I've Driven My Affordable Jeep Wrangler For Exactly 1 Year: Here Are The Things I Love & Hate
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- Опубліковано 1 жов 2024
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In this video we discuss my Jeep Wrangler Willys Sport and discuss the things I love & hate!
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#Jeep #Wrangler
Tommy, you have quickly launched yourself to the top of my list of favorite auto journalists. Your reviews are articulate, well thought out and exceptionally well presented. You are very natural in front of the camera and come off as a very genuine person. Your integrity is very refreshing. Keep up the excellent work.
He talks about the same shit we all think about. Not stuck on 0-60times and G forces on the track. Genuine real world things!
Thanks for the very kind words! I still have a lot to learn -Tommy
@@TFLcar
I HAVE A 392 WRANGLER TO REVIEW JUST LET ME KNOW WHEN WORKS GOOD FOR YOU GUYS
We’ll said! I agree 100% excellent presentation!
He's also the cutest. Just sayin. 🤷♂️
Have the exact same spec (2 door Willys Sport, V6 manual, soft top in Sarge Green which was factory ordered) and love it. Have had absolutely no problems. Could have bought pretty much any Wrangler offered. LOVE the lack of tech and gadgets. Wanted something that looked and felt like a real Jeep. Currently 7k miles and all is good. If I had it to do again, I would order the exact same JL again.
Let me guess, you have no kids / wife
I agree 💯 percent.
My wife bought a 21 Sahara with cloth seats, V6 manual and unpainted top. Otherwise she bought all the options. 26,000 trouble free miles. Sixth gear is tall but usable at sea level. Gas mileage is really good and we average 18-24 depending on temp and city/highway balance of use. Your 7k miles isn't really broken in yet.
No problems 7k miles in?? I would hope so lol
@@Jay-rg5mt 7k trouble free miles? I guess that's pretty good for a Chrysler product. 1st and 2nd gen Toyota Tacoma owners: 😆🤣😂🤣🤣😂. Yes I know, but in 2019 the new frame was FREE, took less than three days to install and at the same time I purchased a bunch of new OEM parts for my 2010 TRD Offroad and Toyota installed them at no or greatly reduced labor cost because almost everything was apart anyway. Toyota had me covered and I'm a very happy camper.
Insane to me that a 2 door manual everything Wrangler is pushing $34k... Crazyness.
more insane people pay twice that for a rubicon
37 over in my area…
Jeep. Just Empty Every Pocket.
26k MAX. This is Silly Overpriced.
in EU used ones are 50k
True 2 door enthusiasts take out their back seat and never look back.
😂😂😂 21:03
I had a ‘99 4.0, manual, Sahara, soft top. Gave it come KC’s, way to much stereo, and some mud terrains. Decades later, I still think about the simple joy of driving that around on sunny days, rowing gears, and smiling the whole way.
‘98 TJ Sahara, manual, 76,000 miles, hard top, soft top, bikini top. The prior owner put at least $20k into it in suspension and wheels and tires and the Warn, jacks, etc. etc. sold it to me for $10k so his soon-to-be ex-wife wouldn’t have it. I was out three nights a week and at least one full day on the weekends. So many great memories.Taught me a lot then, and I’ve learned ton since.
14:22 Hey Tommy, those straps on the back of the rear seat...those are retention straps for when it's flipped forward. See the metal loops on the back of the B-pillars? They're for those straps. ;) It's also covered in the owner's manual. :D Enjoy!
I loved your Jeep so much that I ordered a 23’ model with the exact same equipment, but in Sting Gray. It took 7 weeks to get it and it’s awesome!
Jeep should make a daily driver, long distance travel, reliable version of the wrangler.
Tommy, you can easily have the [off] road rash repaired on your LR wheel without any issues.
My friend’s wife scrubbed both right wheels on his BMW 750iL against a curb. After the reconditioning was done you couldn’t tell them apart from new.
Who cares.. go bash the other ones.
Or just replace it with the spare and then use the scrapped up one as your spare.
Or just get on Craigslist and buy all 5 stock wheels never used for $250 like I did. Stock jeep wheels are cheap because everyone gets aftermarket wheels.
Great review Tommy! I have a 21 JL 2 door Sport S, first thing I did was remove the backseat as it's just me & my wife and dog. I however am spoiled with the bigger radio, power windows and heated seats/steering wheel. I'm over 65 so I like a few creature comforts. Had a 4 door JL Sport, and though it was more comfortable due to its longer wheelbase, I don't miss it. The 2 door is much more fun and nimble off-road. Enjoy your ride and be safe.
I have a 2018 JL Rubicon that I put the Mopar 2” lift and 35’s and I love it! I usually change cars every 12-18 months but I’ve had this one for just over 4 years and don’t see it going anywhere. Thanks for the non-stop great videos TFL!
I can't imagine paying over 30k for a vehicle with manual windows and locks. That stuff is standard on even the most basic econo boxes these days.
Love seeing the updates on the 2 door wrangler. I recently bought a 2 door as well and absolutely love it and anytime a video of Tommy’s wrangler is always welcomed!!
