Thank you for a great video! Not in any particular order here is what I love about my Wrangler. Value: Bought my JK and G37, both in 2013 as 2013 models. Both have 40,xxx miles now 4.5 years later. JK's trade-in-value now $8,000 below MSRP, while G37 trade-in-value dropped $27,000 below MSRP. Sports Car Genetics: 50/50 weight distribution, rear wheel drive, engine's center of mass behind front axle. With proper shocks (stock are too soft) and tires (stock don't grip wet surface well) it drives like a sports car, although with a higher center of gravity. 4x4 System: One of the few remaining TRUE 4x4. Almost all SUVs now have viscosity based coupling to engage awd system. A lot of them are even front wheel drive. For crying out loud, new Cherokee is front wheel drive. You need to go truck route these days if you want to get 4x4 system as robust. Longevity: Designed for the stress of off-road, if you don't abuse it and maintain it, it will last you a lifetime. If you don't want to buy another vehicle in your life ever again, this is the vehicle to get. Before they mess it up, which I am sure they will eventually. History: It's an icon of values and sacrifice. Modifiability: A lot of aftermarket parts are made for Wranglers. You can turn it into something really special and very unique. Design: Many things come to mind, but I want to mention vertical windshield. During heavy rains it offers phenomenal visibility. Those sedans can pull over, or slow down to a crawl while you'll be plowing along. Performance: Pentastar V6 is awesome. the 2012+ Wranglers ain't no dogs like they used to be before. In a police magazine I read an interview with a chief engineer who said the conservative estimate of the resource of this engine is 150,000 miles. I want to take mine to at least 250,000 miles. Manual Transmission: This is the only vehicle in Chrysler lineup you can get with manual transmission. The 6-speed it comes with is German and built in Germany. It is used in light commercial vehicles. Very durable. Future Outlook: If you were to buy Land Rover Defender in US now you would need to shell out in a $70,000 range. I think same will happen with current model Wranglers in 20 years from now. Except amount will be higher because of the inflation. For anyone who has a death wobble after a lift I have two words for you, - CASTER ANGLE. Set it at 6 degrees or more (mine is set at 7 degrees). Get adjustable lower control arms for that.
I own a '13 JKU Rubi. I love it. It does what I want it to do and need it to do. I take exception with the "sports car" comment though. It does not drive like a sports car in any guise. That's just not the Wrangler's wheelhouse.
Me and my wife bought a Jeep in 1996 and I still drive it daily. Best vehicle we have ever owned. Asked many times to sell it " NO WAY " .... Really enjoy your videos!!
Well done, our jeep is a stock 2007 X two door V6 automatic with 70,000 miles. Here is my two cents........ Make sure insurance covers Glass replacement, Flying highway rocks will crack your windshield sooner or later!! Put a lock on your spare tire weather it be a locking lug nut or small cable with a lock!! ( gone in 30 seconds) Ours was stolen in the front row of a Laughlin Nevada Casino parking lot. We are Arizona desert off-roaders mainly the Colorado River area, A stock jeep can go places and do things that will blow your mind!! From Arizona and Nevada Happy Trails Jeepers!! TY.
I love working on my cars in my spare time so the modding a jeep seemed like something I would enjoy. I recently purchased my 2016 Sahara and installed a 3 1/2" lift and some 35" tires. I plan to do some camping and light off roading with my wife starting this spring. SO far I have learned that Jeeps are fun vehicles to own and drive. There is a liberating feeling about taking off the roof and doors and riding along with the wind blowing by you. It really gets you out into nature while driving. The fact you can customize it to your own tastes and the community that you spoke about make them a vehicle like no other. If you are after fuel mileage or creature comforts then you may want to look elsewhere, but it you want something different and fun to drive that may motivate you to get out and go the Jeep might be something you will love to drive.
You either LOVE them or you think they are the most ridiculous vehicles made. I LOVE mine!, but they are not for everyone. Rent one for a weekend and drive it around. The 2 doors have no space at all but who cares. If you want space, buy a minivan. If you want good gas mileage, buy a Prius. If you want fun, buy a Jeep. Cheers.
Great video David! I 'm 70 years old. I was a luxury car owner all my life and I've had at least 8 cars so far. Then I had an accident and my car was a total loss. I was offered a Jeep by the repair shop. "Never," I said. But that's what they had, a freakin Jeep!!! So I took it. Had it for 4 days only and I decided to go off roading. Well, let me tell you. We had the time of our life. Guess what? I purchased a Jeep Cherokee 2015, Trailhawk. Fully loaded. Remember that I like the luxury. That Jeep Cherokee had all the bells and whistles you can imagine. I loved it but every time I took it for service I was looking at the Jeep Wrangler, 4 doors and I knew that this is the one I really wanted (the same I had accepted from the repair shop). So 6 months ago when I went for service again, I made the move and I traded my beloved 2015 Cherokee for the 2017 Wrangler. To be very honest, after the Cherokee, the ride was disappointing, I missed the bells and whistles, the leather seats, the comfort, the look, the handling, etc etc. But then I took that beast off roading and it was magic. I forgot all about the Cherokee and its fancy accessories and never looked back. I hit myself for not buying a Jeep when I was 30 years old but hey it's never too late right? Better late than never. I'm building a house in the Philippines where I plan to retire as soon as it is finished and guess what my car there will be? You guessed it. A Jeep Wrangler but this time I'm going for the Rubicon. Like someone said below, rent one for a weekend, go Offroading and decide if it's for you or not. Like me, you might wonder why you did not get one earlier. Oh, and I forgot to mention that I never ever had so many compliments on any cars I owned. EVERYWHERE I go. Gas stations, supermarket, stop signs, etc. People actually come to me to ask about my Jeep and congratulate me. If I was 30 years old, I would never buy any other car than a Jeep. It's everything you want and more...........................ok I already can read your comments. What about speed, comfort, price and all that stuff? It's all behind me. I am a Jeep fan FOREVER. Go see our videos on UA-cam. Search for Francis Decoran and check all our videos with our Jeep Cherokee 2015 and our brand new Wrangler. You will understand. Till then, happy Jeeping and keep waving folks.
Guy Beaulieu on June, 5 im turning 30 and my goal is to have a Jeep Wrangler Rubicon... like you said, never is to late to have and dream abou a Jeep.. greeting to you.
I owned a 1976 Jeep CJ7, and you are sooooo right about the "jeep community". When I lived in LaPorte, IN, my buddy and I were headed to the lake with a canoe strapped to the top of my jeep, ragtop down & off. We were headed down IN2, Lincolnway Ave, and a wedding reception was heading the opposite direction, and the lead vehicle, with bride and groom, were in their own sparkling new jeep (1982) and wouldn’t stop honking until we finally waved back.
Our 2014 JKU Sahara in stock trim has been a gem. It's my wife's first Jeep, my second. Two of our teenage daughters learned to drive in this rig. They all know how a differential works and a transfer case. They understand what happening and respect it. We live on the east coast of Canada in the country and the confidence and sure-footedness of the Wrangler offers a lot of safety and mobility. The storage is fantastic, trips to Costco are a breeze. We're also near the beach and national park so it's a real treat to remove the top and doors for an adventure that would normally just be a drive. Jeep 4x4 for life! Did I mention the resale value? We're eyeing up the 2018 JL ;)
It is what it is! I had 3 jeeps so far and a good thing about owning a jeep is that it never let's you down! In my case, I've never towed a jeep. I still love jeep.
We are first time Jeep owners and we love it!! It’s a 2016 Willy’s two doors. We don’t care about fuel mileage and it’s not a race car. So no burnouts at red lights. We got it for the weekend cruising and with unlimited options you can change it anyway you want. The resale value is outstanding, can’t complain about it in anyway hasn’t given any issues. Thanks for your videos.
pros- rugged, over-built, simple, customizable, sexy...everyone loves a jeep. i even got my rubicon with manual windows, the basic stereo, and a soft top because i prefer simple, rugged, reliable. cons- clunky ride, loud on the hwy, pricey, low gas mileage. that being said the last 2 are it's pricey because it's mechanically over-built and strong and, like you said, gas mileage savings are miniscule over time. 10-15mpg and the rugged nature will easily be offset by it's longevity and it's simplicity. minimal computer sensor and dealership-only repairs with a jeep! not to mention it's got the best resale value on the road so stick that in your gas tank. google used jeeps and see where you make up for the gas mileage. that being said comparing a jeep to most other cars is apples to oranges. it's made for off-road, it's made to go out camping, it's made to last. buy one, take care of it, go on adventures in it, retire it to a trail rider. don't bitch because it's louder than your impala
Two things you need to do. Stop by your local dealership where you bought your jeep and let go in the service entrance and sweet talk the service manager for a minute. Have Her or Him bring out the calibration tool and hook it into your Jeep to set to your new tire size. Walla!!! No more speedometer problem. Next Find a good transmission shop near you that works on Jeeps and have them change your front and rear axle gears to match your new tire size as well as install better axles that will handle more torque from acceleration and braking with larger tires. You will need to provide them with the tire size your Jeep came with from the factory so they can make the correct calculations. You can find that in your owners manual or online. Once they finish that remind them to recalibrate your speedometer for you. They have the same tool, unless you went to Sanford and Son's Garage. I know when you price it out 4 axles and 2 new gears plus labor is going to be over 2 k. Well that is the right way to do it. You will go back to getting 20 mpg and never having to worry about snapping an axle or grinding down metal in any part of your drive train. Your clutch will last a lot longer as will your transfer case and transmission. Perhaps you will never have the embarrassment of one of you're U-Joints failing sending your drive shaft into oncoming traffic. To me owning my Jeep is more of a Relationship between man and Machine. I better make sure if I put something on it I am not hurting it somewhere else.
I've got a 2008 4 door Rubicon with a 6 speed manual transmission, and I love it as much or more as when it was new. It has 116,000 miles on it and runs like new. What I love about it most is that it can be configured so many ways, so it is never boring. In the summer, I run the soft top with no doors, or soft doors when it rains. In the winter, hard top with full doors, power windows, etc. The best part is that this thing can do some serious off-roading, but also is fun to drive in the city, in the country, or on twisty roads. It also has a great stereo. I'll keep running this thing for many years to come.
We own three Jeeps, two 03 TJ's and one 88 YJ. We live in central Minnesota and love our Jeeps. If you need to get to work after a 10 inch snowstorm, this is a great vehicle. In fact, I wake up in the morning and hope the snow is actually deeper than they predicted so I can "lock in" the 4 wheel drive and drive all the way to work with a smile on my face. Any Jeep owner will tell you there is nothing better than pulling up on the 4 wheel drive and feeling that baby grip the road. Its like a cat extending its claws. They aren't speedy and not the most comfortable especially on the roads in Minnesota when the frost has made every bump a small mountain but damn they are fun to drive!
To anybody thinking about purchasing a jeep, I would highly recommend it. I got my JKU last year and it has been one of the best purchases I have ever made. They are a high quality vehicle and my favorite part about them is the jeep community and the fact that they are so customizable. Would highly recommend!! Great video man!
I've had my 2008 Wrangler 2 door soft top with 6 speed manual for 5 years. I have had no major problems, but there are plenty of quirks that would turn a lot of people off. Highway noise, it leaks like a sieve in strong thunderstorms, the blinker doesn't always turn off if you are just pushing up to change lanes without clicking it in. That being said, next to my old Bronco, my jeep is the funnest car I have owned. I love riding around with the top down. It is fun, it has plenty of power, you are never going to get stuck. I will probably keep it forever.
just buy a jeep if you have been on the fence about getting one. They are amazing in every way. They are not just a vehicle but a way of life and it will open up a whole new world to you. I bout mine about 2 months ago and I love it. The way makes my day every day!!!!! Never gets old at all.
I have a 2015 Jeep Wrangler Sport 2-door that i absolutely love. It gets 21 mpg and the Pentastar engine has plenty of power. The speakers for the stereo could be better but that is easily remedied with aftermarket equipment. I like the solid feel and firm ride. It is a little jarring for rear seat passengers but oh well. I like how modular everything is. It makes DIY repairs and upgrades easy. I can't imagine wanting to drive anything else on a daily basis.
My JKUR is a 2014 with 3.5" Rock Krawler lift and 35" Nitto's. It's the most capable off road vehicle that you can buy from the factory and it's really easy to customize to make it even more capable and personalized. It's fun to take the top and doors off in the summer and cruise around with the family. I think it's great as a daily driver also, however, it's probably not the best choice if you're commuting long distances. Wranglers are built to go off road so if you buy one, use it in the dirt sometimes too!
Ya, the Jeep wave is only for the Jeep Wrangler. So don't buy a Cherokee, Liberty or Patriot and wave, it don't work. Lol. I have a 2010 Saraha Unlimited with leather. My next one will probably have fabric. I think it will be more comfortable ride. My favorite is fall with the top off driving through the mountains, going camping (I can sleep in the back) and winter after a snow storm. I dive in the mountains where no one else can go. Oh, it's my everyday driver and I have 125,000 miles on mine.
I have a '96 XJ and I was like what is he talking about and then I realized it must be a Wrangler thing. Still love the XJ though. If you look at the measurements they're almost the same size as the 4 door wranglers and have probably 90% of the trail capability but definitely don't have the cool factor of the Wrangler. That's okay though. I literally spent about 10% of what he spent for his so I can deal with not having the cool factor. On a side note, I'm from the tri-city area and actually bought my XJ off a guy in Maryville. Small world.
I purchased a 4 door Jeep, and loved it for about 6 months, then I discovered, that there was no insulation in the cab, the suspension system is designed for off road capers, that I don't do. The noise level, "I thought," I could get used too, and adjust too, but it wore me down. So I traded the Wrangler in, for a Jeep Cherokee, for a more comfortable ride etc. No regrets. Ms
I've had several Jeeps and liked them all. My current love is a '90 XJ and I can't foresee selling it unless I suddenly find the $ to get a Rubicon. I've driven 3 JKUR on and off road and love them. The seat/steering wheel/pedal arrangement fits me nicely and I like the tight feel of the cockpit where the dash and everything is close. I've driven plenty of vehicles off road and jeeps have always done extremely well, from my old soccer mom car XJ to the latest JKUR they just work.
