JL Looking

[GGhostRRider]

I have been looking/considering a Jeep for several years but never bought one. I’m always concerned about security, noise or long term vehicle integrity, however the new JL will not release its hold on me and I’m once again lurking Jeep forums.I did a test drive on a JL, the Jeep was blocked in and I had to take the Jeep over the parking stone and a curb and it was crazy how empowering it made me feel! I hadn’t really planned on doing off-roading but I could see how it might be fun. I was planning on doing urban off-roading, like median crossing, curb jumping and possibly car crushing, but I could see some mild dirt roads if the opportunity was right.
I’m on the forum trying to hear pros and cons on JL onwnership, what features I would want, and because I have watched EVERY YouTube video on the JL. Please give me any advice you have on 1st time Wrangler ownership, pros/cons and need to know information.
Thanks for reading.

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[Shooting or Jeeping]

Just to add context- you ARE on a JL forum, so you’ll get a mixed bag.

That said- once you own a real Jeep, you won’t go back. The majority of newer owners are like yourself and likely won’t be “off-roading” it. However, the Jeep isn’t just for that. The bigger perk, to me, is that you can take the doors and the top off. Just everyday driving is a blast like that. It’s like a 4 (or 2) door motorcycle.

As far as driving? It won’t be a sports car. It’s not overly quiet and it takes some getting used to. However, it’s far more civilized as a JL and you’ll like it’s manners.

As for models? All the newbies start with “I want a rubicon!” And then it ends up just as you said- hopping curbs and possibly wandering some very mild trails. I’d personally start with a Sport S and see what (if anything) you want to modify. If you know you want more creature comforts, the Sahara is a definite step up. That all in mind, the models arent like other car models- you get a very similar vehicle across the board and the differences are more personal than required. All are capable for off-roading, and all share a good portion of parts. It’s the fine tuning that you get with the different versions.

After all your deciding, you’ll never be able to honestly compare it to other vehicles. Those who get one find it very hard to give them up. After 3 of these, I can’t imagine not having one in the garage...

 

[GGhostRRider]

Just to add context- you ARE on a JL forum, so you’ll get a mixed bag.

That said- once you own a real Jeep, you won’t go back. The majority of newer owners are like yourself and likely won’t be “off-roading” it. However, the Jeep isn’t just for that. The bigger perk, to me, is that you can take the doors and the top off. Just everyday driving is a blast like that. It’s like a 4 (or 2) door motorcycle.

As far as driving? It won’t be a sports car. It’s not overly quiet and it takes some getting used to. However, it’s far more civilized as a JL and you’ll like it’s manners.

As for models? All the newbies start with “I want a rubicon!” And then it ends up just as you said- hopping curbs and possibly wandering some very mild trails. I’d personally start with a Sport S and see what (if anything) you want to modify. If you know you want more creature comforts, the Sahara is a definite step up. That all in mind, the models arent like other car models- you get a very similar vehicle across the board and the differences are more personal than required. All are capable for off-roading, and all share a good portion of parts. It’s the fine tuning that you get with the different versions.

After all your deciding, you’ll never be able to honestly compare it to other vehicles. Those who get one find it very hard to give them up. After 3 of these, I can’t imagine not having one in the garage...

Funny you use the motorcycle analogy, I’m looking for a vehicle for when I’m not riding. The number one feature is the top coming off! I dont want the Rubicon, but when I spec out the Sport S I’m at Sahara prices, and I like the Sahara but not the 40k price! I drive an 05 Ram and I’m thinking I might have some experience with vehicles that aren’t the smoothest.

 

[Shooting or Jeeping]

Funny you use the motorcycle analogy, I’m looking for a vehicle for when I’m not riding. The number one feature is the top coming off! I dont want the Rubicon, but when I spec out the Sport S I’m at Sahara prices, and I like the Sahara but not the 40k price! I drive an 05 Ram and I’m thinking I might have some experience with vehicles that aren’t the smoothest.

