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First Jeep purchase, need some advice

AlgUSF

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Soft tops are very noisy if you plan any road trips.
That just means that your soundtrack isn't good enough because you don't have it cranked loud enough. :)

That is usually contingent on how windy it is, or isn't, when driving. The soft tops aren't automatically or always noisy when driving any distance.

The design of the JL-generation convertible top is very good. There are instances when the interior of my soft top Jeep is as quiet as we'd expect from a hardtop. There are also those times when a windy day, and/or heavy rain, will make for a noisy drive.
I agree with @Heimkehr the convertible top on the JL is very good. Everything fits tight, if I have any issues with it then I've usually done something wrong (like forget to install a bolt). LOL!
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RAD1

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I have the Sky One Touch - it's worth every penny with our weather. Second best option is the Sunrider. If you buy a hard top, you can buy the sunrider after the purchase ($1K).

Good luck in your search. I wouldn't be opposed to buying from Carmax if they have what you want. They seem to ship cross country for relatively cheap.

Heading to the Cape tomorrow for a long weekend.
 

Bill_BCNtoNY

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I bought my ‘19 Sahara last year from CarMax - happily paid some premium for the convenience they offer. Had the car shipped from WI to NY, too.

Very happy with my Jeep!
 

Jeepalady17

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+1 for the Sunrider as a good option. I keep mine installed ~10 months out of the year, it's easily my favorite "mod"
Mine too Kept the Sunrider on all winter here at 9500' elevation CO where I live.. The Jeep has great heaters so never had a problem being "cold" And with the "half-hardtop" in the back you got some added security and also protection from the elements. My best mod investment too. So easy to flip back and re-fasten in seconds
 

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TheNewGuy

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GeepTheJeep

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Looks like it checks all your boxes and not too far over your 30k threshold. The only wildcard would be home much corrosion it has on the doors, hood etc
Are you seeing corrosion in the listing?
 

TheNewGuy

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Are you seeing corrosion in the listing?
Between the pics and my eyes, no.
But seriously, you'd have to see it in person or ask for closeup pics of the door hinges. Chances are if there is corrosion on the hinges on a 2019, there is corrosion elsewhere on the aluminum panels as well.
 

Shibadog

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Super helpful. Do you think a 2015 with 106k miles for $20k is a good buy? Again, I’m so new to Jeeps I’m frankly shocked at prices on late models with high mileage.

Regarding tops: Sky 1 Touch seems very appealing with back panels that come off. We have a 1 and 3 year old and we are all fair skinned. The amount we would have roof off is minimal. The freedom panels do not seem appealing as I can’t think of any circumstance where my wife and I would want that. Sky and soft seem best for us but would love any other insight.
Sky I touch wasn’t NOT available until the JL series, so if that’s a must have you’re looking at a much newer, more $$$ rig. Question. Have you actually driven a Jeep? If not, do yourself a HUGE favor and rent one, live with it the way YOU will drive it, and then decide. Jeeps are NOT for everyone. They are expensive, noisy, ride rough, handle a bit oddly and are thirsty. Folks either love them or hate them-you need to know up front which group you belong to.
 

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Xcoaste

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A JK will only have the 3.6L engine while the JL will have several options. If you haven’t test drove the different options I suggest you do.
 

ColoradoMike

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Question. Have you actually driven a Jeep? If not, do yourself a HUGE favor and rent one, live with it the way YOU will drive it, and then decide. Jeeps are NOT for everyone. They are expensive, noisy, ride rough, handle a bit oddly and are thirsty. Folks either love them or hate them-you need to know up front which group you belong to.
This.
 
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GeepTheJeep

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I had a 77 Scout II that was my summer car but I sold it last summer. I know what I’m getting myself into I just need some insights. This will not be a daily driver and my sister will be thrilled to have a car
 

ObiMatt87

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This one just popped up, thoughts?
$34k
SOT
Alpine
Red
Leather
57k miles
https://www.carmax.com/car/25596014...-489a-4549-9ab3-d2685ec05a70&utm_medium=email
Joining this conversation late, but if you have not already purchased a Jeep, here are a few thoughts from my personal experience:

I looked at this listing (it is no longer available, so assume it has sold). While it is a great color, and from the pictures appears to be in decent shape on the outside, as noted by others I'd definitely have to see it or any other in person to make sure of the actual body condition. The interior, though, reflects a pretty high level of use that even the Carmax prep didn't really do a good job at concealing. Lots more wear and tear than I would want to accept, even at 5 years old.

Additionally, to put things in perspective, I bought my 2018 Sahara in 2019 when it was 1 year and 2 months old. It had listed for $51K when new (have no idea what the original owners paid), but I got it a year later for $37,900 and 10K miles, which was a great deal compared to everything else out there. It still looked and smelled brand new with no marks and only a tiny bit of internal use marks. Options included the LED lighting group, tow package, leather, 8.4" radio/nav, anti-spin differential, upgraded Dana rear axle, remote start, dual top option w/matching color hard top.

