hi,
Have to disagree that "automatic on sand = big mistake"! Have driven my auto Cherokee with absolutely no problems faced because it was auto. of course, for my own satisfaction, would have preferred manual for the power on demand.
If all ur friends' gears have broken b'coz of driving automatics in the sand, its probably time to send them all to driver training!
ninf, i dont think there is gonna be a lowering of the engine capacity of the 2007 Wranglers. It will stay 4.0L. From what I've seen online, its a few cosmetic changes. The 2006 already comes with a 6-speed manual. And if you were to buy a new one, you shouldn't have to worry about selling it in a year or two. You could prob'ly sell it right back to Al Futtaim's Automall.
I think this is one of the few vehicles in the world that people actually want in manual. If you go to any of the used car markets, ensure that the Jeep is actually GCC specifications. There are many American specs Jeep around, and you can really lose money on those! Miserable resale value, even by Jeep standards.
Even if they do bring down the engine capacity for the 2007, it will be 4.0L ones that will be in demand, like what happened with the Jeep Cherokee.
Let me know how the search goes. Am lookin for one myself!
Cheers!