"sellphones2493" (sellphones2493)
01/20/2016 at 20:01 • Filed to: None
1
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"sellphones2493" (sellphones2493)
01/20/2016 at 20:01 • Filed to: None | 1
| 14 |
November 21st, 2015:
Yesterday:
Finally, I was able to get the Thule Rack and the sliders installed...which both happened to be a complete pain in the ass. The Thule Rack had fitment issues which required me to get artificial gutters installed (drilled into the hardtop), then there was an issue if there is enough space is fit my massive ski bindings. Both issues ended up being fine, but not exactly planned .
Then the side steps were bought off eBay with no instructions or installation hardware. I left that one to the professionals. Overall, the thing for once actually looks respectable and dirty (which this is the first car I’ve owned that I’m okay with it being dirty).
On a separate note, I got plates (excuse the disoriented pic)!
Overall I’m pretty happy...the side steps make it look like a much more expensive Wrangler. I still have yet to take it on any major offroad adventures.
Swayze Train GTi
> sellphones2493
01/20/2016 at 20:18 |
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I’ve gotta say, I really don’t like the Wrangler. It certainly looks great and gives you that warm feeling that only a car with great personality can, but honestly I found it to be utter garbage on the roads.
What prompted you to purchase one?
hike
> Swayze Train GTi
01/20/2016 at 20:40 |
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It’s garbage on the road, but it’s insanely charming and can be incredibly fun in the right conditions. It’s like living with a miata as a daily. It’s not really convenient, it’s small, it’s got no storage, but it’s fun under the right circumstances.
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Swayze Train GTi
> hike
01/20/2016 at 20:53 |
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I agree on the charm, and that it has situations where it can be fun, but I don’t find the tradeoffs of every day to be worth it.
When I owned a Miata I had planned on using it as an almost daily driver, but I figured my Aurora’s practicality and refined quality would keep me from putting too many miles on it. It really didn’t work out that way, the only reason I stopped driving it in the winter is because I forced myself to take it off insurance for that time period. It’s definitely not the car for every situation, but you simply cannot avoid taking it out for any driving taht doesn’t require multiple people or a lot of cargo.
While the Jeep is great in it’s own right, one has to go out of one’s way to enjoy it. Get off the road, away from civilization with naught but a winch, your trusty snorkel, and your Super Swampers to rely on. It doesn’t have the same “up for anything, anytime” feel as the Miata.
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hike
> Swayze Train GTi
01/20/2016 at 20:58 |
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To each his own. I was never a fan of the Wrangler, but I had one for 3 weeks and it really grew on me. It's still a terrible car for the average person, but it's crazy charming. I can't wait for the new model, which will still drive like a truck but at least have some modern tech in it, making it somewhat reasonable.
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Swayze Train GTi
> hike
01/20/2016 at 21:01 |
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I was gonna say something about the equipment but I didn’t want to be too mean... Suffice it to say I drove an 08 once and it didn’t have power locks or windows.
I really want them to get the on road dynamics and equipment down, but not at the expense of the off road credibility. It’s a tricky path Jeep has to navigate with the new Wrangler, for certain.
Spaceball-Two
> sellphones2493
01/20/2016 at 21:41 |
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I’ve been looking at Unlimited for my next. I need the 4 doors because baby and I like how much space there is with the seats down. Seems like it would work for HD trips, etc. Any gripes?
I’ve owned a GC, 4Runner and an SR5.
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hike
> Swayze Train GTi
01/20/2016 at 22:05 |
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Very difficult. It's pretty much impossible to make it decent on road without sacrificing either off road or the price point, but I'm sure the new one will be at least better.
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sellphones2493
> Swayze Train GTi
01/20/2016 at 22:48 |
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What prompted me to get a Wrangler...
I’m coming from a pretty modded 2007 Volvo S60R, and I eventually grew tired of little ground clearance (granted, it was lowered). I looked just about everywhere under the sun for a replacement that was equally as charming as the R, but with more offroad prowess and a manual gearbox, and a sunroof. I looked at a 4Runner, which for the price of my new Wrangler, I’d be looking at a base SR5 with over 50k. I looked at a Tacoma, which I can’t get with a sunroof and a stick and basically the same mileage as a used 4Runner, as well as a few used BMW X3 manuals, which I just didn’t like. On top of that, I looked at more performance oriented cars (FoST, used S5, 335i, etc), but I really wanted to try SUV life.