Good review, but dude…. If you have no kids, take the back seat out. Put a blanket in back for the pup, tell your friends sorry…. Only one extra seat.
Great review. Hands down my favorite auto reviewer. Inspired me to purchase a Jeep again and so far I love my 2018 JLU Rubicon. I will say being older and having had a brand new YJ and TJ smaller models, I ‘m loving the extra room and of course the pampering options are great. Keep up the awesome job.
Imagine buying a car with manual windows and door locks for 30k+
Aside from the manual locks, the lack of CarPlay/Android Auto is really what would keep me from getting one of these. I know it seems like a relatively minor feature but I got to drive a car with it for a few months a while back, and going back to my own car with its basic bluetooth and crappy factory nav was tough. It's not just about convenience either, being able to do things like changing Spotify playlists on the car's screen is a lot safer and less distracting than having to dick around with my phone, and I'm in a state where I could get a ticket for doing the latter as well.
I installed an Apple CarPlay enabled head-unit in my 20 year old Toyota and I totally agree. It’s really one of those features that’s hard to live without once you’re used to it
One of the things I like about Tommy's reviews is that they don't appear biased. Tommy doesn't just bag a car or brand based on preconceptions but rather takes each one on their own merits and experiences. Rather rare in auto journalism today I think.
Keep up the great work Tommy.
Oh no. They are comped nicely by Jeep.
The A/C should be standard and not have to pay $1200 extra to get it on the jeep.
Roman I must say you raised a great level headed young man. Doesn't have to have all the fancy crap to enjoy life!
I think it is absolutely ridiculous that AC is not standard when custom ordering a Jeep. Absolutely stupid you have to pay an extra cost for something that is standard with everyone else.
I prefer the a la cart way Jeep does things. Pay for exactly what you want.
Ford puts everything in packages and tacks on ridiculous requirements for some options.
Great review! I think going with the 6spd was a great choice. As far as the damage to the rim...that certainly looks repairable. I'm not at all an expert, but I think you could get that repaired at $150-$175? As long as it doesn't effect the drivability, I'd leave it. I think you've got the perfect machine!
Probably just a powdercoat, right, Jeff?
Love the 6 speed 👌
@@auduffer That I don't know...but I know there is bound to be wheel repair specialists in that area that can machine & refinish a wheel like that.
@@jefweb5043 For sure; they all looked so superficial, but you're right about refinishing especially because they don't look bad at all.
Mine are black and the shop i take it to charges 100$ to fix and repaint and they look better that factory hell they charge 200$ to change 4 silver rims to black so its super cheap and a really well done job like i got black with red pearls.
I bought my Sport to do difficult trails with and it does that very well. I shouldn't complain about any other aspect of it so these are minor complaints.
The steering could be better, it should be better. I've owned older Jeep models with solid front axle and they had much better steering.
I agree with the gearing- I have the 8-speed automatic and when driving on the highway if you need to change speed a little bit the transmission has to downshift. If the final drive ratio was lower this would likely affect the fuel mileage so I'm not sure if that's an option.
The radio system is pretty horrible. I don't think any normal adult can operate the radio, couldn't they give us an easy way to change between FM and Satellite?
I'm happy with the comfort on long trips. I've done many all day trips and have no complaints with that.
Interesting comment about the tall gearing on the manual. In addition to my JLU, I have a 2015 Cherokee Trailhawk and it also has an issue with tall gearing. The vehicle has a 9-speed transmission, but never goes above 7th gear, even at 70 MPH. I would like to see the gearing brought down a little so we can take advantage of all the gears at US speeds.
I hate auto stop start and I never knew how much I would hate it until I learned that I hate it.
I'm getting 26mpg with my Wrangler. 6th gear is the most fuel efficient gear. However though any mole hill or slight incline, go in 5th. Quite impressed with economy for a manual transmission jeep. 360 miles per tank for me is very easy to get.
My wife's 2 door sport with the 2.0 gets 26 MPG highway also. Hers is an automatic.
@@rlovell383 11 year truck driver and been thoroughly trained to keep rpms low when driving. Diesels operate between 1100 rpm and 1500 tops. Low rpms = more money in my pocket.
Keep in mind, this guy lives in CO at near 6k feet. I also live in CO and being at high altitude, you lose at least 20%.
@@mikekenner9218 You don't lose anything with a turbocharger :)
WTF! How do u get 26? My 2018 Moab averages 10
I have the two door bronco with Sasquatch package and I’m getting 19.5 mpg with it. I also have a more comfortable drive
The rear seat has velcro straps on it that loop through tie-down points on either side of the Jeep by the doors (interior, behind the driver and passenger front seats) This keeps the rear seat from flopping back and forth.
Thank you for pointing that out, the loose folded rear seat thing was bugging me lol.
I have a barebones 2020 JL Wrangler exactly like this one and have driven it for 6 months and was wondering how he didn't know about those straps. I used bungee cords after I first bought it until I found out about the velcro straps. As long as you securely strap the back seat, no more annoying noises. Like a lot of things on this Jeep, it's a little time consuming and manual, but as he said at the beginning about the manual windows, it's actually nice to have a simple, primitive vehicle in today's highly automated world. I don't mind the extra work and it gives me something to delegate to my son, daughter, or wife when they ride with me.
