Jeep Wrangler Automatic vs. Manual?

Am shopping for a new Jeep Wrangler to bring to STT/STJ, more than likely the Sahara Unlimited...any recommendations as to automatic trans or manual? Saw a lot of these running around but I wasn't sure what powertrain they had in them and while visiting I didn't get too much off the beaten path, stayed pretty much on paved roads with only gradual grades. Appreciate what you've found.

Paying cash or getting a loan?

Automatic.
Our steep hills mean lots of starting at an incline, not easy to do with a manual.

Do yourself a favor and get a Toyota 4runner or Nissan Pathfinder. Jeep Wranglers have lots of issues and are underpowered. We have a dealership that is incompetant to say the least. Just ask around.

Buy new from the dealership on-island, far less headaches with shipping and BMV. Jeeps don't have anymore issues than any other brand and are made in the USA and NOT subject to extra custom fees.
The main issues with Jeeps, especially anything used, is they tend to get abused off-road. (off-road in the states is somewhat equivalent to on-road here).
Go with the automatic for reasons stated above.
There are LOTS of Jeeps on all three islands. Parts are probably more available for them than any other brand out there.

Maybe mine was the only one that was junk,
After 8 years of issues, finally it caught on fire while my son was driving it. Insurance totaled it. I'm sure a Suzuki Vitara is a better vehicle. Those little Suzuki Jimnys are all over the BVI. You can sometimes get a pretty good deal on a wrangler on STT that is a couple years old. The rental fleets sell them off. Thats why there are so many of them.

I don't know but I've always had manual transmission on all vehicles I've owned in VI. No problem, no issues. For steep hills on STT/STJ and mechanical issues, it may be better than an automatic, especially in terms of parts and servicing.
It may depend on what you're used to driving as well.
I grew up driving stick shifts.

My first automatic vehicle, a 2011 Subaru Outback is the one I'm now driving on flat, well maintained roads FL. which is fine for FL
I'm not sure I'd think about a jeep wrangler, either.
Really depends on your needs.

4WD.. Nice to have but not usually necessary unless your road is a real bitch of a steep, narrow incline with regular flooding.

I drive a 1997 Toyota Tacoma pickup in VI.
I put 2 -60lb bags of cement in back as the back end is light on steep, rain slicked, curvy, pothole ridden roads as it's a pain in the butt to get out of 4WD or into it, when necessary.

Toyota SUVs, or trucks have great resale value here.
I can't tell you how many people ask me if I want to sell my truck which,
I might add, is in excellent condition at 20 years old.
No electronic gizmos, computer BS, under the hood which might be another factor in finding someone to properly service it..

I think this is a matter of personal preference. I prefer driving standard shift, especially with steep hills - gives me more control over how much power I have to get up them. May also be easier to repair when there's an issue, although one's mileage may vary with that scenario. I don't think there's a distinct advantage or disadvantage either way.

Thanks everyone for you're input, doesn't seem to be a general consensus but that's what makes this forum a valuable resource, a great melting pot of individual experiences from which one can better formulate their individual choice. Will be purchasing here, as I live in the Motor City and a local Chrysler exec is getting me their deepest discount, which I'm so thankful for, that even family and friends don't get so I won't have to go through the hassle of negotiating the price here nor in the USVI and am paying cash so won't have to be concerned about paying off a loan to bring vehicle into the USVI and all the Jeeps are built in Toledo (except Rubicon which is built in Italy) so can avoid the import duty (and just pay the road tax based on weight). For logistical reasons too, will be using this vehicle to drive my pug and I from Detroit to Miami, where the Jeep will go on one ship, all my personal belongings that will fit into the vehicle (and possibly a small trailer) will be containered onto another ship, as we fly off to paradise.

Double check on packing the Jeep with personal belongings when shipping.
I've been told that is no longer acceptable and the vehicle must be empty (according to Blue Ocean Transport).

Anyone know of a vehicle shipping company that will take a loaded vehicle?

Wolverine said "all my personal belongings that will fit into the vehicle (and possibly a small trailer) will be containered onto another ship". No issue driving the stuff to Miami in the Jeep.

Yes singlefin, that's why the vehicle and stuff are going on two different ships, plus am not sure I'd want my personal belongings visible through the windows of my vehicle while it's in shipment (seems inviting for theft whether just sitting loosely inside vehicle or packed in boxes within vehicle).

i would go for automatic

I only posted because I had read long ago that loading a vehicle for shipment was acceptable at one time.

It wasn't THAT long ago. Still allowed in 2012 as we filled my husband's truck bed and extended cab full. Not one thing was missing. Bed of truck had accordion cover. My SUV had linens, towels, stuffed everywhere there was a cavity, energy in corner of the wheel well.

My husband has had auto Jeep AND 5-speed shift Jeep. He much prefers his 5-speed! I enjoy it occasionally as well. But, like my SUV better!

other people have posted of doing that. with VI Cargo we were not allowed to

I only posted because I had read long ago that loading a vehicle for shipment was acceptable at one time.

Jeeze rosesisland, living on STT, it's almost impossible for me to get into the 4th gear and don't think I've ever used 5th! Must be nice to have long stretches of flat road!

Yeah we even have a 4 lane highway on STX.

Yahoo, buckaroo!
We have a 4 lane stretch in downtown STT.
Not that I'm driving there often and 1st and 2nd is the norm.

Lol, am glad to be leaving the life in the fast lane behind here in the metro Detroit freeway system, and am pothole-seasoned already, with this part of Michigan arguably having possibly the worst roads in the States...law recently passed to raise some of our highway speed limits from 70 to 75 mph, #autobahn?

Jeeze rosesisland, living on STT, it's almost impossible for me to get into the 4th gear and don't think I've ever used 5th! Must be nice to have long stretches of flat road!

Yes, it is! Well, if you can hit the green lights! I call our 4-lane divided highway, "the interstate."

law recently passed to raise some of our highway speed limits from 70 to 75 mph, #autobahn?

I was surprised to see that when I was up there in July. I drove from Berrien Springs to Tawas and there were several stretches where there were 75mph signs posted along the way.