This video was done very well and the comments were on point. I have a 2014 Jeep Wrangler Sport. I bought it completely stock and have done many mods to it since then. My complaints are probably the typical ones that most Jeep owners have with regard to lack of power at times, tracking while you're driving down the highway, leaking soft top which are not uncommon and also the gas mileage just sucks for a 6 cylinder. Still love my Jeep more than any other vehicle I've owned. The only thing I loved as much was my first car which was a 1970 Dodge Charger. That was a different kind of love. Stay safe on the trail fellow jeepers
Personaly, I like the looks, durability, roughness and off road capabilities, Jeep looks only like a Jeep and yes the ride can be rough but at least you feel the road and that's what I'm looking for in a vehicle. Freedom and you know that you can go anywhere (almost) sitting in a Jeep! Cheers from Marc, Quebec Canada.
For those who have the Patriot Jeep 4X4 , I bought my 2012 jeep in Feb. 2013 thus far now in 2018 I only have done my complete breaks all around, just replaced my battery, & they usually have to be replaced around 3 to 5 yrs. Mine did 6 yrs. so I am ok with that. I do my oil & filter every 5000 KLMS.I do my Transmission & filter every 80000 KLMS. Change my cabbin filter once per yr.I also put on a new set of tread (tires) Will do my flush and refill antifreeze this yr. 2018 plus I will change up my thermostats also. I have a uconnect radio. AM, FM, Satellite ,which the tuner went in radio and I replaced it.Outside of the radio all would be classified as PM ( preventative mait.) And oh yes I replaced my spark plugs every 60000 KLMS. My slogan is what I put into my vehicle I get out of it. I am a PM freak & it works. Always use Dealer parts piece of mind in case of any failures o cure then its on Dealers shoulders. Hope this helps out. PS: I am a mechanic and do my own servicing on my vehicles)
We have 2 SUV's and my 2015 Wrangler JKU with the Sahara Package and we take the Jeep on road trips I think it is more comfortable. I love all the window when around town and in parking lots and you can see around you with little to no blind spots just remember the front bumper sticks out. I got mine so I can get to remote places to take photos and I had wanted one before I was old enough to drive. I Love it and to my surprise my Mother Loves it.
Got a '14 Sahara for my wife. We live in northern New Mexico amongst the Rocky Mountains so it is a Godsend in the winter. We don't have a slew of paved roads living in the countryside so this Jeep is our tool. Only problem is my wife loves it so much she doesn't let me drive it much. She thinks I'll wheel it and beat it up. Great looking vehicle.
I have owned nothing but a jeep since 1989. I now drive a 2015 Wrangler unlimited tank green 6 speed manual. Now I am jealous I just love the lift you have on that Girl. Thank you Great video! Subbed.
Bought a 2011 Wrangler brand new years back. We loved everything about it except #1 it used a lot of oil. Was adding a quart a month, sometimes more. The dealer where we bought it gave free oil changes for a year up to 4. I was bringing it to them to top off since they were on the way home from work. After 8 months they said I used all my changes !! And they also said the oil consumption was normal ? Figuring maybe it had something to do with break in I lived with it. At least until a friend said to do some searching online because he saw it seemed to be a issue with some of the V 6's. He was right. #2, for 3 months when new it had electrical issues. Radio would quit working, sometimes dash cluster went out. Dealer was at a loss for a solution. They had it 2 days supposedly tracing the wiring harness. A few days after that the whole dash went out and power windows wouldn't work. Also smelled a burning smell. Decided to have it towed back to the dealer just in case. We decided to see how bad of a hit we'd take to trade it in. It was real bad. The dealer said it had to sit until a factory rep could come look at it. They wouldn't give us a loaner either. After 5 days it still wasn't looked at so we filed under PA's lemon law and had to go into Jeep's arbitration. After doing that all of a sudden their checking it out. The rep approved a new wiring harness and a computer specialist came to the garage to check that end. He changed the BCM and another module, can't think of the name of it. We got it back all shined up and everything working. Ran it until the warranty was out around 3 years and had no more issues other than using oil. As soon as the warranty was up we traded it on a 4 door Tacoma. I'd like to get a 4 door Wrangler but don't know at their price range if I want to take the risk with the poor gas mileage.
I upgraded from an '00 WJ to the '11JKU Rubicon. My wife wanted me to get the Sahara but I wanted the Rubicon. Of course a 2012 would have been better (more HP & better Xmsn) but mine works. The WJ had 196,000 on it and the engine was shot as well as everything else, but it was a learning experience. I've had the Rubi for almost 3 yrs and enjoy it very much. I added armor underneath everywhere but will armor the evap canister when I get around to it (lousy positioning). Concerns: older JKU models need improved oil cooling on auto X-msn so plan on the cost (
Love my 07 bought it new and after120000 mi i still love it not the most comfortable daily driver but you cant get it stuck with4x4 ive got an oil leak and roof leak after10 years other than a clutch and brakes and tires
I currently drive a 94' Jeep Grand Cherokee and have always loved the ruggedness of Jeeps, with the solid axles and simplistic design, that's why I'm currently searching for a slightly used 14' or 15' Wrangler Sahara and can't wait to take off those doors and top to do some cruising with my hound.
Towing 4 down behind Motorhome. The ride beats previous Honda CRV. The heaviness of it smooths out bumps better. Love the way it sits up high. Doesn't seem to handle side wind well. I absolutely love it though. Perfect for our back road excursions.
Hi Mike, Steve Bradley here. I don't own a jeep but enjoyed watching the video as with all your videos. I 'm a Taxidermist here in Newnan Ga. And watch your videos while I work, I also have a Kubota L3301 I purchase a couple weeks ago. Like you I love cutting firewood and will be building a carry all box like yours. Keep the videos coming!!
Thanks Steve, I'm in for the long haul. Taxidermist huh? Very cool. In a few weeks I will do a video of my neighbors place. He has Hunted all over North America and Africa. He has to have at least 75 or 100 mounts
I bought the 2010 base model sport JK new. I really like the stripped version.... no A/C, no electric doors/windows, no heated seats, base audio package. I did splurge for the hard top and the side steps. The reason I liked the jeep so much is that is is one of the most basic vehicles one can buy. I plan to keep the jeep forever, and most of the used vehicle hassles come from the electrics/electronic addons which get very expensive to repair after the guarantee expires. The JK has a real frame, real axles, and a motor that even though totally computerized, one can still get to most of the parts for troubleshooting and maintenance. It is probably one of the last vehicles that home mechanics can still work on. A lot of off road guys hate the side steps because they tend to get removed in rough terrain. I like them because they provide a lot of body protection from road debris and from car doors at the mall. I like the 6 speed, but regret not getting the 3.73 axles, but that is also a fairly easy after market fix. With the 3.21 axles, 1st gear and reverse are definitely too tall even with the stock 16" steel wheels but because its a jeep, the low range is always available for crawling along rough trails. I did add cruise control (a $75 column lever and cable add) myself using mopar parts. I use it to pull and launch a 2000lb 17' aluminium boat... pulls like a dream and is like a tractor tug up and down the boat ramps. Mods: hardtop, side steps, cruise control, hitch, door rail protectors, slush mats, rear seat removed, VHF radio added
I have a 2017 Sport Unlimited. I love what some don't like about it...I love that it's not a soft ride...that tells me it should be durable off road when needed. I love the size, the stock one is likely the Max height I can climb in to with my handicap. I like the options with roof and such. I like the fact of it's drive train designed for tough terrain, inclement weather, and it's adaptable to what YOU WANT! I like the fact it's made in America...and I like the fact I can replace everything on it if needed...or upgrade when I want. I like the fact that this vehicle can be my last vehicle I ever have to buy. I know new parts for this will always be available. The only draw back was price...but they DO hold value!
I Love my 2013 unlimited Rubicon "JKUR" it has a 6 speed manual. I love the Dana 44's with the 4:10 gears in 4 low the ratio is 73 to1 crawl ratio.I love the front and rear lockers and swaybar disconnects. I love the customizability of the jeep. Buyer beware JEEP stands for "Just Empty Every Pocket" if you get the bug, it could get costly. It is my daily driver and I love to drive it ,even in traffic (with the manual gearbox). For a long trip however, and to not put a bunch of miles on my jeep, I have a car that is pretty comfy on the highway. Off-road my jeep is reliable and gets me in and out of anything and anywhere I choose to take it. I caution you that it is very easy to bite off more than you can chew and you can get in trouble very easily as the JK is more capable than the average driver. The JEEP community is awesome. I have yet to come across a Jeeper that is a jerk. My jeep can be a completely enclosed vehicle or a convertible with the top and all the doors off. Whether its stock or not, people will stare with the " I wish I had one of those" look. There are lots of You Tube videos on the Jeep, they are a great source of entertainment and very informative. If you are considering getting one, good luck in your discernment. I had My wife several times take the wheel of my Jeep when we were off road and she caught the bug, so much so that we bought her a 2016 JKUR hard rock edition and she loves it. Joining a Jeep club is fun and exposes you to many other Jeepers in your community. They often have club sponsored runs in which you can gain knowledge, and wheel time around more experienced drivers. Not to mention you can always pick their brains. Hope this helps
I have a 2013 Sahara, stock. I love driving it. I use it on road trips and consistently get 20 mpg. I consider the seats to be very comfortable. I prefer driving it to my wife's Mercedes C300. The cockpit is roomier and I like being up high. My Jeep only has 25K on it. I am retired and don't drive it that much. I do take it off road.
Take it to Moab it will best experience ever. Do some research about Trails before hand I have a 2005 LJ. Upper rim is 90 miles and can be done with any 4x4. Hells revenge if you want something more intense, can be done 33" no lockers needed. Highly recommend havent been able to 4x4 in years but still DD. I get 12-14 mpg but love it anyways. Stock jeep are very capable but 33 open up alot of trails.
Really only major thing to go wrong is fuel pump last month and the stupid mult switch for fogs just pulled the fuse. Had it fixed at dealership and go bad again after couple years. Otherwise for 12 years been a good vechicle. Doors off are best, still get shade from top when it a little warm and breeze to cool the boys if you stick your leg out.
we have owned over 10 jeeps in the past 30 years, starting out with an old willies military jeep, yj, cj's wagoneers, now to cherokees, im currently building a 90 4x4 cherokee, i did the 4 inch lift, 31x10.50s, safari rack, home made water storage tanks, water pump, on-board air compressor that needs installed, solar panels etc, i also plan to gut the interior and design a more practical interior as i just use this for beach fishing/camping, the daily is a 99 cherokee sport and the wifes is a 98 grand cherokee larado. love them jeeps.
Thanks for the review. I own a 2007 JKU that I purchased in 2001 used . I did buy a kit from Kevins offroad in Az to fix the death wobble issue. I had another issue with the clockspring but that was fixed under warenty. Other than those two issues the only other real issues have been normal wear and tare . When I bought my jeep it had 73,000 miles and had one owner. I use mine as a daily driver , long trips out to New Mexico to visit family hawling fire wood on a twelve foot trailer and offroading. I do all my own maint. and my jeep now sports 242,000 miles. It burns a very small amount of oil about a half quart between oil changes. I dont mind the ride and I like it even better since I added a 2.5" teraflex lift kit on it and new shocks. Tires and wheels are next. I built my own rear bumper complete with tire carrier. I will be building the front one next so I can add a winch. By the way I live on a dirt road between two creeks. Everytime we get heavy rains the road washes out with three foot ruts. When the ice and snow comes I have crawled out of the bottom and got back home safely . I put it in four low and take it slow. I love my jeep even though alot of people tell me its a money pit when there putting a new engine or transmission in their vehicle after 100,000 miles. Mine is all original. Any vehicle can be a money pit if you dont take care of it and some will be no matter what you do. I have only recently rebuilt the whole front end on my jeep. I also need to replace the heater/ ac box under the dash . Like i said thats a small price to pay for 242,000 miles in my opinion. Two more things my kids love my jeep the most when the doors and top are off . The wife hates my jeep except when the weather turns bad. Sorry for rambling on for so long.
I'm 20 yrs old, student from philippines and I love jeep wrangler since i was 18 jeep wrangler is my really dream car. i already have license but no car. i just walking 1hour to go school cause we don't have car hopefully dream come true i will own Jeep Wrangler :)
M y first jeep was a 1960 CJ5 w a chev 327 then a1962 Willies utility wagon also a 327 then a1999 Cherokee Best all around Vehicle ever had . I like Wagons ! I have been ride along in a JK I like it. Now that Children are Grown I have a 2005 Rubicon LJ I love it.
I have had a 2009 jku that I bought new and has had a 3.5 inch lift and 35s on it most of its life. I have not had any problems besides some general maintenance. I love the amount of space you get with the 4 doors I can take 4 buddies and all our gear for a weekend camping trip! Also the simplicity is a big plus easy to do your on maintenance and take it apart. Personally I like the sloppy handling it only adds to the character and reminds you of your strong solid axels and big rubber underneath ya. Most of all I like the off road performance and the ability to take the doors and the roof off. The cons would be the weak cv driveshafts and weak inner cs on the front axels. Also a v8 gas or diesel option would be much better. Don't by a Jk with a 3.21 axel ratio listen to this guy!