I did the same. Sold my Harley because of kids and riding time issues. Though I can never say “never”, I don’t see myself getting back into the motorcycle game anymore. I get my modding fix in and I get open air. Win win

 

[Whytlytnin]

A wrangler is like no other vehicle in terms of driving, fun, and customizability. I consider it more of a niche vehicle but it does have some practicality. I have owned 3 wranglers, a TJ sahara, a JK willys 2 door, and now a JL unlimited sport. In between those I have owned a couple sports cars, 2 sedans, and an f150 but I always comeback to the wrangler because it just so fun to drive and modify. I my opinion it provides more fun and versatility than any vehicle I have ever owned. The experience of driving around with the doors off and top down cannot be matched. They only real compromise is comfort and gas mileage when compared to a modern sedan or suv but that all depends on how much you wanna modify it. The JL is fairly efficient and comfortable in stock form or with the right build. It's honestly the most exciting vehicle to own without giving up too much practicality.

Pro's (lots of fun to drive, off-road ready, practical in 4 door form, huge aftermarket, doorless driving, fun hobby)
Cons (not the most comfortable or efficient...but nothing fun ever is)
Overall: buy one!

 

[viper88]

I have been looking/considering a Jeep for several years but never bought one. I’m always concerned about security, noise or long term vehicle integrity, however the new JL will not release its hold on me and I’m once again lurking Jeep forums.I did a test drive on a JL, the Jeep was blocked in and I had to take the Jeep over the parking stone and a curb and it was crazy how empowering it made me feel! I hadn’t really planned on doing off-roading but I could see how it might be fun. I was planning on doing urban off-roading, like median crossing, curb jumping and possibly car crushing, but I could see some mild dirt roads if the opportunity was right.
I’m on the forum trying to hear pros and cons on JL onwnership, what features I would want, and because I have watched EVERY YouTube video on the JL. Please give me any advice you have on 1st time Wrangler ownership, pros/cons and need to know information.
Thanks for reading.

Security wise a Wrangler with the hardtop is as secure as any other vehicle with the exception of the hood. Wrangler hoods are not locked from the factory. Anyone can walk up to your JL and open the hood from the outside. There are supposed to be some aftermarket or Mopar hood locks available soon though. You will obviously be more vulnerable with the soft top. There are companies that make special metal locking vaults you can install for storing small valuables though.

I have owned a older TJ and a 2015 JK Wrangler in the past. The TJ was pretty raw and bare bones. Had soft top and half doors. I ended up replacing the soft top for a hard top for security. Noise wise the TJ even with the hard top was what most people would consider very loud. Lots of wind and car noise. I bought the TJ thinking it would be a weekend or winter vehicle while my other cars were stored in the winter. I must have gotten really used to the rawness and noise because I daily drove it for 6-7 years! I really liked driving it, was care free, never worried about where I parked it, dings, etc. Loved the higher driving position. How much did I like it? I usually only keep cars a couple of years at the max. I kept and drove the TJ that long even though it was by far the most unreliable vehicle I have ever owned! lol. It was that much fun to drive. My next Wrangler was a 2015 JK Freedom Edition with a hard top. It was bullet proof, not a single issue for the year I owned it. The jump from the TJ to the JK was HUGE in terms of noise, refinement, comfort, reliability. The JK was as quiet and civilized as a normal SUV with the exception of minor wind noise on certain windy days. The step up from a JK to JL is noticeable but not as dramatic of a difference as the TJ to JK. Plan is to order one. I test drove a lot of JLs and a few JKs back to back on test drives. I test drove over a dozen JLs with both engines. For the most part the JL is even quieter then the JK. I say for the most part because 1-2 of the JLs I drove had noticeable wind noise from the windshield? Some JLs were worse then others. I am assuming there are manufacturing tolerances that need to be tweaked? Even the Rubicon was quiet to me. The Rubicon K02 tires are super quiet for what they are. Overall the JLs seem to be as quit or quieter then some regular cars and SUVs. The 8-speed really transforms the way the JL drives compared to JK.

