Author Topic: Talk me into or out of a Jeep Wrangler (Read 2131 times)

teddy12b · « **on:** June 15, 2011, 05:44:08 PM »

The title pretty much says it all. I'm thinking pretty hard about buying a jeep wrangler and I'd like to read some real world thoughts. I've read on consumer reports about them and while generally I think they do a good job reviewing vehicles, they have their own points of view also. Seemed to me that they were trying to compare it to a Cadillac or something else that it wasn't meant to be.

I used to have a motorcycle and sold it because I'm just not that good at riding them. I had to be honest with myself about it and I just don't have to the knack to ride a bike the way a person should be able to if they want to live a long life. My wife and I used to have a convertible car, and it was great, but now we're very happy with our minivan because of the two kids and dog. I've always liked the looks of wranglers and since we only take the van exclusively anytime we all go somewhere I was thinking about getting something for myself to drive that I could put the top down on. 99% of the time I spend driving I'm alone and all I want to do is feel the wind and enjoy the ride a little bit more than I do now. I've driven pickups and Tahoe's so I'm not expecting a Cadillac of a ride, but I also like the rugged toughness of the little wranglers also. If I do buy one it will definitely be a V6 automatic.

Does anyone out there have any thoughts that would help me out on this? Thanks in advance!

PowPow · « **Reply #1 on:** June 15, 2011, 06:03:13 PM »

Can't speak specifically about a Wrangler, except they are cool looking.

I traded a Jaguar for a Jeep Liberty because everyone I talked to said they were very reliable.
I have enjoyed it EVERY day for the last 6 years (EVERY day is because it never goes in the shop; knock on wood)
60,000 mile warranty; didn't use it.
Have the 3.6L V-6 automatic with 2wd.

Lloyd Smale · « **Reply #2 on:** June 16, 2011, 01:05:09 AM »

if your buying a new one forget this advice as to be honest i havent even drove one. Mine is a 2000. It is SLOW! its a 4cyl and jeep should hang the man that made the decission to put that motor in a jeep. It does well in the woods but is about dangerous on the road. They are rough riding. The ride will take you back to the pickups of the 70s. They are noisy. With the top down you can hear your music if you crank it up. With the top up youd best have a powerful amp and some huge speakers. Its so bad that if im driving more then a 100 miles i put earplugs in. Mine is a summer vehicle. thank God because if you ever drove one on icy roads youd know where the saying blue nuckles came from. All that said, take the top off on a nice day and head for the woods and theres nothing like them. they will go places that no other 4x4 will go.

flintlock · « **Reply #3 on:** June 16, 2011, 02:26:18 AM »

Sounds like a Wrangler might fit your lifestyle...

I bought my youngest daughter one 4 years ago...We bought a '99 Sahara...It has an automatic transmission, hard and soft tops, and that great inline 6 cylinder...I had bought my middle daughter a Cherokee Sport that also had the inline 6...As mentioned, definately go with the 6 cylinder if buying a used one, they are bullet proof...Neither one of these motors needed oil between changes...

We don't have any negatives, except they are small if you need to carry much...My personal vehicle is a GMC 1500 truck, so I'm used to having a bed and tool box...

It's also easy to get to the oil filter and the engine is pretty open so you can do minor repairs yourself...I did replace all the hoses and belts when we bought it and I did have to install a new radiator...That's typical with these new, plastic radiators from what I've heard...

The ride and noise don't bother me as that's what they are made for...It's refreshing to take off the top in the spring and take those drives out in the country looking for wildlife...You can smell the honesuckle (and chicken litter) which adds to the fun...

lakota · « **Reply #4 on:** June 16, 2011, 11:45:44 AM »

I have a 99 Cherokee Sport with the inline 6 also. Great motor. Easy to tune up and do oil changes. Still cant figure out why Chrysler ditched it?

