2 DOOR JL build/order discussions master thread

[3uPh0riK]

I knew it wasnt going to change anything, but i wasnt in the mood to work so i had a chat with jeep chat.

Same old, saying probably end of March to mid of April to start building. I asked the knob on the other side if they knew how unhappy people are out there, and I can honestly say he could physically not care less. He told me he has nothing to do with any of that he can only give me my status. And get this, he tells me ive only been in D status for 3 days so I shouldnt worry too much. Last I spoke to them I was in D status for 20 something days. So I think they reset me so that i cant complain for being in D for too long.

Anyways i asked him if he doesnt care who does care. He said the dealership. The dealership just tells me they havnt heard anything and theyl tell me when that changes. So yeah, Jeep is pathetic. I really hope i dont have issues with my vehicle because i would hate to ever have to deal with these clowns to solve car issues. I would have loved for there to be legit competition for the 2 door wrangler because at this point I can tell you I would probably have gone with somebody else

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[RubiRed]

Was just told second week of April for 2 door start. But no reason to believe this quote is any more accurate than the previous quotes before (e.g. mid Feb, early March, mid March) Don't get a sense the chat folks have the inside scoop so they're only able to share what they're told to say.

Ever had a flight get delayed while waiting at the gate? This feels similar. If the gate agent doesn't know what caused the delay or when/if it'll arrive they always announce "20 minute delay" on the PA system by default. 20 minute passes and passengers are eager they'll announce "it'll be another 20 minute delay". This happens one more time. Then finally by the fourth announcement they finally learn the facts and announce "this flight is now cancelled and passengers will need to be rebooked for first flight out next morning, please step forward to redeem your overnight voucher". All the 20 minute delay announcements in the beginning is just to buy them time since they have not gotten the facts yet.

Of course I hope I'm wrong and it'll actually start production second week of April.

View attachment 18617

 

[jangler]

Here is my journey of trying to buy a Wrangler and being puzzled why FCA decides to make it so hard...

I have never owned a Jeep, but something in the core idea of Jeep has always been so inspiring that when the JL was introduced we decided that our old SUV needs to go and be replaced with a Jeep. A real one - 2 door Wrangler. Besides my wife's 40y birthday is coming and she had always wanted one...

Off to jeep.com I did go (as everyone) on the day it opened, built one and was ready to click buy button. Except that there was no such button there. WHY? Instead they promised that some dealer will contact me with a quote. What a disappointment after purchasing a Tesla online.

After few days I got an email asking me to visit a local dealer, but no quote as promised. Not what I signed up for. Google Map showed me 6 closest dealers and I sent them all email with configuration we wanted and asked for a price. Told that we'll place order on the same day with the one giving lowest price. Already I was scared of having my voicemail filled with car salesmen. Apparently no need to worry.

To my astonishment - only one dealer responded with anything else than a canned template email. After some back an forth I got a quote, but it was way over MSRP. When starting to ping others, again I got a bunch of "come and visit us" generic template emails. After 10 days of trying to purchase Jeep without visiting a dealer we gave up. Apparently dealerships in the bay area had 0 interest to sell Jeep.

When driving by a dealer on a family trip we stopped to order one. It took 1.5 hours after telling exactly what I want for them to order one and charge the downpayment. And even them for some reason they were not able to order the configuration (Sport S, Manual, Soft top) without adding there anti-spin differential even when that was "available" online. While this was infuriating (being pushed to purchase something we did not want), they did give 5% below invoice price which compensated nicely.

Being totally disappointed on the customer experience but having a lot of respect to the legacy of the Jeep brand, I decided to help and emailed to FCA top management offering to help improving to customer experience. Someone there immediately called and left a voice mail with apologies and offering personnel discount. Nice! Unfortunately I could not get hold to them any more after that, so maybe they weren't that keen in improving customer experience after all. And I had already ordered the car 5% under invoice, so personnel discount would not have helped much in any way.

In the mean while we have been trying to reach the dealership for getting VIN/VON to estimate the shipping time. They have reported back that "we should receive the car in 4-6 weeks" and they would call back. Yeah right. At the same time they have ignored questions on VIN/VON. Finally today 2 weeks after ordering (and charging downpayment for the order) they confessed that they had not placed order yet and will sort it out tomorrow.

