I feel like I'm cheating...

"KB Garage" (kb-garage)
12/31/2013 at 10:59 • Filed to: Jeepositelock

TL;DR version: I used to own a Jeep, then I owned a Chevy, now I own a Jeep. It makes me happy.

It’s probably inevitable that I’ll be flamed for owning trucks and SUV’s by a random burner, but in my defense, I actually transport personnel and equipment to a wide variety of facilities in the region using my personal vehicle. This includes towing trailers loaded with equipment and machinery. Some facilities are reached by pavement, others not so much. Besides, you know I’m an advocate of getting your four wheel drive a little dirty. This poorly written article supports my thoughts.

http://oppositelock.jalopnik.com/i-like-bro-tru…

You also know I DD a beater Jetta when I’m not bouncing from facility to facility (and when it’s not being stupid and forgetting its purpose).

http://oppositelock.jalopnik.com/beater-shaming…

I should probably let you know up front that I’m typically a Chevy truck/SUV guy. I always have been. Is it because I think they’re better than Ford, Dodge, Toyota, or Nissan? Absolutely not. It’s because typically I know what’s going to break, when it’s going to break, how to fix it, or about how much it’s going to cost have it fixed. I'm looking at you 700R4.

Even though I'm a Chevy guy at heart, I have always had an affinity for Jeeps. The first one I owned was in high school in the late ‘90’s. It was a 1981 CJ-5 with an SBC swap. (Technically a Jeep/Chevy hybrid. Jeeprolet?) I rebuilt the engine from the ground up and it was pretty solid after that. The rest of the jeep? Not so much. It was a giant rust bucket and I spent more time working on it than I did driving it. I loved it. I have not been as fond of any vehicle I have owned (which has been quite a few) since the CJ. I desperately missed that feeling.

A few weeks ago, problem number whatever-I’m-up-to-at-this-point popped up with my current Tahoe. In the hoe’s defense, it’s got a lot of mileage on it and the problem is fairly common, but it’s one that I just didn’t have the motivation to fix. The individual issue is a moot point. Seeing as how I’ve been spending a lot of time under my beater, I decided spending time wrenching on the “good child” is something I didn’t want to do anymore given the frequency has been increasing as of late. The hoe needed to go to a new home and I knew exactly what I wanted her replacement to be.

I should preface this by letting you know I used to own a 65th anniversary edition Wrangler, but wasn't fond of the lack of space. And any lengthy ride was atrocious due to short wheel base and my regrettable decision to get a soft top. I thought noise fatigue was a myth. After a nine hour ride back from Florida, I wanted to set it on fire.

Enter the Wrangler Unlimited Sport. I’ve wanted the four door body style since they came out in 2007. But prior to 2012, Wranglers were equipped with a 3.8L V6. I’m being polite when I say I was not exactly thrilled with its performance. Yes, I realize it’s not a hot rod, but anyone who has driven the 3.8L and the current 3.6L would be lying if they denied the difference between the two (about 0.2L). So, I waited and waited until they finally ditched the 3.8L. I also waited a couple years to try and pick up a used one. If we're counting, that's seven years.

I ventured to my preferred Jeep dealership. I know them and they know me. I've purchased several vehicles there and my salesman has been there 15 years. He pulls keys to whatever I'm interested in, hands them over, and goes back to his desk while I take it whatever vehicle out. I love having a relationship with a dealership like that. I went in with the intention of getting a good deal on a used 2012 or maybe a 2013 if I was lucky. Ha! Wrong. The used ones are literally within $3-4,000 of a brand new one. Crap. New it is. I had three basic requirements: power windows, power locks and a hard top. Oh, and I’ll man up and accept my flaming for this, I desperately wanted a stick, but they said the four doors with a stick are few and far between, and typically come equipped only slightly better than a saddled donkey. So flame on, I was stuck with a slushbox no matter which I Jeep I chose. I didn’t want leather nor the nav/touchscreen, especially after having to replace the touchscreen in the Overland after a mere 20K miles.

