I'm at it again...stop me!

"cazzyodo" (cazzyodo)
01/16/2014 at 10:02 • Filed to: Jeep

Some questions to anyone who has or had a Wrangler:

- 4 door vs 2 door...I have some perceived pros and cons of each but could someone provide me with an unbiased view?

- A couple of you out there have gone from car to Wrangler. What was the most difficult adjustment you had to make and was it worth it? I ask this because I would lose speed, comfort, in-dash navigation (actually pretty handy but I do have a smartphone) and other modern gizmos.

I'm just freaking out a bit because !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!!

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

I won't be doing anything soon but this has become my new obsession.

DISCUSSION (23)

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > cazzyodo
01/16/2014 at 10:05

The link to that white wrangler proves you don't NEED to lose navigation.

cazzyodo > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner
01/16/2014 at 10:08

I should have noted that. The unfortunate thing is that if I were to do a swap of sorts I wouldn't end up with those features unless someone was willing to discount the car greatly.

Looks so nice though...

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > cazzyodo
01/16/2014 at 10:11

Polar edition is my favorite. Probably out of budget, but it looks soooo awesome:

Kinja'd!!!

cazzyodo > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner
01/16/2014 at 10:12

I went through that with my friend already haha. We love that blue.

I brought it up with the salesman when I was at the local Jeep dealer...and he had no idea what I was talking about. I hate that dealership anyways and just wanted a test drive but that solidified my stance against them.

And waaaaaay out of budget

Nibby > cazzyodo
01/16/2014 at 10:13

Returning the 2011 Wrangler Unlimited Sahara tomorrow (lease). If you have to get a Wrangler, get a 2012 or newer cause the 3.8L is slower than a Prius (really is!).

The Unlimited definitely has more utility in terms of space but it always left me yearning for more space... and BOTH hard top and soft top leak. The door seals are terrible, the interior, while better than it used to be, still sucks in terms of fit and finish, quality. Ergonomics and controls are good and visibility is great. However, it's not a good DD at all, bad gas mileage (I've averaged anywhere between 12-16MPG in the last 3 years) and it's not very comfortable. You can tell I'm not a Jeep guy but I do like trucks and 4WD vehicles too.

Phenomenal in snow, mud, off road, water. During Sandy, I drove this thing through 3 feet of water, no issue. Has been through blizzards, pulled stuck cars out of mud, etc. In terms of off-road and go anywhere capability, you can't buy a better stock car than the Wrangler unless you're loaded.

Bluetooth, leather, heated seats, and navigation are options. Also, there really is no point in buying a used JK... they hold their value so well you're better off buying a new one. In theory I could buy back the Wrangler for $19k and sell it easily for $23k+ and make a profit.

It has 30,500 miles and maintenance is easy. Regular oil change, tire rotation, coolant and wiper fluid... never cost me more than $50 (except for renewing NY inspection but that's different). If you love the car even with all its drawbacks, then go for it.

EDIT: Picture

Kinja'd!!!

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > cazzyodo
01/16/2014 at 10:16

Maybe an older model Rubicon?

cazzyodo > Nibby
01/16/2014 at 10:18

Thanks for the response.

I'm so conflicted because I love my car but feel right in a truck/SUV. However, I don't want to get 6 months down the road and think "I wish I still had my car..."

Haven't had any extended time in one either so can't say much for driving outside of the short run in the rain at 40mph. (I would take a longer drive before doing anything)

cazzyodo > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner
01/16/2014 at 10:20

I thought of that but the 3.8L doesn't call to me very loudly haha

JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder! > cazzyodo
01/16/2014 at 10:22

I prefer the Unlimited (4 door). To me, it looks a bit cooler and is a lot better for hauling stuff including dogs, people, and furniture.

The seating position is a huge change. My mom drive a Honda Pilot and we went to test drive a Jeep (didn't end up buying but dealt with it for a while so I know about it). It is very upright. Like the position you sit hurts your legs a bit. If you do end up lifting it, egress can be a bit of change since you hop into it not lower to it.

We test drove a first gen 4 door Wrangler... so it had the even worse engine and tranny. It really kept us from it. Also, the gas mileage sucks. And even new, they have quirks like leaking tops. It's a Jeep thing.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > cazzyodo
01/16/2014 at 10:26

I hear you on that.