My old TJ came with a strap that looped around the sport-bar and held the seat when folded. Simple and easy.
Why would it flop back and forth. Wow
@@DarylRagland-ds1op because with the seat folded forward the way they designed it, that can happen. I've had it happen. That's why they put the velcro straps in it.
my wrangler that i bought is the best... can you say confirmation bias?
Use the velcro straps on the backseats to loop it through the metal rings on the pillars to keep the backseat from flopping around when it's folded up.
That is guy really just said he rides 35mph in 5th gear 😂😂😂
I actually really like this build... the power locks and power windows are totally cool. That manual is interesting, I know the throws are super long and the gears are super tall... but your entire build is so interesting. I absolutely loved your 1 year review Tommy! Great job!
I can’t believe you think a manual transmission is supposed to be in 4 or 5th at 35 mph?
Tommy, if you ever wanted power lock/power windows I expect it would be as easy as swapping the doors, which is extremely easy on a Wrangler. For remote locking/unlocking you would still need new key fobs and whether or not the remote locking/unlocking module is installed is still questionable, but I would expect it is built into another module for manufacturing streamlining.
I expect doors with those features could be picked up at a scrap yard at some point. Someone who is capable might be able to open the doors up and add the parts they want.
I own a super original Jeep CJ 7 with the original V8 engine...120 horsepower. Wow, have engines become more powerful. I won't even my mention actual gas mileage. Red Jeep just like yours, just a dinosaur Jeep.
I'd much prefer to have a CJ-7 than any heep from '07 - present. I have an '05 TJ Rocky Mtn with the AMC 4.0 I6, by far the best engine ever put in a Jeep. Your CJ-7 has the 4.2L, that's a good engine too! Build it up, do your due diligence, the CJ-7 is an amazing Jeep, unlike the crap we have today. It took a while to get my '05 TJ to where it is now, but it's by far the best vehicle I've had. The TJ especially the '04 - '06 are regarded by many to be the best Jeeps ever and I agree.
@@JeepTJWheelin Yes, except one thing. My Jeep 1976 CJ-7 (first year of the CJ-7) does have an original V-8, 304 CID. My understanding is that the V8 back then was in the 1976 - 1977 models only. Then an oil shortage crisis hit in the mid 70's, and Jeep went to the 4.0 that you described (this is probably correct, but by own old memory). Then later came the horrible 4 cylinders in the Jeeps. This is also when Ford Mustangs started to be made with 4 cylinder engines. Jeeps are so cool and with such a history. I am likely to sell my Jeep this year (had it since ~2006).
You have become my favorite vehicle reviewer. So smooth, honest, and factual about how daily use works. Vehicle wise at 33k hard to wrap my head around. I know it has a great following, convertible and off-road second to none but as a built GX470 owner with similar money in a vehicle, it is almost hard to take seriously unless you are a hardcore offroader.
@Toasty 13.5 on the commute
@Toasty Highway mileage is basically the same. Full-size spare, winch bumper, mud terrains, roof rack with 7-gallon water tank, and a solar panel. This thing is about as aerodynamic as a barn door. The price I must pay however to drive my dream wagon. I actually don't drive that much, I fill up 2-3 times a month which is less than $200. I have had it for years and still doesn't have 100k on it.
@Toasty Ok that is a lot of driving. I daily mine but my work and kids' schools are close by. I had my land lease expire and I live in Texas so there are basically zero public offroad lands. I try to go to Colorado once or twice a year to get in some wheeling. Having a twin gas can basket is really nice. I don't necessarily use it for me, the peace of mind is great, however, but I have bailed out quite a few stranded folks with it. I run 5 gal gas and 5 gal water. Wish when I lived in Colorado I had made it over to Utah but there was just so much to do close by that I never made the trip.
Here in Ontario Canada paying well over 1.90$ for 1 litre of 87 regular gasoline. That is just about 7.20$ for 1 us gallon of gasoline at 1.90 lol
When you have a soft topper, does it really matter if you lock the doors? 😆
Which is why I never leave anything of value in my '05 TJ Rocky Mtn.
You should take your jeep to animas pass in Silvrton Colorado
Great one year summary Tommy. Have been following this Jeep from day 1. Have never owned a Wrangler but when I do, it'll be fairly close to this spec except may the soft top. Out here in Alberta hard top is a must in my opinion to protect oneself from the elements. Keep up the good work!
Bad thing about a wrangler, is once you actually own one. Then there is no going back to anything else. I've tried. Just bought a 2022 unlimited sport auto ,hard top of course, and everything but 4 goats and a servant. slip differential, turbo diesel, you name it it's got it. Butt opposite of his plain jane. Peace.
It’s a Jeep. If the wheels aren’t scratched you didn’t use it. You’ll get over the scratches someday. I used to dislike them, but now it’s fine cause I took it off-road.
Agree, this generation is soft.
Back when he bought this thing, it was nearly impossible to find one for anywhere near msrp, nowadays forget about it.