PowPow · « **Reply #5 on:** June 16, 2011, 02:15:22 PM »

Regarding storage space in a Jeep:

If it has a receiver, you can get a cargo carrier ($60-120) or a 1000 lb trailer ($350).
If it does not have a receiver, you can buy one on line for ~$150.
I bought the trailier so I would never need a truck, then found that 95% of what I need to haul fits on the cargo carrier, including a freezer. My trailer lives at my friend's house.

ironglow · « **Reply #6 on:** June 16, 2011, 02:43:50 PM »

I would have one if they made them like they used to. I don't like electric windows.. powered 4WD engagement... door locks or any other unnecessary electrical gadgets.
I don't like AT, carpets, anything more than 4 cyls, or any other unnecessary accoutrements..
I guess I would like to go with the KISS formula..(Keep It Simple, Stupid).

I don't ridicule those who like all the " bells & whistles"..but I don't like most of them.. Just wish there were some way of getting a straight-forward, nearly stripped model.

I did have a couple Suzuki Samurais and a '98 model very basic, hardtop Wrangler...liked all of them very much, but can't get any like those any more.
I'd probably swap tomorrow if I could find one.

teddy12b · « **Reply #7 on:** June 16, 2011, 02:49:15 PM »

Quote from: ironglow on June 16, 2011, 02:43:50 PM

I would have one if they made them like they used to. I don't like electric windows.. powered 4WD engagement... door locks or any other unnecessary electrical gadgets.
I don't like AT, carpets, anything more than 4 cyls, or any other unnecessary accoutrements..
I guess I would like to go with the KISS formula..(Keep It Simple, Stupid).

I don't ridicule those who like all the " bells & whistles"..but I don't like most of them.. Just wish there were some way of getting a straight-forward, nearly stripped model.

I did have a couple Suzuki Samurais and a '98 model very basic, hardtop Wrangler...liked all of them very much, but can't get any like those any more.
I'd probably swap tomorrow if I could find one.

So basically, if it's not a '54 willy's jeep or similar you don't like it?!? (just teasing)

PowPow · « **Reply #8 on:** June 16, 2011, 02:59:35 PM »

Well, if it ain't there, it can't break.

ironglow · « **Reply #9 on:** June 17, 2011, 01:17:09 AM »

Actually Teddy,
I do like the new engines..when I recall we used to have to replace plugs & points every 12K miles..and the newer engines do perform much better inch-for-inch. It's the unnecessary stuff I don't care for.

Pow Pow has it quite concisely;
...If it isn't there, it can't break !

teddy12b · « **Reply #10 on:** June 17, 2011, 03:41:09 AM »

I agree with what you guys are saying. The whole reason I'm even considering buying a different vehicle is that the tahoe that I have now is starting to act up, and I'm not sure if I wouldn't be money ahead getting out of it while I still can.

From what I've read the 2007 model jeeps have the new improvements over the older styles. I always get nervous about buying the first years model of anything that just got "upgraded" because it always seems like there are still a few bugs to be worked out.

I'm debating hard between the 4 door versus the regular 2 door. On the one hand the 4 door would have more room for the family, but it's more expensive and doesn't look quite right with the top off and I'm not going to buy a jeep so I can keep the top on it. I like the 2 door jeeps because they've getting getting perfected since WWII so they ought to be about as good as a vehicle can get, and if I'm honest with myself, I don't need half the stuff I keep in my vehicle anyway, so the storage wouldn't be such a big deal.

SHOOTALL · « **Reply #11 on:** June 17, 2011, 03:42:32 AM »

consumer gives them a very low rating .

dks7895 · « **Reply #12 on:** June 17, 2011, 04:08:34 AM »

We bought a new 2010 Wrangler Unlimited Sahara last year, and we love it. My wife is the primary driver of this vehicle. The entire family loves it. 2007 and up is the JK variant. Much improved over previous models. 2011 introduced a new interior and body colored hard tops. There's a lot more room in the 4dr over the traditional design. I suggest you look at both. It uses the tried and true 3.8L V6 from the Dodge Caravan. It's not a beast, but adequate power. If you keep your foot out of it, you're looking at about 18-19 mpg. The new hard top (freedom top) is nice and has a 2 piece targa top that comes out.

Lloyd Smale · « **Reply #13 on:** June 18, 2011, 03:12:41 AM »

ive never even road in one of the new ones. Ive talked to people who have them and they love them. I guess to me there a bit to civilized but if i had to have one for an only vehicle id surely prefer one of the new ones. The older ones are good if you buy it as a toy. Kind of a big 4 wheeler not an every day vehicle to travel back and forth to work or take on a road trip.

