Help Me Domesticate (or Replace) my Jeep

"Joshua "Dr. Science" Gilbert" (joshuagilbert) 10/04/2017 at 16:37 • Filed to: None

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Help. I’m in denial.

I drive a bone stock 2015 2DR Rubicon. White with black trim, premium rubicon grey on black wheels. BF tires.

I’m a photographer, musician, and graduate student who lives in Northern Virginia. I commute to Georgetown, Navy Yard, Bethesda, and many other parts of the district. I spend hours studying and working in Arlington. So I’m exposed to the full spectrum of traffic that the DMV has to offer.

My Jeep hit 30k last week and the clutch stopped working on Friday. While I wait to hear back from the dealership, I’m in a bit of a predicament. This Wrangler has been a pain in the neck and yet the love of my life. It has eaten two clutches. It has had both the hands free and the radio replaced twice. The passenger seat bracket has broken four times. The rear shocks and muffler seem to be rusting at an astonishing rate for a two year old car. The stock carpet peeled up in the first three weeks. My parents hate the car and are parading their Acura-Honda-lease-everything-you-millennial-fool-flag around, telling me I should be up in arms about this and demanding a lemon law replacement. (I would only buy into the Acura party if they made a Type-S anything anymore.)

I’m trying to save the vehicle from practical obsoletion. I barely scrape 17.5 MPG in stop and go traffic going in and out of the city. Call it entitlement, but this car—a power move purchase by my impulsive and recently retired grandfather—is a bastion of independence for a very broke graduate student living with his family. God forbid I end up in a leased anything I can’t tinker with, automatic , FWD, and makes less than 280 HP. I’m a man. And independent. *grunts incoherently*

However, my folks’ concern is legitimate. There’s something wrong with this car every week. And when it idles, it makes a loud tick-tick-tick-tick noise. JKs are not injected...or diesel. There’s a timing issue with the block, and every technician hears it, but then tells me it’s nothing three days later. Mopar service has been a nightmare. They’ve lost my car in the lot twice, can never seem to have basic parts in stock, and every repair is halfassed. After the first clutch replacement, the second met its demise four hours later because something wasn’t properly mounted, rendering my Jeep a sitting duck with no ability to change gears, and what sounded like a metal salad bowl underneath the chassis. I’m never told what’s wrong, it just gets ‘replaced under warranty,’ and I end up with a Caravan for three days. That warranty has six months left.

Does anyone else have a similar experience?

At this point, I could make under the table arrangements to fit the Jeep to be a more practical daily driver in the city. Like switching to street tires, modifying the suspension and steering, increasing air flow, making ECU tuning... What do I do? What could I possibly replace this with that’s as ...awesome?

Parents won’t purchase, but only lease something, which just be not American or German, not-AWD, and not manual. I come up with a replacement that I could pitch towards Grandpa, that’ll still be, um, manly and fun . And not entirely scary to the folks (I have to drive 11 year old to and from school for them, and transport stuffs.)

The caveat is that I’m going to move out when I finish this Master’s degree within the next year or so. And as grateful as I am, I don’t want a lease started that I’ll assume they’ll continue paying for after I leave. Half-joking, I must suffer on my own. I’m sitting on 29k that I can leverage or waste.

What do you think?

I know, who am I kidding.

CobraJoe > Joshua "Dr. Science" Gilbert 10/04/2017 at 16:57

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Sounds like some of the problems you have are dealer related. Have you tried going to a different dealership for an inspection or warranty repair?

Though some vehicles just end up being problematic, and it’s easier to replace them than try to fix every little thing (especially if you’re fighting for warranty work).

But you could stick to your guns about a specific car you want. The Jeep might have been a poor example of American vehicles, but it is far from the best option too. Do some research, pick a chassis/engine combo that has been in production for a few years with record of reliability, and show that you’ve done the research.

Wacko > Joshua "Dr. Science" Gilbert 10/04/2017 at 17:01

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30k and 2 clutches??

you might not want to hear this but the problem might be your left leg.

benjrblant > Joshua "Dr. Science" Gilbert 10/04/2017 at 17:03

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Sinking cash into modding an unreliable vehicle seems like a terrible idea any way you spin it. If you own the vehicle, did you consider selling or trading it for something that’s not breaking weekly? If you don’t own it, I’d return it to its owner and thank them for the use of it.

If your parents are offering to lease something FOR you, that sounds like a wonderful deal. You should take them up on whatever it is and be thankful because not everyone has supportive parents in a position to do that. Maybe put your American/German car, “manly,” “fun,” and 280hp requirements aside for a bit and drive something that’s affordable and reliable until you can get whatever you want later?