Dear FCA - if you are reading this, take action and start selling online. Dealerships are not helping you. I would have been happy to pay MSRP on the launch day just to avoid ever seeing a dealership. You'll make more selling directly: no inventory is needed and you can keep the full MSRP.

 

[MikeM1968]

Chrysler customer assist-told me that the JL 2dr actual production is scheduled to start mid April--2018-
Subject to change--ANYTIME

That basically means the 2018 two doors will be a very short run model before they start production on 2019 models.

The 2 doors starting production in mid April means they won’t start hitting dealer lots until around mid May “ish” - then possibly 3-4 months before they start production on 2019 models around August/ September timeframe and dealers start clearing out 2018 inventory.

Unless you have one ordered and can wait- you might be better off waiting for 2019 models- or - getting a 2018 at a discounted clearance price ( probably what I’ll do)

 

[AdHerp]

Quick search for OH specific law turned these up:
http://codes.ohio.gov/oac/109:4-3-07
http://www.ohiolemonlaw.com/legal-links-information/ohio-motor-vehicle-sales-rule/

Again I’m not an attorney or well versed on Ohio law but if these are accurate I see “ten” different ways to argue my deposit back. Did you sign a detailed contract with all terms of the deal clearly stated? Did you sign something saying based on that, your deposit was non-refundable?

I see, thank you. It looks like the dealer is required to refund the deposit when there has basically been a breach of contract. I suppose if you were given an actual delivery date that has not been met, then legally they have to refund your money. My dealer didn’t require a deposit.

 

[NascarMark]

Here is my journey of trying to buy a Wrangler and being puzzled why FCA decides to make it so hard...

I have never owned a Jeep, but something in the core idea of Jeep has always been so inspiring that when the JL was introduced we decided that our old SUV needs to go and be replaced with a Jeep. A real one - 2 door Wrangler. Besides my wife's 40y birthday is coming and she had always wanted one...

Off to jeep.com I did go (as everyone) on the day it opened, built one and was ready to click buy button. Except that there was no such button there. WHY? Instead they promised that some dealer will contact me with a quote. What a disappointment after purchasing a Tesla online.

After few days I got an email asking me to visit a local dealer, but no quote as promised. Not what I signed up for. Google Map showed me 6 closest dealers and I sent them all email with configuration we wanted and asked for a price. Told that we'll place order on the same day with the one giving lowest price. Already I was scared of having my voicemail filled with car salesmen. Apparently no need to worry.

To my astonishment - only one dealer responded with anything else than a canned template email. After some back an forth I got a quote, but it was way over MSRP. When starting to ping others, again I got a bunch of "come and visit us" generic template emails. After 10 days of trying to purchase Jeep without visiting a dealer we gave up. Apparently dealerships in the bay area had 0 interest to sell Jeep.

When driving by a dealer on a family trip we stopped to order one. It took 1.5 hours after telling exactly what I want for them to order one and charge the downpayment. And even them for some reason they were not able to order the configuration (Sport S, Manual, Soft top) without adding there anti-spin differential even when that was "available" online. While this was infuriating (being pushed to purchase something we did not want), they did give 5% below invoice price which compensated nicely.

Being totally disappointed on the customer experience but having a lot of respect to the legacy of the Jeep brand, I decided to help and emailed to FCA top management offering to help improving to customer experience. Someone there immediately called and left a voice mail with apologies and offering personnel discount. Nice! Unfortunately I could not get hold to them any more after that, so maybe they weren't that keen in improving customer experience after all. And I had already ordered the car 5% under invoice, so personnel discount would not have helped much in any way.

In the mean while we have been trying to reach the dealership for getting VIN/VON to estimate the shipping time. They have reported back that "we should receive the car in 4-6 weeks" and they would call back. Yeah right. At the same time they have ignored questions on VIN/VON. Finally today 2 weeks after ordering (and charging downpayment for the order) they confessed that they had not placed order yet and will sort it out tomorrow.

