Introduction - Jeep Newcomer

[LPat]

Hello........ Purchased my 2025 Wrangler Sahara (Hydro Blue) with SOT Power Top in September of 2025.

Live in the Northern Va. area, born in Baton Rouge. Retired 12/2024 after too many years as a Federal Contractor. Planned on buying a Can Am Spyder, but during a moment of mental clarity I realized that may not be the best thing to do at 70. So the question became...... what's another fun vehicle to drive????? The answer..... an open top Jeep........

Enjoying my introduction to the vehicle, the culture, the community. First time driving a Jeep was when I picked it up from the dealer, so I'm still learning the nuances and tech stuff. Noticed I was adjusting my steering more than usual during that 1st drive, but the "loose" steering is a non-issue now. I'm learning to give the Jeep Wave, and have gotten a few. Recv'd a few ducks..... passed a few ducks along.

Only (somewhat) issues so far are the dimples on top of my hood where the windshield thingies sit. Internet research says that I'm not the only one..... so maybe it's just a "Jeep Thing"........ Otherwise, every drive is fun, every drive is an adventure........

My retirement priority is to see the country, and Ted (the Jeep's name is Ted.... long story...) is my Road Trip vehicle. Also, I'm registered for a Jeep Adventure Academy in May, and am very much looking forward to it.

Thanks for reading..... Hope to converse and exchange Jeep experiences in the future...........

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[Gio]

Hello........ Purchased my 2025 Wrangler Sahara (Hydro Blue) with SOT Power Top in September of 2025.

Live in the Northern Va. area, born in Baton Rouge. Retired 12/2024 after too many years as a Federal Contractor. Planned on buying a Can Am Spyder, but during a moment of mental clarity I realized that may not be the best thing to do at 70. So the question became...... what's another fun vehicle to drive????? The answer..... an open top Jeep........

Enjoying my introduction to the vehicle, the culture, the community. First time driving a Jeep was when I picked it up from the dealer, so I'm still learning the nuances and tech stuff. Noticed I was adjusting my steering more than usual during that 1st drive, but the "loose" steering is a non-issue now. I'm learning to give the Jeep Wave, and have gotten a few. Recv'd a few ducks..... passed a few ducks along.

Only (somewhat) issues so far are the dimples on top of my hood where the windshield thingies sit. Internet research says that I'm not the only one..... so maybe it's just a "Jeep Thing"........ Otherwise, every drive is fun, every drive is an adventure........

My retirement priority is to see the country, and Ted (the Jeep's name is Ted.... long story...) is my Road Trip vehicle. Also, I'm registered for a Jeep Adventure Academy in May, and am very much looking forward to it.

Thanks for reading..... Hope to converse and exchange Jeep experiences in the future...........

Welcome Aboard!!

It is a fun hobby and great way to see the country.

 

[My26ReconWillys]

Welcome!

Ed

 

[Radioman]

Welcome and congratulations on your new Jeep.

 

[Bulletbill]

Congrats…but where’s the pic?

 

[FF5Cobra]

I too bought my self a retirement toy at 70. 2025 Willy’s.
Yep jeep panels are not perfectly flat like you would expect on a regular production car .

steering on a jeep is a bit “quicker” but easy one handed driving with arm resting on arm rest going along hi way.

enjoy your new toy. I love mine as first time jeep owner

 

[Old Dogger]

Welcome to the Forum!

 

[wuzwiz]

Congrats on your retirement, you've earned it. We've been through a few jeeps; 57', 87', 74'. Retired with an 07', then '17' and now 23' JL. Lots of wonderful miles, campsites, roadsides and trails. Be careful out there, be safe. ENJOY.

 

[LPat]

Thanx for taking the time to respond and for the welcomes........... Just as with the Jeep, I'm a newbie to participation in forums. Hope to frequent more in the future.....

Put a picture of Ted (...long story) in my profile, but added a pic here...

Thanx again........

 

[Gio]

Thanx for taking the time to respond and for the welcomes........... Just as with the Jeep, I'm a newbie to participation in forums. Hope to frequent more in the future.....

Put a picture of Ted (...long story) in my profile, but added a pic here...

Thanx again........

LOL! I hope Ted has something to do with the movie TED.

I was brand new to Jeep in 2021.

I was used to Chevy crew-cab 2500 pick-ups.

The Wrangler felt great to me. Smaller and easier to turn.

I honestly enjoy the ride of the Jeep.

I hear the Broncos have a nicer street ride but I feel the Jeep experience has to do with the solid axel ride and I like the liveliness and constant engagement it requires.

I think you'll really enjoy that this summer.

 

[LPat]

Hello again..... It's been a little while, but I'm having too much fun driving Ted (even to the grocery store...). Still learning about being a Jeep owner.... Still learning about being a Jeep driver.

At about 8800+ miles, everything is running good... No issues, no breakage . Changing the oil every 4k miles (missed doing the first at 500 miles). Only addition is some grab handles that offer a little assist when climbing out.

Did a road trip through Vermont (VT-100) and eastern NY in December '25. Ted did great in the cold, and snow, and ice. Beautiful country, almost like a postcard..........

Wife and I came out of a movie in January and were surprised by about 3 inches of snow on the roads. I felt so cool saying to her "No problem.... I have a Jeep". Dropped Ted into 4H and cruised home......

Did the Jeep Adventure Academy-Catskills in May. Well organized, well presented, well taught. Had never done anything like that before... it was a blast... Like riding a slow-moving roller coaster!!!!!

The Academy taught me some things about Ted.... put Ted in 4L for the first time (went in 4L easy, didn't slip out). Landed on a few rocks/boulders, and after looking underneath for damage, saw that Ted has skid plates... Duh!!! Learned how and why to use the Duck Button (Selec-Speed Control?). As we drove over some boulders and ruts, I did start hearing some clinks and clanks from my front end. One of the spotter/instructors said it was just the springs or something.... No big deal.... Made the 7 hour drive home with no issues..... still no issues. Was fun using the Pitch and Roll gauges....

Planning a MD/WV/VA road trip in a couple of weeks... looking forward to my next adventure.....

Have fun... Be safe.

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