Joshua "Dr. Science" Gilbert > benjrblant 10/04/2017 at 17:05

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I’m musing at this point, the denial is real.

However, the caveat is that I’m going to move out when I finish this Master’s degree within the next year or so. And as grateful as I am, I don’t want a lease started that I’ll assume they’ll continue paying for after I leave. Half-joking, I must suffer on my own.

However I’m sitting on 29k that I can leverage or waste.

My lack of detail in writing this post is leaving me open to flak and making me look like an entitled brat. I’ve been commuting through undergrad and it’s time to go.

Joshua "Dr. Science" Gilbert > CobraJoe 10/04/2017 at 17:06

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Sounds reasonable. The other point of interest is probing the community to see if this is just the way Jeeps are.

Joshua "Dr. Science" Gilbert > Wacko 10/04/2017 at 17:07

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Forgot to mention that I let 17 and 21 year old brothers learn on it.

DipodomysDeserti > Joshua "Dr. Science" Gilbert 10/04/2017 at 17:09

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Two clutches in 30k miles? I’m going to guess this is your first manual car. I wouldn’t try to make the Jeep ride better, it is still going to ride like crap. Anytime you have something fixed under warranty you should be given a receipt detailing what was fixed.

Patrick Nichols > Joshua "Dr. Science" Gilbert 10/04/2017 at 17:15

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If you own the Jeep and you like having the 4WD, you should try to trade it in for even money on an FJ cruiser or 4Runner with a little more mileage. Probably be cheaper to insure, similar mileage/capability/aftermarket support, and definitely more reliable.

TorqueToYield > Joshua "Dr. Science" Gilbert 10/04/2017 at 17:20

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Sorry (not sorry).

For the ungodly Jeep tax inflated price of a 2 year old Rubicon you could get a boring but reliable daily driver and a fun weekend car. Unless you’re doing serious off-roading I have no idea why you would keep a Wrangler. Sell it. Seems like you could get something like $25k. That’s a lot. Get a reliable Fit/Civic/Accord/whatever to daily and a Miata for fun.

Joshua "Dr. Science" Gilbert > Wacko 10/04/2017 at 17:23

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This third instance didn’t even happen on the road. Just went out to it in the morning and it was dead in the water. No gear change. Another magic moment with my topless love.

Joshua "Dr. Science" Gilbert > benjrblant 10/04/2017 at 17:24

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Good points, needless to say.

Nothing > Joshua "Dr. Science" Gilbert 10/04/2017 at 17:30

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What’s awesome about it? Removable top? The lumber wagon ride? What about a used FJ Cruiser? Similar-ish.

My neighbors don’t see to have issues with their JKUs but I don’t necessarily ask them about it. I know my buddy got tired of his agricultural TJ which he bought new and sold it after 3 years. Good news, Jeeps have wonderful resale.

benjrblant > Joshua "Dr. Science" Gilbert 10/04/2017 at 17:33

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Personally, I’d trade/sell the Jeep for something that’s economical and practical. You’ve got a year or so of graduate school left, and beyond that could be looking at some drastic life changes such as relocation, with an increased or decreased commute. And lets face it, you’ll probably be making more money in two years than you’re making now.

Make a decision based on what you know now- income, commute distance, traffic, etc. You’d probably want a more fluid option for the next 1-2 years, so locking into a lease may not be the best option but it wouldn’t be terrible. If you’ve gotta get something more economical and less fun/manly, so be it. It’s not like you’re locking yourself into this ride for the rest of your life, plus cash you save now could go towards your next ride.

If you’re too concerned about your image to be seen in something that’s not American, German, or “manly,” I cannot really help you. The most “manly” thing anyone can do is to swallow their pride and do what needs to be done. Life isn’t all great apexes and killer 0-60's. Sometimes it really sucks and you can’t always win. It’s full of decisions with nothing but shitty options. The fact that you have this decision though puts you at a huge advantage over lots of people that have no options other than biking or bus.

Textured Soy Protein > Joshua "Dr. Science" Gilbert 10/04/2017 at 17:40

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Real talk:

You have an unreliable vehicle that’s terrible for the stuff you’re doing with it, namely driving around the DC area and trundling through the parking lots that spontaneously form on the Beltway and GW Parkway.

Your parents will pay for some other vehicle that’s better suited for you, as long as you work within their somewhat-arbitrary criteria.

NOW IS NOT THE TIME TO FINAGLE SOME WEIRD GEARHEAD CAR. TAKE THEM UP ON THEIR OFFER AND FIND SOMETHING THAT FITS THEIR CRITERIA DAMMIT.

If I were in your situation, I would choose between a Honda Civic Sport Touring hatchback or a Hyundai Elantra GT Sport DCT hatchback. They both are semi-sporty, fwd, automatic, loaded with gadgets, have peppy turbo motors, and get good mileage.