If you order a vehicle to be built online, make sure you have the price negotiation in writing with the dealer before the vehicle arrives, because they're not obligated to sell it to you at the manufacturer price, even if it's a custom order.
You can order a vehicle for $32,000 online, they build it for you, and then the stealership charges you an extra 10 grand just for the hell of it.
Just picked mine up this week. Below invoice, no paperwork, no deposit, sold for the promised price. No haggling, no intimidation, no upsale attempts. Smoothest process ever.
@@JoshuaTootell Yeah there are still decent dealerships out there but the vast majority of them are ripping people off.
Honestly it's the peoples fault though.
The dealerships wouldn't be charging ridiculous markups if idiots weren't paying it...
4k miles? Maybe redo/revisit this when you drive the thing.
Exactly, dada has a lot of vehicles at Tommy's disposal. Coming off as a "common Joe" is starting to show cracks.
This should be like $25k not $35k
In LA they are marked up above 42.
Get a TJ, CJ or YJ for $8k - $15k and build it up. Today's heeps suck. Get a real Jeep and save a kings ransom.
I've never owned a car that didn't have power windows or locks, and in 2022, I'm not going back.
Love this Jeep! I daily drive a 2018 Miata GT, which I paid $21,500 including tax, tag, and everything two years ago, which was a great deal. Still, it’s like the Jeep in that it’s a car you buy more for fun than practicality. I would have equipped my Jeep pretty much the same, except for the painted wheels.
Miata, BRZ, or Mustang were my cross shopping vehicles 😂
You don't need a new wheel. It's just paint. Paint it again🤦♂️🤣
Or just leave it alone, it's a Jeep, not a Vette.
I'd like to see if a limited slip in the front makes a big difference. Maybe a before and after test on the pond course.
i’m not really a fan on limited slips but there cheaper than lockers if you don’t have the money
@@landon5990 my Sport S has the LSD and it does really well off road. Don't have to worry about engaging lockers before an obstacle. I had thought about putting a Detroit in the front but decided against it for two reasons. One, the auto locking hubs on the JL cause the front axle to spin even in 2wd, and it would be annoying as hell to have that thing locking and unlocking on the highway. And two, it's hard to find a Detroit locker for the Dana 30 with the 3.45 gears, if not impossible.
@@backwoodstherapy oh, we have custom axles with ARBs and it’s nice to have the control and precision with front and rear lockers while rock crawling but i bet they still do good, i was a little harsh in my previous comment😂
Looked at a 2015 Lifted Jeep Sahara Unlimited for Sale. Runs well and clean except for the rust underneath the ride. Rust everywhere on the frame. Saw two small areas where rust has eaten through. Is this normal? Should I stay away from the purchase? Thanks
Michael, did you pass on the Jeep?
Tommy, regarding securing the rear seat when folded up: there are two velcro straps on the back of the rear seat with two corresponding brackets. You just thread the strap through the loops and that keeps it in place. You can see the straps and loops at 14:22
Yes I do regret it, as all of my aluminum hinges are starting to corrode from the inside and bubble the paint warranting the repainting of all four doors. This is an issue they will all have eventually. also after repairing it has a 90% chance it will return. It can happen on the hood, hinges, doors, windshield frame, front body panels, tailgate. Extremely disappointed and disheartening as all these aluminum parts were not prepared correctly by Jeep. My dream Jeep has turned into a nightmare, so many things have gone wrong. It's best to avoid the Wrangler and gladiator until Jeep gets serious about resolving this issue. I can look past the electrical issues, broken door welds etc but the paint self destructing and being an ever ongoing issue, has this long time Jeeper looking at the competition
Love: Giving all the Wranglers a sarcastic, thumbs up from my Bronco.
Hate: "Wrangler bro's" that cover their Wrangler in American flag stickers (we get it - "Merica"), excessive amount of gas canisters, terrible exhaust and grills that give the front end the "angry look".
they are so expensive now.
I have a Sport S. Soft top windows are easily scratched. I found that out the hard way. And yes, gearing is way too tall. Going 60 on the highway I'm in 4th gear. Fifth gear is, like Tommy said, 70+ mph. Sixth gear is almost never. And I'm about to get 35s on it so that'll exacerbate the problem. Sixth gear will be a distant dream. I expect to be in 4th gear on the freeway going 70. Ha.
What is the axle gear ratio on your Jeep? I think the problem with Tommy’s Jeep and 6th gear is the axles probably having the 3.45 gear ratio.
You should be regearing. I'd probably put in some 4.56's before adding the 35's.
I’d force it to run in 6th gear at 1000 rpm at 70 mph. I’m cheap and don’t like buying gas.
Wow…I feel the seats in my jk were more comfortable then the jl. Just to stiff.
HAVE A GOOD DAY EVERYONE
I'd be good removing all screens. That is actually a positive.
Really enjoying the TFL videos. I recently bought a 2 Dr Wrangler Sport with 6 cylinder engine and auto trans. I can live with not having power doors, windows and mirrors, but wish they had put a lock switch inside the rear gate. So far I am enjoying it and looking forward to taking it off road. Thanks again for all the great videos.
