HJ61RG Sahara

Yes, mainly 'personal' preference.
Autos are easier, nicer, smoother, to drive but take a bit of getting used to when going down steep hills.

Some people feel they have more control with a manual.

Take a drive in both and make up your own mind. :)

My personal preference is for the manual as I feel it gives you more control when negotiating the steep bits. I would assume that it is more fuel efficient but I don't have any comparisons so I could be talking out of my rear end. I am interested to hear others comments as well.

I had an '86 manual 12H-Tmanual. Clutch needed replacing at 130,000km and the gearbox was noisy when I sold it at 200,000km. So if I had the choice again, I'd go the automatic which has a great reputation for being strong and reliable.

Phil

Hi Lyndon, We own 86 HJ61 (12H-T) manual which we have owned for 13 yrs and has 340000klms and a 92 HZJ80 1HDT auto at 200000klms which we have had for 8yrs. 12HT is the greatest.7.6kpl (21.4mpg) always at 100-110kph and the same towing Jayco Dove and 12ft tinny on roof provided 85kph is maximum. About 7kpl when above that. Across the Simpson, 3 adults, vehicle only - 6.8kpl same going to Cape ( no trailer or tinny) Auto is great around town as manual is inclined to hunt below 1200rpm therefore requiring change down. In bush, when one changes down, you leave rooster tails when 12HT hits boost. Great vehicle for longer distance touring. RUST- check roof line.
HZJ80 auto has 7.3kpl (20.5mpg) on road and other day towed Kimberley Kamper down gravel roads (60kph max) and obtained about 7.1kpl (very happy). AUTO - 61 series auto does not have modulated lock-up at all whereas 80 series has lock-up above 70kph ( this means that a small clutch contacts inside box making a solid drive whereby increasing fuel consumption and engine braking especially down hills). Mate had HJ61 auto when we went to Cape York in our 61 and he chewed about 30 percent more fuel as the average, I feel is about 60kph and his motor was spinning faster and has four gears, not five in manual therefore larger rev band. The 80 series would possibly be a bit more thirsty as it needs to travel at 70kph or greater for lock-up to occur to obtain good fuel economy. If doing a lot of work under 70 then obtain valve body out of Toyota Dyna with same motor as they have a lock-up in 3rd gearwhish allows one to travel in 3rd gear in auto and obtain good fuel economy ( this is my next project).
CONCLUSION - 12HT is GREAT for towing and bush work, 80 series is bitumen vehicle and very comfortable with 4 coils. If purchasing full time 4 wheel drive 80 series, check front CV joints for flogging in front axle caps. We live in North Queensland and my wife and I have conducted tag along tours to Kimberley, Cape York, Arnham Land.
Best of luck