Lloyd Smale · « **Reply #14 on:** June 18, 2011, 03:16:17 AM »

heres mine

quasne.inc · « **Reply #15 on:** June 19, 2011, 08:06:38 AM »

As fun and cool looking as they are, there is no practical purpose to them whatsoever. They get horrible gas mileage, beat the heck out of your back even when driving on the highway, and there isnt room for all your stuff if your want to go camping with anyone but yourself. Unless you just love going offroad into really extreme places I would spend my money on something with more uses. I can go anywhere offroad I need to go in my truck, can carry my whole family and all our camping gear. It doesnt get great gas mileage but I live one mile from my job.

Lloyd Smale · « **Reply #16 on:** June 20, 2011, 01:37:59 AM »

but like you said there amazing in the really rough and tight stuff. I took my father for a ride last winter out near my blind and he tells everyone we went places hed not attempt on his 4 wheel drive atv.

Stuart C. · « **Reply #17 on:** June 21, 2011, 04:30:37 AM »

I agree. They are impractical, inefficient, rough, etc. Years ago I was about to get rid of my beat up CJ-7 (granted, different vehicle). It was fun with the top off, but a convertible car would've been more comfy.

But then I got an oversand sticker and took it out on the beach. We packed the cooler and dropped the air in the tires down to ~14 psi.

Simply amazing what that vehicle could do and the way it rode on the terrain it was designed for.

And folks in convertible cars don't wave at each other for no reason like you do in a Jeep.

45-70.gov · « **Reply #18 on:** June 21, 2011, 05:14:17 AM »

not a jeep [suzuki samuri]

i all but retired my porsche 911 targa once i started driving it

only gets 23 mpg on a good day......jeeps might be worse

hav'nt been on my bikes in years
actuallly not too bad when it rains

dks7895 · « **Reply #19 on:** June 21, 2011, 06:50:29 AM »

It's a Jeep thing for sure. Not everyone can appreciate them for what they are. It's not a Cadillac, so it doesn't ride like one. There is not another production vehicle like it... top off, doors off, summertime.

We live in STL and get a taste of every season. The Jeep shines in all seasons.

My dad drove my mother to the hospital to give birth to me in a CJ-5. No top, no doors...

quasne.inc · « **Reply #20 on:** June 23, 2011, 05:23:59 PM »

Dont get me wrong. I LOVED my old jeep. But I have this really annoying practical side that creeps up now and again. One day if I could ever afford to have one just to have one I would, but for now I need a minivan and a truck.

Idaho_Elk_Huntr · « **Reply #21 on:** June 26, 2011, 05:28:41 AM »

I bought this one a year ago and it had 40,000 miles on it for $15,900. I got a heck of a deal. Fully loaded 05 Rubicon Unlimited. It has front and rear lockers and goes like a billy goat. I have a hard top, rag top and a safari top with it. I have always wanted one since my first vehicle but something always stood in the way. Well I finally got it. It gets wheeled but still looks like new. I wouldn't trade it for anything!

cwlongshot · « **Reply #22 on:** June 28, 2011, 02:53:22 AM »

Been driving one on and off since late '80s. Steady since late '90s. LOVE'EM!! But as second vehicle. As primary they do have there draw backs.

The 4door qures alot of them, but at a cost of manuverability offroad. But by the sou ds of it, this will not be issue for you.

Got any friends with one? How about looking to rent one for a short time. You know get some miles to see if its you. Jeeps are #1 alternative to having motorcycle. I bought my last new one in '99 when i was almost killed on mine. Sold the bike, bought the Jeep.

My wife has had two jeeps since, first a '01 Grand Cherokee and now a Liberty. I have owned XJs, ZJs, WJs, CJs, YJs and TJs. Most with 4.0L engines and Manual trannys. I feel trucks and sports cars should have manual trannys. But autos have there place and work well.

Again, my advice is see if you can rent or see if your dealer will allow you to take jeep for long weekend. You will see first hand if its for you.

To the haters, Its a jeep thing, you wouldn't understand.