My only other preference was decent tires. Every jeep on the lot, with the exception of the Rubicons, had what Chrysler may refer to as “all terrain” tires, but they definitely did not fit my definition. The tires on your grandmother's minivan are more aggressive. So I went around back to see what had recently been unloaded. And there it was. Black wheels, BFG MT’s, hard top, power windows, power locks. Sold.

It officially became mine as of the Thursday after Christmas. The weather was in the 40’s in the mornings and didn’t break 55 degrees over the weekend, but I drove around with the top and doors off anyway. I didn't see one other Jeep in town with the top off, let alone the doors, but I didn't care. I love it. I feel the exact same way I did about my CJ. Only with this one, I don't have to worry about it slinging a driveshaft through the floorboard (yes that happened, twice). I walk out into the garage in the mornings and smile. Finally.

DISCUSSION (27)

William Byrd > KB Garage
12/31/2013 at 11:00

I had a 2012 Unlimited. Now we have a 2009 Suburban. Different in many ways, better in some. But I miss the Jeep. :(

Dingers Ghost, Champion Jockey > KB Garage
12/31/2013 at 11:56

Man to hell with a burner flaming up. I will proudly and often state my love for trucks and SUV's. I'm loving your Sport. Any plans for it?

cazzyodo > KB Garage
12/31/2013 at 11:56

You, sir, have purchased what I want. I love my car but every time I step out of it I think of trucks and Jeeps...it's a disease, really.

I wasn't able to justify such a purchase when I was looking this year but my plan for 2014 is to be out and about much more than I was (read, MOUNTAINS!). Perhaps if the year goes according to plan I could look into such a Jeep...

Enjoy!

KB Garage > cazzyodo
12/31/2013 at 12:18

Thanks! I plan on posting some wheeling adventures as soon as I pick up some rock rails and a winch mount.

KB Garage > Dingers Ghost, Champion Jockey
12/31/2013 at 12:23

Yes. Absolutely. To start, I need rock rails and a winch bumper (already have the winch). Rear bumper with tire carrier. Lift and larger tires (once the BFG's are worn down a bit). Maybe wheels? But I'm really, really digging the ones that came on it. Some lighting upgrades. I'm debating on changing the grille color.

Any suggestions? I'm open to ideas.

bre92ser > KB Garage
12/31/2013 at 12:59

I happen to have a '12 unlimited sahara with a stick. painted fenders (gone) heated cloth, power everything, nav, hardtop, etc. its definitely an odd one, apparently some guy special ordered it, then didnt want it, bought a rubicon instead. it was the last new 2012 they had on the lot. best find ever!

Kinja'd!!!

JEM > KB Garage
12/31/2013 at 13:06

This is an awesome thread/article and I'd love to see it on the front page. Entertaining, well written, and exactly the sort of thing that keeps me coming back to jalopnik.

Oh, and I love Jeeps, '96 XJ owner right her. I do think the 4 door Wranglers look awesome, and can't believe it took them so long to come out with one. I see way more of them on the road than the 2 doors.

KB Garage > bre92ser
12/31/2013 at 13:14

That's such a sweet ride.

KB Garage > JEM
12/31/2013 at 13:15

Thank you, sir!

Dingers Ghost, Champion Jockey > KB Garage
12/31/2013 at 17:33

I dig the wheels too. But really, you've listed what all I'd do to it. I don't have any other suggestions. I'm gonna follow this build closely.

CAR_IS_MI > KB Garage
01/02/2014 at 16:29

You will have to let me know how you feel about the auto. One of my co-workers has been drooling over my JKU for a while and thinks he as convinced his wife to let him trade in his TJ for a JKU (auto 3.6), the auto being his only concern knowing how the older auto Jeeps were (dogs).

KB Garage > CAR_IS_MI
01/02/2014 at 16:35

I already knew exactly what I was getting because it's the same as the 2011 GC Overland I've had since new. Has somewhere around 45K on it currently and no issues. However, since I just got the JK, I have no idea what it's going to be like off-road. I'll keep you posted.