Nibby > cazzyodo
01/16/2014 at 10:31

My cousin thought he wanted the Wrangler. He loves the way it looks and how good it is off road. I let him drive it when we went to Hunter Mountain and turns out he didn't like it very much...

cazzyodo > Nibby
01/16/2014 at 10:34

That's my fear. The short drive I had was fine, it felt good to be back up high and I was really just left with an impression on how different it was to shift gears.

Also, love the dirt in the picture haha

KB Garage > cazzyodo
01/16/2014 at 10:37

Nibby is pretty on point with this one. 2012 or newer to get the 3.6. But he is correct, used ones are literally within $4K or less to new ones. I just bought my 2014 unlimited. Love it. But I'm a jeep guy. The ride is rough but if you want off road capability, it's a good option for the money.

I would suggest 4 door as the 2 door lacks space and the ride is that much worse due to a shorter wheelbase. I ditched my loaded Tahoe and don't miss that pig or all the creature comforts.

cazzyodo > KB Garage
01/16/2014 at 10:42

I was leaning towards the 4 door because of the space issue...I could actually fit my snowboard!

I drove a '99 F-150 for almost 4 years between high school and being home from school and I've missed it ever since. I currently have an ST and I love that but I keep thinking about trucks (except when I step on the gas).

How's the Wrangler as a DD. I mean, it's a brick and all but as I would have to look into where I could off-road and I'm new to the experience I wouldn't be using it to its potential right away.

oldirtybootz > cazzyodo
01/16/2014 at 10:44

I just washed basically the same Wrangler yesterday. I like it, even with the Arctic package but I wouldn't buy a Wrangler until they make a proper hardtop. I'd also make sure any early 3.6 you buy has had the cylinder head replaced. It's a common problem for early 3.6s.

nermal > cazzyodo
01/16/2014 at 11:00

If it's a vehicle from the NE, make sure you get a good look underneath it and check for rust. Any spots of it = negotiating leverage for you.

Also, if my math is correct that one should still have the NSG370 transmission. Now is a good time to buy - go test drive it on a cold morning, and make sure they don't let it sit and warm up first. Shifting in mine on a cold morning is quite crunchy. Experiencing this before buying will make sure you have no surprises, and if the sales guy is with you it can be used as leverage as well.

Finally, you're looking at major service due @ 30k miles. Mine gets the fluids changed in both diffs, the transmission and transfer case every 30k. Plus spark plugs, but not sure if they changed them on the 3.6. Some people will go longer, as that is considered the "heavy service" schedule. However, I would assume a used vehicle has been beat on and maintain it appropriately.

KB Garage > cazzyodo
01/16/2014 at 11:07

If you're only using it as a DD and have no intention of using it off-road, I imagine the biggest hurdle would be the stiff ride. It just depends on what you're willing to put up with. Leaving an ST behind for one is big leap. That's a tough call.

Even with the hard top, the cabin is noisy. I didn't want the nav screen or leather because of what I plan on using mine for, but mine does have Bluetooth, so that's a plus.

The mileage sucks. You'll never break 20. And if you do, call Guinness.

The towing capacity isn't great. Maybe 3500lbs? guessing

The freedom top is super easy to remove. Takes less than 5 minutes. The rear portion isn't too difficult but you have to utilize 2 people because it weighs a good bit. (Unless you have a garage hoist system, or you get a soft top)

I had a soft top on my 2006. I don't recommend it for full time use. Maybe just in the summer, but definitely not on long trips. Here's a post I made about my purchase:

http://oppositelock.jalopnik.com/i-finally-brok…

I would recommend checking JK forums to see what other people are complaining about. Maybe find someone who would let you ride with them.

I don't care about the stiff ride. I don't care about the wind noise. It's a jeep and there's nothing else like it. I will dismiss problems because it's a jeep. I have had so many other vehicles, next to maybe getting that open air feeling from my bike, there's just nothing like a jeep.

cazzyodo > nermal
01/16/2014 at 11:11

Good points all around. Rust is always on my list of things to look for because we lost our family truck to a rusted out frame.

cazzyodo > KB Garage
01/16/2014 at 11:18

I've actually read your write up...and this was before I started looking at what a Wrangler would cost! It's always in the back of my head.

