Considering a Wrangler but.....

[Movingday]

I already own a 2017 Honda Pilot in Touring trim and have a 2019 Subaru Ascent on order. They are very similar but if the Ascent was available when I bought the Pilot I would have bought it instead. It is more engaging from a driver standpoint and is more comfortable along with some other tidbits as well. In my book it is no contest. My thought was to get rid of the Pilot and get the Wrangler instead. That way we have a quiet peaceful ride when desired and a rough and tumble option when we feel like playing in the forest.

The only problem is my wife really likes the Pilot so we may have to keep that as well.

Even though I described the Wrangler as unrefined that does not mean I consider it a negative. I find it engaging. I had previously owned a Corvette Z06 that I would describe similarly. Compared to the then current crop of Porsche's it was a bit rough around the edges but was a blast to drive. It provided the visceral feedback like few others. My thoughts are that the Wrangler will provide a similar feeling in which the driver participates fully. The opposite end of the spectrum to auto pilot.

You might be happy with the MOAB special edition. Probably worth looking at

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[S2k Chris]

I'm new to the Wrangler world as well, have had mine for 2 weeks now. I absolutely love the damned thing.

That said, I do take the top down and doors off frequently. I love it for this.

Also, I drove my Wrangler to northern WI and back over the holiday (from suburban Chicagoland, ~350 miles). Compared to my other/former cars (wife's Acura RDX, my old Acura TSX) the Jeep is a WAY worse highway car. Much less comfortable, much noisier, worse mileage, etc etc. Now, the time I spend in the woods and cruising around top down/doors off when I got to WI made it completely worth it, but if you are into highway cruising comfort, the Wrangler is not well suited to the role IMO.

 

[BlackRook]

I already own a 2017 Honda Pilot in Touring trim and have a 2019 Subaru Ascent on order. They are very similar but if the Ascent was available when I bought the Pilot I would have bought it instead. It is more engaging from a driver standpoint and is more comfortable along with some other tidbits as well. In my book it is no contest. My thought was to get rid of the Pilot and get the Wrangler instead. That way we have a quiet peaceful ride when desired and a rough and tumble option when we feel like playing in the forest.

The only problem is my wife really likes the Pilot so we may have to keep that as well.

Even though I described the Wrangler as unrefined that does not mean I consider it a negative. I find it engaging. I had previously owned a Corvette Z06 that I would describe similarly. Compared to the then current crop of Porsche's it was a bit rough around the edges but was a blast to drive. It provided the visceral feedback like few others. My thoughts are that the Wrangler will provide a similar feeling in which the driver participates fully. The opposite end of the spectrum to auto pilot.

I like this post a lot. Kinda answers the question itself. Plus I haven't heard that the Ascent was so good, thanks for enlightening me!

My vote based on the above is to pull the trigger on a Wrangler (and maybe try to drop the Pilot). That said, my vote counts for exactly nothing, sooo... best of luck in your decision!

 

[bmac]

My 2 cents worth would be to buy a Jeep IF you are a Jeep loyalist , with Jeep experience , military or civilian .

A Rubicon is actually intended and built for serious off-road or terrain , not for suburban driving around and vacation towing .

Honestly , your post sounds like you might want to look at a Chevy Silverado or Ford or Ram pick-up ; they have towing power plus cargo hauling . They come with roomy 4-doors . There are a lot of incentives and price benefits .

See post #7

Seriously, how many times have you posted this ridiculous comment in bold? Give it a rest. I haven't been around long but I have already seen it several times. Just a heads up, the military no longer uses jeeps.

 

[S2k Chris]

What military Jeep experience? The military hasn’t used Jeeps in almost 40 years.

 

[old8tora]

What military Jeep experience? The military hasn’t used Jeeps in almost 40 years.

M-151 in Vietnam , with Army Infantry . Here is a photo of a different one than I had . ( Maybe the track needed assistance , lol . The officer is having a difficult time , lol .)

