How Would You Spec A Vehicle You Don't Like?

"Tripper" (tripe46) 10/15/2020 at 12:15 • Filed to: None

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I’m trying to expand my horizons today. I’ve picked the Jeep Wrangler as my candidate because I would probably not buy one for myself. I actually do like the Jeep wrangler, aesthetically, for it’s history, ease of self service, and as an off-road appliance. I like a lot of others, don’t like things like the ever present tacky mods (lifts, MTs, angry eyes, lightbarsaplenty, salt life), jeep wave, and sheer numbers of them on the roads.

Jeep

It is ridiculous for me to count those things against the Wrangler though. I myself have owned plenty of cars that come under fire for having d-bag owners (WRX/STi, M3s...).

Even the wave... you’ll catch me saying things like GTFO of here with the Jeep wave...but if you wave to me in my old Bimmer, I’ll smile, wave back and think “yeah! cars!”.

So if I did have to give you a real reason that I myself will probably not be found piloting a Wrangler it is because it is my opinion that they drive as described in the paragraph above, like an “off-road appliance”. Side note, I have now said “appliance” to myself so many times that I am no longer certain that it is a word.

Anyway, on to the configurator. Lol MANY trims. Ok I have to start by referencing !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! about trims. All I really care about here is a manual, and color matched hard top/fenders...I have to go 11k over base for those second two options!!!

For those reasons and others, I’m going with the “sport” trim. I have to have a 4 door because kiddo and large dogs. Also have to have a manual. Taking the V6, and the factory ATs at no cost. Going with the olive color because I want color, but not red blue or yellow. I’d head to the aftermarket to to get the matching hard top, and would do the fenders if the cost is reasonable. I’d also be swapping out the wheels for something bright sliver.

Ok now you go.

Just Jeepin' > Tripper 10/15/2020 at 12:29

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I’ve been looking for an excuse to explore this and write it up, so this is a perfect opportunity to dump this time sink into everyone else’s hands.

https://www.interactivegarage.com/interactive-garage-demo/

SiennaMan > Tripper 10/15/2020 at 12:32

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See, on some levels I like the Wrangler.  My only real problem with it is that since I don't ever really go off roading, I can't justify spending a premium for something that will be less comfortable.  Given the challenge listed, I'm going to try to spec the vehicle currently available new that I dislike the most, the Chevy Trax.

Tripper > SiennaMan 10/15/2020 at 12:35

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Oh I definitely don’t dislike the wrangler “the most”. I can’t even conceptualize buying a vehicle I truly hate, haha.

I don’t really like it for the same reason you detailed. “ My only real problem with it is that since I don’t ever really go off roading, I can’t justify spending a premium for something that will be less comfortable.”

Textured Soy Protein > Tripper 10/15/2020 at 12:38

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I’m not in the target off-roading/mudding/whatever demographic for the Wrangler, but now Jeep even has a Wrangler for me!

The Wrangler Sahara is available with an optional full-time 4wd system for the first time in a Wrangler. It also has an optional rear LSD. This makes it a formidable on-road bad weather vehicle. Except I don’t live in Wisconsin anymore and winters here in DC are largely mild with an occasional snowfall that doesn’t warrant my having a dedicated winter vehicle. 

With all the different options and stuff it becomes a capable-enough, fairly luxurious SUV which I would use for things like cruising around with the top down, light towing, going through snow, and occasionally driving over a gravel road or something mall-crawlery.

I’d get a fully loaded one in Snazzberry (love that color name) with a tan soft top and tan cloth interior. Mild hybrid eTorque V6, rear LSD, and all the options except cloth seats not leather.

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

Exterior Colors: Snazzberry Pearl-Coat Exterior Paint $245

Grilles: Integrated Off-Road Camera $595

Wheels: 18-Inch x 7.5-Inch Polished Wheels with Gray Spokes $0

Tires: 255/70R18 All-Season Tires $0

Tops: Premium Tan Sunrider Soft Top $795

INTERIOR

Interior Colors: Cloth Low-Back Bucket Seats $0

Sound Systems: Uconnect® 4C NAV with 8.4-Inch Display $0

Speaker Systems: Alpine® Premium Audio System $1,295

Safety & Security Systems: Remote-Start System (N/A w/ Manual Transmission) $495

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

8.4-Inch Radio and Premium Audio Group $1,895

Advanced Safety Group $795

Trailer-Tow and Heavy-Duty Electrical Group $795

Safety Group $895

LED Lighting Group $1,295

Cold Weather Group $995

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

3.6L V6 24V VVT eTorque Engine $1,500

8-Speed Automatic 850RE Transmission $1,500

Anti-Spin Differential Rear Axle $595

3.45 Overall Top Gear Ratio $0

2.72:1 Selec-Trac® Full-Time 4WD System $695

This becomes a...$52,735 Wrangler. 

Tripper > Textured Soy Protein 10/15/2020 at 12:43

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I do like how much you can customize them. 53k though! This is me leaving in an M2...