Nice video, very candid. I think you made this video because you love your Jeep and you touched on the sense of community between Jeep owners. Thank you for your time. Bought my JKU about a month ago after wanting one for soooo long. The Wrangler works for me because I spend almost all of my leisure time in the mountains and desert seeking and exploring remote tracks and locations to recreate. I have little need to use my Jeep as a daily driver because I have a 2nd vehicle for the “junk miles”; short trips to work, grocery and other random errands. What I like about my Jeep is the ride height over traffic, and strangely, a sense of confidence and self-empowerment I feel while driving it. That might be a girl thing. Of course, I also love all the Jeep-specific features like the removable doors and tops and the merging with the strong history of this particular vehicle. Also, for what I needed in a vehicle, now and in the future, the Jeep Wrangler is the only vehicle in the US market that met my criteria. Just say no to CV axles and yes to a vehicle that is off-road ready right off the lot. They own this nitch. The Wrangler is also one of the easiest vehicles to clean of Utah moon dust. Man, did I ever get tired of trying to clean that Utah fairy dirt out of unremoveable carpeting and crevices in the dash and between seats and console. Did I mention aftermarket parts, mods and upgrades? How many vehicles have access to that? Jeep Wranglers are LEGO sets on wheels. How FUN is that? I will probably leave mine stock or perhaps only a minor tire upsize as the vehicle meets my needs as is. When the day comes that I only have one vehicle I wanted to be sure that my only vehicle had the off-road capability for my adventures as well as reliable and capable transportation for daily driving. I do live in the Colorado mountains. BTW, the 2nd vehicle that the Jeep is stepping in for is a 1999 Suzuki Grand Vitara with 345K plus miles with a 2 1/2” suspension lift. That was what I could afford when I moved to the Colorado mountains from the southeastern US. That vehicle drove me over most every trail in the Alpine Triangle and to the remotest and gnarliest trailheads to climb the Colorado 14ers and thousands of highway miles on long road trips; very reliably I might add. I still love it but it is now in semi-retirement as a “valley car” while the Jeep takes over the tougher work. If my Jeep can match the memories, mileage and adventures of the Suzuki, I will be most satisfied.
Love my old WJ, 2004 European version with the 2.7 diesel Mercedes common rail engine. This thing pulls my 5000 pound boat and trailer in the spring with the brakes rusted shut :D
Been driving a Wrangler as a daily driver pretty much continuously since they came out in 1987, and have no desire to change. Yes, they don't ride like a Buick and don't get mileage like a Prius, but you sit up so you can see thru traffic, they are a breeze to park, easy to find in a lot, rugged, my favorite ride in the rain or inclement weather (not much of that in SoCal) and all around FUN. i have always had a manual, and have personalized them too. I'm still driving a TJ because I'm retired now so the mileage isn't building up, and it's basically bullet-proof. I change the oil, put on new tires and brakes and other regularly worn out stuff, but it just keeps going. For a little more punch I spent money with Gale Banks and added a cold air intake & cat-back exhaust, both worth while additions to a 4.0. What can I say, I'm enjoying the h*#+ out of it. Oh yeah, if you get tired of the door not staying open, pick up a pair of these: www.quadratec.com/products/13029_301X_PG.htm?gclid=CjwKCAjwxZnYBRAVEiwANMTRX_-8HVU5bThbmuyxinnYv-jwJTWwN5mDs1JEqwCnzMh3IXXl4MnQ2xoCD4EQAvD_BwE . They work great and are easy to defeat when the doors come off. Just a bit noisy is all. Happy Jeepin'.
I bought mine because I wanted a convertible and didn't want to sacrifice storage and didn't want to get stuck in the snow. So far the Jeep has been a solid investment. It's a 2 door sport and the only options I got were a hard top, air conditioning, and 3.73 gear ratio. I also purchased a Lifetime bumper to bumper warranty for it and it all cost about 30,000 out of the door. I've had it for a 2 months now so here are the pros and cons: Pros: - Easily go from hard top to convertible with the removal of the front hard top panels. They can be taken off and put back on in minutes. - Huge aftermarket parts selection. I found some soft doors, mirrors, and soft top setups that are really easy to remove and install for summer driving. Lightweight and easy to store in the back. - Lots of storage. You can fold the back seats and have room for most anything. If you remove the back seats then there is enough room to throw a few mountain bikes in with very minimal fitting. - Powerful engine. It gets out of its way very quickly. I'm new to driving stick and I feel like it's almost has too much torque coming into 1st gear but as I gain experience it's really nice. Cons: - Fuel economy. I get an average 20 mpg in it. Coming from a car that gets 35 mpg makes that a big difference and a nice dent in my weekly budget but I knew what I was getting into when I bought it. - Reliability. I had problems with the car popping out of reverse and making this horrendous grinding noise when it happens. I had to take it in a few days after I bought it and it took a week to fix. The silver lining is that the repair was free, they gave me a free rental, and made my first car payment for me which was very nice. - Rust. The aftermarket soft doors are not completely waterproof and I had to use the drain plugs a few times already when puddles formed on the floor of my driver and passenger side of the jeep. Today I noticed some surface rust forming on the frame below the drain plugs. I'll have to figure out a way to remedy that. You won't have this issue if you're not a nut job like me and use the real factory doors though lol. Conclusion: - This is the only ride for me. I can't wait to mod it and take it off road. Nothing like driving with the roof and doors off on a hot sunny day. I used to speed on the freeway but the wrangler is just as fun obeying the rules of the road. Not a dull moment in this thing.
My first Jeep was a new 1977 CJ5 with a soft top (didn't even come with a rear seat). Drove it back and forth from PA to Louisiana, and from La to the mountains of New Mex and Colo. I've never minded the "stiff" ride. Had big Gumbo Mudder tires on it too. .. lolzzzz The CJ7 I owned next was a 1980 (took it to the UK for 4 years ... 82-86). Next I bought a 86' Cherokee Chief which I really liked as well. Also got a 86' Wrangler the same year. Went to the dealership to get one of the last CJ7s and drove off with the first year 86' Wrangler ..... could not believe the difference in the stability between the CJ7 and the Wrangler .... like night and day. All my Jeeps have been manual transmissions .... I like to actually drive my vehicles. My current Jeep is a 96 Cherokee Sport which I got used (approx. 36,000 miles on it) in 1999. I have about 200K on it and hope to drive it for at least another year (runs very well) .... could smoke the tires off of it if I wanted to ~8^) To be honest, this 96' Sport has just about everything on it that I need. It only has an AM/FM radio, which I would change but never have. I'd put a better roofrack on it .... the one that it came with is pathetic on a good day. My 86 Cherokee Chief had a much better rack. I'd also put a tow hitch on it for hauling deer ..... I'm getting too old to be stuffing my deer into the back of the Cherokee ~8^) which I've done since 1999! Yep .... I'm down to a 23+ year old Jeep Cherokee Sport and wishing I could get a new one just like it .... same year, but with the mods I've mentioned. Make no bones about it .... I like my Jeeps to be as bare bones as I can get away with. Take care and enjoy your Jeep ... they are fun.
i have a 2016 2dr rubicon with the 4.10 transfer case because I'm planning on a similar lift/tire combo. my reasons for getting a jeep was it's one of the few vehicles made today that are rugged, simple, and unique. i would rather get an over-built rig that i can work on myself than mess with sensors and computer issues until it dies an early death because it was built to be leased and thrown away like most cars today.
My wife & I looked at the Rubicon, We drive mostly on the road here in Wyoming. We wanted a more comfortable ride, so we bought a 2017 Cherokee Trail Hawk!
Any tire shop should be able to recalibrate your speedo and odometer to accommodate for the bigger tires. Probably a good idea to fix that so you can closely monitor your proper milage, fuel consumption, etc.
I'm 46, female , single mom with my child now grown & out on his own....definitely not your typical Wrangler owner, & I just bought my 1st Wrangler Sport 2 door 9 days ago. I Love It! Only mod I could afford right now is I put Rubicon rims & 33" BFGoodrich Baja mud tires on. My son went riding with me & I went up the side of a Mtn that Overlooks Bingham Copper mine in UT. Steep plus sand and rock. Never driven off road before & was a bit scared...but the Jeep performed amazingly. Plan on honing my skills & going to EJS 2018. If you want a soft ride & pampering DONT get a Wrangler. If you want fun, like challenges, want to develop new skills & want to feel like a million bucks then BUY a Wrangler!
Hi from Quebec,Canada,,To start off nice video you make.I used to own a '12 JKU last year I wanted the diesel version but when Jeep announced it wasent going to produce one I said well I wasent getting another jeep for now so got a Ford Explorer cant say I regret it, driving is 100 times better lot smoother ,the thing I miss most is of course the style and the rough edges on it,,the looks.Also driving during winter my jeep had the lift and 35's etc, man that was like driving a tank 30 inches of snow and I was in heaven pulling out poeple stuck in their F-350's but now that Jeep is returning with the Wrangler new design and the diesel version my lease is due in 2019 for sure ill be looking into a Rubi diesel auto..since no stick will be available.And on the subject of reliability, well all the stats and the comments and the vlogs,, in my case i drove my JKU 100k miles and other then a U-joint I had to change because of a sidewalk incident, nothing was changed or fixed on it, that thing was a tank,when i bought mine i paid 38G$ and yet Ford dealer bought it for 31G$ for 4 1/2 yrs I drove my jeep did 100K miles and it cost me 7G$,,its a joke.My ford is well over 65G$ and when I bring it back it will be worth less then 30G$luckily its a lease..
I have an 03 TJ on 35's. It gets 9 mpg (even after I rebuilt the 4.0), drives like a brick, can't haul anymore than a coke can, and nickel and dimes me to death. I love it :)
I'm on my third Jeep, got the first one in 2006. Yes the ride and gas mileage sucks, but what other vehicle can you take off road and climb over rocks, take the top, doors and fold the windshield down? I also have a F250 diesel and love the Jeep more every day. In the winter I put the hard top on and the spring out comes the Sunrider soft top. Keep this in mind before buying a Jeep if you have to tow anything, don't. Unless you are going to the local garden center to pick up 500 to 1000 pounds of bark or whatever do not tow more than that with a Jeep. With the short wheel base it will flip over and you will be upside down in the ditch. Pulled many out when I drove tow trucks.
I have jeep grand Cherokee summit I love it. I actually want the srt because its more my speed. I'm young guy and a sporty luxury truck it's more my style. The summit is really luxury so that's when your, in your 50s and 60s. Jus a smoother ride. So for those looking for a smoother ride the Jeep Cherokee summit is what their looking for. Trust me I know i have one. I really haven't had any problems from the Jeep. It's really great on gas, seats are comfortable. I drove to the Carolinas from MD on one tank of gas. So the gas mileage are very good, I usually put mid-grade or high-grade in it. Only thing that has given me a issue is sometimes the screen stick but not often though. But I love it and I don't think I'm goin back to a car anytime soon.
I have an AEV Rubicon 2013 , It had the 3.6 engine in it . At 1,600 mile the cylinder head needed replacement . After about 8 months at the Dealership. I got it back. Then the engine lower end went out. So I called AEV they took care of the problem. Now I have a 6.2 . Gas mileage is about the same . An I can tow with no problem . With the 3.6 it had a hard time pulling a 6 by10 in close trailer at 55 mph . Up a hill. Over all I love my jeep. Now I have 60,000 on it .had no problem with the 6.2 . I do work at a dealership as a technician. An see many right side cylinder head problem with the 3.6 engine .
We have a 2012 jeep liberty. Not in the same class as wranglers but it does good in 4×4. We like the ride. It has a sky slider roof which opens up for summer days. It is noisy at higher speeds. The foot room is narrow up front. It has the 3.7 which is dependable. You don't get the jeep wave which is by and large reserved for traditional jeeps. We do like it overall and it is more affordable.
I owned a Jeep Wrangler X and you covered the positives well; community, customization, etc. The biggest drawbacks for me were the wind noise ( never did get a hard top) and most of all the small Towing Capacity, (only 2,000lbs!). This is due to the short wheelbase on the X model, I think the Rubicon have a longer base and tows up to 3,500, still short of standard SUVs like the Explorer.
Best advice I could give before putting in a lift is to look online for your closest dealership that carries AEV products or if you're VERY mechanically inclined, order AEV products online & do it yourself. Wish we would've known this in advance of our purchase, because my husband & I would've sought out an AEV Jeep dealership to purchase our JKU Sahara from...most of the modifications you'd like to make, right after learning more about Jeeps, are already installed. After we had our AEV lift & suspension put in, our Sahara drives better than it did stock. The ride is much more comfortable & looks better to boot. I also highly recommend seeking out your closest Jeep club to meet up with other like-minded Jeep owners. Not only will you get discounts from local garages, you'll also find they have plenty of family-friendly weekend trips to make life-long memories from. We also didn't know about the Jeep wave, but now I'm so used to doing it, that I find myself accidentally waving to Jeeps when I'm driving my car. lol Thanks for the great video!
My husband just informed me we got the AEV 2.5" suspension lift (3" in front & 2.5" lift in the back, because of the weight of the motor) w/ blistein shocks. Plus, the AEV bracketing that works like a dampener to keep the front end from wobbling, along with 34 10/50 tires so we didn't have to worry about the added expense of re-gearing...it drives better than it did stock. There's no roll & the acceleration & breaking is just as good as new. He would like to go to the 35 12/50, but he's afraid our current lift wouldn't be big enough to accommodate the tire size. So, what I take as our biggest cost learning curve: go ahead & go with the 3.5" AEV suspension lift, purchase the 35 12/50 tires, & pay for the correct re-gearing the first time around. We live in the mountains near an official Jeep trail, so our next purchases will be the steel tube rocker rails & a front bumper w/wench.
My daughter has one. It's so easy to work on that she changes her own oil. The oil filter is near the top of the engine and easy to get to. You don't need to jack the Jeep to remove the oil plug. It takes her about 15 to 20 minutes to change her oil.
I'm a big Harley-Davidson and Jeep guy. I think I like them because they are easily highly personalized and stand out in a crowd. They are well built and hold their value. But I think it's mostly simply because they are COOL!!!😎
Had a 2014 Black JKU. 2 inch Mopar lift and 33's. Loved it! Great off road and tight turning radius compared to a pick up. Always had fun with it during the three plus years I drove it. Unfortunately after purchasing a new home with 10 acres of woods I needed a pick up for better hauling/towing. So I traded it for a 2017 F150. Plus my wife didn't like my Jeep all that much so the truck actually was a better life style fit for now. Jeeps still turn my head every time I see one.