The Wrangler basically checked all of the boxes. Manual, tall, sunroof (Freedom Top). On top of that, it’s not a much of a gamble to buy given Wrangler resale value.
Do I love the Wrangler so far? I like it, but I don’t love it. It’s still growing on me, and I’m sure that’ll continue once I get it offroad.
My commute to work currently stands at 1.5 miles each way and the miles only pile on from hitting the slopes every weekend. If I had a job that required legitimate travel, I’d for sure sell the Wrangler for something more practical.
Does this thing have it faults? For sure. It’s loud, incredibly small, has a finicky first gear, and feels like it’s going to topple over around any turn. However, this thing doesn’t try to hide it’s faults. It is what it is and you can take it or leave it.
With that being said, I’ve never owned a car with so much personality.
IJustWantMyZBack
> Spaceball-Two
01/20/2016 at 22:51 |
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Current JKU owner. If you get one get a ‘12 or newer. They switched to the Pentastar and fixed some of the early issues (auto trans overheating). Starting in ‘12 I believe the unlimiteds came standard with 4WD.
The standard 3.21 ratios limit you on towing (2000 lbs are you serious?) But swapping in 3.73 or 4.10s is supposed to be straightforward and relatively inexpensive from what I have read.
I went with a hardtop and one of the recommended mods is to get the insulation kit for the underside of the tops. Cuts down on noise and provides some thermal barrier.
You can get a backup camera to work with the factory nav options which is nice, not sure why it’s not a factory option. The backseat is in a fixed somewhat uncomfortable upright angle. They make spacers to go under the bracket which help.
Other than that, oh crap handles have been one of the only things that my passengers complained about which I have since addressed.
If you have any questions let me know.
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IJustWantMyZBack
> IJustWantMyZBack
01/20/2016 at 22:53 |
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Oh and the factory headlights are somewhat lacking. JW Speaker (brand not function) LEDs are on my list of purchases.
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Spaceball-Two
> IJustWantMyZBack
01/20/2016 at 23:39 |
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This has been so informative. Thank you. I’ve read the 3.8 was a turd. The thermal barrier is big because I live in Seattle and it’s wet here. Like 9 months a year it's pissing on and off somewhere. We camp and go to the ocean and have thought about a light weight trailer in the future. I'm not too worried about the backup camera as I like the standard radio. Less tech to me means less to go wrong. I'm in the early stages of research but for sure I'll check back with you. Thank you again.
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Swayze Train GTi
> sellphones2493
01/20/2016 at 23:59 |
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Excellent summary, thanks for weighing in!
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IJustWantMyZBack
> Spaceball-Two
01/21/2016 at 07:20 |
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I am down in Houston so 100% there with you on the thermal barrier. Mopar sells a top insulation kit but from what I have read this is the one I will be buying. http://hotheadheadliners.com/products/2011-…
Again if you have any questions feel free to ask.
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sellphones2493
> Spaceball-Two
01/23/2016 at 20:45 |
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Yeah...I really regret not buying the Unlimited. Granted, I’m single without children or really whole lot to carry, but every time I have a third passenger, or find myself folding down the back seats to fit a suitcase, the 2k price differential is a lot more palatable (also you can Uber Wrangler Unlimited’s!)
It certainly takes some acclimation, but this is totally doable for road trips. Just avoid traffic...this thing is definitely not a good commuter car.
If you do consider purchasing one (especially one that’s newer), definitely consider buying new. I was able to score better financing than most used, and the price differential is pretty small, and you can factory order to get it exactly to spec.
If you don’t buy a Rubicon, get the upgraded gearing. I got the 3.71 instead of the stock 3.21 ($695 upgrade), and I still find myself hitting super low RPM’s on inclines. I couldn’t imagine how the base gearing behaves.
Hard top is a must. I don’t think I’d recommend the extra insulation, I haven’t noticed mine being all that cold here in Colorado without it.
Certain things need upgrading from the start, such as the headlamps. I’m saving for some headlamps that actually do the job well. Moreover, the stock speakers are terrible - especially those on the bar. Luckily that’s super cheap and easy to fix.
Overall, it’s a good car - just know what you’re getting in to.