 

[raqball]

M-151 in Vietnam , with Army Infantry . Here is a photo of a different one than I had . ( Maybe the track needed assistance , lol . The officer is having a difficult time , lol .)

Thank you for your service to our great nation!

Jeeps were around when I went in the Army in 1983 and I believe there were still some in service all the way until 1990...

An Army Jeep was how I learned to drive a stick!

 

[x_captain_kaos_x]

What military Jeep experience? The military hasn’t used Jeeps in almost 40 years.

Easy my friend. I’m another one with Jeep experience coming from the military. We had them in Germany on the border from ‘86 to ‘90. Almost 40 years, yes, but there are still plenty of Jeep enthusiasts who cut their teeth on M151’s hanging around.

That said - Mr. OP, try a Jeep and I bet you never look back.

@raqball SAME! Lol

 

[RussJeep1]

@bmac : I'm going to talk to the points in your initial post that caught my attention.

I have been mildly intrigued by the Wrangler for some time but the changes JL brought have me taking a more serious look.

I love it, but it's not for everyone. Dare I say, loving it may be a requirement. It's not going to drive as smoothly as either the Pilot or, I suspect, the Ascent. Lets face it, you're not going to get an unbiased opinion on the rig from a sight for those interested in it.

Though the JL's been thoroughly tested the Pilot's just so dang reliable. I have a 2003 with over 100K miles that rides like the day I bought it.

On the other hand, the Pilot's not fun. Utilitarian, practical, reliable, up to 8 adult people mover, you bet.

The Wrangler will have no problem with your described towing needs, any trim level.

Have you considered one of those private rental services where you get a few days or a week lease of a JL to get a better idea if you like it?

I also like the look of the Rubicon and the way it is equipped.

​

As mentioned not too many people get excited by either of the other two vehicles you mentioned. But only you can internally monetize the worth of that visual attraction versus the two other rigs likely to offer more features for the money.

I have complete faith in Subaru, but like the JL, the Ascent's new to market. Then again, so was my 2003 Pilot when I bought it (not just new, but new to market). Dang Honda makes reliable stuff--or at least engines if not transmissions.

If you like to customize your vehicles, add things to them, or think you might enjoy doing that, the Wrangler is loads of fun, if not also pricey.

In many ways I am like you. I'm not a snowbird yet but the kids have left the nest, and I have idle vehicles (albeit old, but also reliable) for them when they come home, so my JL is my toy.

Let me leave you with what it is about the Wrangler that does it for me. This may not be your experience.

Driving tree lined roads, and coastal ones, with the top and windows down, I feel, is better than (as in more effective and less side effect ridden) than any "happy pill."

I've worked under the premise that if you cannot concretely describe, in two sentences or less, what gets your motor running about a Wrangler, then it may be best to consider alternatives. So many other vehicles provide more standard for the money (because their cost does not go into where the rubber meets the road...or the gravel/dirt, like a Wrangler does.)

Good luck!

​

 

[TravisRogers]

M-151 in Vietnam , with Army Infantry . Here is a photo of a different one than I had . ( Maybe the track needed assistance , lol . The officer is having a difficult time , lol .)

I remember this model. No heated steering wheel, the Climatronic™ wasn't precise, and it was very difficult to make a phone call on the highway. Why even bother?

 

[old8tora]

I remember this model. No heated steering wheel, the Climatronic™ wasn't precise, and it was very difficult to make a phone call on the highway. Why even bother?

Yep , extremely durable off road , easily maintained , and more fun than I deserved .

 

[bmac]

@bmac : I'm going to talk to the points in your initial post that caught my attention.



I love it, but it's not for everyone. Dare I say, loving it may be a requirement. It's not going to drive as smoothly as either the Pilot or, I suspect, the Ascent. Lets face it, you're not going to get an unbiased opinion on the rig from a sight for those interested in it.