About the speed difference you mentioned. You could fix that with a Superchips pack. I use a GPS phone app called HUD display to check my actual speed and it works great and its free!
I have a 2007 Jeep Wrangler Sport. The best thing about owning a jeep is how much attention you draw and everyone loves a jeep, many people will ask you for fun rides. Also another pro about having a jeep are the mods. Wranglers are one of the few cars that have so many mods you can add to it to make it your own. But there are a few cons one being as he said the gas mileage isn't to good and the one thing i hate about owning a jeep are the amount of bugs that crash into you're windshield (especially at night). Over all I'm very happy with my jeep and wouldn't trade it for anything!
Built out a 2013 Sahara starting a couple of years ago, now in the market to buy the Wife one..! Very versatile rigs with a clear popularity that keeps the value in 'em. Saw my first JLU Sport a few days ago and have to say I'm far less impressed than I thought I would be. Biggest complaint are the chunky tail lights, there's a definite aftermarket product opportunity there! The hard top looked a but chunkier/blocky too, not sure what about it put me off but I wasn't swooning :) Interior convenience feature updates were nice but the dash seemed more intrusive 'in your face' with a flatter profile across the center cluster (it could have been a byproduct of the seats being forward with the telescoping steering wheel (if equipped) all the way forward... In any event I won't be rushing out to pay MSRP on one anytime soon. For now I'll stick to my JK shopping and will hopefully find the loaded color-keyed Billet Sahara or Rubi I'm looking for as my next upgrade project.
Always wanted one. I've had many 4wd trucks, nice ones. They are a little too long and too wide for good off roading. I got a JKU Sport with the 6 speed man. trans 3.73 gears (Max Tow package) I will probably keep it mostly stock for the life of the vehicle. Only upgrades is a leveling kit and 32" tires. I don't beat on my stuff and maintain all my vehicles/toys to a high level. I do like light/medium trail driving and dirt roads/fire roads and camping. We have a cabin in the Blue Ridge Mountains (GA) and in the winter time you need 4wd. It snows there and the road leading in to our cabin is gravel as well as our driveway. It's not the most comfortable ride and you have to pay attention while driving but it's really not that bad either. Driving my truck doesn't give me that childlike smile like my Jeep does. You have a good looking Jeep, good vid. Peter
I have a 2004 Wrangler. Upgraded headlights to H4, LED tailights, Rancho shocks, Olympic bumpers. Straight 6 and I can work on it! The 2007 and newer are more complex and failure-prone. The straight 6 is good for up to 300,00 miles. The soccer moms don't wave. 😕
In my early 30's I decided to make an important life altering decision. I told a good friend of mine that I was considering buying a Jeep, he almost dropped his beer just staring at me opened mouth for a bit. To put things in perspective my friends and I were all driving mini trucks setup for drags, 240's and 300's that like to go sideways. it was all about the speed. No one even gave off road a second thought. What got me thinking about it was when i got into a really bad wreck, I've crashed my fair share of cars over the years, but this one really shook me thankfully no one was seriously injured. In 2008 i bought a 2007 Subaru WRX, put 19's and a body kit on it, lovin it. 3mos later got challenged to an early morning race so we went for it, came around a corner at about a buck ten, saw the tractor trailer pullin out to late to do anything but stomp the bakes ended up under the flatbed trailer. some people came up to me later on and said it sounded like thunder when i hit. the housing on the 5ton rear actually cracked and bent out of shape. From showroom floor to scrap yard in four months. Any way so that's my story. I decided to buy one, but not sure which model to get for the best bang for my buck and not knowing anyone that owned a jeep i did what any responsible person would do. I drove to the mall and cruised the parking lot until i found someone if a jeep that was fairly modified and looked like it's seen some trails and then i stopped for a chat. explained my situation, and saying that you could never really be sure of what a sales person is really trying to sell you. He was actually really helpful and informative. even to the point where we got in his jeep and went on a couple of trails. I WAS HOOKED. The advise he gave me made a lot of sense, so now I get the chance to pay it foward. If this will be your first 4x4 buy a quality second hand one not new because you will roll it, slide into a canyon wall,exe. read the fine print on warranties over half the stuff they cover gets voided if damage happens while not on an approved highway or street If your on a trail and see someone stuck or stopped, check it out and offer assistance. cause you never know next week it might be you... From personal exp, I helped this guy out of the ditch he didn't see took about 20 min. two weeks later i sank to the frame in goo and he stopped and reconized me so he stayed to help 6 and 1/2 hours later i'm finally out. Be prepared to do a lot of waving, it really is a jeep thing I love my Jeep, a 2007 JK X that I bought from a dealership in 2012 for 18,500 when you add all the interst it comes out two 22,500. so the only thing I got an issue with is the drag link and tie rods for jeeps are kinda weak and prone to damage especially with oversize tires, I went through some whoops l little faster than the jeep liked and it let me know by flatspotting the threads on the drag link adjustment sleeve. ended up making it so that my steering wheel could not be adjust straight. now this part here is really IMPORTANT Jeeps do not like it when the steering wheel does not line up straight. I was driving down the road at 50mph and all of a sudden it looked like christmass on my gauges, then i guess it thought i was taking a left at 50 mph and it took it upon itself to pulse the brakes but only in the front driverside, if you can just imagine the pucker factor cause the jeep just swerved hard to the left into oncoming traffic. i was not able to get the jeep to behave properly until i got it below 35mph,. same thing goes if you experience the death wobble, don't panic, just hold the wheel steady as possible and get it below 35 and it will start to stop. other than that it's an all around fun vehicle to own. From all the Jeepers on the beautiful island of Guam, be safe out there and keep Jeeping.
I heard that Jeep may put a diesel in the Wrangler. That would be a cool vehicle. We drove our daughters diesel Grand Cherokee to Oklahoma and back from new Hampshire and averaged 31MPG and it was full of stuff. We took our daughter to college. I was amazed at the comfort level and fuel mileage.
I bought my first Jeep a week before Xmas a 17 Rubicon Recon 4door 6speed manual LOADED for 45 tax and 7yr 100,000 bumper to bumper 50 out the door its a definite head Turner and drives pretty well but 1st and 2nd gear are geared low with the 410s best mileage I get with winter grade gas hwy with cruise on was 17.9 so far better than what my 06 xtterra got at 15.6 and 351w Broncos at 10.2 mpg tough to have fuel economy and serious off road ability
Hill Start Assist is also on Automatic, though the need is questionable, but it does prevent that lsight roll back if you're doing intricate work like rolling up to a parking barrier in an underground garage it come in super handy to keep you exactly in place while some autos roll back a few/many inches. If you don't like HSA, (the drawbacks are questionable but debates in Jeep forums rage) , you can disable it using the EVIC your vehicle has, or for base models witout the EVIC there is a secret decoder ring sequence to disable (google can get it for you). So you can try with / without and see if you notice any change worthy of disabling it. As for the Alpine, there's an interesting video from the Alpine dev presenting to a audio enthusiast group in Michigan IIRC and he explains some of the features, incuding the interesting feature where it changes the sound profile based on where the soft top or hard top is on, it reads whethere or not the rear defroster/washer power clip is connected to determine soft top / hard top. ua-cam.com/video/b25jj_zzINQ/v-deo.html For all the tech in it and the quality of the speakers its a good option. Sure a $1,500+ after market speaker setup properly mapped & profiled can blow it away, but for the value of the premium the Alpine upgrade is worth it for most people who realize there's diminishing returns past a certain point, and while then entry level audio is for basic radio for people who don't care, the Alpin is a nice bump up from there for people who notice the difference between 96kbs MP3 and a CD. Also it's pretty easy to add a rear cam to the 430 for about $50 in hardware and 1hr in time, and then whatever you can convince your dealer to unlock the feature (which should take the dealer tech less than 10mins to do). As for pros / cons , it's hard to explain , it's all relative, the things that would annoy someone wanting an Audi / Lexus really don't bother most Jeep owners who want a 4x4 convertible. As for comfort, I do mega road-trips across N.Am. and don't have an issue, even on the 1,000mile / 1,600kms in a day portions. There are individual things that other vehicles do better, but as an entire package it's hard to beat. However when speaking to a n00b, especially those who don't understand the purpose of test drives, better to be negative and have them be surprised if they get one despite that, rather than to make it sounds like a plush soft-roader and have them moan about not getting some cross-over. One hard to describe feature for me is that there is nothing better to take you mind off a traffic jam in Summer than a roof off with the sun and a light breeze, and in Winter the knowledge that if it gets really crazy you can leave the road / highway and make your own exit is pretty reassuring. Just don't be that over-confident D that either makes a spectacle of themselves as if anyone cares, or thinks they are invincible until proven otherwise. The additional upgrades in the next gen JL will just make things even better, especially for safety and creature comforts, but also Selec-Trac which will make on-road Winter driving even better without losing the ability to fully lock in 4lo.
Nice looking JK - the extra money for the matching color roof makes a big difference in a JK's appearance - guess that's why they can get away with charging so much for that option. We've rented these in Furnace Creek, Death Valley NP and taken them up some challenging canyons! However, when we decided to replace our oldest car with a Jeep, we opted to restore/custom build a '99 Cherokee XJ. It will be "like new" when finished, but still cheaper then a new Wrangler Unlimited. Not the best option for many people, but worth considering....
There are a lot of people that drive the older model jeeps that don't wave to the newer JKs. They think the newer JKs aren't real jeeps. Nice info man!
ADVANTAGES: I like manual transmissions. My wife’s preference for a manual is even stronger than mine is. (1) I like manual transfer case linkages. (1) I like 75-series tires. I like manual window lifts. (1) I like skid plates. We’ve drug vehicles over rocks many times with no damage to any other part except scratches in the skid plates. I like low gearing (high numerically). Base model 2017 Wrangler is (or was) available with 3.73:1 axle ratio and a similar ratio in the transfer case. 2017 Rubicon is (or was) available with 4.10:1 axle ratio and 4:1 ratio in the transfer case. I like steel wheels. (2) I like a spare tire location anywhere else than under the vehicle. I like for the spare wheel and tire to match the other four wheels and tires. Now please compare how many of those features are available on the Wrangler (hint: all of them are) with how many of those features are available on ANY other vehicles. We drove a base model ‘99 Wrangler (TJ) from ‘99 to when our daughter has some guy in a pickup make a left turn in front of her in the rain in 2008. Otherwise, I suppose we might still be driving it. The axle ratio was 4.10:1 and the transfer case ratio was less than 2:1 (3.73:1 I think). BTW, when our Wrangler collided with that truck, the Wrangler spun around about 360 degrees but it didn’t tip over. DISADVANTAGES Limited space behind the rear seat. (But the short wheelbase and short overall length translate into terrific maneuverability and off-pavement capability. Doesn’t corner like a go-cart. Not good for towing a horse. Not good for setting land speed records. Not as good as a womb substitute as, say, a Chrysler 300. Not available with beige upholstery on the base model. (Although our ‘99 was Chilipepper red with a tan top and tan upholstery and brown leather is or was available on the 2017 Rubicon.) Footnotes: (1) Less likely to malfunction and less difficult / less expensive to repair if they do malfunction. (2) Forged aluminum wheels would be an acceptable alternative but cast aluminum wheels won’t hold air if they crack--and they are far more likely to crack than steel or forged aluminum. When steel wheels bend, you can still hobble back to civilization.
Nice Jeep! I bought my first Jeep Wrangler 2 door JK sport brand new 2017 a month ago. I cannot stop driving it. I need serious help. lol... It is such a fun vehicle. I love love love it!
Thank you for a great video! Not in any particular order here is what I love about my Wrangler.
Value: Bought my JK and G37, both in 2013 as 2013 models. Both have 40,xxx miles now 4.5 years later. JK's trade-in-value now $8,000 below MSRP, while G37 trade-in-value dropped $27,000 below MSRP.
Sports Car Genetics: 50/50 weight distribution, rear wheel drive, engine's center of mass behind front axle. With proper shocks (stock are too soft) and tires (stock don't grip wet surface well) it drives like a sports car, although with a higher center of gravity.
4x4 System: One of the few remaining TRUE 4x4. Almost all SUVs now have viscosity based coupling to engage awd system. A lot of them are even front wheel drive. For crying out loud, new Cherokee is front wheel drive. You need to go truck route these days if you want to get 4x4 system as robust.
Longevity: Designed for the stress of off-road, if you don't abuse it and maintain it, it will last you a lifetime. If you don't want to buy another vehicle in your life ever again, this is the vehicle to get. Before they mess it up, which I am sure they will eventually.
History: It's an icon of values and sacrifice.
Modifiability: A lot of aftermarket parts are made for Wranglers. You can turn it into something really special and very unique.
Design: Many things come to mind, but I want to mention vertical windshield. During heavy rains it offers phenomenal visibility. Those sedans can pull over, or slow down to a crawl while you'll be plowing along.
Performance: Pentastar V6 is awesome. the 2012+ Wranglers ain't no dogs like they used to be before. In a police magazine I read an interview with a chief engineer who said the conservative estimate of the resource of this engine is 150,000 miles. I want to take mine to at least 250,000 miles.
Manual Transmission: This is the only vehicle in Chrysler lineup you can get
with manual transmission. The 6-speed it comes with is German and built
in Germany. It is used in light commercial vehicles. Very durable.
Future Outlook: If you were to buy Land Rover Defender in US now you would need to shell out in a $70,000 range. I think same will happen with current model Wranglers in 20 years from now. Except amount will be higher because of the inflation.
For anyone who has a death wobble after a lift I have two words for you, - CASTER ANGLE. Set it at 6 degrees or more (mine is set at 7 degrees). Get adjustable lower control arms for that.