Pretty cool video! How's the leg room for a 6ft guy?
I totally agree about the gearing! I have a ‘18 JLU V6/6M with the 3.45s. It’s like all the low-end power of the engine has been taken away by this gearing. If you wind it out, it does ok, but I really want usable low-end torque in a Jeep.
I have a 2021 JLU Sport S with the 3.6. Yeah, you really don't get power in it unless you're at 3500 rpm or higher. Trying to go up a steep hill in 4th gear at less than 50 mph and the transmission starts complaining. It'll do it. But it won't like it.
@@backwoodstherapy I totally concur! I tow a 2,000lb pop-up, too, and that makes things even more interesting. Wish we had the 4.10s like in the Rubicon.
My coworker shares the same sentiment as you all, very lucky to have found a 2022 JLUR with the 6 speed and the factory 4.88 option and that is a totally different vehicle from the 3.45 equipped sport.
@@chriscon8463 4:10s would be a game changer but I'm tryina do a "budget build" with this jeep. I got tired of seeing all these channels buying $60k+ Rubicon's and then putting another $40k in mods on them. I wanna show that you can have fun without breaking the bank. A Sport S with a mild lift, some bigger tires, and maybe a winch and some steel bumpers can be hella fun if you're not doing extreme rock crawling.
@@backwoodstherapy That’s cool! Good luck! My JLU Sport is essentially stock; a limited slip-diff, AT tires, & hard top came with it, but that’s about it.
Another great video by Tommy.
How can a son be so good and his dad be such an ass? Adopted?! Hahahaha.
One of my favorite videos is Tommy talking about and driving his Jeep Willys. Showing so many folks that you don’t have to spend a lot to have something special off road. And roughly 20 mpg a mile or more up and a soft too that has handled some of the snow fall. That works for me! Lol, It gives me hope of trading in my older TJ and go for Willys Sport or the like. Thanks guys for continuing to do these.
This thing's interior is hideous.. I paid a little over 20k for my 2015 jk rubicon hard rock and I would never downgrade from those features. There's no justifying paying more than 20k for this jeep but to each their own 😅
@@marcelocruz9047 so you're comparing the cost of your 7-8 year old used jeep to a jeep someone bought new a year ago 🤔 and you may have more features but the JL interior is way nicer than your JK everything you touch is nicer in the JL and it's significantly more quiet and comfortable than a JK
@@ChrisH421 I guess it's an objective observation. If compared to the top trim rubicon jl to the top trim jk you would have something to compare, but you don't. Rubicons are all leather so. My point though is that paying anything over 20k for this jeep brand new is highway robbery
@@marcelocruz9047 what are you talking about? You are comparing what you paid for a used car to a new car msrp. A Rubicon hardrock cost 41k plus in 2015 about 47k in 2021 money. Your car was about 15k more to buy new than his it should have more features. You can always get more features buying used vs new, but the point still stands JLs have nicer interiors than JK and the price you paid for a used car has nothing to do with the price of a new one.
Ehhh. You’re using it wrong. Heh. Remove the rear seat. You don’t buy a 2-door Wrangler for the back seat. Toss it. Get a WeatherTech mat. The 2-door Jeep is a GREAT mini truck for hauling stuff. Love mine and use that mini “bed” all the time!
I have a four door Rubicon with manual everything: That’s five locks to check every time you want to make sure it’s secure! Also, I have to remind my passengers to lock the doors because nobody expects that today. So while I like the simplicity, power locks are one luxury I miss.
Thanks for reminding me, I just locked my truck. From bed.
Great review Tommy. In my experience, and I got my JL about three months after you….stock headlights are terrible, and although stereo is great…the sound bar vibrates against the structure, and it is INCREDIBLY annoying. Otherwise, incredible vehicle. Much better than my ‘84 CJ I used to own!
sorry to criticize, but nowadays it is unacceptable to not have central locking... even the cheapest chinese and korean econoboxes have central locking!
Don't see the need. Three doors, passenger side & rear stay locked, only the driver's door needs to be locked on a regular basis. Cheaper and simpler than having central locking. Has worked great for 20 years and 200,000 miles.
Great review. Tommy is very level-headed and sensible, unlike some other video reviewers who will remain nameless.
I would love a 2 door basic wrangler
I like power windows and locks, but I don't require them either.
I would have put a winch and anti-swaybar disconnects on straight away. Multi-mount winch if necessary.
I would have foregone the rear LSD too, and installed a selectable locker like an Ox.
My next Wrangler will probably be a very basic Unlimited Sport or Sport S, for the 3500lb towing capacity.
I think its awesome that you can get an LSD. I've had lockers, which are useful but if I had a choice I would choose an LSD everytime.
You’ll be paying 40k for that.
@@Offshore1977 Nope. I buy used.
@@MidwestFarmToys I have a multi-mount winch. When it's not on my vehicle, it doesn't have much effect.
8000-9000lb Winches are also generally under 100lb, especially with rope instead of cable, and hawse instead of roller fairleads.
