Hey guys, I'm thinking about trading in my SI for a wrangler. I have another DD that I can use so the Civic isn't a necessity. I really like the looks of the Wrangler and the fact that I can take the top down. That feature seems like it'll allow me to enjoy the vehicle year-round in ways that I can't do with a traditional truck. Of course the Wrangler is a beat off-road, that goes without saying.

Does anyone have any experience of advice in regards to them?? I can't really think of another truck I'd consider over it.

 

They are terrible in snow due to their short wheel base and high COG.

 

Even the 4 door model?

 

I would get an older wrangler because they are built better than the newer ones. But like Never said Terrible in snow, great for off roading though.

 

Never rode in the new 4 dr model, but the older Wrangler's leave a lot to be desired.
Here's some reading:
http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/...ort-quick_spin

 

I hope you have money to repair everything.

 

Just picked this up:

 

I am a Jeep Wrangler owner. One thing i can say is I have never had any problems in the snow.There is a little thing called 4 wheel drive, I utilize this to its full capabilities in snow, mud, or beach. I do agree that the older ones are much better.

 

Yeah, I'm not sure where all the comments about them being terrible in snow are coming from - I've driven the 2-door version several times in heavy snow with no issues what-so-ever.

 

I had 2 Jeeps over 14 years.
Both were Grand Cherokee's. I went MDX in 2011
and its now my 3rd Accura.
Jeep has a long dedicated list of followers
despite many problems. All Jeeps have a great
thrill of Ownership but at high cost.
You really should check out the owners website at JeepsUnlimited.com .
You can be Wrangler specifc there.
Measure twice - Cut once !

 

i looked into a 4 dr lease a few months back. its fun as hell. the interior quality is a bit difficult to overlook.

def. not a car i would want to buy tho...

 

Now that you broke the ice, have had Jeeps since 1989, but got rid of the last Grand Cherokee in 2008, great SUV's, but what could go wrong went wrong. The daughter still has a Hemi Grand they purchased new in 2005 $45k and what a PIA, sunroof, switches, heater core pipes, HVAC temp door, starter, cruise control, signal light switch, radio, power window, alarm twice and couldn't get into the Jeep even with the key. Had to drive out to the shopping center, remove the negative cable, reattach and even the dealer couldn't find the problem. This is only what comes to mind.

As far as the Wrangler, light weight @ 3000# should pull through snow, but stability on the slippery surface is questionable and the ride is terrible with the short WB.
Just my

 

I guess you should probably be really specific about what you plan on doing with the Jeep. Is it mostly a DD? Are you an avid off-roader? Etc, etc. My family had two jeeps; one cherokee (worst car we ever owned from an expense standpoint) and one wrangler. Neither was all that great, though I do think a Wrangler with a 4-6" lift is a great looking vehicle!

 

The primary purpose of the Jeep would be to get me into work during inclimate situations. It would not be my DD as I have a 99 Bonneville for that purpose. I've always liked the Wranglers and it seems like the only truck that would be great funny year-round. The ability to put the top down or take the doors of seems like it'd be a great pleasure in the warmer months.

I guess the question I've been asking myself is, is it worth a few years of paying a car-note for this?

My other option is to get a used Wrangler or cheap 4x4 and still trade the civic in. It'd drastically decrease the monthly note. I plan to be completely debt free (credit) this year outside of my mortgage and/or potential car note. I guess that I could go this route, satisfy a need and maybe in a year get an awesome car...


I'm just trying to do the smart thing here and I really appreciate the feedback/concern.

 

Stay debt free and keep you cars.

 

One of the oddest handling vehicles I've ever driven is a Jeep Wrangler. That thing is damn squirrely on the highway. It's almost like riding in a car put together with band-aids and chicken wire. But yeah, they can go off road and hold their own for sure.

 

I had a Wrangler for 2 years before getting nailed by a drunk driver. One of the funnest vehicles i have ever owned. 30k miles in 2 years. NEVER had a problem in the snow. Went on all kinds of road trips. Takes a little getting used to the handliing (esp) highway because of the suspension and lack of aerodynamics(!) but, once you are comfortable with it never a problem. I would by another one.

I have limited experience with the new ones. It feels too big. I like the JK's. Very nimble.

 

The 2011 have an all new, much higher quality interior.

 

We looked at a 4-dr Wrangler Sahara Unlimited a few years back and were actually quite impressed with it. We decided to stick with our MDX mainly because of the spartan interior (at the time) and the fact that we rarely off-road.

If I were looking today, my main concern would be the 3.8L V6 engine (202 hp and 237 lb torque) with only a four-speed automatic. My guess is that the new PentaStar 3.6L V6 (or a variation of) is slated to replace this archaic engine/transmission.

Ultimately, if I truly wanted a Wrangler, I'd wait a year or two for Chrysler to upgrade the powertrain.