David, Fantastic comment and all great information! Thank You for that.
Exactly.
I own a '13 JKU Rubi. I love it. It does what I want it to do and need it to do. I take exception with the "sports car" comment though. It does not drive like a sports car in any guise. That's just not the Wrangler's wheelhouse.
Jeep will empty ur pocket. every month u will look for modification after modification. kind of weed effect.
JEEP Just Empty Every Pocket (JEEP)
Me and my wife bought a Jeep in 1996 and I still drive it daily. Best vehicle we have ever owned. Asked many times to sell it " NO WAY " .... Really enjoy your videos!!
U must own a cherokee ;)
My only Jeep complaint is I CAN'T AFFORD ONE!
Sacapuntas me either .. 😩.. got my license and my dream car is this in white for me and my babies to drive in but let’s face it money speaks
Wait wut it's like 20 or 30k.
Ahahahah
I laughed so much when he said don't wave like you're in a parade 😂
Well done, our jeep is a stock 2007 X two door V6 automatic with 70,000 miles. Here is my two cents........ Make sure insurance covers Glass replacement, Flying highway rocks will crack your windshield sooner or later!! Put a lock on your spare tire weather it be a locking lug nut or small cable with a lock!! ( gone in 30 seconds) Ours was stolen in the front row of a Laughlin Nevada Casino parking lot. We are Arizona desert off-roaders mainly the Colorado River area, A stock jeep can go places and do things that will blow your mind!! From Arizona and Nevada Happy Trails Jeepers!! TY.
joel stein How funny, I'm an Arizonan looking to buy a Wrangler soon
Drooljr happy trails Drool......
I love working on my cars in my spare time so the modding a jeep seemed like something I would enjoy. I recently purchased my 2016 Sahara and installed a 3 1/2" lift and some 35" tires. I plan to do some camping and light off roading with my wife starting this spring. SO far I have learned that Jeeps are fun vehicles to own and drive. There is a liberating feeling about taking off the roof and doors and riding along with the wind blowing by you. It really gets you out into nature while driving. The fact you can customize it to your own tastes and the community that you spoke about make them a vehicle like no other. If you are after fuel mileage or creature comforts then you may want to look elsewhere, but it you want something different and fun to drive that may motivate you to get out and go the Jeep might be something you will love to drive.
For a non-Jeep owner, this was a fantastic video that helped me understand the vehicle and community. Thanks much!!
glad it was helpful
You either LOVE them or you think they are the most ridiculous vehicles made. I LOVE mine!, but they are not for everyone. Rent one for a weekend and drive it around. The 2 doors have no space at all but who cares. If you want space, buy a minivan. If you want good gas mileage, buy a Prius. If you want fun, buy a Jeep. Cheers.
Well Said, you either love them or hate them. I love them.
Amen.
Great video David! I 'm 70 years old. I was a luxury car owner all my life and I've had at least 8 cars so far. Then I had an accident and my car was a total loss. I was offered a Jeep by the repair shop. "Never," I said. But that's what they had, a freakin Jeep!!!
So I took it. Had it for 4 days only and I decided to go off roading. Well, let me tell you. We had the time of our life. Guess what? I purchased a Jeep Cherokee 2015, Trailhawk. Fully loaded. Remember that I like the luxury. That Jeep Cherokee had all the bells and whistles you can imagine. I loved it but every time I took it for service I was looking at the Jeep Wrangler, 4 doors and I knew that this is the one I really wanted (the same I had accepted from the repair shop).
So 6 months ago when I went for service again, I made the move and I traded my beloved 2015 Cherokee for the 2017 Wrangler. To be very honest, after the Cherokee, the ride was disappointing, I missed the bells and whistles, the leather seats, the comfort, the look, the handling, etc etc. But then I took that beast off roading and it was magic. I forgot all about the Cherokee and its fancy accessories and never looked back. I hit myself for not buying a Jeep when I was 30 years old but hey it's never too late right? Better late than never.
I'm building a house in the Philippines where I plan to retire as soon as it is finished and guess what my car there will be? You guessed it. A Jeep Wrangler but this time I'm going for the Rubicon.
Like someone said below, rent one for a weekend, go Offroading and decide if it's for you or not. Like me, you might wonder why you did not get one earlier.
Oh, and I forgot to mention that I never ever had so many compliments on any cars I owned. EVERYWHERE I go. Gas stations, supermarket, stop signs, etc. People actually come to me to ask about my Jeep and congratulate me. If I was 30 years old, I would never buy any other car than a Jeep. It's everything you want and more...........................ok I already can read your comments. What about speed, comfort, price and all that stuff? It's all behind me. I am a Jeep fan FOREVER. Go see our videos on UA-cam. Search for Francis Decoran and check all our videos with our Jeep Cherokee 2015 and our brand new Wrangler. You will understand. Till then, happy Jeeping and keep waving folks.
Guy Beaulieu on June, 5 im turning 30 and my goal is to have a Jeep Wrangler Rubicon... like you said, never is to late to have and dream abou a Jeep.. greeting to you.
I owned a 1976 Jeep CJ7, and you are sooooo right about the "jeep community". When I lived in LaPorte, IN, my buddy and I were headed to the lake with a canoe strapped to the top of my jeep, ragtop down & off. We were headed down IN2, Lincolnway Ave, and a wedding reception was heading the opposite direction, and the lead vehicle, with bride and groom, were in their own sparkling new jeep (1982) and wouldn’t stop honking until we finally waved back.
Our 2014 JKU Sahara in stock trim has been a gem. It's my wife's first Jeep, my second. Two of our teenage daughters learned to drive in this rig. They all know how a differential works and a transfer case. They understand what happening and respect it. We live on the east coast of Canada in the country and the confidence and sure-footedness of the Wrangler offers a lot of safety and mobility. The storage is fantastic, trips to Costco are a breeze. We're also near the beach and national park so it's a real treat to remove the top and doors for an adventure that would normally just be a drive. Jeep 4x4 for life! Did I mention the resale value? We're eyeing up the 2018 JL ;)
Just upgraded my 98 TJ to a 2015 Sahara JK. I love this thing!!
My Jeep Wrangler Sport 2014 has brought back my love for driving. Period.
It is what it is! I had 3 jeeps so far and a good thing about owning a jeep is that it never let's you down! In my case, I've never towed a jeep. I still love jeep.
We are first time Jeep owners and we love it!! It’s a 2016 Willy’s two doors. We don’t care about fuel mileage and it’s not a race car. So no burnouts at red lights. We got it for the weekend cruising and with unlimited options you can change it anyway you want. The resale value is outstanding, can’t complain about it in anyway hasn’t given any issues. Thanks for your videos.
pros- rugged, over-built, simple, customizable, sexy...everyone loves a jeep. i even got my rubicon with manual windows, the basic stereo, and a soft top because i prefer simple, rugged, reliable.
cons- clunky ride, loud on the hwy, pricey, low gas mileage. that being said the last 2 are it's pricey because it's mechanically over-built and strong and, like you said, gas mileage savings are miniscule over time. 10-15mpg and the rugged nature will easily be offset by it's longevity and it's simplicity. minimal computer sensor and dealership-only repairs with a jeep! not to mention it's got the best resale value on the road so stick that in your gas tank. google used jeeps and see where you make up for the gas mileage.
that being said comparing a jeep to most other cars is apples to oranges. it's made for off-road, it's made to go out camping, it's made to last. buy one, take care of it, go on adventures in it, retire it to a trail rider. don't bitch because it's louder than your impala
DWings lmfaoo thanks hun
Two things you need to do. Stop by your local dealership where you bought your jeep and let go in the service entrance and sweet talk the service manager for a minute. Have Her or Him bring out the calibration tool and hook it into your Jeep to set to your new tire size. Walla!!! No more speedometer problem. Next Find a good transmission shop near you that works on Jeeps and have them change your front and rear axle gears to match your new tire size as well as install better axles that will handle more torque from acceleration and braking with larger tires. You will need to provide them with the tire size your Jeep came with from the factory so they can make the correct calculations. You can find that in your owners manual or online. Once they finish that remind them to recalibrate your speedometer for you. They have the same tool, unless you went to Sanford and Son's Garage.
I know when you price it out 4 axles and 2 new gears plus labor is going to be over 2 k. Well that is the right way to do it. You will go back to getting 20 mpg and never having to worry about snapping an axle or grinding down metal in any part of your drive train. Your clutch will last a lot longer as will your transfer case and transmission. Perhaps you will never have the embarrassment of one of you're U-Joints failing sending your drive shaft into oncoming traffic.
To me owning my Jeep is more of a Relationship between man and Machine. I better make sure if I put something on it I am not hurting it somewhere else.
I've got a 2008 4 door Rubicon with a 6 speed manual transmission, and I love it as much or more as when it was new. It has 116,000 miles on it and runs like new. What I love about it most is that it can be configured so many ways, so it is never boring. In the summer, I run the soft top with no doors, or soft doors when it rains. In the winter, hard top with full doors, power windows, etc. The best part is that this thing can do some serious off-roading, but also is fun to drive in the city, in the country, or on twisty roads. It also has a great stereo. I'll keep running this thing for many years to come.
My 2016 jk is the first time ever that i enjoyed my car payment. I love driving it!
We own three Jeeps, two 03 TJ's and one 88 YJ. We live in central Minnesota and love our Jeeps. If you need to get to work after a 10 inch snowstorm, this is a great vehicle. In fact, I wake up in the morning and hope the snow is actually deeper than they predicted so I can "lock in" the 4 wheel drive and drive all the way to work with a smile on my face. Any Jeep owner will tell you there is nothing better than pulling up on the 4 wheel drive and feeling that baby grip the road. Its like a cat extending its claws. They aren't speedy and not the most comfortable especially on the roads in Minnesota when the frost has made every bump a small mountain but damn they are fun to drive!
To anybody thinking about purchasing a jeep, I would highly recommend it. I got my JKU last year and it has been one of the best purchases I have ever made. They are a high quality vehicle and my favorite part about them is the jeep community and the fact that they are so customizable. Would highly recommend!! Great video man!
I've had my 2008 Wrangler 2 door soft top with 6 speed manual for 5 years. I have had no major problems, but there are plenty of quirks that would turn a lot of people off. Highway noise, it leaks like a sieve in strong thunderstorms, the blinker doesn't always turn off if you are just pushing up to change lanes without clicking it in. That being said, next to my old Bronco, my jeep is the funnest car I have owned. I love riding around with the top down. It is fun, it has plenty of power, you are never going to get stuck. I will probably keep it forever.
just buy a jeep if you have been on the fence about getting one. They are amazing in every way. They are not just a vehicle but a way of life and it will open up a whole new world to you. I bout mine about 2 months ago and I love it. The way makes my day every day!!!!! Never gets old at all.
I have a 2015 Jeep Wrangler Sport 2-door that i absolutely love. It gets 21 mpg and the Pentastar engine has plenty of power. The speakers for the stereo could be better but that is easily remedied with aftermarket equipment. I like the solid feel and firm ride. It is a little jarring for rear seat passengers but oh well. I like how modular everything is. It makes DIY repairs and upgrades easy. I can't imagine wanting to drive anything else on a daily basis.
My JKUR is a 2014 with 3.5" Rock Krawler lift and 35" Nitto's. It's the most capable off road vehicle that you can buy from the factory and it's really easy to customize to make it even more capable and personalized. It's fun to take the top and doors off in the summer and cruise around with the family. I think it's great as a daily driver also, however, it's probably not the best choice if you're commuting long distances. Wranglers are built to go off road so if you buy one, use it in the dirt sometimes too!
Ya, the Jeep wave is only for the Jeep Wrangler. So don't buy a Cherokee, Liberty or Patriot and wave, it don't work. Lol. I have a 2010 Saraha Unlimited with leather. My next one will probably have fabric. I think it will be more comfortable ride. My favorite is fall with the top off driving through the mountains, going camping (I can sleep in the back) and winter after a snow storm. I dive in the mountains where no one else can go. Oh, it's my everyday driver and I have 125,000 miles on mine.
Nice, Where you from?
I live at the foothills of East TN. Maryville. I was raised on the beach of Ft Lauderdale. Sharp contrast.
Its scary how much you look like my roommate in college. That what made me watch this channel.
I have a '96 XJ and I was like what is he talking about and then I realized it must be a Wrangler thing. Still love the XJ though. If you look at the measurements they're almost the same size as the 4 door wranglers and have probably 90% of the trail capability but definitely don't have the cool factor of the Wrangler. That's okay though. I literally spent about 10% of what he spent for his so I can deal with not having the cool factor. On a side note, I'm from the tri-city area and actually bought my XJ off a guy in Maryville. Small world.
1996 Jeep Cherokee, only has 82,500 miles on it, rebuilt transmission and a lift kit with nice multi purpose tires on it, smooth ride and I love it
I purchased a 4 door Jeep, and loved it for about 6 months, then I discovered, that there was no insulation in the cab, the suspension system is designed for off road capers, that I don't do. The noise level, "I thought," I could get used too, and adjust too, but it wore me down. So I traded the Wrangler in, for a Jeep Cherokee, for a more comfortable ride etc. No regrets. Ms
I've had several Jeeps and liked them all. My current love is a '90 XJ and I can't foresee selling it unless I suddenly find the $ to get a Rubicon. I've driven 3 JKUR on and off road and love them. The seat/steering wheel/pedal arrangement fits me nicely and I like the tight feel of the cockpit where the dash and everything is close. I've driven plenty of vehicles off road and jeeps have always done extremely well, from my old soccer mom car XJ to the latest JKUR they just work.
This video did a great job giving me an overview of the Wrangler. I plan to buy one really soon, and this video really got me more excited to get one.