Dear FCA - if you are reading this, take action and start selling online. Dealerships are not helping you. I would have been happy to pay MSRP on the launch day just to avoid ever seeing a dealership. You'll make more selling directly: no inventory is needed and you can keep the full MSRP.

Just an FYI...I ordered 2 dr rubicon, ocean blue, soft top...everything else but no leather and no upgraded bumpers. I tried to order at dealership in December but they could not place order for ocean blue, then when I was told to come in and order, they couldn't order soft top. They called on 2/5 and I was in and ordered that day.

I was D on 2/7, according to Jeep chat and dealership. Have been checking dealership and chat twice a week - each time in D. Yesterday was day 28 from order. When I checked yesterday I was told it has only been in D for 3 days?

I know that sh*t happens but the inconsistent information (and lack of info) is tough to accept. I have never ordered a first year model or redesign BUT I have ordered several new cars going back 25+ years - never experienced anything like this. Even ordered the 2015 Grand Cherokee - it was at the dealership in less than 6 weeks and we received what appeared to be meaningful updates during the build process!

It is what it is, take a deep breath and wait some more. Good Luck to all

 

[sunol]

2 door Rubicon Hardtop ordered 2/1. Dealer is saying production Mid-April, delivery for me beginning of May.

I have a '99 Sahara that we bought new and spent the first 4 years as a daily driver. She's a bit long in the tooth now, but still going.

Over the last 18 years I didn't see a big reason to get a new one until the JL came out., so I'll wait another couple of months. Looking at this thread though makes me wish they were a little more forthcoming on the timing....

 

[pianomankd]

My latest Jeep Chat just now. HOPE!!! I have hope now.

(I accidentally started another thread with this, so mods please delete if need be, sorry! I just got really excited...)

Kyle Davis: Hi Mary Lyn I have a question about my Wrangler order and was hoping you could check the status on it?

Kyle Davis: My VIN number is 1C4GJX**********

Mary Lyn: Yes of course I can do that for you Kyle!

Mary Lyn: Congratulations by the way!

Kyle Davis: Thanks

Mary Lyn: Do you mind holding for me please?

Kyle Davis: Sure

Mary Lyn: One moment please!

Mary Lyn: Hi Kyle. Thank you very much for that hold there. I see the vehicle is in status Firm schedule. Which means Order is in the scheduling phase of the manufacturing process.The parts required to build the vehicle are being scheduled and as soon as they available and ready, order will be scheduled for build. Most orders are scheduled for build within 30 days after reaching this stage.

Mary Lyn: I see this vehicle has been in this status for a total of 22 days.

Kyle Davis: Right, so that means the car will start being built within the next 8 days?

Mary Lyn: Likely yes. We do have to allow up to 30 days as that is the normal time frame.

Kyle Davis: Because I've been reading online that Jeep isn't even close to starting their 2-Door builds yet. I'm surprised that it will start to build in just eight days from now.

Mary Lyn: The vehicle has not entered the build process we have to allow 30 before the vehicle will enter the manufacturing phase. I am very sorry Kyle but everything looks normal on our end.

Kyle Davis: Ok great, so in roughly 8 days it will enter the build phase?

Mary Lyn: Yes exactly. If it happens to exceed that, contact us back and we can reach out to high departments possibly.

Kyle Davis: Ok great, thanks Mary, very excited for the 2-Door!


And there we have it! Hope?! Maybe? PLEASE? Man I hope so.

 

[Terry09]

I attempted to contact FCA expressing my concerns about the 2 doors. Mainly tried explaining how important the customers are that pre ordered the jeep. Explained why I believe we are the most loyal and valuable customers that help maintain the Jeep brand image and reputation. I explained that I would understand if there are delays but that it does not seem fair to leave these customers in the dark with their lack of communication. (Of course we all know that delays were a possibility, no one twisted our arms to purchase the JL) To my surprise I was contacted by an FCA executive who seemed very concerned. He asked for some of my information before continuing to discuss the matter. I'll let you all know when I get any info.

 

[Terry09]

My latest Jeep Chat just now. HOPE!!! I have hope now.

(I accidentally started another thread with this, so mods please delete if need be, sorry! I just got really excited...)