CAR_IS_MI > KB Garage
01/02/2014 at 16:45

I was surprised at how well the 3.6 performed off road in full stock with my poor "all terrains" (tons of low end torque, for a Jeep that is) just as long as the transmission software doesn't screw up the gearing. But please, keep me posted, interested to see how you build out too.

KB Garage > CAR_IS_MI
01/02/2014 at 16:56

Will do. Pricing bumpers and rock rails as we speak. Tired of short people or non jeep people scuffing up my door sills.

CAR_IS_MI > KB Garage
01/02/2014 at 17:02

I would tell you I'd sell you my factory Sahara side steps on the cheap, but they are terrible, and I would not do such a thing to a fellow Jalop.

KB Garage > CAR_IS_MI
01/02/2014 at 17:17

Ha! Thanks for that. As I plan to do a bit of rock crawling, I'm pretty sure I would be better off just breaking those in my garage with a hammer.

scourtaud > KB Garage
01/28/2014 at 17:04

Very Interested in how it turns out to be on a daily basis, I've been oogling one to replace a worn out range rover because I love the idea of removing the roof during summer.

Should you have time to answer these few questions :

- How does it perform on the highway, does it stay true and is an easy drive?

- How does it feel to have the windscreen so close on long drives with the roof up?

- Would you recommend on for someone who drives 2k miles / month, mostly highway / backroads, not interested in high speed cornering (got something else for that), has a big labrador to put in the boot, and likes to go offroad (intermediate level), doesn't drive daily (walks to work), likes the convertible idea, has storage space for the roof?

- Can you have a phone call at speed on the highway with the hard top?

- How good is the heater? (I live in switzerland)

The current range rover is an old P38 that still runs great but is getting old and I kinda want a change. I'm considering the range rover sport tdv8 as an alternative choice but I can't seem to decide and I've been toying with this for almost a year now... Any advice, ideas, recommendations would be most appreciated.

KB Garage > scourtaud
01/28/2014 at 17:23

How does it perform on the highway, does it stay true and is an easy drive?

So far, it does just fine. I notice the wind pushes it around a bit more than my old Tahoe, but let's be honest, it's shaped like a brick, so I wasn't surprised. The longer wheelbase makes the ride much, much better than the two door and it doesn't seem to "track" (be pulled along with worn lanes in the road) with the the factory tires. The steering feel is great and very responsive.

How does it feel to have the windscreen so close on long drives with the roof up?

This doesn't bother me in the least. I tend to drive with my seat a little further back than most anyway (and I'm not that tall).

Would you recommend on for someone who drives 2k miles / month, mostly highway / backroads, not interested in high speed cornering (got something else for that), has a big labrador to put in the boot, and likes to go offroad (intermediate level), doesn't drive daily (walks to work), likes the convertible idea, has storage space for the roof?

I drive 2K monthly and will use it off road exactly as you describe. I've got two dogs (medium sizes) and they both fit no problem. If the back roads are very rough in your area, you may tire of the stiffer ride. It rides a little stiffer than most half ton trucks but it's not enough to warrant a complaint from me having owned two short wheelbase jeeps and 350Z that was lowered when I first purchased it.

Can you have a phone call at speed on the highway with the hard top?

Yes. It can be a little difficult to hear if the wind is blowing extremely hard as there is no insulation on the roof, but it's never been so bad that I've had to disconnect the Bluetooth and use the phone itself. The factory speakers on the model like mine (lower end model) are terrible if you want to listen to the radio on the highway with the top off. I've already upgraded mine all the way around. The phone worked fine before the speaker change with the top on. With the top off, all bets are off.

How good is the heater? (I live in switzerland)

The heater will melt your face. I was concerned about this initially as well, but only because I hate cold weather. With the fan set on the lowest setting and the knob adjusted to full heat, I can't go ten minutes without having to turn the heat setting down or turn it off entirely for a couple of minutes.

Let me know if you have any other questions!

scourtaud > KB Garage
01/28/2014 at 19:15

Thank you very very much for this reply I wasn't expecting such a complete answer.