This video was done very well and the comments were on point. I have a 2014 Jeep Wrangler Sport. I bought it completely stock and have done many mods to it since then. My complaints are probably the typical ones that most Jeep owners have with regard to lack of power at times, tracking while you're driving down the highway, leaking soft top which are not uncommon and also the gas mileage just sucks for a 6 cylinder. Still love my Jeep more than any other vehicle I've owned. The only thing I loved as much was my first car which was a 1970 Dodge Charger. That was a different kind of love. Stay safe on the trail fellow jeepers
Personaly, I like the looks, durability, roughness and off road capabilities, Jeep looks only like a Jeep and yes the ride can be rough but at least you feel the road and that's what I'm looking for in a vehicle. Freedom and you know that you can go anywhere (almost) sitting in a Jeep! Cheers from Marc, Quebec Canada.
Freedom!
For those who have the Patriot Jeep 4X4 , I bought my 2012 jeep in Feb. 2013 thus far now in 2018 I only have done my complete breaks all around, just replaced my battery, & they usually have to be replaced around 3 to 5 yrs. Mine did 6 yrs. so I am ok with that. I do my oil & filter every 5000 KLMS.I do my Transmission & filter every 80000 KLMS. Change my cabbin filter once per yr.I also put on a new set of tread (tires) Will do my flush and refill antifreeze this yr. 2018 plus I will change up my thermostats also. I have a uconnect radio. AM, FM, Satellite ,which the tuner went in radio and I replaced it.Outside of the radio all would be classified as PM ( preventative mait.) And oh yes I replaced my spark plugs every 60000 KLMS. My slogan is what I put into my vehicle I get out of it. I am a PM freak & it works. Always use Dealer parts piece of mind in case of any failures o cure then its on Dealers shoulders. Hope this helps out. PS: I am a mechanic and do my own servicing on my vehicles)
We have 2 SUV's and my 2015 Wrangler JKU with the Sahara Package and we take the Jeep on road trips I think it is more comfortable. I love all the window when around town and in parking lots and you can see around you with little to no blind spots just remember the front bumper sticks out. I got mine so I can get to remote places to take photos and I had wanted one before I was old enough to drive. I Love it and to my surprise my Mother Loves it.
2004 Wrangler TJ. Love the ability of "transforming" it. (Doors/no doors, roof off) and being able to pretty much go anywhere.
I have 2017 jeep wrangler. Love it. I did put hot head headliner really nice. 31/2 lift. Still ride good, 35 tires drive it every day.
Got a '14 Sahara for my wife. We live in northern New Mexico amongst the Rocky Mountains so it is a Godsend in the winter. We don't have a slew of paved roads living in the countryside so this Jeep is our tool. Only problem is my wife loves it so much she doesn't let me drive it much. She thinks I'll wheel it and beat it up. Great looking vehicle.
I have owned nothing but a jeep since 1989. I now drive a 2015 Wrangler unlimited tank green 6 speed manual. Now I am jealous I just love the lift you have on that Girl. Thank you Great video! Subbed.
Bought a 2011 Wrangler brand new years back. We loved everything about it except #1 it used a lot of oil. Was adding a quart a month, sometimes more. The dealer where we bought it gave free oil changes for a year up to 4. I was bringing it to them to top off since they were on the way home from work. After 8 months they said I used all my changes !! And they also said the oil consumption was normal ? Figuring maybe it had something to do with break in I lived with it. At least until a friend said to do some searching online because he saw it seemed to be a issue with some of the V 6's. He was right. #2, for 3 months when new it had electrical issues. Radio would quit working, sometimes dash cluster went out. Dealer was at a loss for a solution. They had it 2 days supposedly tracing the wiring harness. A few days after that the whole dash went out and power windows wouldn't work. Also smelled a burning smell. Decided to have it towed back to the dealer just in case. We decided to see how bad of a hit we'd take to trade it in. It was real bad. The dealer said it had to sit until a factory rep could come look at it. They wouldn't give us a loaner either. After 5 days it still wasn't looked at so we filed under PA's lemon law and had to go into Jeep's arbitration. After doing that all of a sudden their checking it out. The rep approved a new wiring harness and a computer specialist came to the garage to check that end. He changed the BCM and another module, can't think of the name of it. We got it back all shined up and everything working. Ran it until the warranty was out around 3 years and had no more issues other than using oil. As soon as the warranty was up we traded it on a 4 door Tacoma. I'd like to get a 4 door Wrangler but don't know at their price range if I want to take the risk with the poor gas mileage.
I upgraded from an '00 WJ to the '11JKU Rubicon. My wife wanted me to get the Sahara but I wanted the Rubicon. Of course a 2012 would have been better (more HP & better Xmsn) but mine works. The WJ had 196,000 on it and the engine was shot as well as everything else, but it was a learning experience. I've had the Rubi for almost 3 yrs and enjoy it very much. I added armor underneath everywhere but will armor the evap canister when I get around to it (lousy positioning). Concerns: older JKU models need improved oil cooling on auto X-msn so plan on the cost (
Love my 07 bought it new and after120000 mi i still love it not the most comfortable daily driver but you cant get it stuck with4x4 ive got an oil leak and roof leak after10 years other than a clutch and brakes and tires
I currently drive a 94' Jeep Grand Cherokee and have always loved the ruggedness of Jeeps, with the solid axles and simplistic design, that's why I'm currently searching for a slightly used 14' or 15' Wrangler Sahara and can't wait to take off those doors and top to do some cruising with my hound.
Towing 4 down behind Motorhome. The ride beats previous Honda CRV. The heaviness of it smooths out bumps better. Love the way it sits up high. Doesn't seem to handle side wind well. I absolutely love it though. Perfect for our back road excursions.
Exactly, Sounds perfect for you
Hi Mike, Steve Bradley here. I don't own a jeep but enjoyed watching the video as with all your videos. I 'm a Taxidermist here in Newnan Ga. And watch your videos while I work, I also have a Kubota L3301 I purchase a couple weeks ago. Like you I love cutting firewood and will be building a carry all box like yours. Keep the videos coming!!
Thanks Steve, I'm in for the long haul. Taxidermist huh? Very cool. In a few weeks I will do a video of my neighbors place. He has Hunted all over North America and Africa. He has to have at least 75 or 100 mounts
I had 2 yjs and now have a JK rubicon. Loved them all!
I bought the 2010 base model sport JK new. I really like the stripped version.... no A/C, no electric doors/windows, no heated seats, base audio package. I did splurge for the hard top and the side steps. The reason I liked the jeep so much is that is is one of the most basic vehicles one can buy. I plan to keep the jeep forever, and most of the used vehicle hassles come from the electrics/electronic addons which get very expensive to repair after the guarantee expires. The JK has a real frame, real axles, and a motor that even though totally computerized, one can still get to most of the parts for troubleshooting and maintenance. It is probably one of the last vehicles that home mechanics can still work on. A lot of off road guys hate the side steps because they tend to get removed in rough terrain. I like them because they provide a lot of body protection from road debris and from car doors at the mall. I like the 6 speed, but regret not getting the 3.73 axles, but that is also a fairly easy after market fix. With the 3.21 axles, 1st gear and reverse are definitely too tall even with the stock 16" steel wheels but because its a jeep, the low range is always available for crawling along rough trails. I did add cruise control (a $75 column lever and cable add) myself using mopar parts. I use it to pull and launch a 2000lb 17' aluminium boat... pulls like a dream and is like a tractor tug up and down the boat ramps.
Mods:
hardtop, side steps, cruise control, hitch, door rail protectors, slush mats, rear seat removed, VHF radio added
I totally agree, They are like the last vehicle out there that you can actually do a lot of the work yourself
I have a 2017 Sport Unlimited. I love what some don't like about it...I love that it's not a soft ride...that tells me it should be durable off road when needed.
I love the size, the stock one is likely the Max height I can climb in to with my handicap.
I like the options with roof and such. I like the fact of it's drive train designed for tough terrain, inclement weather, and it's adaptable to what YOU WANT! I like the fact it's made in America...and I like the fact I can replace everything on it if needed...or upgrade when I want.
I like the fact that this vehicle can be my last vehicle I ever have to buy. I know new parts for this will always be available.
The only draw back was price...but they DO hold value!
I Love my 2013 unlimited Rubicon "JKUR" it has a 6 speed manual. I love the Dana 44's with the 4:10 gears in 4 low the ratio is 73 to1 crawl ratio.I love the front and rear lockers and swaybar disconnects. I love the customizability of the jeep. Buyer beware JEEP stands for "Just Empty Every Pocket" if you get the bug, it could get costly. It is my daily driver and I love to drive it ,even in traffic (with the manual gearbox). For a long trip however, and to not put a bunch of miles on my jeep, I have a car that is pretty comfy on the highway. Off-road my jeep is reliable and gets me in and out of anything and anywhere I choose to take it. I caution you that it is very easy to bite off more than you can chew and you can get in trouble very easily as the JK is more capable than the average driver. The JEEP community is awesome. I have yet to come across a Jeeper that is a jerk. My jeep can be a completely enclosed vehicle or a convertible with the top and all the doors off. Whether its stock or not, people will stare with the " I wish I had one of those" look. There are lots of You Tube videos on the Jeep, they are a great source of entertainment and very informative. If you are considering getting one, good luck in your discernment. I had My wife several times take the wheel of my Jeep when we were off road and she caught the bug, so much so that we bought her a 2016 JKUR hard rock edition and she loves it. Joining a Jeep club is fun and exposes you to many other Jeepers in your community. They often have club sponsored runs in which you can gain knowledge, and wheel time around more experienced drivers. Not to mention you can always pick their brains. Hope this helps
I have a 2013 Sahara, stock. I love driving it. I use it on road trips and consistently get 20 mpg. I consider the seats to be very comfortable. I prefer driving it to my wife's Mercedes C300. The cockpit is roomier and I like being up high. My Jeep only has 25K on it. I am retired and don't drive it that much. I do take it off road.
Nice! Where you from Richard?
Outdoors With The Morgans I am from Tubac, AZ
Take it to Moab it will best experience ever. Do some research about Trails before hand I have a 2005 LJ. Upper rim is 90 miles and can be done with any 4x4. Hells revenge if you want something more intense, can be done 33" no lockers needed. Highly recommend havent been able to 4x4 in years but still DD. I get 12-14 mpg but love it anyways. Stock jeep are very capable but 33 open up alot of trails.
Really only major thing to go wrong is fuel pump last month and the stupid mult switch for fogs just pulled the fuse. Had it fixed at dealership and go bad again after couple years. Otherwise for 12 years been a good vechicle. Doors off are best, still get shade from top when it a little warm and breeze to cool the boys if you stick your leg out.
Thanks Dave.
we have owned over 10 jeeps in the past 30 years, starting out with an old willies military jeep, yj, cj's wagoneers, now to cherokees, im currently building a 90 4x4 cherokee, i did the 4 inch lift, 31x10.50s, safari rack, home made water storage tanks, water pump, on-board air compressor that needs installed, solar panels etc, i also plan to gut the interior and design a more practical interior as i just use this for beach fishing/camping, the daily is a 99 cherokee sport and the wifes is a 98 grand cherokee larado. love them jeeps.
oh yea, i almost forgot, great review, you about covered anything i wanted to know about your jeep.
Thanks for the review. I own a 2007 JKU that I purchased in 2001 used . I did buy a kit from Kevins offroad in Az to fix the death wobble issue. I had another issue with the clockspring but that was fixed under warenty. Other than those two issues the only other real issues have been normal wear and tare . When I bought my jeep it had 73,000 miles and had one owner. I use mine as a daily driver , long trips out to New Mexico to visit family hawling fire wood on a twelve foot trailer and offroading. I do all my own maint. and my jeep now sports 242,000 miles. It burns a very small amount of oil about a half quart between oil changes. I dont mind the ride and I like it even better since I added a 2.5" teraflex lift kit on it and new shocks. Tires and wheels are next. I built my own rear bumper complete with tire carrier. I will be building the front one next so I can add a winch. By the way I live on a dirt road between two creeks. Everytime we get heavy rains the road washes out with three foot ruts. When the ice and snow comes I have crawled out of the bottom and got back home safely . I put it in four low and take it slow. I love my jeep even though alot of people tell me its a money pit when there putting a new engine or transmission in their vehicle after 100,000 miles. Mine is all original. Any vehicle can be a money pit if you dont take care of it and some will be no matter what you do. I have only recently rebuilt the whole front end on my jeep. I also need to replace the heater/ ac box under the dash . Like i said thats a small price to pay for 242,000 miles in my opinion. Two more things my kids love my jeep the most when the doors and top are off . The wife hates my jeep except when the weather turns bad. Sorry for rambling on for so long.
I'm 20 yrs old, student from philippines and I love jeep wrangler since i was 18 jeep wrangler is my really dream car. i already have license but no car. i just walking 1hour to go school cause we don't have car hopefully dream come true i will own Jeep Wrangler :)
The extras you added to your Jeep Looks Good! 👊
M y first jeep was a 1960 CJ5 w a chev 327 then a1962 Willies utility wagon also a 327 then a1999 Cherokee Best all around Vehicle ever had . I like Wagons ! I have been ride along in a JK I like it. Now that Children are Grown I have a 2005 Rubicon LJ I love it.
I💙my Jeep's! Dependable, Reliability, Safety and no matter the weather, I'm traveling!😎👊💙
I have had a 2009 jku that I bought new and has had a 3.5 inch lift and 35s on it most of its life. I have not had any problems besides some general maintenance. I love the amount of space you get with the 4 doors I can take 4 buddies and all our gear for a weekend camping trip! Also the simplicity is a big plus easy to do your on maintenance and take it apart. Personally I like the sloppy handling it only adds to the character and reminds you of your strong solid axels and big rubber underneath ya. Most of all I like the off road performance and the ability to take the doors and the roof off. The cons would be the weak cv driveshafts and weak inner cs on the front axels. Also a v8 gas or diesel option would be much better. Don't by a Jk with a 3.21 axel ratio listen to this guy!
