Honest feedback

[392scat]

I placed a 4xe order today. I specifically asked the dealer and he said there was absolutely no mention of closing ordering banks in a recent National call.

Purely speculation on my part, but the recent unavailability of the 2.0 in some configurations, combined with the early July announcement that the 4xe was "sold out for 2021" makes me wonder if 2.0 engines are being pulled to support demand for the 4xe. That might also help explain the rapid price increases on the 4xe, which can be a method of slowing unexpectedly high demand (it's not always just a $ decision). Just a hunch.

Weird!! I don’t know what that’s all about than. But that price hike sucks, nearly 3K more than what I was quoted just weeks ago. I feel stupid for waiting so long.

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[392scat]

I am in the process trading in my Camaro SS Convertible on a Rubicon 2-door. I seem to bounce between fast cars and off-road vehicles (never having time enough for 2 vehicles AND a motorcycle). I love my drop top, I really do. Even in SW Pennsylvania, my top is down from April to November (even with the heat blasting and coat on lol). When I want to go somewhere fast without slapping on a helmet and a set of leathers, it's a dream. But I realized that the Camaro (and the other muscle/sports cars I've had) is just isn't needed. Anywhere I can go fast, I can go as fast, close to as fast, or faster, on my bike (depends on the scenario, but overall they're comparable). No one in my life likes riding passenger in my SS unless I behave, which makes it less fun for me, OR the passengers who like to go fast would rather be driving so I'm usually driving alone. I ripped the pillion seat off of my bike the day I got it, I don't take passengers unless the wife feels like getting bugs in her teeth (never). Even with Cooper DSW tires, which make driving in the cold and snow kinda fun, the SS is still just not a practical car. Even when we move to Florida in a few years, the Jeep beats the SS for everything but sporty performance, and I have a motorcycle for that. I traded a super built up JKU for the Camaro, and came from a super built of Nissan Frontier (which I traded a super built turbo Eclipse in on), so who knows, I may trade the Rubicon in on something fast in three or four years.

I know that's no help, but what I can say is that for at least the first year, maybe two, and possibly three, the only time you're really going to miss the Challenger is when you drive angry on good roads. Everything else, in the Jeep will either feel like "hey, *%&# it " or "what do you think is up/down/over that /hill/stream/barrier/snowbank/mountain/mud pit?"

If you're not having fun in your Jeep, that's probably on you. They're made to do dumb stuff in, go find dumb stuff to do. Bring a friend to winch you out though.

You sound a lot like me lol! I only use the power to pass slow people or access the highway lol. The car is an absolute thrill to drive and it’s beautiful. I just don’t have the means or time to drive 2 cars. It’s a hard decision for me personally, I did a lot of custom stuff to the car that I liked, so it has sentimental value now. I flip flop over the decision every 5 minutes while my wife shakes her head in displeasure and says, “im not buying you anything for a car ever again.”

1st world problems I guess lol. I win either way but I still lose something I love.

 

[JasonInDLH]

Hi William,

I don’t think you’ll regret the Jeep (especially since you two have history).

I almost purchased a Charger Scat Pack a few years ago and thinking back I don’t know why I just didn’t get a Wrangler at that point. To me, having the ability to go anywhere slowly trumps going fast only on the road any day. And the experience of driving with the doors off, top down (well, admittedly, I optioned for Sky One Touch), and foot hangin’ out the cab beats any sports car experience I’ve ever had.

 

[MudHunter]

You sound a lot like me lol! I only use the power to pass slow people or access the highway lol. The car is an absolute thrill to drive and it’s beautiful. I just don’t have the means or time to drive 2 cars. It’s a hard decision for me personally, I did a lot of custom stuff to the car that I liked, so it has sentimental value now. I flip flop over the decision every 5 minutes while my wife shakes her head in displeasure and says, “im not buying you anything for a car ever again.”

1st world problems I guess lol. I win either way but I still lose something I love.

The Jeep, if you get it, won't be your LAST vehicle, just your next one. By the time you really, really, miss the Challenger, they'll probably have come out with something else you just have to have, no?

 

[392scat]

Hi William,

I don’t think you’ll regret the Jeep (especially since you two have history).

