Newbie inquiry

[magic_uno]

Hi,

So, I am going to be in the market this winter for a new car. I have a budget of $25,400 OTD. I am a military veteran, so I plan to pursue financing via Navy Federal CU. I want to get a manual transmission car. Because my wife is adamant about having something reliable for the winter (i.e. being able to navigate thru snow on the streets) I have opened myself up to getting a Wrangler, but only if it makes sense, financially. I’m currently driving a 2021 Jeep Renegade Trailhawk, but it’s an automatic transmission. The reason for wanting a manual transmission car is because my son is about to take driver’s ed this upcoming year, and I want to be able to teach him how to drive stick shift, since they don’t teach that in school anymore. Would a Wrangler make sense for my pocketbook?

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[ConqSoft]

When you say new, do you mean brand new off the lot, or just new to you? You won't be able to get a brand new Wrangler with that budget.

 

[magic_uno]

When you say new, do you mean brand new off the lot, or just new to you? You won't be able to get a brand new Wrangler with that budget.

New off the lot. I had heard rumors that Jeep dealers are having a really hard time moving units this year, so I figured I’d come here to see if it’s bad enough that someone in my budget segment would have a shot.

 

[Nitehawk92]

Hi,

So, I am going to be in the market this winter for a new car. I have a budget of $25,400 OTD. I am a military veteran, so I plan to pursue financing via Navy Federal CU. I want to get a manual transmission car. Because my wife is adamant about having something reliable for the winter (i.e. being able to navigate thru snow on the streets) I have opened myself up to getting a Wrangler, but only if it makes sense, financially. I’m currently driving a 2021 Jeep Renegade Trailhawk, but it’s an automatic transmission. The reason for wanting a manual transmission car is because my son is about to take driver’s ed this upcoming year, and I want to be able to teach him how to drive stick shift, since they don’t teach that in school anymore. Would a Wrangler make sense for my pocketbook?

If you get a really good deal 6% below invoice, and just the base model sport, you are still looking at at least 35,000 for a new Sport. If you budget has no wiggle room, the you are looking at getting a used 2018 or so, depending on the mileage on the vehicle...

 

[M_Pluto]

Just went to the US build & price tool. An absolute Bare Bones stock, no options 2 door sport with manual locks & crank windows, and soft top standard will run $33,690 MSRP. A 4 door option will run you $37,690 with the same above things standard. (FYI, that's for 2024 options, 2023 options seem to run about $600-700 less).

I don't know what veteran discounts run at, or what kind of financing you're looking at, but that's the starting price you're looking at.

 

[magic_uno]

If you get a really good deal 6% below invoice, and just the base model sport, you are still looking at at least 35,000 for a new Sport. If you budget has no wiggle room, the you are looking at getting a used 2018 or so, depending on the mileage on the vehicle...

Yeah, I didn’t think it was feasible. I’ll probably get a sedan.

 

[magic_uno]

Just went to the US build & price tool. An absolute Bare Bones stock, no options 2 door sport with manual locks & crank windows, and soft top standard will run $33,690 MSRP. A 4 door option will run you $37,690 with the same above things standard. (FYI, that's for 2024 options, 2023 options seem to run about $600-700 less).

I don't know what veteran discounts run at, or what kind of financing you're looking at, but that's the starting price you're looking at.

Thanks, it’s probably not in the cards.

 

[Ratbert]

Yeah, I didn’t think it was feasible. I’ll probably get a sedan.

Maybe a Civic, Mini, Kia Forte, Corolla, or Mazda 3?

A Miata would be my choice, but it's about $4k higher and not a winter car.

 

[Renenal]

Hi,

So, I am going to be in the market this winter for a new car. I have a budget of $25,400 OTD. I am a military veteran, so I plan to pursue financing via Navy Federal CU. I want to get a manual transmission car. Because my wife is adamant about having something reliable for the winter (i.e. being able to navigate thru snow on the streets) I have opened myself up to getting a Wrangler, but only if it makes sense, financially. I’m currently driving a 2021 Jeep Renegade Trailhawk, but it’s an automatic transmission. The reason for wanting a manual transmission car is because my son is about to take driver’s ed this upcoming year, and I want to be able to teach him how to drive stick shift, since they don’t teach that in school anymore. Would a Wrangler make sense for my pocketbook?

My best advice would be to keep your Trailhawk as it should already be a 4-wheel drive and winter capable. As for your son, I would advise buying a very cheap used stick shift and teach him on that. My first car was a beetle-bug that I had to learn to drive. Have not forgotten how to drive a stick shift after all of these years and still enjoy driving a manual transmission when I get a chance. Edit - also had to learn how to drive that thing in the snow too.

 

[NCIC105]

Hi,

So, I am going to be in the market this winter for a new car. I have a budget of $25,400 OTD. I am a military veteran, so I plan to pursue financing via Navy Federal CU. I want to get a manual transmission car. Because my wife is adamant about having something reliable for the winter (i.e. being able to navigate thru snow on the streets) I have opened myself up to getting a Wrangler, but only if it makes sense, financially. I’m currently driving a 2021 Jeep Renegade Trailhawk, but it’s an automatic transmission. The reason for wanting a manual transmission car is because my son is about to take driver’s ed this upcoming year, and I want to be able to teach him how to drive stick shift, since they don’t teach that in school anymore. Would a Wrangler make sense for my pocketbook?

I would rethink a manual. If snow is your concern the auto will be better. Also for rock crawling. Jeep has been having clutch issues and can be dangerous when it fails. I do t think they have a solid repair for this issue. I’m sure others will have more info.

just my opinion.

 

[jaymz]

Brand new, snow worthy, reliable and manual transmission is going to put your options just slightly above zero with $25k.

You’re gonna need to lower your standards or raise your budget.

 

[RAD1]

You're the target market for the India Thar (Wrangler copycat) which msrps for half the Wrangler. I hope FCA wins every lawsuit against Mahindra stopping this BS blatant copy of IP.

 

[Old Jeeper]

Hi,

So, I am going to be in the market this winter for a new car. I have a budget of $25,400 OTD. I am a military veteran, so I plan to pursue financing via Navy Federal CU. I want to get a manual transmission car. Because my wife is adamant about having something reliable for the winter (i.e. being able to navigate thru snow on the streets) I have opened myself up to getting a Wrangler, but only if it makes sense, financially. I’m currently driving a 2021 Jeep Renegade Trailhawk, but it’s an automatic transmission. The reason for wanting a manual transmission car is because my son is about to take driver’s ed this upcoming year, and I want to be able to teach him how to drive stick shift, since they don’t teach that in school anymore. Would a Wrangler make sense for my pocketbook?

Just looking at ASKING prices you are looking at a Jeep around 2017 +/- A stick will be harder to find, but cheaper to buy.

I would focus on a Sahara or a Rubicon.

I would not buy used Jeep that has been molested...aka Lift Kits of any kind, other mods you need to very cautious. WHY?

Modified Jeeps if you do not personally know who owned and who did the work, RUN. Finding a good Sahara is not hard, most folks with them leave them as it is. Rubicons on the other hand... they order one from a dealer and before it ever arrives they have bought lift kits and do-dah etc. Most will drive it on the street, some will bash it in the mud, sand and rocks.

Try to find some you can ask questions and get LEGIT advice from, because they know and understand Jeeps. If you could find someone local that will go with you to look at a Jeep and the first thing he does is crawl under it, that would be good.

Good luck and lots of folks here will give you advice and most of them know what they are talking about...

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