Joshua "Dr. Science" Gilbert > Textured Soy Protein 10/04/2017 at 17:52

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*timidly* yup! I know... that’s what I should do.

Joshua "Dr. Science" Gilbert > Joshua "Dr. Science" Gilbert 10/04/2017 at 17:52

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Also, screw GW Parkway

benjrblant > Joshua "Dr. Science" Gilbert 10/04/2017 at 17:53

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If I’m out of line or rambling, just tell me to shut up. I do that from time to time.

Joshua "Dr. Science" Gilbert > benjrblant 10/04/2017 at 17:56

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No, extremely logical and thoughtful. You’re good.

Just needed confirmation of my maturing-adult fears. Frick.

My bird IS the word > Joshua "Dr. Science" Gilbert 10/04/2017 at 18:02

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I get why you love the wrangler, but given the way they are built I say sell it and hope Hyundai buys out FCA

unclevanos (Ovaltine Jenkins) > DipodomysDeserti 10/04/2017 at 18:05

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Lol ride like crap. The JK rides like a caddy compared to the yj. I need to do that cavalier seat swap soon.

Sovande > Joshua "Dr. Science" Gilbert 10/04/2017 at 18:17

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So the 29k is what’s owed on the jeep, or what the purchase price was? Does a jeep really cost 29k? For a jeep?

Joshua "Dr. Science" Gilbert > Sovande 10/04/2017 at 19:10

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just KBB estimate of selling it

Joshua "Dr. Science" Gilbert > Joshua "Dr. Science" Gilbert 10/04/2017 at 19:10

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I think it was 39k new

Joshua "Dr. Science" Gilbert > unclevanos (Ovaltine Jenkins) 10/04/2017 at 19:11

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what’s that

Sovande > Joshua "Dr. Science" Gilbert 10/04/2017 at 19:17

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Good lord. That’s nuts. That’s crazy money. That’s like one year old V60 Polestar money.

gogmorgo - rowing gears in a Grand Cherokee > Joshua "Dr. Science" Gilbert 10/04/2017 at 19:23

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Sell it, buy a sweet XJ, sit on the profits until you move out and use it as a down payment on something sweet.

Wacko > benjrblant 10/04/2017 at 19:55

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Tell that to all the modded jeep guys.

It’s a Jeep thing, you don’t understand.

Wacko > Nothing 10/04/2017 at 20:00

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I bought my 97 tj Sahara in 2014 and sold it last year and made almost 2000.00 on it.

People throw crazy money on lifted jeeps. Mine also had 35s and a spare 35 on after market bumpers. That helped a lot too.

rillweid - Now with more TRD and less TDI > Joshua "Dr. Science" Gilbert 10/04/2017 at 20:16

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YJ is the 90s Wrangler.

boxrocket > Joshua "Dr. Science" Gilbert 10/04/2017 at 20:39

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Get. Rid. Of. The. Jeep.

Your parents are offering you one HELL of a “Get Out of Jail Free” card, amd it’d be insulting to them to not gratefully accept their offer. Find something you and them will be happy with for 3+ years, and meets the needs of schlepping stuff and siblings for that time. It may even go to the next sibling in line after you go to college, given the possible age gap.

There’s plenty of good choices out there. From frugal - Toyota iA (the uglified but fixable Mazda2) and Yaris, Kia Rio/Hyundai Accent (which both come as a hatch), etc. - to functional - Mazda CX-5, Toyota RAV4, used Volvo V60 - there’s a huge field available.

My recommendation is to go to a big dealership that houses multiple brands, even if used (like CarMax). Explore every model that even blips the radar. Find pros and cons to each. Compare window stickers, do research on your phone.

Expect to spend at least an entire afternoon or more on this. The time will be worth it.

Then, bring your parents with you on a follow-up visit to the same lot with a curated list of 3-5 picks, and see what they think. Find 2-3 vehicles you all agree on, then go on the hunt.

My wife - who was a die-hard sedan lover - and I did this a few years ago, and within 2 hours we had it narrowed down to a Mazda CX-5, which I didn’t expect her to even give a second glance. Not only did we get one and still love it, her sister got one, too!

AdverseMartyr > Joshua "Dr. Science" Gilbert 10/04/2017 at 20:54

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Maybe you could try writing and working with Jeep Corporate about your situation, and problems with the vehicle &/ Dealer warranty work. They might help in some way, maybe? Extend the warranty, buy the vehicle back/trade you a different vehicle?

DipodomysDeserti > unclevanos (Ovaltine Jenkins) 10/04/2017 at 21:21

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Really? I think my ‘66 GMC rides smoother than my JK.