Pull the trigger on a JL Wrangler or avoid them?

[Martial Fartist]

I purchased a 21 jlur knowing that wranglers aren’t known for their ride on the pavement. Wow was I surprised. I live near the interstate and drive 70+mph often and I love it. Haven’t had any regrets about it being my daily driver or when I took it on long road trips.

Sponsored

 

[Marlon_JB2]

Mine is a 2020 with 41,000 miles and I have had no problems with mine. Well, except a battery, but I consider that a maintenance item. And for some reason, no battery lasts as long as they used to.

 

[BDinTX]

The fact that you're looking at a 2 door makes me question your judgment.
Everybody knows 4 doors are better.

 

[rickinAZ]

I’m not sure if this JL enthusiast forum will help with your question as we all love our JLs haha In my opinion, reliability is not any worse than the average vehicle. I personally have had zero reliability issues with my 2021 JL Unlimited Rubicon purchased September 2020.

David, I'd normally agree with you, but I suspect that the OP got all of the negative feedback right here on this forum. Some of the folks on here would find reliability issues with a Pet Rock.

 

[ChargingBuffalo]

I have '20 2 door sport s 2.0T. 28,000 miles in it. 50 mile daily round trip to work. I run at 70 - 80 on yhe freeway every day one handed with no issues - tracks straight and true. Both before and after a 2.5" lift (rubicon swap with longer lca's). I use it regularly for work as a mail truck as well as plenty of wheeling in the desert southwest.
I'm 52, 6'4" 225 and have no comfort issues with the seating - and I cam spend upwards of eight hours a day behind the wheel sometimes.
I love the hell out of this Jeep

.

Wow...great to hear! I would be doing about 28 miles round trip to work so that's cool to hear you daily drive it that distance plus on the highway as well. Appreciate the info.

 

[OldBlue]

28 MILES!?!? Ha! Child's play! 43 miles one way a day for me, 86 miles daily just for work for me. No issues w/ the JLU at all.

 

[Hogdreamer]

My JL Sahara Altitude will be 1 year old this month. It is my daily driver and I wouldn't want anything else to take its place.

It's a blast to drive and even more fun on the really windy days. Those days you know you're in a Wrangler, not some prissy make believe.

 

[HelmsJeep]

I’m over 60 and my third Jeep is a JL 2D Sport. I got the ragtop and it rides fine on the highway. As far as that aspect goes, it is superior to either my CJ5 or my JK 2D - and quieter to boot. Go take a test drive if you can find a 2D on a dealer lot. My vote is for you to pull the trigger.

 

[Jhawth]

The JL seems great on highways to me... but I'm also not the type of person who would describe 5 mph winds as "catastrophic, hurricane like conditions" ?

 

[MonLee]

Hello, I been debating on a purchasing a JL 2 door Wrangler Sport. I love how they look and like many, always wanted to own one. I get on these forums and read all the issues people have after not even 6 months of owning them and horror stories about how they ride on the highway. I'm 52 years old and my mom owned a 1988 Wrangler back in the early 90s and loved it. Is it like other vehicles and just luck of the draw for quality issues or is it really that bad on trips to the dealer for service? Also on the ride, I thought the JL was fine on the highway then see people talking about service bulletins and ripping the way their JL drives over 45mph. What's your experience and opinion on this? I'm at a loss on if I should pull the trigger and just get one or will I regret it and have issue after issue. Thanks.

Ive had my 2 door since august last year. I dont drive on the highway a lot but i have done it enough to tell you its not a deathtrap. 2 door wranglers are an inherently unstable platform having a short wheelbase and high center of gravity, it will never be like a long wheelbase pickup truck or a car. Nothing feels even remotely dangerous about my 2 door.

 

[ColoradoMike]

I bought my 21 Rubicon Unlimited manual last year as a salve for having to get rid of my beloved Porsche. I always wanted a Wrangler and for years drove Cherokees. I did NOT know about the apparent reliability concerns beforehand or that Consumer Reports and others rate them as crap in quality/reliability.
I guess I am glad I did not know, otherwise I might not have bought it.
I love mine to death. I have 8,000 miles on it with no issues so far. Speed limits here are 75, and I drive it over 80 mph very comfortably. Of course I enjoy the hell out of it offroad.
And I am nervous about the clutch blowing up and the electronics going haywire... but I am not racing to trade it in, either.
Keeping it, loving it, hoping for the best on the reliability side.

 

[kermitjewel]

Hello, I been debating on a purchasing a JL 2 door Wrangler Sport. I love how they look and like many, always wanted to own one. I get on these forums and read all the issues people have after not even 6 months of owning them and horror stories about how they ride on the highway. I'm 52 years old and my mom owned a 1988 Wrangler back in the early 90s and loved it. Is it like other vehicles and just luck of the draw for quality issues or is it really that bad on trips to the dealer for service? Also on the ride, I thought the JL was fine on the highway then see people talking about service bulletins and ripping the way their JL drives over 45mph. What's your experience and opinion on this? I'm at a loss on if I should pull the trigger and just get one or will I regret it and have issue after issue. Thanks.

(your new fortune cookie)
the day you drive off the lot with your new jeep will be the happiest day of your life

 

[Mine&Hers]

GO FOR IT, its not a sports car but what you can do in it and to it is unlimited.

 

[TheBirdie72]

I got my 2-door in June of 2021, and so far have put a whopping 4,500 miles and a good handful of upgrades on it! ? I know, right?! Bottom line - a 2 door wrangler isn't for everyone. If your main concerns are around ride quality, plush creature comforts, and luxury car features, this may not be for you. Don't get me wrong - mine rides good on and off road, is comfortable, and a hell of a lot of fun to drive. And the jeep "community" is great! But only you will know if it's right for you - test drive thoroughly!

 

[BDinTX]

Since I wasn't able to fire up a 2 door vs 4 door debate I'll try to be useful and share my thoughts.

We had a Grand Cherokee and a Ram 2500. On a whim we stopped to look at Wranglers. I knew zero about them but have always liked the way they looked. Because of that, I didn't think twice about the 2.0T. It had plenty of pep, handled about like I'd expect for a short wheelbase solid front axle vehicle, and it had the features we wanted.

Only a month later we took it from Dallas to Colorado. We had an amazing adventure, and made great memories. Over the next year, I joined the forum, installed a lift, and learned there was a steering TSB. The steering was acceptable, so I wasn't sure if I wanted to have the TSB performed. I went for it and was pleased to benefit from a modest improvement in handling.

I love diesels so I decided to trade in my forever truck to order a diesel Wrangler. After reading multiple comments describing problems with that engine, I almost cancelled my order. Fortunately, I did not because I LOVE the diesel. It really is a bummer it isn't offered in a 2 door.

If you are realistic about your expectations for handling, reliability, and fit/finish, you'll be satisfied with a Wrangler. if you enjoy being outdoors to exploring roads less travelled there isn't a better choice in my opinion.

A Wrangler isn't a luxury sports car, but on the other hand, a Wrangler isn't a luxury sports car.

Sponsored