CW

teddy12b · « **Reply #23 on:** June 28, 2011, 03:24:37 AM »

I actually did rent one about a year and a half ago after wrecking a pickup and needing to buy a different vehicle. I rented a 4 door and it was really starting to grow on me, but my wife and I reasoned that the tahoe I found at half the price of the wrangler was a better fit for my family. If wranglers were a little less expensive it wouldn't be such an issue, but what some of these people want to get paid for old jeeps with 200,000 miles is just unreal, let alone finding an '07 or newer with less than a 100,000 miles. I'd really like to make this happen, but I think I may be best off to wait until this winter when wranglers aren't at as high of a premium and people are looking for big four doored tahoes that are safe in the snow. I don't know when, but I'm going to make a wrangler happen.

deernhog · « **Reply #24 on:** October 14, 2011, 02:53:59 AM »

I have a 4x4 tacoma hunting wagon and a stock 08 Wrangler but have had my eye open for an older Jeep for awhile. Keep your eyes and ears open and you will find one worth the money. I Found a 94 YJ Wrangler 6cylinder for 4k and for 2k more can have the lift,tires,jack and winch I want for the hunting and river running I do . They are not practical but they are addicting and you will hide from your minivan after you get one. The receiver rack is worth every cent you pay for them.

ironglow · « **Reply #25 on:** October 20, 2011, 12:20:36 AM »

I see a couple great looking Jeeps and a beauty of a Samurai posted here..brings back fond memories to this old man..
back in 1978 I bought a new CJ5.. I was breeding and hunting Airedales then. I usually hunted just one dog at a time, so as one of the guys said, I built a dog box which slipped right onto the drawbar where the hitch ball mounted. That left all the room inside, while giving my dog a good, airy box to ride in.

45/70;
That photo of the Suzuki Samurai got my nostalgia mouth to watering ! I had 2 Suzuki Samurais; a 1990 red one and a 1994 white one..
For some reason, we named them..first one was called "Suzy" and the second one "Sammie". I am a bit surprised at your mileage though...on the road, whether in 2wd or 4wd (winter) my mileage hovered around 30 mpg with that little 1300 cc engine. Of course, that was before the 10% ethanol gasoline.
Of course, here in wintry western NY State..my Samurais and Jeeps would be very rusty by now, if not in the junkyard !

Lloyd Smale · « **Reply #26 on:** October 20, 2011, 01:04:38 AM »

thats the jeep i really want. those rubicons are great units. Id say by my experinces looking for them that your got one hell of a deal on that one. Most arround here in that price range have a 100k plus miles on them. 6cly air lockers and dana 44s. Thats the way they should have made them all!!!

Quote from: Idaho_Elk_Huntr on June 26, 2011, 05:28:41 AM

I bought this one a year ago and it had 40,000 miles on it for $15,900. I got a heck of a deal. Fully loaded 05 Rubicon Unlimited. It has front and rear lockers and goes like a billy goat. I have a hard top, rag top and a safari top with it. I have always wanted one since my first vehicle but something always stood in the way. Well I finally got it. It gets wheeled but still looks like new. I wouldn't trade it for anything!

1sourdough · « **Reply #27 on:** October 22, 2011, 02:36:52 AM »

They do look cool. I almost rented one on our last vacation, one son is smitten by them. It was unavailable at the time. Unless I live next to the bush/woods & went there a good amount I'd pass. Not the most practical if one is 90% pavement around town. JMHO of course.

cwlongshot · « **Reply #28 on:** October 22, 2011, 11:53:38 AM »

Quote

thats the jeep i really want.

My TJ is going up for sale... I need a pick up...

CW

deernhog · « **Reply #29 on:** October 29, 2011, 03:37:48 PM »

Quote from: 45-70.gov on June 21, 2011, 05:14:17 AM

not a jeep [suzuki samuri]

i all but retired my porsche 911 targa once i started driving it

only gets 23 mpg on a good day......jeeps might be worse

hav'nt been on my bikes in years
actuallly not too bad when it rains

Now that Suz would get top interest around here. They do some crazy stuff with those little units. Bigger tires, lift and regear them to go anywhere.