Anti-swaybar? What are you even getting at about that? All Wranglers have come with anti-swaybars. Even my '78 CJ and '95 YJ had front bars.
The barebones Sport Unlimited with max towing pkg tows the same 3500lb as a loaded Rubicon Unlimited or Sahara Unlimited with the max towing pkg. 100lb of winch doesn't change that. What CAN change is payload or combined weight.
@@MidwestFarmToys Have you ever even OWNED a convertible Jeep? Have you bought a winch in the last decade? Winch rope has now gotten more popular than cable in some places. It's generally safer and more user-friendly. Anti-swaybar disconnects were also around long before JK Rubicons, and they don't weigh much more than the factory endlinks that they replace. I had disconnects on my YJ.
3500lb is the towing capacity of a Wrangler Unlimited with the towing pkg. It doesn't matter what trim level. The GAWR and CVWR aren't even close by adding just a 100lb winch up front and some factory options. Given a towing pkg, an Unlimited Sport can tow 3500lb, as can a Sport S, a Sahara, Rubicon, and even 392. The Wrangler Unlimited is probably more limited in towing capacity by the wheelbase, cooling capacity, and the trackbar-dependent, untriangulated, upper suspension linkage more than any other factors, seeing as how XJs and KJs could be equipped to tow 5000lb with Wrangler-similar Dana30 front axles, Wrangler-similar Dana44 or Chrysler rear axles, and Wrangler-similar coil, or indy, front suspension. Base Gladiators use the same powertrain/drivetrain as Wranglers, with better cooling, and similar suspension, to tow 4000lb. Rubicon and Max Tow Gladiators can tow 7000lb or more.
The payload capacity is affected by having a winch mounted, but using a multi-mount is a way of avoiding that too. It also unblocks the airflow through the grille. Have you never seen a front receiver on a 4WD? A multi-mount winch?
Show us a JLU 4x2. AFAIK, the JKU was the last Unlimited produced without 4WD. Even the narrower LJ was rated for 3500lb towing, Rubicon or not.
2020 Black & Tan with 29k miles. Kept immaculate. Galvanic corrosion on all doors/tailgate. Many have this issue and repeat issues. Buyers beware!!! FCA has known since 2018 at a minimum and are repairing with inadequate paint fixes that doesn’t correct the issue.
There is a spacer that goes between the hinges and door now. I think it was introduced sometime in 21.
5 months later and FCA/Stellantis refuses to assist. It’s not just hinges… hood, door panels with corrosion at 29K miles. They’ve ignored our AG’s letters for 5 months. Pathetic customer service.
I feel like it should come with LED headlights, as far as safety goes
The LED's come standard on the Willys, but not the Willys Sport as it's the budget model. You can order them as an option for about $1,000.
I can't do new cars with incandescent headlights. Too dim plus they make any vehicle look old and obsolete.
How many miles did you put on in a year ? How reliable was it? The whole Jeep line are the most unreliable vehicles on the market.
Great review. I have the 2.0T JL 80AE & absolutely love it. Agree on all your points. It runs like a top. It handles much better than I thought. Much better than even my old JK! My only complaint are the somewhat uncomfortable seats. Wish they had more side bolstering & longer seat cushions. I removed the rear seat, so no issues with storage. Relatively good OEM Alpine stereo. Outside of the seats, this is the best Wrangler ever, & I’ve owned all of ‘em since the YJ…
During this upcoming 2022 Christmas sale season, you just need to goto your local Best Buy and get a Pioneer or Panasonic Car Multimedia Centre which can be had with a screen or use the in-car one with an adapter. Pioneer AND Panasonic have been doing GREAT things with in-car multimedia plus navigation systems for older cars and trucks. For less than $200 with installation, you can get a sweet high end system with decent AM/FM/Sirius Radio plus good speakers, Android and Apple carplay connectivity and multiple USB-3 Type A/C inputs/charging which will do WONDERS for your driving experience!
Highly recommended!
V
Wow! Only 4K miles in a year! Ugh, I’ve put that on in 2 months lol
This isn't his only vehicle. Comes across as the "common" Joe, but no.
My dad and grandfathers drove military Jeeps in WWII and Vietnam. They proclaimed and I found it true with my '19 JL Sport S, that a Jeep is for 2 people and "light gear." Meaning 2 people, fishing and hunting gear, moderately that is. Other than that they are fun, I repeat fun vehicles..
The 2-door JL is a lot bigger than the older Wranglers... It's within a fraction on an inch of the overall length of the 4-door XJ...
I have the "Sport" model with even less options that your "Willys" model has... I added a hard top, air-conditioning, and LSD and came out slightly below $30K... The best gas mileage I ever got on a tank was slightly over 25 mpg on a long road trip... I'm a flatlander, so 6th gear is usable as an in-town 35 mph cruise control for the local neighborhood streets... The kiddie engineers at Jeep really screwed up on the JL though... The UConnect system can't even handle MP3 playlists correctly... The stupid auto-stop-start (ASS) system irritates a lot of people with automatics, but it never activates on my manual... What I hate most is the idiotic electro-hydraulic power steering pump because it prevents me from being able to install my MileMarker hydraulic winch (100% duty cycle)... And the "sidewinder" key they use is difficult to find some place to cut a new key (even if you just want it as a door key, not something to start the vehicle)... I bought the first year the JL came on the market and I had an option to buy a JK that year also -- unfortunately, I chose the JL...