SiennaMan > Textured Soy Protein 10/15/2020 at 12:45

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That is a lovely color, especially with the tan roof and interior.   The problem is if I had 53k to burn on cars I'd get a Sonata/Accord/Camry to daily and enough ridiculous Oppo type vehicles to truely annoy my neighbors..

Long_Voyager94 > Tripper 10/15/2020 at 12:46

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Well I was going to “build” a Transit connect, but I can’t get color matched bumpers on the XL, so guess I don’t want one.

Although I was glad to see they still offer the 2.5L as an engine option.

ClassicDatsunDebate > Tripper 10/15/2020 at 12:50

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There’s no options for a Veloster-N other than paint color (only acceptable is the Gulf-like blue) and dealer accessories so, that was easy.

ibRAD > Textured Soy Protein 10/15/2020 at 12:51

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I’d get a fully loaded one in Snazzberry (love that color name)

I think that colour stylist must have grown up reading Bruce Degan

https://reslater.blogspot.com/2011/04/jamberry.html

dropthatclutch > Tripper 10/15/2020 at 12:53

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My GF was considering one back in July so I specced one out with her in mind. Auto, white, 4 door, with the hardtop with incorporated soft retractable roof (it has a name I don’t remember), generally less off road focus, and upgraded audio.

We found one exactly like it and test drove it. It’s a miserable vehicle to daily drive, and grossly over priced. I’m sure they’re off-road monsters, but I’ve only known one owner who did remotely serious off roading. That owner had also done many thousands of dollars worth of additional modifications to be able to do that .

So that’s exactly how and why  I would spec a vehicle I don’t like.

rctothefuture > Tripper 10/15/2020 at 12:53

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Great challenge! Being that I’m not a Subaru guy, I was going to spec out a WRX. Then I saw your only options are color, transmission, and a few nanny’s and exterior bits. BOOOOO.

Let’s do the Ford Mustang. Now I like the Sn197, but that’s kid like nostalgia. I would drive a GT350, but ownership sounds like a nightmare.

Let’s break it down:

2020 Fastback GT

- V8, Manual, California Special Package in Velocity Blue

- Added hood vents, heated and cooled seats, dashcam and performance exhaust.

I held off on the GT Performance Package for a few reasons. This would be a daily driver, so you’d think I’d spring for the adaptive suspension, but it’s not worth the extra $4,000 of performance additives that Ford shoves on you. The transmission on these I hear is good for the road, not the track. So I’d have to wait for the Mach 1 or buy a GT350 to get the good Tremec gear box if I wanted to track it.

If I could get this spec with the adaptive suspension, I’d be a happy man. I also held off on the digital dash, I like regular gauges, even if it means I don’t get a heated steering wheel... *grumble*

So essentially I’ve built a Challener Scat Pack without the 6.4 and the good Tremec gear box. 

AestheticsInMotion > Tripper 10/15/2020 at 13:04

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Whenever I see a car spec’d to the 50k range, I use an M2 as a measuring stick against it.

Used to also be an OG NSX, but I think that ship has mostly sailed... 

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > Tripper 10/15/2020 at 13:05

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First off, I’d take my two door JL Wrangler in red or yellow as a no options Sport S model to get power windows and locks. Two tone t an interior is an obvious choice as is the 6 speed with the Pentastar V6.

But a vehicle I would never buy that I am oddly attracted to a specific spec on? No idea, but it is fun to try to spec the infinitely customizable Chevy Express in a way that no sane person would ever buy.

You can buy a bright red diesel powered standard duty short wheelbase cargo with all windows fixed in place and a lockable rear diff for some reason. You can also apparently spec one without air conditioning.

https://www.chevrolet.com/commercial/express/cargo/build-and-price/summary

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > Just Jeepin' 10/15/2020 at 13:08

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Wooooooooooooooaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah WHY DOES THIS EXIST I WANT IT?!?!?!

SPAMBot - Horse Doctor > Long_Voyager94 10/15/2020 at 13:12

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Out of all people, I feel like you could solve this issue in a weekend and have it looking better than factory haha

3point8isgreat > ClassicDatsunDebate 10/15/2020 at 13:25

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There’s the performance pack option too! I think that was about it when I got mine.

Im always curious to hear what people dont like about them.

I on the other hand have the car taste of a child. So I like the silly looks, and I’m pretty sure I actually giggled when I first heard it start up.

3point8isgreat > Tripper 10/15/2020 at 13:29

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Going for a car that fills me with ennui, I choose the chevy equinox. Turns out the good green paint isn’t an option anymore. So the one exciting thing it had is gone.