Kyle Davis: Hi Mary Lyn I have a question about my Wrangler order and was hoping you could check the status on it?

Kyle Davis: My VIN number is 1C4GJX**********

Mary Lyn: Yes of course I can do that for you Kyle!

Mary Lyn: Congratulations by the way!

Kyle Davis: Thanks

Mary Lyn: Do you mind holding for me please?

Kyle Davis: Sure

Mary Lyn: One moment please!

Mary Lyn: Hi Kyle. Thank you very much for that hold there. I see the vehicle is in status Firm schedule. Which means Order is in the scheduling phase of the manufacturing process.The parts required to build the vehicle are being scheduled and as soon as they available and ready, order will be scheduled for build. Most orders are scheduled for build within 30 days after reaching this stage.

Mary Lyn: I see this vehicle has been in this status for a total of 22 days.

Kyle Davis: Right, so that means the car will start being built within the next 8 days?

Mary Lyn: Likely yes. We do have to allow up to 30 days as that is the normal time frame.

Kyle Davis: Because I've been reading online that Jeep isn't even close to starting their 2-Door builds yet. I'm surprised that it will start to build in just eight days from now.

Mary Lyn: The vehicle has not entered the build process we have to allow 30 before the vehicle will enter the manufacturing phase. I am very sorry Kyle but everything looks normal on our end.

Kyle Davis: Ok great, so in roughly 8 days it will enter the build phase?

Mary Lyn: Yes exactly. If it happens to exceed that, contact us back and we can reach out to high departments possibly.

Kyle Davis: Ok great, thanks Mary, very excited for the 2-Door!


And there we have it! Hope?! Maybe? PLEASE? Man I hope so.

Not to burst your bubble but I was told they were waiting for parts a long time ago. It took more than 30 days but the parts finally came in week ago and the build still has not started. The support team in the chat has very limited information.

 

[N75]

Let me burst it further. From right now. I'm still D at least...

 

[passingnotes]

BUT on a positive note: i’m in the north shore of mass - lots of jeeps around here - after convincing my wife that we need a jeep, because of use during zombie apocalypse and so on, i briefly thought about a four door - because they’re all over the dealers - then we go out to eat, there are literally five jeeps right by the restaurant including 2 and 4 doors...she looks at them and is like, “just wait for the 2 door, it’s much better” - and she’s not even into jeeps!

 

[N75]

I’m starting to regret my order. I waited so long for Sting-Gray to be available that I’m sure I’m back of the 2-door order line. I compromised on a Rubicon, what I really wanted was a 2-door Sahara which was MAYBE sorta leaked the day Sting-Gray finally opened. I decided to dive in anyway, not wanting it wait for a phantom model that might not even happen.

I knew at time of order there was a delay. I figured 30 days at worst, pushing start of production to mid-March, then if I was lucky with option choices to get into job 1 I might have it by the middle or end of May.

The latest who-knows-whats-real chat seemed to pretty firmly say mid-April to start production. Being that I ordered so late, I can see it taking 30 days to get to D1, and another 30 to build and deliver. So my best guess (why am I guessing on a $40k+ purchase, Jeep?!) is mid-June. If I don’t make Job 1, will I get it before 2019 order banks open? What happens if there are more delays?

I’ve been patiently waiting for months just to PLACE an order based on color, which is irrelevant because no colors are being built still. I could have ordered in December knowing it was “late availability” but been in line should it release early...

Frustrated at lack of communication here. My dealer doesn’t know anything better than Jeep Chat, which is no better than @JeepCares - starting to think that Jeep doesn’t care.

Putting some thought into this, will be reaching out to the sales manager at my dealer tomorrow, and will try to find some escalation contacts within Jeep. This is just bad customer service. I’m a customer that is ordering not exactly what I want, and very likely to trade in and order another one in 12-18 months when every combo is available.

If you’re listening Jeep, we’re your customers. We are trying to give you money.

 

[malogos]

I would love an official word from Jeep. Every week it gets pushed back another week.

Although for the people saying to wait for the 2019s... do you think those will be on time?

 

[EarlyJK]

What they should do is just put out all 2dr JLs as 2019s. That would benefit the customer and make up for the inconvenience incurred.

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