Long term vehicle integrity…This is a tough one to answer, it's too new. I doubt you will experience Lexus like quality from any FCA product. FCA products historically have the lowest ratings for reliability among all car companies. JD Powers, Consumer Reports, and other companies historically have reported this. That is strike 1 for reliability. Strike 2 is the JL is a brand new model and there are and probably will be more production hiccups initially. Then there is new technology. The JL will have several totally new drive trains with brand new cutting edge technology. Many of these drive trains are unproven. The 2.0 Turbo with the e-Torque is brand new. The 3.6 is supposed to get e-Torque sometime in 2019. How much e-Torque batteries will cost to replace once they are out of warranty? A forum member found the e-Torque battery to cost $1500 today. Though it will probably not be my choice, I think a 3.6 without e-Torque would probably be the most reliable because that engine has been around and proven to be reliable. There is just less to go wrong. There is supposed to be a diesel and a electric hybrid in the future also. Both also unproven. There is good news though, you can buy insurance. You could buy a LifeTime factory warranty with a $100 deductible for about $2900 if you plan on keeping the JL a long time. Hopefully any batteries will be covered by the extended warranty.

I can say this. Wranglers are a lot of fun. So much fun that a lot of people, myself included, are willing to put up with a few potential quality issues as long as FCA takes care of them properly, in a timely manner.

A very nice bonus is the resale values of Wranglers is very high. Probably among the best of the best. You will probably not get too hurt selling later if you decide the Wrangler is not for you.

 

[Teghogh]

If you have Jeep as your second car you are going to love it. If you have it as your first car and you drive a lot you are going to hate it

 

[Shooting or Jeeping]

If you have Jeep as your second car you are going to love it. If you have it as your first car and you drive a lot you are going to hate it

It’s my daily driver and I have 12k miles. Speak for yourself. I like mine.

 

[viper88]

If you have Jeep as your second car you are going to love it. If you have it as your first car and you drive a lot you are going to hate it

Totally respect your opinion. I can see someone preferring to drive a luxury SUV over a JL on a long road trip or something. Or maybe the steering is different then most cars so that would probably take a little getting used to. What don't you personally like about it as a daily driver?

 

[Firemadz]

If you have Jeep as your second car you are going to love it. If you have it as your first car and you drive a lot you are going to hate it

Obviously your personal opinion, but NOT most people’s experience.

 

[530->408jeepney]

First time Jeep owner. Decided that I don’t need the rubicon, but like the creature comfort of the Sahara. I love it so far. It’s totally different from my previous car, but it truly is awesome. I love the ride height and the character of it. It’s not just another commuter car. It stands out in the parking lot and you know it’s yours. When I have means to do it, I cannot wait to mod it fully for it to express my own personality

 

[Jeepsterfreak]

Before purchasing do your homework on how to identify the problems others are experiencing on the forum. Do a thorough inspection and test drive.

Major issues being reported are sloppy steering and poor quality frame welds. Hopefully you can find a good one on the lot that is configured with the options you want.

 

[Titan2727]

I have been looking/considering a Jeep for several years but never bought one. I’m always concerned about security, noise or long term vehicle integrity, however the new JL will not release its hold on me and I’m once again lurking Jeep forums.I did a test drive on a JL, the Jeep was blocked in and I had to take the Jeep over the parking stone and a curb and it was crazy how empowering it made me feel! I hadn’t really planned on doing off-roading but I could see how it might be fun. I was planning on doing urban off-roading, like median crossing, curb jumping and possibly car crushing, but I could see some mild dirt roads if the opportunity was right.
I’m on the forum trying to hear pros and cons on JL onwnership, what features I would want, and because I have watched EVERY YouTube video on the JL. Please give me any advice you have on 1st time Wrangler ownership, pros/cons and need to know information.
Thanks for reading.

Buy One!!

Pros: Everything

Cons: You'll go broke

 

[old8tora]

Buy One!!

Pros: Everything

Cons: You'll go broke

 

[Teghogh]

If you have Jeep as your second car you are going to love it. If you have it as your first car and you drive a lot you are going to hate it

I love how people get offended when you speak your opinion here.
I have a Jaguar f type r, c7 z06, wrangler, and fiat 500e. I would get rid of all of them before I get rid of the fiat. Or my wife’s accord for that matter. Wrangler and sport cars are vehicles meant to have fun with when the time is right. But mon to fri when you just want to get to work, in peace and quiet, no wind noise, no rattling, driving 80 mph on the freeway while getting 35+ mpg no exhaust sound, you wanna have a practical car

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