As far as cargo space goes... First thing I did with my JL is remove the rear seat and put it in storage... If someone wants to ride with me and my wife is already in the front passenger seat, then they will be riding cargo... Or they can walk... I don't care... There is enough room to put an 8 ft piece of lumber from the front passenger footwell area to the left upper corner of the cargo area with the hard top and still keep the rear window closed... It's a tight fit and you won't be carrying too many of them...
The plastic handle for unlocking the seats and sliding them forward for gaining access to the area behind the front seats is not designed that well... Mine broke pretty much right after the warranty ran out and I have only used it a couple of times...
I'm taking inspiration from Tommy and going with a base Bronco 2dr MT with sasquatch package. Gets me down to around $41-$42k OTD.
It's the best bang for your buck capability wise, IMO.
You can order a 2 door rubicon for just a bit more than that
You might want to add about $5K to $10K to that price for the "market adjustment" dealer price gouge.
@@mattbrew11 You can, but you better like how it comes. It's a soft top, incandescent lights ($1500 for LEDs), and the Extreme Recon Package is only available for the 4dr. Jeep's full time 4WD requires you to get the automatic which is a $2k option.
Basesquatch gets you 2dr, MT, hardtop, LEDs, 35in tires, both lockers, full time 4WD, and a lift. $41k OTD.
To get a 2dr Rubicon with hardtop, LEDs, full-time 4WD, plus automatic transmission. $51k OTD. Cut the LEDs, $49.5k. We don't get 35in tires or a lift.
@@TheCapn23 35s fit perfectly fine on a stock rubicon. You can order a rubicon from certain dealers for 13-14% below msrp so thats about $44k
@@TheCapn23 also fwiw im not some ford hater I have ordered a whole bunch of F series for my business over time.
I don’t understand why the vinyl seats and rubber floor aren’t on the base. Can they be added?
I HAVE A 392 WRANGLER TO REVIEW JUST LET ME KNOW WHEN WORKS GOOD FOR YOU GUYS
We have a 2021 two door Rubicon and it has been flawlessly reliable. I wasn’t expecting to say such things about a Jeep.
Most any new vehicle will make it a year, or even 50-100 thousand miles. It’s what happens after that that determines real reliability.
If you put 35s and puts average quality lift kits your wrangler will wear out pretty fast
I have a 2009 2 door Rubicon with 125k miles and have had 0 issues.
@@phild9813 Try 150k - 300k miles.
@@Offshore1977 Sure you have 😏 with that 3.8 mini van engine.
Hey Tommy.
I am seriously considering getting a 2021 Jeep wrangler much like yours except it has four doors. I am very glad that you made these videos of you and your Wrangler, it’s definitely helping me decide.
You mentioned that you were thinking about getting a winch, which winch would you recommend?
Unfortunately, this vehicle got a marginal safety rating from the IIHS. Their website says: "In the Institute's test, the vehicle tipped onto its passenger side after striking the barrier. The partial rollover presents an additional injury risk beyond what the standard criteria are intended to measure in small overlap frontal crash tests. A vehicle tipping onto its side is not an acceptable outcome for a frontal crash and, as a result, the Wrangler's overall rating was downgraded to marginal". Bummer.
I've had several Jeeps. I also ride motorcycles.
Safety rating?
BWAAAAAAAHAHAHAHA!
I've never understood why people get hung up on the safety rating on these things. They're built for a purpose. If you have need of or want for a vehicle that can go almost anywhere, then buy one. If your main concern is safety, then go buy a Subaru. Safety seems to be Subaru's only focus any more. Their vehicles are increasingly less capable and uninspiring to drive, but goddammit are they ever safe.
I wouldn’t bother much with safety ratings unless passengers are regularly with me.
@@thenotsoguitarguy9429 Its pretty easy to understand: one day, the life of your kids (and you) might depend on it. That's why it's worth considering.
@@dekkerlundquist5938 Right. I never said that safety should never be a concern. There is, however, a certain amount of risk involved in doing the kinds of activities that these particular vehicles are designed for. If safety is a bigger concern for you (and your kids) than the capability of performing particular risky activities, then, again, don't buy one. Generally speaking, the safer a vehicle is on the road, the less likely it will be to climb a 30° rock face.
I won a competition and Jeep gave me a two door jeep to play with for the weekend absolutely loved it. In the Jeep I had there was a velcro strap that you looped through the chair to hold it up so the dog didn't get squashed when you braked or moved.
Value is in the eye of the beholder. Stellantis is making a ton on $$$ on Jeeps due to the ala cart build feature and the demand. IMHO they are not a good value, have never been a good value, and will never be a good value. But I still want one.
The way things are currently you get much better value with the Bronco across all trims, imo.
Base Bronco has way more features included versus this base Jeep
I can't believe it's been a year already.