I almost purchased a Charger Scat Pack a few years ago and thinking back I don’t know why I just didn’t get a Wrangler at that point. To me, having the ability to go anywhere slowly trumps going fast only on the road any day. And the experience of driving with the doors off, top down (well, admittedly, I optioned for Sky One Touch), and foot hangin’ out the cab beats any sports car experience I’ve ever had.

That top is pretty bad ass! I think it’s only available on the 4 doors? It’s pricey though for a single option. I completely agree on the top off experience! That’s kind of what I’m missing.

 

[392scat]

The Jeep, if you get it, won't be your LAST vehicle, just your next one. By the time you really, really, miss the Challenger, they'll probably have come out with something else you just have to have, no?

I know, that’s kind of the crappy part. When I bought the Challenger I said, “I never want to get rid of this!” Now I’m considering of doing just that for a vehicle that definitely won’t be my last. That’s a big concern for me because then it’s a never ending pattern of paying a car payment.

 

[WOwen]

In 2018 I ordered a WB HC M6. Got it on 7-21-18. In October my Dealer called and told me they had a Sublime(Gecko) Wrangler they took in. Needed a winter ride so bought it. Some how that damn Jeep just feels right. Actually sold it and ordered the 392 Wrangler. Best of both worlds but I can say I would have ordered a new Wrangler either way. Actually was surprisingly easy for me. It's just something you feel.

 

[rallydefault]

@392scat
Yea, jeep prices are gettin a bit ridiculous these days.

The soft top life is definitely the way to go. I told my wife I will never own a non-convertible again, jeep or otherwise. My top is down whenever possible, and even my daughter (only a toddler) absolutely loves it.

I have a 4-door and my sister owns a 2-door, so I have practical experience with both. The 4-door is a noticeably nicer ride. Less squirrely on the road, especially at higher speeds, a tad better with road noise, and overall a more practical vehicle to live with long-term. She constantly complains about lack of space with the 2-door, and it's literally just her and her stuff, no significant other or anything like that lol so take that for what you want.

I personally like the look of the 4-door, as well, but not all do. The 2-door can work for you if you really don't drive with others often (which it sounds like you don't) and want more of the classic look and experience. You'll be more maneuverable on tight trails, but be honest with yourself on how often that's gonna come into play. But for some it's just the look they want, and that's valid.

Just be honest with yourself overall. By buying a jeep, even a JL, you are making sacrifices over a traditional vehicle. Seat comfort, noise, handling - all of those take a bit of a hit in a jeep. You are driving a solid-axle vehicle at the end of the day, and you can't get around that. And those issues compound in the shorter wheelbase. Try to do an extended test drive if at all possible, especially if you haven't driven a jeep since the early 2000s. Hope this helps!

 

[Monster1926]

I honestly don’t believe that FCA would shut down production for 2 months of its most profitable vehicle. That makes zero sense.

Only Ford does that...

They’ll still build 2021 until new model change over in December nothing will be shut down. Unless they run into a parts shortage.

 

[392scat]

They’ll still build 2022s until new model change over in December nothing will be shut down. Unless they run into a parts shortage.

Wait, what? They’ll build 22’s until December changeover? Do you mean 21’s? As far as I understand, they’re full for 21’ and the next few months will be filling that demand before they switch to 22’ so any new orders are 4+ months out.

 

[392scat]

In 2018 I ordered a WB HC M6. Got it on 7-21-18. In October my Dealer called and told me they had a Sublime(Gecko) Wrangler they took in. Needed a winter ride so bought it. Some how that damn Jeep just feels right. Actually sold it and ordered the 392 Wrangler. Best of both worlds but I can say I would have ordered a new Wrangler either way. Actually was surprisingly easy for me. It's just something you feel.

Lol I had to read your comment multiple times. So you traded in the HC for the Jeep and then traded in the Jeep for a 392 Jeep? That would be ideal but at 75K it’s a non starter lol.

 

[392scat]

@392scat
Yea, jeep prices are gettin a bit ridiculous these days.

The soft top life is definitely the way to go. I told my wife I will never own a non-convertible again, jeep or otherwise. My top is down whenever possible, and even my daughter (only a toddler) absolutely loves it.

I have a 4-door and my sister owns a 2-door, so I have practical experience with both. The 4-door is a noticeably nicer ride. Less squirrely on the road, especially at higher speeds, a tad better with road noise, and overall a more practical vehicle to live with long-term. She constantly complains about lack of space with the 2-door, and it's literally just her and her stuff, no significant other or anything like that lol so take that for what you want.

