JeePM
Well-Known Member
- Thread starter
- #1
Well I decided to start the process in purchasing a new JL. The family and I went in for some test driving this past Saturday. My main goal was to make the decision between 2 door and 4 door and look at the options in person. We test drove two Willys Unlimited and one 2 door Willys. I was able to try both the 2.0 and 3.6 engine options in the unlimited.
We've decided on the Unlimited over the 2 door for sure. I also wanted to go with the 3.6 as I just wasnt sure about the E-Torque system. After reading about that last night and learning more about it, I'm a little less concerned about it, but would still prefer it in the 3.6. If I dont end up finding the spec I want in a 2020, we can just order the 2021 and the Etorque 3.6 will be fine. I was thinking about it later and I remember the first thing I had to do in the 3.6 was look for the ESS off button when I came to a stop and noticed the ESS kick in. I never noticed it or looked for a switch when I drove the two prior jeeps that both had the E-torque.
Also, I know from reading on here, its not uncommon to have a little play in the steering. The first one I drove was pretty loose, but the other two both handled really well. I does make me a little concerned that I would order one or they'd find one somewhere else that I couldn't test drive first.
I didn't talk numbers Saturday, as they didn't have exactly the model with the trim options I wanted. I talked to a salesman after and told him I'd email him a list of what I was after and I'll keep to my word and give them the first chance to find a jeep and try to make a deal. Unfortunately for them, I have this forum and know what a good deal is on the price
Anyways...I have some questions as I begin the search and purchase process:
Should I consider an extended warranty?
If yes, does it have to be purchased now or can it be added later?
If yes, do I have to buy an extended warranty through mopar or are there third party offerings? Recommendations?
The JLU Willys has LED headlamps and foglamps. Can the LED taillights and fender markers be added later at a resonable price, or is it better to just by the safety package for $995 that includes them?
I dont think I want to worry about the Alpine system as its not super common to see in the Willys trim on the lots. I'm assuming I could upgrade the speakers about as easy as any other car, right?
Will E-Torque be more of a problem when the jeep isnt a daily driver? I worry about what I'm reading about battery failure. This will not be mine or my wifes primary driver, so it very well could sit for a few days to even a few weeks depending on the time of year.
Thanks for all who take the time to answer my questions. I appreciate the input from those of you with more experience than I with Jeep Wranglers. Once I start ironing out details with the dealership, I may ask for an extended test drive on a wrangler. It sure is hard to make a decision with only a little bit of time in one and I suffer from over-analysis paralysis.
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Purchase Update 1:
Day one was a bust. Local dealer located a Jeep with specs I wanted, which I'm pretty sure I know where it is, because I've already searched myself, but they wanted to be sly and crop off the VIN info from the bottom of the window sticker when they sent it to me. Anyway.... The best they could do was right around 6% off of MSRP. I can order one with the dual top group, which this one didnt have, and still come in under what they offered this one for.
I guess (even though frustrated) lucky for me, I'm not in a hurry and I dont need one. I wont overpay by thousands just to have one. I honestly dont know how the dealership model of yesteryear is still surviving.
We've decided on the Unlimited over the 2 door for sure. I also wanted to go with the 3.6 as I just wasnt sure about the E-Torque system. After reading about that last night and learning more about it, I'm a little less concerned about it, but would still prefer it in the 3.6. If I dont end up finding the spec I want in a 2020, we can just order the 2021 and the Etorque 3.6 will be fine. I was thinking about it later and I remember the first thing I had to do in the 3.6 was look for the ESS off button when I came to a stop and noticed the ESS kick in. I never noticed it or looked for a switch when I drove the two prior jeeps that both had the E-torque.
Also, I know from reading on here, its not uncommon to have a little play in the steering. The first one I drove was pretty loose, but the other two both handled really well. I does make me a little concerned that I would order one or they'd find one somewhere else that I couldn't test drive first.
I didn't talk numbers Saturday, as they didn't have exactly the model with the trim options I wanted. I talked to a salesman after and told him I'd email him a list of what I was after and I'll keep to my word and give them the first chance to find a jeep and try to make a deal. Unfortunately for them, I have this forum and know what a good deal is on the price
Anyways...I have some questions as I begin the search and purchase process:
Should I consider an extended warranty?
If yes, does it have to be purchased now or can it be added later?
If yes, do I have to buy an extended warranty through mopar or are there third party offerings? Recommendations?
The JLU Willys has LED headlamps and foglamps. Can the LED taillights and fender markers be added later at a resonable price, or is it better to just by the safety package for $995 that includes them?
I dont think I want to worry about the Alpine system as its not super common to see in the Willys trim on the lots. I'm assuming I could upgrade the speakers about as easy as any other car, right?
Will E-Torque be more of a problem when the jeep isnt a daily driver? I worry about what I'm reading about battery failure. This will not be mine or my wifes primary driver, so it very well could sit for a few days to even a few weeks depending on the time of year.
Thanks for all who take the time to answer my questions. I appreciate the input from those of you with more experience than I with Jeep Wranglers. Once I start ironing out details with the dealership, I may ask for an extended test drive on a wrangler. It sure is hard to make a decision with only a little bit of time in one and I suffer from over-analysis paralysis.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Purchase Update 1:
Day one was a bust. Local dealer located a Jeep with specs I wanted, which I'm pretty sure I know where it is, because I've already searched myself, but they wanted to be sly and crop off the VIN info from the bottom of the window sticker when they sent it to me. Anyway.... The best they could do was right around 6% off of MSRP. I can order one with the dual top group, which this one didnt have, and still come in under what they offered this one for.
I guess (even though frustrated) lucky for me, I'm not in a hurry and I dont need one. I wont overpay by thousands just to have one. I honestly dont know how the dealership model of yesteryear is still surviving.
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