I love your reviews of this thing. I've been debating on trading in my Audi for a Jeep because I miss it so much. I'm curious though to see if you have tested your gas mileage with the top up versus top down and if there is any noticeable difference whatsoever.
In January of 2021 I bought a 2dr Rubicon in Snazzberry full loaded. I have 23K hard off road miles and it’s been absolutely flawless! I love it! I’m getting 21 mpg here in AZ.
Must be a generational thing. I grew up when very few cars had power windows. When I finally got them I love them. I detest manual windows and never want to see them again. Likewise manual locks, mirrors that aren't power operated, and seats that don't have heat.
Everybody gangsta until the 30s, 40s, and beyond hit. Then those power features are a must have! 😂
@Kevin Barry
I have an '05 TJ Rocky, manual windows and locks. A true utilitarian rugged Jeep. Today heep is targeting a very soft pansy demographic. All these bells and whistles never meant for a pre Wrangler or Wrangler. I just don't see anything made after '06 as a true Jeep.
My next vehicle will be a Willys Sport because of Tommy. You are a very good evangelist!
Another great video. As others have said, you are a favorite among automotive journalists. I picked up the 2-door, manual, soft top, Sport S. So it did come with power locks and windows and the 7” stereo with CarPlay. Comfortable to drive. I have 12K miles in the first 6 months and zero complaints. The only mods have been a receiver hitch and LED headlights.
I got into a jeep wrangler for the first time two days ago......I must say, the seats felt so plush compared to my hard leather Hyundai bucket seats. Lmao im not complaining ever again. I pick her up in two days.
One thing I'd like to see some comments on is the difference in springs between a Rubicon and any other Wrangler, be it a Sahara or some other variant. I had a family member who had a 2015 Rubi and then a 2019 Rubi, both were 4doors. The Rubicon is Jeep's off-road champion, but that included some stiffer springs. I'd just be curious as to the ride quality difference between the Rubicon and "other."
Bob, as a former owner of a JK rubi and now a JL Sahara I can tell you that the difference is not that noticeable. Sure the Rubi is stiffer and taller in stance but its not terrible and not that far off from the ride of the Sahara.
Hope that helps you out some.
Aaron
@@vigilantemotors Thanks for the good info.
@@bobkonradi1027 Hey Bob, sure anytime. Thank you for commenting back I appreciate you. Are you thinking of buying or own one?
What?? Fifth gear at 35? I’ve driven manuals since I was 16. My Gladiator is a manual and at 35 third is perfect. And I only get into 6th gear when doing 70. Backroads at 55, 5th gear is fine. And I get 18 easily in town, 20-21 if I’m cruising.
You never mentioned the recall on the clutch. Reverse, I will say, is bad. You have to give it way more power to get moving. I almost always stall in reverse. Problem is the recall has been out there for over a year and no parts yet.
I agree the manual shifter is not Honda-like but it’s perfectly fine. I’ve got 66k miles on my Gladiator and I never feel like the manual is terrible.
Save the manuals!!
I run a 2011 Wrangler 3.8, manual supercharged! Strong engine with the supercharger and sits nicely on 37s. Turns these wheels too easily! I've got 254k miles on it. Bought it with 112k miles on it back in 2019 and been building on it ever since!
You can seat 4 people but you can only bring a sandwich each and a bottle of water on your 4x4 trip and the sandwiches are probably going to go bad because you can't fit a cooler.
Excellent video. I look forward to buying a new Jeep. I have only driven army jeeps in the past. I will never forget going airborne on the tank trails at Fort Stuart!
so let me get this straight; a jeep with 1970's technology and uncomfortable seats .....over $33,000 ????? yeah, America is DEFINITELY failing. Roll up windows, no hard top and uncomfortable seats $Fail I'll take my 1969 Chevrolet Belair for $1,500 (when I was your age) and I could fix most everything myself.
So how do you like it after a couple of years now? If you still have it... I ask because they did a number of clutch recalls and this newest one seems to have fixed alot of the problems. I personally can't vouch for that because I bought a 2024 model, which already has the newest assembly in it. It drives well for me, but I also have the Rubicon which is 4.10 gearing. I wonder if you didn't have the sport 3.45 gearing and the updated clutch assembly if you'd like it a lot better. I'd be curious to hear your thoughts on the comparison.
4604 miles? That thing ain't even broke in yet.
Isnt?
Thanks for the update and a great video. I have a 2021 Gladiator JT Willy's Sport - same color, same build - 6-speed manual, no PW/PL/PM and no Apple CarPlay. I love it, looks great, fantastic value, albeit with similar nitpicks - don't miss power windows/mirrors, but power locks would be nice, and I liked the manual in my JKU Wrangler a little better (I seem to stall the JT at least once a week - never had a problem in the JK). The Gladiator is also an excellent road trip vehicle compared to my JK - longer wheelbase gives a much better ride and better manners with cross winds. I drove the Gladiator from NY to CO about a month ago - comfortable trip - just needed to turn up the radio because of those KM2s are a little loud at 70+ MPH - got to do some off roading in Buena Vista too.