My 2016 Wrangler...impressions after 1,000 miles of ownership

Kinja'd!!! "sellphones2493" (sellphones2493)
01/01/2016 at 21:41 • Filed to: None

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So I’ve had my wrangler for over a month and managed to throw 1,000 miles onto it, mostly from driving to the mountains. Here are my thoughts!

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Driving it:
- I’d like to think I’m pretty good at driving stick, but I’m still trying to master this clutch. First gear is made for offroading/crawling, so I usually find myself revving to like 1800RPM before letting off the clutch.
- It’s got some power...with 285HP, I never really find it struggling, except when I’m going up a major mountain. It requires a lot more gear manipulation than I’m used to in order to maintain speeds upon a change in the grade. I’m so glad I opted for the 3.73 gear ratio; I can’t imagine the stock ratio...especially at this altitude.
- I was pretty happy when I no longer had to buy premium fuel, but I now get 16.6MPG :(

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The Good:
- A sense of camaraderie. I’ve never owned a car with such an amazing group of owners. From the wave, to the small chats at gas stations, to the parking near each-other...these are some of the nicest people.
- Not worrying about potholes/speed bumps/small children.
- Charm
- Customization...it’s endless.

The Bad:
- Sound: the stereo sucks. It’s apparently better than it’s ever been (stock), but no bass, and it sounds like it’s going to blow at volume level 22 (out of 50).
- It’s small. Granted, I should have gotten the Unlimited, but this thing can barely fit a suitcase in it without having to fold down the rear seats.
- Headlights: they suck, but I’ve already found replacements.
- The headrests. Whomever designed this was seemingly under the impression that the drivers would constantly be staring downwards.

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Overall:
Although my cons outweigh my pros, I love this thing. It’s honest. It doesn’t try to be anything it’s not and the owner’s are awesome. I’m sure I’ll have a lot more fun once I can take the top off!

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(I’m pissed I’m currently advertising for the scummy dealer I bought it from, but I guess that’ll do until my plates are ready)

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(I love the Moab Edition wheels I got for it...it’ll look 10x better once my side steps are installed)

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(Installed this fuel door today)


DISCUSSION (19)


Kinja'd!!! hike > sellphones2493
01/01/2016 at 21:45

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Awesome Wrangler! I’m surprised you’re getting that poor fuel economy. I had one for 3 weeks and got about 19 on average.

The Wrangler is really a surprisingly good cruiser. Well at least the 4 door.


Kinja'd!!! Brickman > sellphones2493
01/01/2016 at 21:53

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Definatly looks better with a fuel door, but I do hate those headrests. That would drive me crazy.


Kinja'd!!! Shane MacGowan's Teeth > sellphones2493
01/01/2016 at 21:53

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Do you mean 3.73s? I don’t think they sell JKs with sub-3 gearing.

Have you taken it wheeling yet? I’m a little over a year into my first jeep, and that first time is pretty scary (“oh man that’s a big dropoff, and I have a lot of payments left!”), but it’s so much fun. Plus you meet the best people on the trails.


Kinja'd!!! sellphones2493 > Shane MacGowan's Teeth
01/01/2016 at 21:57

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3.73 is correct. I edited it!


Kinja'd!!! Chasaboo > sellphones2493
01/01/2016 at 23:04

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I hope yours works out better than my girlfriend’s, it was a mechanical disaster.


Kinja'd!!! PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power > sellphones2493
01/02/2016 at 00:59

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i’ll be honest; I want a wrangler. the only thing stopping me is the fact I like to drive spiritedly.

With that being said, my dream 3-car garage has one in it


Kinja'd!!! Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > sellphones2493
01/02/2016 at 01:31

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Good man.


Kinja'd!!! Alex B > Brickman
01/02/2016 at 10:07

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*Definitely

Sorry, I could let that slide :-0


Kinja'd!!! Alex B > sellphones2493
01/02/2016 at 10:10

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Nice! I've always liked the wrangler. They know their mission and don't try to be anything else.


Kinja'd!!! Brickman > Alex B
01/02/2016 at 11:07

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D’oh :P


Kinja'd!!! CaptDale - is secretly British > sellphones2493
01/02/2016 at 11:12

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You know you can just throw these away and have nothing there right?


Kinja'd!!! sellphones2493 > CaptDale - is secretly British
01/02/2016 at 12:32

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I could, but my tint is illegal enough you can’t even see my temp tag in the window. Whether it works or not, I feel like the dealer plate makes me look less conspicuous.


Kinja'd!!! sellphones2493 > hike
01/02/2016 at 12:37

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I’m pretty sure my dismal fuel economy is a mix of my lead foot, and the altitude. I’m at a base of 5,600, but when I drive to go skiing (twice a week usually), I’m ascending to about 7-11,000 ft and the engine is not nearly as efficient.


Kinja'd!!! sellphones2493 > PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power
01/02/2016 at 12:40

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I’m the same...going from a ~340hp modded S60R to this is certainly not easy. To be fair, if I get any job where I’ll be doing any sort of major commuting, I’ll most likely sell it or buy a cheap commuter.


Kinja'd!!! sellphones2493 > Chasaboo
01/02/2016 at 12:41

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I may already have a problem, but I can’t confirm it yet...the passenger side heated mirror doesn’t seem to be heating. Fingers crossed!


Kinja'd!!! wafflesnfalafel > sellphones2493
01/02/2016 at 13:33

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nice looking jeep - congrats. Can you just pull those headrests out of the seat and turn them around? I had the same issue on and older Nissan pickup I used to have.


Kinja'd!!! hike > sellphones2493
01/02/2016 at 13:46

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Oh yeah that'll do it. I was driving mine at a much lower altitude just in the Appalachians.


Kinja'd!!! CaptDale - is secretly British > sellphones2493
01/02/2016 at 14:29

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Ah, I understand. I spent 3 months with my dealer plates on cause I couldn’t smog my car when I first bought it.


Kinja'd!!! greasemonkey235097 > sellphones2493
01/04/2016 at 00:23

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As the owner of a tj and a yj, i can tell you, the headlights are just there for decoration.