This Carmax listing does not have full LED lighting (headlights are halogen) or tow kit (which gets you the pre-wired aux panel, the hitch with wiring ready to go, and upgraded alternator). It does have the Sky One-touch and active safety group options, which released late in 2018.

I have attached the original window sticker for the Jeep in the Carmax listing so that you can see everything it had when new (You can do the same for any for any 2013+ Jeep and a bunch of other brands at this site using the VIN from any for sale listing: Window Sticker Lookup by VIN

For its age, the mileage isn't bad, but looking at the interior marks on seating and other surfaces I think it has been used heavier than it appears. Each person will have their preferences on what they are willing to accept. I don't need brand new-looking on a used vehicle, but do want something that has been taken care of.

As everyone on here will tell you, what you get is based on your preference and what you intend to do with it. I was really lucky to get the price I got, as Jeeps were getting snapped up in less than a week and it was nigh impossible to get to one before it sold. Mine happened to be a trad-in on a Chevy lot, so had not popped on the usual CarGuruss and other listings. Same is going on now, but if you are patient you'll find one you want somewhere with decent mileage.

I noted on a couple of different sites that Jeep Wranglers only shed ~21% of their value over 5 years, one of the lowest depreciation vehicles on the market anywhere (#4). When the three vehicles listed above it on the list are Porsche 911 coupe, Porsch 718 Cayman, and Toyota Tacoma, I'd say that's pretty good. Makes it tough on used Jeep buyers, though...

I would definitely recommend JL over JK. My brother has a 2012 JK and while it is great, the two are pretty different in overall ride and modern features. For me, the must-have features are the LED lighting group, 8.4" upgraded sound system, and tow package with the associated features. Your mileage may vary, but hope you find (have found) your perfectly-balance mix! :like:
 

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GeepTheJeep

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Joining this conversation late, but if you have not already purchased a Jeep, here are a few thoughts from my personal experience:

I looked at this listing (it is no longer available, so assume it has sold). While it is a great color, and from the pictures appears to be in decent shape on the outside, as noted by others I'd definitely have to see it or any other in person to make sure of the actual body condition. The interior, though, reflects a pretty high level of use that even the Carmax prep didn't really do a good job at concealing. Lots more wear and tear than I would want to accept, even at 5 years old.

Additionally, to put things in perspective, I bought my 2018 Sahara in 2019 when it was 1 year and 2 months old. It had listed for $51K when new (have no idea what the original owners paid), but I got it a year later for $37,900 and 10K miles, which was a great deal compared to everything else out there. It still looked and smelled brand new with no marks and only a tiny bit of internal use marks. Options included the LED lighting group, tow package, leather, 8.4" radio/nav, anti-spin differential, upgraded Dana rear axle, remote start, dual top option w/matching color hard top.

This Carmax listing does not have full LED lighting (headlights are halogen) or tow kit (which gets you the pre-wired aux panel, the hitch with wiring ready to go, and upgraded alternator). It does have the Sky One-touch and active safety group options, which released late in 2018.

I have attached the original window sticker for the Jeep in the Carmax listing so that you can see everything it had when new (You can do the same for any for any 2013+ Jeep and a bunch of other brands at this site using the VIN from any for sale listing: Window Sticker Lookup by VIN

For its age, the mileage isn't bad, but looking at the interior marks on seating and other surfaces I think it has been used heavier than it appears. Each person will have their preferences on what they are willing to accept. I don't need brand new-looking on a used vehicle, but do want something that has been taken care of.

As everyone on here will tell you, what you get is based on your preference and what you intend to do with it. I was really lucky to get the price I got, as Jeeps were getting snapped up in less than a week and it was nigh impossible to get to one before it sold. Mine happened to be a trad-in on a Chevy lot, so had not popped on the usual CarGuruss and other listings. Same is going on now, but if you are patient you'll find one you want somewhere with decent mileage.

I noted on a couple of different sites that Jeep Wranglers only shed ~21% of their value over 5 years, one of the lowest depreciation vehicles on the market anywhere (#4). When the three vehicles listed above it on the list are Porsche 911 coupe, Porsch 718 Cayman, and Toyota Tacoma, I'd say that's pretty good. Makes it tough on used Jeep buyers, though...

I would definitely recommend JL over JK. My brother has a 2012 JK and while it is great, the two are pretty different in overall ride and modern features. For me, the must-have features are the LED lighting group, 8.4" upgraded sound system, and tow package with the associated features. Your mileage may vary, but hope you find (have found) your perfectly-balance mix! :like:
Thank you! This is super helpful. I had the car transferred to me and am waiting for it to arrive but I haven’t bought it yet.
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