I guess I'd get a blue fwd premier with heated and ventilated seats so I can at least be comfortable while my brain is bludgeoned with boredom. 

shop-teacher > SiennaMan 10/15/2020 at 13:38

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I have similar situation/feelings for the Raptor.  I seriously considered trading in my Sierra when the Raptor first came out.  The dealer near me had one that was the spec I wanted, brand new, for $44k.  I didn’t have kids yet.  I could have swung it, if I really wanted it ... but I don’t go off-roading, and I don’t live anywhere near the desert where the Raptor was built to play.

ClassicDatsunDebate > 3point8isgreat 10/15/2020 at 13:50

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Pure, unfounded psychographical bias. Being of a certain age, I still remember the Hyundai of old, and I am quick to highlight their warranty issues or their resale value and say “SEE! Same ol’ Hyundai” I’m sure I’d love to hoon one and the numbers tick the boxes for a hot-hatch .

I fell in love with the Mini Cooper S after I was invited to a driving event and I’m sure I would do the same with the Veloster-N.

I find most Korean designs to be over stylized , in general. Instead of pure copying like the Chinese, they seem to take on a segment by taking their closest equivalent from Japan or Germany and run it through an HDR filter a few times .

So yeah, pretty much straight-up psychographical  bias.

rctothefuture > Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available 10/15/2020 at 13:51

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If I ever win the lottery, I’m walking down to the dealer and ordering one EXACTLY like that.

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > rctothefuture 10/15/2020 at 13:56

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What, the Wrangler or the Express? Because one of those is a more level headed thing to do. 

rctothefuture > Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available 10/15/2020 at 13:57

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Oh the Express. A/C delete and all.

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > rctothefuture 10/15/2020 at 14:08

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You can’t get many options with the AC delete and I didn’t spec it on this one but yeah I bet there are combinations of basic engine/chassis/window/door set up/color that are technically available that have never been ordered and for good reason. Who on earth wants a new bright red cargo van with opening windows on every side, a four cylinder diesel, and no AC for $33 ,000?

Tripper > Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available 10/15/2020 at 14:14

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Lol I like the van idea. I configure them from time to time.

Textured Soy Protein > AestheticsInMotion 10/15/2020 at 14:32

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But the M2 Comp starts at $59k and its price escalates quickly with options. 

Textured Soy Protein > Tripper 10/15/2020 at 14:33

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I’m sure at some point if not already there will be plenty of incentives. American trucks & SUVs are a dance of mass quantities of options and incentives. Their actual prices are unknowable. 

WasGTIthenGTOthenNOVAnowbacktoGTI > Tripper 10/15/2020 at 14:42

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Like Th is:

AestheticsInMotion > Textured Soy Protein 10/15/2020 at 14:48

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Yeaaaaah yeah. I started these mental gymnastics before the days of the pricier competition spec

Textured Soy Protein > AestheticsInMotion 10/15/2020 at 15:21

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Well hey the Comp justifies its price with that S55 instead of a hopped up N55. 

SpeedSix > 3point8isgreat 10/15/2020 at 15:49

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Performance Package is standard in Canada (ClassicDatsunDebate is in BC) and I think it will become standard in the U.S. as well for 2021.

Long_Voyager94 > SPAMBot - Horse Doctor 10/15/2020 at 16:04

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I have an issue with buying a brand new vehicle and having to start doing paint work to make it what I want.......... nevermind the work I’m doing on the new van ......

jeepoftheseus > Tripper 10/15/2020 at 16:40

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Hey, the wave is fun! The rest is correct. Except for the color matching hardtop... this ain’t no G-Wagen!

Anyway I started to spec a RAV4 but got sad before I could complete it. TRD? Really? I ended up specing out a Highlander instead because it comes in a wonderful blurple color. That came out to almost $47 grand. That’s used Tahoe money. Maybe it’s because we have always had stuff that needs to be towed but I have never understood the full size CUV. Just get a damn minivan if you’re not gonna tow.

If I have offended anyone just know that our road trip/most dependable  vehicle is a CVT CrossTrek. I have no true shade to throw.

SmugAardvark > Tripper 10/15/2020 at 18:18

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If I had to get a Porsche Panamera, here is what I came up with. I’m not going to go into detail about options, because I chose an awful lot of them. But the total came out to about $191,000. Important highlights: Volcano Grey Metallic with Bordeaux Red interior, every performance option possible, and a lot of other random goodies.

I really have never cared for the Panamera, but the wagon-ish version isn’t as unappealing. The weird proportions make a little more sense.

Manwich - now Keto-Friendly > Tripper 10/15/2020 at 18:22

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If I were to buy a Jeep, I’d get a nice FWD/Manual/base model Compass... and splurge a bit on the sport appearance package that comes with much nicer looking wheels :

Saracen > Tripper 10/15/2020 at 18:50

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I kinda like the Joop, though I would spec a Gladiator Ecodiesel Rubicon.

SPAMBot - Horse Doctor > Long_Voyager94 10/16/2020 at 00:43

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Lololol. Certainly a valid point, but seems like you have the technology 

pip bip - choose Corrour > Tripper 10/16/2020 at 03:58

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so long as it has a manual trans