You've alleviated most of my doubts, I'm good with a stiff ride, the backroads are quite good. They don't have some I can test drive here but I'll find one not to far away and go try it out and see from there.

In my case, I'd love a 10th aniversary (i like the hood) and will go for leather/satnav/upgraded audio/heated seats and probably most of the options since I like toys and even though its not a recent one, it does have an autobiography anniversary range rover to replace.

I'd like to get a set of big wheels and maybe mean bumpers, more for the looks than the need I think when I see where I've been able to take the standard Range Rover on mixed tires (but mostly road).

Thanks for the advice.

KB Garage > scourtaud
01/28/2014 at 19:23

You're very welcome. I really love it this far. Also, your rover sounds great, like you definitely have an attachment to it. Maybe a JKU would fill that void for you.

That hood does look great! My only concern is the standing water that has nowhere to drain from that dip. Maybe I'm over thinking it, but when I went to my local dealership, there was a frozen sheet of ice on both the polar editions (similar style hood - like the MW3 edition) that filled that entire cavity in the hood. But what do I know...

scourtaud > KB Garage
01/28/2014 at 19:34

I do like it because it never let me down, is reliable despite de legends, even after 15 years (my dad got it knew, I kept it when he was done with it) and 245000km (160000 miles approx.) It works as a road car, an offroad truck, and anything in between, including pulling a trailer with its twin brother on it. But I'm not married to it and I think time has come to move on.

You make a good point about the hood but the car sleeps in an underground garage so it shouldn't be too much of an issue. I'll just have to be carefull the few times it sleeps outside under the rain but it should be a minor and rare situation.

My biggest concern is me, going mad with parts like I did on my 73 beetle with soo many choices avaliable that I end up changing everything... I'll have to set rules to myself. At least with the range rover that's not an issue.

KB Garage > scourtaud
01/28/2014 at 19:46

With the rover being in the family since it was new, I don't know if I could part with it, but sometimes you just want something different.

The aftermarket parts available are insane for these. So far I've done the winch, bumper, floor mats, grab handles, tail light guards, door sill trim (mostly cheaper items). I've only had it a month. Going to look at a soft/mesh top Friday. Then I'll "need" a tonneau cover, lift, wheels, tires, shocks, off road lights, safari doors, etc... It never ends.

scourtaud > KB Garage
01/28/2014 at 19:54

Its not going to be easy but at some point, its pointless to keep it, Yearly road tax and fuel are stupid and it still getting old. The family as it is is more oriented on old cars (we all have one) and we are very attached to those. The range rover is more of a nice utility car, not a beloved car.

I'd like bumpers, winch, side rockers, boot protection (dog), wheels, maybe a light lift (I'll mis the RR's EAS) and the softtop for the summer. Then level 2 would include light ramp, ARB lockers, half doors, .... But at some point it stops being a road car and becomes an off road toy which is no good...

I quite like the way yours looks in the picture up top... black on grey is nice...

KB Garage > scourtaud
01/28/2014 at 19:59

Thanks a lot. The last truck was white, before that was black, just wanted something different. Ah, that reminds me I need the rock sliders as well (oh well, what's another $500 at this point)...

scourtaud > KB Garage
04/25/2014 at 04:34

A few months later, I finally made my way to a jeep dealership and for an unlimited rubicon X I was quoted 68 000 CHF which comes at 77 000 USD... Quite expensive for a Jeep from my point of view and not that far form a very recent last gen range rover sport (second hand but with very low miles)... I'm therefore pondering my options... Specially since once you add nice wheels and a few accessories, it has become as expensive as a RRS...

KB Garage > scourtaud
04/25/2014 at 07:49

Very valid points. I suppose it really just comes down to what you want. I've put quite a bit of money into mine for all the aftermarket parts so yes, I'm in the same boat you're worried about. It's all driver preference.

scourtaud > KB Garage
04/25/2014 at 09:09

To be honnest, I believed the car would leave the dealership 20k cheaper and the I'd go aftermarket for parts... Turns out there is quite a premium bringing it from the US to europe... I'm test driving an unlimited mid may having only been able to drive the "short" one. I'll decide then.