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Has anybody ever regretted buying a Wrangler?

Volstock

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Hi Jeep Lovers!

I know this question might sound a bit silly, but I wonder one thing - as A Wrangler is a sort of a "love it or hate it" car, I wonder if you know anybody who bought a Wrangler and regretted it?

I test-drove Wrangler a bit before the order and am still scared and thrilled at the same time. I would like to keep myself being thrilled after the pick-up, not scared.
The only thing I regret is waiting 38 years before finally buying one. :)
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Thx1158

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The only thing I have ever regretted was selling my last JK. My family was convinced that my commute was beating me up in my Rubicon (retired military with damage to my back) so I sold it. Worst thing I've done as far as vehicles go. Long story short.....I now how have a JL Rubicon on order and couldn't be happier. As others have alluded to ...you get the wrangler or you don't. We have a Land Rover in the garage as well...and I would ALWAYS walk past it to the Rubicon....
 
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Thx1158

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I have.

I owned a 2018 JKUR Recon: it was grossly overpriced, highly overrated, poorly built, drove like crap, and had the dealer service to match.

Following a heated argument with the Service Manager, who after three dealer visits still refused to fix a squeaky driver seat and a loud rattle coming from the A-pillar, I drove across the street to the Toyota dealer and dumped that Rubicon’s ass, with only 8,000 miles, in exchange for a new Tacoma TRD Offroad.

After six months I missed owning a Wrangler so much I sold the Tacoma and bought my current JL Sahara.

Thankfully, this JL has been trouble free. I just wish I could block off my mind ever buying that f&#$ing JKUR Recon.

I was back at my local Jeep dealer recently; I had stopped going there for 2 years. Was glad to find out they finally fired that Manager’s ass...after pissing off countless other customers —and dealer staff.
Yep...I got a Tacoma Off road and hate it.....Its going in a few weeks when the JL Rubicon gets here. The toyota had mechanical issues, crappy dealer service, and left me stranded on several occasions.....never again for any Toyota product.
 

0II392II0

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What did you like about the Wrangler over your 4Runner? Just curious if for some crazy reason a Wrangler just doesn't work out I may took a look at those as well. Actually just started notifying some dealers today to see what discounts I can get on a factory order I made.
1. The 4runner is body on frame, but it's designed for the road first trail second. The Wrangler is built the other way around. Every time I'm on the road I wish I were off it, when I did off road in the 4runner it was super capable for what it is, but it has its limits. Don't let anyone tell you it's close to a wrangler. IFS has its limitations off-road. It will limit trails and lines. I hit that limitation a lot quicker then I thought I would and was stuck with a rig that didn't satisfy my needs.

2. I do all my own work with my vehicles and tinkering on them has always been my hobby. The Wrangler is modular. I have yet to find anything in the world that is designed like a grownup toy the way the Wrangler is. Common how cool is that? Carpets are designed to come out, dual tops, mounting points everywhere for aftermarket accessories. The wrangler is designed to be played with while the 4runner is not. (Plus working on IFS is not fun, working on an axle is. IMO)

3. Limitations. The Wrangler is literally limitless when it comes customizing. 4runner you have the option to add 33's and 3" lift, anything else and your cutting frame(unless you do bolt on LCA extinction lift which is only for cosmetics). With the 4runner it doesn't matter how you are trying design your build for there are only a few options. With the Wrangler you can do so much more with customizing; wheel sizes you can add 33s, 35's, 37's hell 40-44's, lifts there are just as many options and they are actually functional. The Wrangler is just so much more customizable to make it fit your exact needs.

4. After market accessibility. It's not even comparable between the two. This is where I spend my spending money and like having a market with options.

5. Jeep Community, there is a Tacoma/4runner community but I guarantee you it is not the same.

I tired to list some of the main reasons with the whys. Summed up the 4runner was like a Hotwheel and the wrangler is like a Lego Car. I like taking shit apart, making it different, and if I break it, being able to put it back together. I feel the Wrangler offers an experience while the 4runner offered transportation.

One plus for the 4runner I knew the engine/trans were bullet proof and were never going to be an issue. (not saying the wrangler will have issues, just was trying to throw out something positive.)
 
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TPS

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I've never once regretted it.....
Does it rattle and squeak more than any other vehicle that I've owned? Yes.
These "rattles and squeaks" may drive me crazy, but maybe I will be forgiving enough to understand, that such a car must rattle and squeak at times. TIme will tell.
 

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Carolina Jeeper

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I really love and enjoy my 2019 JLUR. It's the 3rd Jeep I've owned. Previously owned a 2010 JKU and a 2016 JKUR. The JL does have it's issues, but all cars seem to these days. But I will not ignore the fact that this JL has some major cost cutting built into it and it shows.

My only regret is that I didn't keep the 2016 JKUR that I traded in on it. Two Jeeps would be better than one!

The majority of my negative experiences are from poor dealership interaction. They made owning my Jeep a huge pain in the butt. Made easy warranty processes a long and difficult struggle. Maybe you are lucky enough to have a dealership that cares to provide quality customer service.

My Jeep issues that were resolved:
Door and hinge paint bubbling
Black hardtop paint missing above rear glass hinges (replaced entire hardtop including freedom panels)
Loose wandering almost scary steering (new cast iron steering box installed)

Everyone looking to buy should look at the TSBs and look through forums like this to be informed.

I never expected the best driving and handling, comfort or anything like commonly found in equally priced cars. It's a Jeep so keep your expectations on that level and you'll be pretty happy.
 

drvn

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Yes. I regret buying my 2020 JLU.
This is my second (prior 2014).
However, don't be encouraged or discouraged by any one person. Do lots of online and in person research and make the decision for yourself.
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cb4017

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Actually no. I have regretted getting rid of a Wrangler though.
I had a TJ, then a 08 JKU, later a 2019 JLU.
For some reason last year I traded my JLU for a Ford Ranger. The Ranger was nice but I missed my Jeep. I did like having the pickup bed. Six months later bought a JT.
Close enough. I'm happy again.

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I regretted trading my TJ Rubicon in for my first JK back in '07. Holy moly was that Jeep a POS.
 

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Yep...I got a Tacoma Off road and hate it.....Its going in a few weeks when the JL Rubicon gets here. The toyota had mechanical issues, crappy dealer service, and left me stranded on several occasions.....never again for any Toyota product.
I didn't have any quality issues with my Tacoma; it felt like a vault. But the automatic transmission calibration was atrocious and the 3.5 V6 felt anemic.

I live in a small city of 90,000 people: Toyota has the best dealer here; Jeep the worst. But now that that SOB manager is gone, I feel that I can work with the Jeep dealer.
 

Thx1158

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I didn't have any quality issues with my Tacoma; it felt like a vault. But the automatic transmission calibration was atrocious and the 3.5 V6 felt anemic.

I live in a small city of 90,000 people: Toyota has the best dealer here; Jeep the worst. But now that that SOB manager is gone, I feel that I can work with the Jeep dealer.
Boy I sure did....and you are dead on with the Trans and power of the 3.5...
 

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I don't regret the wrangler but its a vehicle you learn to live with. The steering requires a lot of corrections at speed and on longer trips its a draining vehicle to drive. In the woods carving up a trail on a sunny day its absolutely in its element. I live for these days. However, sitting in traffic when its 20 outside and the defroster can't keep the windshield clear... you question your choices.
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