I've been rock climbing at gyms for the past year or so and only outdoor once. My plan for this year and going forward has been to get outdoor climbing, hiking and camping more often (which sparked a renewed interest in the Wrangler). I have a buddy who is all gung-ho about me getting into a Jeep haha.

Hard top is my must-have. Same with 4 doors. Manual is really making it difficult to find options (as you noted in your post).

When I got the ST, it checked pretty much all the boxes I had: manual, practical (space), fun, good value. Fuel efficiency was a consideration but it has never been my end all be all because the truck I drove in high school on minimum wage got probably 12 mpg on average.

The funny thing about the ST is that I thought it was redundant to have that and my motorcycle. But my bike was out of commission all year last year so that never became a primary concern...but that thought came back in September when I got my bike running for the final week of the season.

I hate myself sometimes for constantly thinking over these things. Thankfully my girlfriend's boss has a Rubicon and has offered to talk over some stuff sometime so that will help. And everyone in Oppo is great.

KB Garage > cazzyodo
01/16/2014 at 11:22

Best of luck to you. Keep us posted.

CAR_IS_MI > cazzyodo
01/16/2014 at 11:23

Whelp.

I am going to contradict Nibbly and partially KB.

My first truck ever was a jacked up 96 F150. After that I went to a 2007 F350 Diesel FX4 with one of the tow packages (I forget which one, but it made the truck able to tow some ridiculous amount, which also meant the suspension was, well, stiff). Going to the Jeep (in 100% factory form) was like going from a horse drawn carriage to Bentley (I would hate to know what it's actually like to go from this to a Bentley but that's another story for another day).

The Jeep was much smoother than the other trucks, and handling was 1000x better. It is a Jeep so I didn't expect to be coddled in Corinthian leathers and the latest electronics which tell you where to find the best hookers (I already know where to find the best hookers so that wasn't a big selling point anyways).

I do find the interior to be practical and well put together, while keeping in mind what most jeeps get used for. They did a good job at keeping things like electronics off the floor (e.g. no power seats, because bad things happen when those get wet), and it is incredibly easy to take anything apart should you need to. For instance, I got caught in a rain storm with no top, the interior got soaked. The seats didnt hold much water, and dried out pretty easy, the carpets did hold a good bit of water, but, the carpets come out in manageable sections, and there are water drain plugs in the floorboards.

I have not had any issues with my hard top. Granted, mine is a '14 that I've had for 4 months (or so) but never a leak, rattle, or otherwise.

As has been said, buy new, you wont get that much of a discount on a used one, and if you do go for used, go 2012 +. The 3.6L is more powerful and efficient. When mine was stock (3.6L 6MT) I was able to average 21.4MPG. My commute is mostly highway, but a lot of guys running full stock will average out around 18mpg. I now average out between 17 and 18 mpg with my 35" tires and 3.75" of lift.

The 4 door will be a better choice. I love the 2 door, but the shorter wheelbase makes the ride a bit more jumpy, and there is minimal utility space. The 4dr has about 3.5 feet in length of "trunk" space, and with the rear seats folded flat (2 dr does not fold flat) there is almost 6 feet of space.

It is a Jeep, so it is not fast. No, seriously, expect one of two things: either people will get mad at you because you are accelerating at the pace of a semi, or that you will have shit gas mileage. the 3.6 is the same engine they use in the Challenger V6, but the gearing on the Jeep is such to provide torque for off road situations.

All in all, I love my Jeep, and I don't think I would get rid of it for much of anything. It is a great all around car, decent MPGs, good utility use, amazing off road, convertible, seats 4 (maybe even 5) comfortably, gratuitous aftermarket, and a great community (jeep people are some of the best people I've met). Sure, there are days when I miss having a truck, or a sedan, or a high powered sports car; but those days are far and few between.

cazzyodo > KB Garage
01/16/2014 at 11:39

Thanks. I'll likely continue to throw stuff up and my associated thoughts whenever the mood strikes. I plan on giving it time to see if this is a passing fancy or not and so I can try and get more time behind the wheel.

cazzyodo > CAR_IS_MI
01/16/2014 at 11:40

I know that I'm leaning towards making the switch but conditions would have to be perfect and I would have to get more time behind the wheel. Thanks for the great response!