Understand, I don't personally have any interest in the Sport as I don't see how it is any different than any other current small SUV offering out there. I built my own Bronco online yesterday and I'm coming in around $56k myself which is give or take about what the Jeep was.
Ha! My 2015 JKU was my best one. My 2013 was the worst, followed by my 2018 JKUR Recon. Yet here I am, still driving a Jeep Wrangler...
Yep. It's a hit or miss with any new vehicle. Jeep actually covered the right head replacement out of warranty, total cost was over $4000 - I paid $1500.
I completely agree regarding your build and its competitive value. One thing though, I'd love to see the Bronco on the approach to Grey Mesa on Hole-in-the-Rock; it's not only the steepness; it's the narrow, extremely tippy rock cut-out cliff side path which live axles handle with ease. A JLUR, my TJR, an ancient XJ with 32s and a JTR with 35s all did it with ease.
With independent suspension, I guess it would kinda "walk up it".
Yes...and then cruise home with tight steering without ever getting death wobble. It must have potential wheelin if an IFS suspension beat out solid axle rigs winning King of the Hammers in 2017, 2018 & 2019. In reality, no one knows how well it will perform at this point...it depends on how it's setup. I'm not interested in getting in an IFS vs solid axle pissing match.With independent suspension, I guess it would kinda "walk up it".
I understand completely . I've looked at the walls in the service Dept way to many times . If mine gets the paint issue or something major it's gone . I'll crawl the Mall in a C-8 game over !@Watchthis I can empathize...I posted this in another thread that was moved. Ive spent more time/$ than I care to admit building this JLU and dealing with FCA dealers "fixing" issues/recalls. Unfortunately, it simply got to the point where it wasn't fun anymore. I sold my jeep.
Dealer visits started off for radio glitch, auto stop start sensor, stabilizer recall, ticking ball joints and loose steering. Then was an oil change where dealer put 6 quarts in after I reminded them beforehand and was handed paperwork that said 6 quarts and it measured overfull...they denied it, but eventually drained it.
It was at dealer 2 weeks for new clutch bc it failed recall test. Went 3 times bc Jeep wouldn't start due to dead batteries...they "diagnosed" it for 3 hours and tried charging it first after I told them I had tried charging it twice; died a few days later and they replaced main battery and then again for aux battery which was the real culprit. Replaced leaking door seals, new steel steering box that didnt do much and dealer left steering sector shaft bolt loose, went back for 2 hour door sensor error diagnosis & then dealer forgot to order parts a week later when I followed up. Setup appt for repair and waited 5 hours for a 1.5 hour job. Also, went through 3 sets of LED fender chop lights due to flickering.
Next was frustrating death wobble for 2 weeks caused by stock ball joints with plastic components failing...paid offroad shop to install new ball joints. I just received a notice in mail saying my winch has been recalled and I need to remove and ship it back for repair.
I'm on the Bronco train..
I hope it works out for you...I can see why FCA is consistently ranked poorly for reliability and dealer service. It's a shame, bc Jeeps have awesome heritage and could be amazing if they built them better and offered better service.
Yea, the Bronco Sport is really a competitor to stuff like the Rav4 and CRV. People comparing it to a Range Rover are giving it way too much leeway, at least in terms of price range. But the Badlands trim is a nice competitor to the trailhawk cherokee/compass/renegade. I think they'll sell a lot of all the trims.
The point many seem to miss is that a growing majority of people are buying Wrangler just for looks.
Looks is part of it, but it's not just looks, it's the overall feel of the vehicle too. I suppose uniqueness may be the best word. It's such a major departure from "normal" and that makes it very exciting.