Though the JL's been thoroughly tested the Pilot's just so dang reliable. I have a 2003 with over 100K miles that rides like the day I bought it.

On the other hand, the Pilot's not fun. Utilitarian, practical, reliable, up to 8 adult people mover, you bet.

The Wrangler will have no problem with your described towing needs, any trim level.

Have you considered one of those private rental services where you get a few days or a week lease of a JL to get a better idea if you like it?

As mentioned not too many people get excited by either of the other two vehicles you mentioned. But only you can internally monetize the worth of that visual attraction versus the two other rigs likely to offer more features for the money.

I have complete faith in Subaru, but like the JL, the Ascent's new to market. Then again, so was my 2003 Pilot when I bought it (not just new, but new to market). Dang Honda makes reliable stuff--or at least engines if not transmissions.

If you like to customize your vehicles, add things to them, or think you might enjoy doing that, the Wrangler is loads of fun, if not also pricey.

In many ways I am like you. I'm not a snowbird yet but the kids have left the nest, and I have idle vehicles (albeit old, but also reliable) for them when they come home, so my JL is my toy.

Let me leave you with what it is about the Wrangler that does it for me. This may not be your experience.

Driving tree lined roads, and coastal ones, with the top and windows down, I feel, is better than (as in more effective and less side effect ridden) than any "happy pill."

I've worked under the premise that if you cannot concretely describe, in two sentences or less, what gets your motor running about a Wrangler, then it may be best to consider alternatives. So many other vehicles provide more standard for the money (because their cost does not go into where the rubber meets the road...or the gravel/dirt, like a Wrangler does.)

Good luck!​

Thanks for the post! That is the type of response I was hoping for when I started this thread.

I have been considering renting one for some time and likely will do so I can find nice equipped JL around.

 

[iznthesky]

M-151 in Vietnam , with Army Infantry . Here is a photo of a different one than I had . ( Maybe the track needed assistance , lol . The officer is having a difficult time , lol .)

That is an M151”A1” I used the M151”A2” up until 1990 when the HMMV replaced it. The HMMV is a much more capable vehicle.....but you can NOT service it in Field. On the M151; With minimum hand tools, you can fix, or replace almost every component on the jeep....including complete engine / transmission swaps. Shame on the government for destroying 95% of them.

 

[old8tora]

That is an M151”A1” I used the M151”A2” up until 1990 when the HMMV replaced it. The HMMV is a much more capable vehicle.....but you can NOT service it in Field. On the M151; With minimum hand tools, you can fix, or replace almost every component on the jeep....including complete engine / transmission swaps. Shame on the government for destroying 95% of them.

Government ought to have given them to us Jeep fans , for free .

That M151A1 was SO reliable and simple . And trustworthy .

One interesting fact is that when you pushed it into 4x4 , it simply connected the front axle , into what we call 4H . (There was no additional 4L .) So , today , I have used merely 4H , and never actually tried 4L , because I never had a need for it .

Second interesting fact is that it would plunge into 2 feet of water and die , but engine would start up and 4x4 would pull it right out . Happened to me at night when I drove into an irrigation culvert in the countryside in Vietnam .

Third , after the soft top was "wasted" ( i.e., finished off ) , it couldn't be replaced , so we never needed it again .

Only problem we had with it in Vietnam , was if a flat tire , after we changed the wheel , we had to drive it to a transportation company to fix it or exchange it . In the field we had no means to do even simple maintenance . We did all that by finding a transportation company somewhere . They would just give us an exchange from a pile of spare wheels they had already serviced , give us an oil change and lube the axles , and send us on our way . In exchange , we would give them some VC souvenirs .

 

[jhonn236_AZ]

f you drop a Cheeto, let it go, because when you look up two seconds later, you will have crossed four lanes of traffic and will likely be rocketing up an embankment beside the highway.

LOL - so, soooooooo true! I'd still keep my Wrangler over any other SUV/Crossover though OP - Get a Wrangler and start enjoying life.

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