Nice video, very candid. I think you made this video because you love your Jeep and you touched on the sense of community between Jeep owners. Thank you for your time.
Bought my JKU about a month ago after wanting one for soooo long. The Wrangler works for me because I spend almost all of my leisure time in the mountains and desert seeking and exploring remote tracks and locations to recreate. I have little need to use my Jeep as a daily driver because I have a 2nd vehicle for the “junk miles”; short trips to work, grocery and other random errands.
What I like about my Jeep is the ride height over traffic, and strangely, a sense of confidence and self-empowerment I feel while driving it. That might be a girl thing.
Of course, I also love all the Jeep-specific features like the removable doors and tops and the merging with the strong history of this particular vehicle. Also, for what I needed in a vehicle, now and in the future, the Jeep Wrangler is the only vehicle in the US market that met my criteria. Just say no to CV axles and yes to a vehicle that is off-road ready right off the lot. They own this nitch. The Wrangler is also one of the easiest vehicles to clean of Utah moon dust. Man, did I ever get tired of trying to clean that Utah fairy dirt out of unremoveable carpeting and crevices in the dash and between seats and console. Did I mention aftermarket parts, mods and upgrades? How many vehicles have access to that? Jeep Wranglers are LEGO sets on wheels. How FUN is that? I will probably leave mine stock or perhaps only a minor tire upsize as the vehicle meets my needs as is.
When the day comes that I only have one vehicle I wanted to be sure that my only vehicle had the off-road capability for my adventures as well as reliable and capable transportation for daily driving. I do live in the Colorado mountains.
BTW, the 2nd vehicle that the Jeep is stepping in for is a 1999 Suzuki Grand Vitara with 345K plus miles with a 2 1/2” suspension lift. That was what I could afford when I moved to the Colorado mountains from the southeastern US. That vehicle drove me over most every trail in the Alpine Triangle and to the remotest and gnarliest trailheads to climb the Colorado 14ers and thousands of highway miles on long road trips; very reliably I might add. I still love it but it is now in semi-retirement as a “valley car” while the Jeep takes over the tougher work. If my Jeep can match the memories, mileage and adventures of the Suzuki, I will be most satisfied.
Love my old WJ, 2004 European version with the 2.7 diesel Mercedes common rail engine. This thing pulls my 5000 pound boat and trailer in the spring with the brakes rusted shut :D
Been driving a Wrangler as a daily driver pretty much continuously since they came out in 1987, and have no desire to change. Yes, they don't ride like a Buick and don't get mileage like a Prius, but you sit up so you can see thru traffic, they are a breeze to park, easy to find in a lot, rugged, my favorite ride in the rain or inclement weather (not much of that in SoCal) and all around FUN. i have always had a manual, and have personalized them too. I'm still driving a TJ because I'm retired now so the mileage isn't building up, and it's basically bullet-proof. I change the oil, put on new tires and brakes and other regularly worn out stuff, but it just keeps going. For a little more punch I spent money with Gale Banks and added a cold air intake & cat-back exhaust, both worth while additions to a 4.0. What can I say, I'm enjoying the h*#+ out of it. Oh yeah, if you get tired of the door not staying open, pick up a pair of these: www.quadratec.com/products/13029_301X_PG.htm?gclid=CjwKCAjwxZnYBRAVEiwANMTRX_-8HVU5bThbmuyxinnYv-jwJTWwN5mDs1JEqwCnzMh3IXXl4MnQ2xoCD4EQAvD_BwE . They work great and are easy to defeat when the doors come off. Just a bit noisy is all. Happy Jeepin'.
I bought mine because I wanted a convertible and didn't want to sacrifice storage and didn't want to get stuck in the snow. So far the Jeep has been a solid investment. It's a 2 door sport and the only options I got were a hard top, air conditioning, and 3.73 gear ratio. I also purchased a Lifetime bumper to bumper warranty for it and it all cost about 30,000 out of the door. I've had it for a 2 months now so here are the pros and cons:
Pros:
- Easily go from hard top to convertible with the removal of the front hard top panels. They can be taken off and put back on in minutes.
- Huge aftermarket parts selection. I found some soft doors, mirrors, and soft top setups that are really easy to remove and install for summer driving. Lightweight and easy to store in the back.
- Lots of storage. You can fold the back seats and have room for most anything. If you remove the back seats then there is enough room to throw a few mountain bikes in with very minimal fitting.
- Powerful engine. It gets out of its way very quickly. I'm new to driving stick and I feel like it's almost has too much torque coming into 1st gear but as I gain experience it's really nice.
Cons:
- Fuel economy. I get an average 20 mpg in it. Coming from a car that gets 35 mpg makes that a big difference and a nice dent in my weekly budget but I knew what I was getting into when I bought it.
- Reliability. I had problems with the car popping out of reverse and making this horrendous grinding noise when it happens. I had to take it in a few days after I bought it and it took a week to fix. The silver lining is that the repair was free, they gave me a free rental, and made my first car payment for me which was very nice.
- Rust. The aftermarket soft doors are not completely waterproof and I had to use the drain plugs a few times already when puddles formed on the floor of my driver and passenger side of the jeep. Today I noticed some surface rust forming on the frame below the drain plugs. I'll have to figure out a way to remedy that. You won't have this issue if you're not a nut job like me and use the real factory doors though lol.
Conclusion:
- This is the only ride for me. I can't wait to mod it and take it off road. Nothing like driving with the roof and doors off on a hot sunny day. I used to speed on the freeway but the wrangler is just as fun obeying the rules of the road. Not a dull moment in this thing.
Great Comment, Thank You
My first Jeep was a new 1977 CJ5 with a soft top (didn't even come with a rear seat). Drove it back and forth from PA to Louisiana, and from La to the mountains of New Mex and Colo. I've never minded the "stiff" ride. Had big Gumbo Mudder tires on it too. .. lolzzzz The CJ7 I owned next was a 1980 (took it to the UK for 4 years ... 82-86). Next I bought a 86' Cherokee Chief which I really liked as well. Also got a 86' Wrangler the same year. Went to the dealership to get one of the last CJ7s and drove off with the first year 86' Wrangler ..... could not believe the difference in the stability between the CJ7 and the Wrangler .... like night and day. All my Jeeps have been manual transmissions .... I like to actually drive my vehicles. My current Jeep is a 96 Cherokee Sport which I got used (approx. 36,000 miles on it) in 1999. I have about 200K on it and hope to drive it for at least another year (runs very well) .... could smoke the tires off of it if I wanted to ~8^) To be honest, this 96' Sport has just about everything on it that I need. It only has an AM/FM radio, which I would change but never have. I'd put a better roofrack on it .... the one that it came with is pathetic on a good day. My 86 Cherokee Chief had a much better rack. I'd also put a tow hitch on it for hauling deer ..... I'm getting too old to be stuffing my deer into the back of the Cherokee ~8^) which I've done since 1999! Yep .... I'm down to a 23+ year old Jeep Cherokee Sport and wishing I could get a new one just like it .... same year, but with the mods I've mentioned. Make no bones about it .... I like my Jeeps to be as bare bones as I can get away with. Take care and enjoy your Jeep ... they are fun.
i have a 2016 2dr rubicon with the 4.10 transfer case because I'm planning on a similar lift/tire combo. my reasons for getting a jeep was it's one of the few vehicles made today that are rugged, simple, and unique. i would rather get an over-built rig that i can work on myself than mess with sensors and computer issues until it dies an early death because it was built to be leased and thrown away like most cars today.
My wife & I looked at the Rubicon, We drive mostly on the road here in Wyoming. We wanted a more comfortable ride, so we bought a 2017 Cherokee Trail Hawk!
Any tire shop should be able to recalibrate your speedo and odometer to accommodate for the bigger tires. Probably a good idea to fix that so you can closely monitor your proper milage, fuel consumption, etc.
Own a 1955 Willys Jeep. Love it!
I'm 46, female , single mom with my child now grown & out on his own....definitely not your typical Wrangler owner, & I just bought my 1st Wrangler Sport 2 door 9 days ago. I Love It! Only mod I could afford right now is I put Rubicon rims & 33" BFGoodrich Baja mud tires on.
My son went riding with me & I went up the side of a Mtn that Overlooks Bingham Copper mine in UT. Steep plus sand and rock. Never driven off road before & was a bit scared...but the Jeep performed amazingly. Plan on honing my skills & going to EJS 2018.
If you want a soft ride & pampering DONT get a Wrangler. If you want fun, like challenges, want to develop new skills & want to feel like a million bucks then BUY a Wrangler!
You are in Jeep Country for Sure!, Moab can't be far from you either
Outdoors With The Morgans Moab is 4 hrs away, and that makes me so happy. lol. I'm going to Southern UT next weekend to try out some trails.
I love the turn radius
Just enough essential parts. Don't have a Jeep but always liked them.
The hill assist is must have when trail riding. 4% grade on gravel? Yeah, you'll love it!
Hey thanks for all the Jeep info. It really helps a lot. You’ve answered pretty much al of our questions. 👍👍👍❤️
Hi from Quebec,Canada,,To start off nice video you make.I used to own a '12 JKU last year I wanted the diesel version but when Jeep announced it wasent going to produce one I said well I wasent getting another jeep for now so got a Ford Explorer cant say I regret it, driving is 100 times better lot smoother ,the thing I miss most is of course the style and the rough edges on it,,the looks.Also driving during winter my jeep had the lift and 35's etc, man that was like driving a tank 30 inches of snow and I was in heaven pulling out poeple stuck in their F-350's but now that Jeep is returning with the Wrangler new design and the diesel version my lease is due in 2019 for sure ill be looking into a Rubi diesel auto..since no stick will be available.And on the subject of reliability, well all the stats and the comments and the vlogs,, in my case i drove my JKU 100k miles and other then a U-joint I had to change because of a sidewalk incident, nothing was changed or fixed on it, that thing was a tank,when i bought mine i paid 38G$ and yet Ford dealer bought it for 31G$ for 4 1/2 yrs I drove my jeep did 100K miles and it cost me 7G$,,its a joke.My ford is well over 65G$ and when I bring it back it will be worth less then 30G$luckily its a lease..
I have an 03 TJ on 35's. It gets 9 mpg (even after I rebuilt the 4.0), drives like a brick, can't haul anymore than a coke can, and nickel and dimes me to death. I love it :)
I'm on my third Jeep, got the first one in 2006. Yes the ride and gas mileage sucks, but what other vehicle can you take off road and climb over rocks, take the top, doors and fold the windshield down? I also have a F250 diesel and love the Jeep more every day. In the winter I put the hard top on and the spring out comes the Sunrider soft top. Keep this in mind before buying a Jeep if you have to tow anything, don't. Unless you are going to the local garden center to pick up 500 to 1000 pounds of bark or whatever do not tow more than that with a Jeep. With the short wheel base it will flip over and you will be upside down in the ditch. Pulled many out when I drove tow trucks.
I have jeep grand Cherokee summit I love it. I actually want the srt because its more my speed. I'm young guy and a sporty luxury truck it's more my style. The summit is really luxury so that's when your, in your 50s and 60s. Jus a smoother ride. So for those looking for a smoother ride the Jeep Cherokee summit is what their looking for. Trust me I know i have one. I really haven't had any problems from the Jeep. It's really great on gas, seats are comfortable. I drove to the Carolinas from MD on one tank of gas. So the gas mileage are very good, I usually put mid-grade or high-grade in it. Only thing that has given me a issue is sometimes the screen stick but not often though. But I love it and I don't think I'm goin back to a car anytime soon.
I have an AEV Rubicon 2013 , It had the 3.6 engine in it . At 1,600 mile the cylinder head needed replacement . After about 8 months at the Dealership. I got it back. Then the engine lower end went out. So I called AEV they took care of the problem. Now I have a 6.2 . Gas mileage is about the same . An I can tow with no problem . With the 3.6 it had a hard time pulling a 6 by10 in close trailer at 55 mph . Up a hill. Over all I love my jeep. Now I have 60,000 on it .had no problem with the 6.2 . I do work at a dealership as a technician. An see many right side cylinder head problem with the 3.6 engine .
You can disable hill start assist...it's an EVIC menu item, or you you can search for a how-to video if you do not have the EVIC.
We have a 2012 jeep liberty. Not in the same class as wranglers but it does good in 4×4. We like the ride. It has a sky slider roof which opens up for summer days. It is noisy at higher speeds. The foot room is narrow up front. It has the 3.7 which is dependable. You don't get the jeep wave which is by and large reserved for traditional jeeps. We do like it overall and it is more affordable.
I owned a Jeep Wrangler X and you covered the positives well; community, customization, etc. The biggest drawbacks for me were the wind noise ( never did get a hard top) and most of all the small Towing Capacity, (only 2,000lbs!). This is due to the short wheelbase on the X model, I think the Rubicon have a longer base and tows up to 3,500, still short of standard SUVs like the Explorer.
Best advice I could give before putting in a lift is to look online for your closest dealership that carries AEV products or if you're VERY mechanically inclined, order AEV products online & do it yourself. Wish we would've known this in advance of our purchase, because my husband & I would've sought out an AEV Jeep dealership to purchase our JKU Sahara from...most of the modifications you'd like to make, right after learning more about Jeeps, are already installed. After we had our AEV lift & suspension put in, our Sahara drives better than it did stock. The ride is much more comfortable & looks better to boot. I also highly recommend seeking out your closest Jeep club to meet up with other like-minded Jeep owners. Not only will you get discounts from local garages, you'll also find they have plenty of family-friendly weekend trips to make life-long memories from. We also didn't know about the Jeep wave, but now I'm so used to doing it, that I find myself accidentally waving to Jeeps when I'm driving my car. lol Thanks for the great video!