I personally like the look of the 4-door, as well, but not all do. The 2-door can work for you if you really don't drive with others often (which it sounds like you don't) and want more of the classic look and experience. You'll be more maneuverable on tight trails, but be honest with yourself on how often that's gonna come into play. But for some it's just the look they want, and that's valid.

Just be honest with yourself overall. By buying a jeep, even a JL, you are making sacrifices over a traditional vehicle. Seat comfort, noise, handling - all of those take a bit of a hit in a jeep. You are driving a solid-axle vehicle at the end of the day, and you can't get around that. And those issues compound in the shorter wheelbase. Try to do an extended test drive if at all possible, especially if you haven't driven a jeep since the early 2000s. Hope this helps!

Thanks! My order would be a soft top, it saves $1,500 on financing and they’re so much easier to manage especially when you’ll only drive it a few days a week. I don’t have anywhere to store the panels anyways! Which was a big reason I thought I’d get a 4 door Bronco, soft top, the 2 door doesn’t even have that option. Your only recourse is a terrible, poorly made top they can’t even currently make at any capacity. I’m going to go here soon and see if I can snag a test drive in a 2 and a 4. There’s a place nearby that says they have them but who knows if that’s true. Having driven in the other one I’m thankfully aware of all the issues. The thefts from A-holes with a knife. Loud tops, cold cabins, road noise. I know I’m not buying a Lexus lol, I’m not that buyer. I always laugh at people who are shocked by that.

 

[Monster1926]

Wait, what? They’ll build 22’s until December changeover? Do you mean 21’s? As far as I understand, they’re full for 21’ and the next few months will be filling that demand before they switch to 22’ so any new orders are 4+ months out.

Your correct my bad. Call granger and ask? People are saying they’re still submitting orders. Let me know what they say I’m curious.

 

[X-Treme]

Current circumstances make this an attractive offer. Being offered nearly 46K for a 48K car is definitely a factor. I’m glad that there’s so many that don’t feel like they regret their choice! Hope your hip feels better!

Thank you, hip is doing great. total healing will take close to a year but im in a much better place than before. I hated selling the TT but when you struggle to get in and out of a car, it is no longer a joy to own. I have to be honest and say that i have more fun with my local Jeep community than i ever did with my local euro car group, which consisted mainly of young guys who believe built is better than bought. I was shunned at every meet because i had more HP from the factory than any of these guys could get by building their vehicles. My Jeep community doesnt care what Jeep you drive or how you got it and our meets once a month are just awesome. i love our off road trips and the ladie’s only Jeep group im in is just fantastic! Only your heart can decide what is good for you and my heart and head had a real battle but it has all worked out well for me. I look forward to getting my Xtreme Recon in, ive been given a date of early November, and making more new memories!

 

[Mtenna99]

I came from a 2 series BMW convertible. It was the first car I bought out of college. I wanted a Wrangler but couldn’t justify the price. With the BMW I got so much more for my money used. Jeeps hold their values while BMWs drop quickly so the BMW was much more economical…Ik crazy. Paid the bmw off in a year and then got bored. I blew tire after tire and couldn’t travel anywhere in it. It was so unpractical I missed being able to take passengers. I loved that bmw and the way it handled but I was just over it. The whole time I still followed this forum closely. Over the course of the 3 years I probably test drove 20 wranglers trying to figure out if I’d really be happy with one. I was afraid I’d miss the sporty BMW and hate the way the Jeep would handle. I was also turned away from Jeep’s due to the steering issues. After test driving as my as I did…I came across some that drove bad and others that drove okay. In 2021 they released the new steering box and at that point Ik I was ready to buy as that was no longer an issue the all drove how they should. I can say without a doubt it was the best decision I could have made. At the time I wasn’t sure how much I’d rock crawl. After joining a jeep club and loving rock crawling I am happy I bought a rubicon. It fits my needs. I love that no road conditions scare me. Rough and pot hole filled roads…Jeep doesn’t care. I travel with it everywhere and looking to get a motor home or travel trailer. My jeep drives awesome. I really like the seating postition of this vehicle and now hate sitting low in cars…I feel so vulnerable. I have joined jeep clubs and have made so many friends. I enjoy traveling the country and wheeling with new people. The jeep was the best decision for me and there is no looking back. Hope this helps.

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