check it out. I just thought it was a restored one. Might have been just for display, but they certainly had one...

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I just thought it was a restored one.

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Maybe it was a restored 70 series. The new 70 series are not available in the US. Still cool as hell. I want a stable full of LC's.

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well please enlighten me on where on buys a restored willys that will require little to no maintenance??

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I was thinking the same thing. Jeeps are basic vehicles, just like a willys, I-H, etc.... Most of these vehicles are all built the same, just pick your flavor. The only reason people consider jeeps as problem vehicles is because they still are pretty much like every car built pre 80's. Solid frame, solid axles, engine, trans, body--plain and simple, as well as prone to "issues"