Do I need the beeb to talk me out of a Jeep Wrangler?

things have changed since the 90s.
I’m on my 4th 4 door Sahara since 2012.
I’ve never had to add oil.
I’ve never had anything resembling a death wobble.
Interiors are much quieter than the older models (all of mine have/had soft top on summer and hard top in winter) and I don’t notice that much difference in interior sound between the soft top and hard top.
I don’t know of any baggers that have blind spot detection, rear cross path detection, front and rear cameras, adaptive cruise control, ‘when needed’ all wheel drive, or any of the other modern conveniences that most mid-level SUVs enjoy.
I’ll probably replace this one with another one. My monthly payment hasn’t increased since 2012 and all I ever do is exchange keys (no money down).

 

Sorry..can't help. I've got more cars than garage stalls to put them in at this point.

 

They are the same like potatoes and grapefruit are the same. My daughter has a stock 17' Sahara and it actually rides pretty good and is not noisy at all. I have a '93 with bigger tires and a lift. It is the exact opposite. We got it used but my daughters vehicle has actually increased in value by $5k since she bought it so that is a definite positive.

 

I get that it's a completely different beast. Cool vehicles, just not for me at this stage in life (basically, I'm an old bastard)

 

You already have a money pit Tacoma, you are looking at an even worse money pit Wrangler. You don't plan to do anything off-road that your Tacoma can't do every bit as well.
If that's all the case, I would say ditch the Jeep idea and go with a different kind of third/weekend vehicle.

Unless you just flat want a Jeep. Just know the majority of above is the case. They are a money pit, they aren't comfortable, they don't ride well. But if you want a Jeep, you live with all that as part of the experience.

 

2019 Rubicon JL here. I live in Sedona, AZ for about half the year. Have a place in Cabo San Lucas and a little 1 bedroom in Beaver Creek CO. I'm constantly going between those places in the jeep. Do plenty of hiking, biking backpacking etc. with most of my gear always in the back of the jeep. My kids and I love the jeep for what we've been able to do in it and the places we've been. It's help create a ton of great bonding experiences.

That being said. So many things have broken on mine. Been through 3 rear axles because of a wiring harness issue, all latches on center console have broken, side mirrors rattle like crazy, rear defroster harness came undone, tailgate sags and is getting difficult to close. The pleather on center console has cracked badly. Since we do a lot of offroading we get death wobbles from hell, feels like the front wheels are about to fall off. (You'll have to stay on top of alignments) it's towing capabilities are a joke. Top speed comfortably is 80, above that it just feels unglued. I wouldn't want one as my only vehicle

I paid about $52 for it, now has 96k miles and carmax offered me 33k so I'm planning on taking that offer and waiting for a new 392 Rubicon. More good times ahead!!

 

He's already said the wife wants a jeep. He's getting a Jeep.

 

Get what she wants. Our fun starts when it dies in your driveway.

 

One of the most fun vehicles I've owned. Been dead reliable for me too. I drove it from STL to the Rubicon trail and did that with Jeep jamboree.

 

YouTube channel "Flying Wheels" has several recent videos on the Jeep market and falling prices.

 

Probably an automatic too!

 

the 2000ish mexico built v6 engines had the ring lands lined up and would drink oil like crazy.

Sounds like you don't keep them long enough for the front end to loosen up and get death wobble it's a straight axle thing.
it's a pain in the ass unless you just kitchen sink it and replace all moving items in the front end.

Like most cult followed vehicles ( jeep mini ect) either you get it and love them or not.

 

Golden Eagle. That's all.

 

This is the spitting image of the one I had. I think it was just before the Golden Eagle.

 

I usually run with no doors from May to October too. It's the longest I've owned a vehicle as well. I was amazed at what the damn thing is capable of and still be able to drive comfortably on the street.

 

Jeezus... your post talked me out of ever owning a Jeep.

 

2014 here and have only broken one axle and that's because I used a cheap replacement. I've wheeled it pretty hard too. Pulled the axle out on the field and drove it home. I've never had to take it in to get anything fixed in 55K miles so far.

 

Not sure if you're into wheeling, but Jeep does have a pretty neat free program called "Badge of honor" where they pick trails and if you go on the trail and check in on their app, they'll send you a free badge indicating which trails you've done.

 

2-door
6-cyl
Sport S
hard top

4-dr rides better, but, the 2-dr is like a go cart.

4-cyl turbo makes more bottom end, but, it’s a turbo. The 6-cyl is simple.

Sport S seems to be the best value. But, if you have any thoughts of 35”/37” tires and a lift, the Rubicon is a better value with taller suspension, high clearance flares, stronger axles, lower gears, lockers, etc.

Hard top is quieter, better with A/C turned on, and more secure. You can easily pop off the roof panels if you want more open air flow.

Death wobble is usually worn suspension/steering components and incorrect alignment. Worn track bar bushings will cause all sorts of oscillations to occur in the frontend and is common. Replace the front and rear bushings with urethane versions, from the start. The alignment needs maximum positive caster (adjustable upper bars are handy for this) and a tiny bit of toe out.