Thinking of going with a "bare bones" model

[Heimkehr]

I'm thinking of ordering a 2 door model with the only option being a hard top. This will get me a 6 speed V6. Do all models come with AC?

Anyone here go with the base model and ended up happy with their decision?

I ordered a 2021 JLU Sport, taking delivery in late October 2020. I'm well pleased with the vehicle to this day.

Perhaps "bare bones" is a matter of perception. As power locks, mirrors and windows, and air conditioning, are now standard across all trims, I wouldn't consider today's Wrangler to be lacking in creature comforts.

Sponsored

 

[Reflektr]

but then what would we have to talk about the forums? The weather?

Well, there’s always oil viscosities and ducks…

 

[WXman]

Since ALL JLs now come with power windows and locks I would consider a base Sport. Used to be, Sport S was the bare minimum for me. But oddly, when I got my new Jeep two months ago the Rubicon had better leasing deals than the Sport, so I went that direction.

 

[roaniecowpony]

I remember when I owned my first sport how much I had wished I had gone rubicon. Then dumb me bought another sport thinking I was going to rubicon it out. After the fact, pricing out the build, there was no denying I should have went rubicon. Even if I pull the axles which I'm debating, at least I know they're a hot ticket item I can recoup in the future. Sports are great for a mild build, I don't hate sports. But if you're really into building a nice rig, I don't see how anyone justifies building a sport up that isn't on tons. One of the nice things about a rubicon is it's a very capable rig with just good tires and a winch.

I'm of the same thinking. I think I'm fairly handy. But I've never seen the economy in building up configurations I can buy off the lot.

 

[mwilk012]

but then what would we have to talk about the forums? The weather?

I guess we’d all go back to whining about batteries.

 

[SadRobot]

I'm of the same thinking. I think I'm fairly handy. But I've never seen the economy in building up configurations I can buy off the lot.

I would think my level would be "fairly handy" and your level would be "knowledgeable expert" but I suppose it's all semantics.

 

[SadRobot]

I guess we’d all go back to whining about batteries.

In one of these threads the topics turned to french fries and crochet and that also made for a fun time.

 

[salt_crawler]

I would think my level would be "fairly handy" and your level would be "knowledgeable expert" but I suppose it's all semantics.

“Fairly handy” That’s the quote all the guys use after they motor swapped 5 rigs and built 7 different rock crawlers lol.

 

[SadRobot]

“Fairly handy” That’s the quote all the guys use after they motor swapped 5 rigs and built 7 different rock crawlers lol.

I consider "fairy handy" to be like "I fixed this household appliance using youtube and didn't have to call someone to come charge me $500"

 

[AmericanPatriot100]

I went with the sport because I didn’t do my research and dealerships around me were selling rubicons close to $70k and my sport was $32k out the door. I want to do crazy hard rock crawling trails but it’s just not in the cards for me. And as far as I know we don’t have those kinds of trails here in Washington. Most of them I think the sport will do just fine.
And my experience with my clutch is the same. Some good shift days some bad. When I removed the assist spring on the pedal my shifting became a lot more smooth. Now I have more smooth shift days than not. But still an inconvenience. I’ve thought about trading in for a manual rubicon or willys since the price on the 25s has come down quite a bit.

 

[JohnnyG]

I’ve had a base Sport since ’22 which I ordered with AC, hardtop, & Dana 44 as the only major options. I love the thing & enjoy driving daily with no regrets. Looked up the ’26- now AC, power windows / locks, & the 44 are all standard. It’s nice that they don’t charge extra for some colors other than white. Surprisingly, the price hasn’t gone up too much.

I could have bought anything but chose the base Sport because I like the relative simplicity & hate nanny electronics. I actually like the looks of the steel wheels better than almost all of the aluminum ones.

Many flame the 6-speed as junk but I think it’s fine, even with the 3.45 gears. It is atypical if comparing with a late model Honda, BMW, etc but that’s apples & oranges. It can be driven quite slickly / consistently with the proper technique. After driving / owning countless manuals I’ve found the key is to adapt to the capability of the machine rather than being forever disappointed that it doesn’t match expectations of some other car(s) you’ve driven. Machines don’t have good & bad days but people do.

I made mine as light as possible by eliminating the rear seat, spare tire, & even the aux battery. It’s surprisingly quick despite many here saying the 6 is a dog. It does not have much low end torque but if kept in the powerband & shifted properly, I’m sure it could cut a 14 second quarter.

On a side point, I think people have been really coddled by the luxury of modern vehicles. Don’t know if that’s good or bad but I think most driving a loaded up JLU with every convenience would be horrified by an old CJ which was a really crude implement but a blast to drive. If you look at pictures from 100 years ago, you can see women driving open cars with crash boxes in the winter that make CJs look space age.

 

[Ratbert]

I would ignore complaints about the manual, I've owned at least 15 cars with manuals, and the Wrangler's Japanese 6-speed (and clutch) is superb.

Superb? Seriously? It's at or near the bottom of the list for me, especially when mated to the 3.6L.

The only manual I've driven that I would describe as "superb" would be the one in a 911. Buttery smooth. Engine and fingertips become one. Superb.

 

[salt_crawler]

Superb? Seriously? It's at or near the bottom of the list for me, especially when mated to the 3.6L.

The only manual I've driven that I would describe as "superb" would be the one in a 911. Buttery smooth. Engine and fingertips become one. Superb.

My 99 ford ranger shifted smoother than what a JL 6MT produces. Hell I’ve driven a Kubota tractor that shifted better and had a better clutch. But some how these guys keep appearing that some how love it

 

[Ratbert]

I want to do crazy hard rock crawling trails but it’s just not in the cards for me. And as far as I know we don’t have those kinds of trails here in Washington.

Many of the trails in WA are man-made and can be intentionally very, very challenging. Have you done Sasquatch on Tahuya? I did it, but there were lots of bashing / banging / crashing sounds.

 

[MojitoWilly]

My 99 ford ranger shifted smoother than what a JL 6MT produces. Hell I’ve driven a Kubota tractor that shifted better and had a better clutch. But some how these guys keep appearing that some how love it

Lol, I have a 25 Rubicon with the 6 speed and daily a 99 5 speed Ranger. They are definitely different. FYI the 6 speed is the same transmission that is in the last gen Tacoma.

Sponsored