My husband just informed me we got the AEV 2.5" suspension lift (3" in front & 2.5" lift in the back, because of the weight of the motor) w/ blistein shocks. Plus, the AEV bracketing that works like a dampener to keep the front end from wobbling, along with 34 10/50 tires so we didn't have to worry about the added expense of re-gearing...it drives better than it did stock. There's no roll & the acceleration & breaking is just as good as new. He would like to go to the 35 12/50, but he's afraid our current lift wouldn't be big enough to accommodate the tire size. So, what I take as our biggest cost learning curve: go ahead & go with the 3.5" AEV suspension lift, purchase the 35 12/50 tires, & pay for the correct re-gearing the first time around. We live in the mountains near an official Jeep trail, so our next purchases will be the steel tube rocker rails & a front bumper w/wench.
My daughter has one. It's so easy to work on that she changes her own oil. The oil filter is near the top of the engine and easy to get to. You don't need to jack the Jeep to remove the oil plug. It takes her about 15 to 20 minutes to change her oil.
Very cool
We have 2, one with LED's. The issue we have had with the LED is that they freeze up in winter when it sleets. other than that I love 'em
👏🏼👏🏼 Ty for Sharing ur Personal Experience of Owning a Jeep 👍🏼😁
I'm a big Harley-Davidson and Jeep guy. I think I like them because they are easily highly personalized and stand out in a crowd. They are well built and hold their value. But I think it's mostly simply because they are COOL!!!😎
PS they're about as American as you can get.🇺🇸
Had a 2014 Black JKU. 2 inch Mopar lift and 33's. Loved it! Great off road and tight turning radius compared to a pick up. Always had fun with it during the three plus years I drove it. Unfortunately after purchasing a new home with 10 acres of woods I needed a pick up for better hauling/towing. So I traded it for a 2017 F150. Plus my wife didn't like my Jeep all that much so the truck actually was a better life style fit for now. Jeeps still turn my head every time I see one.
I love my Jeep not going to lie. can't think of a damn thing I don't like about it. I mean it rides like hell, but I knew what I was getting into
Exactly!
That's why u should look at a land rover as it is more capable easier to fix and cheaper, where could u go wrong😂
About the speed difference you mentioned. You could fix that with a Superchips pack.
I use a GPS phone app called HUD display to check my actual speed and it works great and its free!
I have a 2007 Jeep Wrangler Sport. The best thing about owning a jeep is how much attention you draw and everyone loves a jeep, many people will ask you for fun rides. Also another pro about having a jeep are the mods. Wranglers are one of the few cars that have so many mods you can add to it to make it your own. But there are a few cons one being as he said the gas mileage isn't to good and the one thing i hate about owning a jeep are the amount of bugs that crash into you're windshield (especially at night). Over all I'm very happy with my jeep and wouldn't trade it for anything!
Sarah, the bugs! You are correct there lol
Built out a 2013 Sahara starting a couple of years ago, now in the market to buy the Wife one..! Very versatile rigs with a clear popularity that keeps the value in 'em. Saw my first JLU Sport a few days ago and have to say I'm far less impressed than I thought I would be. Biggest complaint are the chunky tail lights, there's a definite aftermarket product opportunity there! The hard top looked a but chunkier/blocky too, not sure what about it put me off but I wasn't swooning :) Interior convenience feature updates were nice but the dash seemed more intrusive 'in your face' with a flatter profile across the center cluster (it could have been a byproduct of the seats being forward with the telescoping steering wheel (if equipped) all the way forward... In any event I won't be rushing out to pay MSRP on one anytime soon. For now I'll stick to my JK shopping and will hopefully find the loaded color-keyed Billet Sahara or Rubi I'm looking for as my next upgrade project.
Always wanted one. I've had many 4wd trucks, nice ones. They are a little too long and too wide for good off roading. I got a JKU Sport with the 6 speed man. trans 3.73 gears (Max Tow package) I will probably keep it mostly stock for the life of the vehicle. Only upgrades is a leveling kit and 32" tires. I don't beat on my stuff and maintain all my vehicles/toys to a high level. I do like light/medium trail driving and dirt roads/fire roads and camping. We have a cabin in the Blue Ridge Mountains (GA) and in the winter time you need 4wd. It snows there and the road leading in to our cabin is gravel as well as our driveway. It's not the most comfortable ride and you have to pay attention while driving but it's really not that bad either. Driving my truck doesn't give me that childlike smile like my Jeep does. You have a good looking Jeep, good vid. Peter
I have a 2004 Wrangler. Upgraded headlights to H4, LED tailights, Rancho shocks, Olympic bumpers. Straight 6 and I can work on it! The 2007 and newer are more complex and failure-prone. The straight 6 is good for up to 300,00 miles.
The soccer moms don't wave. 😕
In my early 30's I decided to make an important life altering decision. I told a good friend of mine that I was considering buying a Jeep, he almost dropped his beer just staring at me opened mouth for a bit. To put things in perspective my friends and I were all driving mini trucks setup for drags, 240's and 300's that like to go sideways. it was all about the speed.
No one even gave off road a second thought. What got me thinking about it was when i got into a really bad wreck, I've crashed my fair share of cars over the years, but this one really shook me thankfully no one was seriously injured. In 2008 i bought a 2007 Subaru WRX, put 19's and a body kit on it, lovin it. 3mos later got challenged to an early morning race so we went for it, came around a corner at about a buck ten, saw the tractor trailer pullin out to late to do anything but stomp the bakes ended up under the flatbed trailer. some people came up to me later on and said it sounded like thunder when i hit. the housing on the 5ton rear actually cracked and bent out of shape. From showroom floor to scrap yard in four months. Any way so that's my story.
I decided to buy one, but not sure which model to get for the best bang for my buck and not knowing anyone that owned a jeep i did what any responsible person would do. I drove to the mall and cruised the parking lot until i found someone if a jeep that was fairly modified and looked like it's seen some trails and then i stopped for a chat. explained my situation, and saying that you could never really be sure of what a sales person is really trying to sell you. He was actually really helpful and informative. even to the point where we got in his jeep and went on a couple of trails. I WAS HOOKED. The advise he gave me made a lot of sense, so now I get the chance to pay it foward.
If this will be your first 4x4 buy a quality second hand one not new because you will roll it, slide into a canyon wall,exe.
read the fine print on warranties over half the stuff they cover gets voided if damage happens while not on an approved highway or street
If your on a trail and see someone stuck or stopped, check it out and offer assistance. cause you never know next week it might be you... From personal exp, I helped this guy out of the ditch he didn't see took about 20 min. two weeks later i sank to the frame in goo and he stopped and reconized me so he stayed to help 6 and 1/2 hours later i'm finally out.
Be prepared to do a lot of waving, it really is a jeep thing
I love my Jeep, a 2007 JK X that I bought from a dealership in 2012 for 18,500 when you add all the interst it comes out two 22,500.
so the only thing I got an issue with is the drag link and tie rods for jeeps are kinda weak and prone to damage especially with oversize tires, I went through some whoops l little faster than the jeep liked and it let me know by flatspotting the threads on the drag link adjustment sleeve. ended up making it so that my steering wheel could not be adjust straight. now this part here is really IMPORTANT Jeeps do not like it when the steering wheel does not line up straight. I was driving down the road at 50mph and all of a sudden it looked like christmass on my gauges, then i guess it thought i was taking a left at 50 mph and it took it upon itself to pulse the brakes but only in the front driverside, if you can just imagine the pucker factor cause the jeep just swerved hard to the left into oncoming traffic. i was not able to get the jeep to behave properly until i got it below 35mph,.
same thing goes if you experience the death wobble, don't panic, just hold the wheel steady as possible and get it below 35 and it will start to stop.
other than that it's an all around fun vehicle to own.
From all the Jeepers on the beautiful island of Guam, be safe out there and keep Jeeping.
The uncomfortable ride is part of the fun. The mileage does suck though but you can’t beat the looks and personalization of the vehicle.
i think you can use a super chip to dial in your speedometer as well as adjust your tire pressure monitor.
I heard that Jeep may put a diesel in the Wrangler. That would be a cool vehicle. We drove our daughters diesel Grand Cherokee to Oklahoma and back from new Hampshire and averaged 31MPG and it was full of stuff. We took our daughter to college. I was amazed at the comfort level and fuel mileage.
I bought my first Jeep a week before Xmas a 17 Rubicon Recon 4door 6speed manual LOADED for 45 tax and 7yr 100,000 bumper to bumper 50 out the door its a definite head Turner and drives pretty well but 1st and 2nd gear are geared low with the 410s best mileage I get with winter grade gas hwy with cruise on was 17.9 so far better than what my 06 xtterra got at 15.6 and 351w Broncos at 10.2 mpg tough to have fuel economy and serious off road ability
Hill Start Assist is also on Automatic, though the need is questionable, but it does prevent that lsight roll back if you're doing intricate work like rolling up to a parking barrier in an underground garage it come in super handy to keep you exactly in place while some autos roll back a few/many inches.
If you don't like HSA, (the drawbacks are questionable but debates in Jeep forums rage) , you can disable it using the EVIC your vehicle has, or for base models witout the EVIC there is a secret decoder ring sequence to disable (google can get it for you). So you can try with / without and see if you notice any change worthy of disabling it.
As for the Alpine, there's an interesting video from the Alpine dev presenting to a audio enthusiast group in Michigan IIRC and he explains some of the features, incuding the interesting feature where it changes the sound profile based on where the soft top or hard top is on, it reads whethere or not the rear defroster/washer power clip is connected to determine soft top / hard top.
ua-cam.com/video/b25jj_zzINQ/v-deo.html
For all the tech in it and the quality of the speakers its a good option. Sure a $1,500+ after market speaker setup properly mapped & profiled can blow it away, but for the value of the premium the Alpine upgrade is worth it for most people who realize there's diminishing returns past a certain point, and while then entry level audio is for basic radio for people who don't care, the Alpin is a nice bump up from there for people who notice the difference between 96kbs MP3 and a CD.
Also it's pretty easy to add a rear cam to the 430 for about $50 in hardware and 1hr in time, and then whatever you can convince your dealer to unlock the feature (which should take the dealer tech less than 10mins to do).
As for pros / cons , it's hard to explain , it's all relative, the things that would annoy someone wanting an Audi / Lexus really don't bother most Jeep owners who want a 4x4 convertible. As for comfort, I do mega road-trips across N.Am. and don't have an issue, even on the 1,000mile / 1,600kms in a day portions. There are individual things that other vehicles do better, but as an entire package it's hard to beat. However when speaking to a n00b, especially those who don't understand the purpose of test drives, better to be negative and have them be surprised if they get one despite that, rather than to make it sounds like a plush soft-roader and have them moan about not getting some cross-over.
One hard to describe feature for me is that there is nothing better to take you mind off a traffic jam in Summer than a roof off with the sun and a light breeze, and in Winter the knowledge that if it gets really crazy you can leave the road / highway and make your own exit is pretty reassuring. Just don't be that over-confident D that either makes a spectacle of themselves as if anyone cares, or thinks they are invincible until proven otherwise.
The additional upgrades in the next gen JL will just make things even better, especially for safety and creature comforts, but also Selec-Trac which will make on-road Winter driving even better without losing the ability to fully lock in 4lo.
Ugh, YT eating a few carriage returns/breaks kinda bunches stuff up.
Nice looking JK - the extra money for the matching color roof makes a big difference in a JK's appearance - guess that's why they can get away with charging so much for that option. We've rented these in Furnace Creek, Death Valley NP and taken them up some challenging canyons! However, when we decided to replace our oldest car with a Jeep, we opted to restore/custom build a '99 Cherokee XJ. It will be "like new" when finished, but still cheaper then a new Wrangler Unlimited. Not the best option for many people, but worth considering....
There are a lot of people that drive the older model jeeps that don't wave to the newer JKs. They think the newer JKs aren't real jeeps. Nice info man!
Thanks
ADVANTAGES:
I like manual transmissions. My wife’s preference for a manual is even stronger than mine is. (1)
I like manual transfer case linkages. (1)
I like 75-series tires.
I like manual window lifts. (1)
I like skid plates. We’ve drug vehicles over rocks many times with no damage to any other part except scratches in the skid plates.
I like low gearing (high numerically). Base model 2017 Wrangler is (or was) available with 3.73:1 axle ratio and a similar ratio in the transfer case. 2017 Rubicon is (or was) available with 4.10:1 axle ratio and 4:1 ratio in the transfer case.
I like steel wheels. (2)
I like a spare tire location anywhere else than under the vehicle.
I like for the spare wheel and tire to match the other four wheels and tires.
Now please compare how many of those features are available on the Wrangler (hint: all of them are) with how many of those features are available on ANY other vehicles.
We drove a base model ‘99 Wrangler (TJ) from ‘99 to when our daughter has some guy in a pickup make a left turn in front of her in the rain in 2008. Otherwise, I suppose we might still be driving it. The axle ratio was 4.10:1 and the transfer case ratio was less than 2:1 (3.73:1 I think). BTW, when our Wrangler collided with that truck, the Wrangler spun around about 360 degrees but it didn’t tip over.
DISADVANTAGES
Limited space behind the rear seat. (But the short wheelbase and short overall length translate into terrific maneuverability and off-pavement capability.
Doesn’t corner like a go-cart.
Not good for towing a horse.
Not good for setting land speed records.
Not as good as a womb substitute as, say, a Chrysler 300.
Not available with beige upholstery on the base model. (Although our ‘99 was Chilipepper red with a tan top and tan upholstery and brown leather is or was available on the 2017 Rubicon.)
Footnotes: (1) Less likely to malfunction and less difficult / less expensive to repair if they do malfunction. (2) Forged aluminum wheels would be an acceptable alternative but cast aluminum wheels won’t hold air if they crack--and they are far more likely to crack than steel or forged aluminum. When steel wheels bend, you can still hobble back to civilization.
Nice Jeep! I bought my first Jeep Wrangler 2 door JK sport brand new 2017 a month ago. I cannot stop driving it. I need serious help. lol... It is such a fun vehicle. I love love love it!