Retirees...a ride question.

[DogsRule]

I am asking retirees since we most often worry about ride quality and I need an opinion.

My wife's 2 door 2018 S (see avatar) is now in darn near showroom shape after all the repairs. She's going to trade it in in 2 years for her new car. When I retire in 2 years, I thought with 2 years more depreciation, I'd buy it from her and keep it in the family. Us it as my retirement daily driver. But the ride is OEM with 35s. A bit harsh and bouncy. It has 5" less wheelbase than my Renegade. And my 6 speed Renegade rides far better as a DD, but has to go then.

Guess my question is... if it's likely to be your last vehicle, would you buy a 8 YO Wrangler in perfect shape but breaks your teeth with its Wrangler ride, OR not have it as a retiree's DD. One option is to soften the ride on a retirees budget.

Opinions?

Sponsored

 

[Boatbuilder88]

My wife and I are retired and use "her" 2019 (purchased in late-2018) 2-door as a daily driver. We've taken several long 3500+ mile road trips in the Jeep and it's been fine. That said, our tires are 255/75-17 (32s), not 35s. With the rear seat removed, it has enough cargo space for our weekly Costco runs.

 

[azjl#3]

if it is choppy, investigate better shocks. Investigate lower load range tires , say, C vs E.

 

[Camaroboi13]

if it is choppy, investigate better shocks. Investigate lower load range tires , say, C vs E.

I’d have to agree with that advice. Shocks and tires play the most important role in handling and feel. Find a nice plush shock (I hear people say the Rubi Fox shocks are too soft, might be a start) then find some nice all season type of tire and enjoy the ride.

 

[The Last Cowboy]

Retired is a vague description. I’m retired in my 50s. Some don’t retire until they’re 80.

That having been said, you already expressed your concerns and answered your question. Your wife’s old Wrangler isn’t for you. Returning the suspension to factory specs will cost as much as a new lift kit, plus the old lift kit will have little residual value. Since you don’t like the ride, keeping it as it is will wear on you quickly. Plus there is the issue of getting in and out of it, you ain’t getting any younger. My 85 year old dad wanted a new Gladiator, until he tried to get in my stock suspension 2 door. He had a tough time and I could see him hating it if he had to do that a few times a day. After we were down the road a few miles he said that the Gladiator was off his list. I don’t know how old you are, but every year or two my dad buys a new car that’s going to be his last one. He’s done that about 6 or 8 times now.

I suggest getting a new one, a Sport with the options you want. If you don’t want to buy a new one, get a low mile used one that hasn’t been modified in any way.

Edit;

Looking at the avatar pic, it looks like the 35s are stuffed without much lift. If it's just a spacer lift, put new shocks on it and go down to 33" tires on a factory wheel. That will improve the ride quite a bit. Avoid load range E tires.

 

[WRGLR-JL]

Not knowing all the details that play into your hypothetical question I'd say if you're a 63 y/o retiring in 2 years this will allmost certainly not be your last vehicle. Money reasons aside, I'd say if you enjoy owning the Jeep, ride quality and all, then buy it and enjoy it. If it was never your cup of tea then buy what will make you happy! You'll be retired and should celebrate by driving whatever you want!

My biggest concern is you state a lot of repairs went into the Jeep already. Perhaps unloading it on a dealer is best at this point.

 

[Dgr401]

Our 2 door doesn’t ride as smooth as new but the ride is fine with us and we are old LOL. When it is time for new tires I will upgrade the shocks also, that should make a difference. In our case it is the quality of the road that affect the ride more than anything. The road quality in our state is really lacking but we still enjoy the JL and we can tell whenever we cross the state line, the ride improves. I smile every time I get in it. The older I get the JL seems to get taller though, the side steps seem higher, either that or it is just my knees. I’m going with the knees. If you give it a try as your daily driver and don’t like it hopefully there are options for you to make a change if needed. A last point, our JL is stock, original tires and shocks.

 

[swampflyer]

I'm retired and old. Been a jeep man all my life. Things to consider are, the jeep will never ride like a car. You can personalize your jeep ride some but will never ride like a car and is not supposed to. Shocks, springs, tires can only do so much with a solid axle vehicle. Another thing to consider is as mentioned above getting in and out of your vehicle. I. personally prefer to pull up or step up into a vehicle. It's a lot easier on your knees and lower back. Over the years of getting in and out of my low sports cars and work cars, has taken its tole . Don't know your age but every year we all get older and things just happen. I believe that's why so many older folks purchase a F-150 as it is a lot easier to get in and out. Just mho from years of experience. I actually enjoy the ride of the jeep vehicles vs normal vehicles.

 

[Koolkarguy]

I am asking retirees since we most often worry about ride quality and I need an opinion.

My wife's 2 door 2018 S (see avatar) is now in darn near showroom shape after all the repairs. She's going to trade it in in 2 years for her new car. When I retire in 2 years, I thought with 2 years more depreciation, I'd buy it from her and keep it in the family. Us it as my retirement daily driver. But the ride is OEM with 35s. A bit harsh and bouncy. It has 5" less wheelbase than my Renegade. And my 6 speed Renegade rides far better as a DD, but has to go then.

Guess my question is... if it's likely to be your last vehicle, would you buy a 8 YO Wrangler in perfect shape but breaks your teeth with its Wrangler ride, OR not have it as a retiree's DD. One option is to soften the ride on a retirees budget.

Opinions?

Keep the Jeep !! Retirement is about enjoying yourself for me the smiles per makes up for the ride! I retired last April at 54 and find more and more ways to enjoy my Jeep's

 

[Mrjimmystewart]

Smoother is better! I just bought a 2024 392, not only is it very capable off road, it’s very smooth on road. Quieter and smoother than my 2018 Moab, smoother than my mercedes amg! It’s a little harder to get in, but good for stretching . I’m 73. Really fun drive too! Cruises at 80 with ease.

 

[Catsailr]

I'm 78 but not retired. The ride is no problem for me. It doesn't float along like my '83 Lincoln, but I like it.

 

[Bandit59]

I am asking retirees since we most often worry about ride quality and I need an opinion.

My wife's 2 door 2018 S (see avatar) is now in darn near showroom shape after all the repairs. She's going to trade it in in 2 years for her new car. When I retire in 2 years, I thought with 2 years more depreciation, I'd buy it from her and keep it in the family. Us it as my retirement daily driver. But the ride is OEM with 35s. A bit harsh and bouncy. It has 5" less wheelbase than my Renegade. And my 6 speed Renegade rides far better as a DD, but has to go then.

Guess my question is... if it's likely to be your last vehicle, would you buy a 8 YO Wrangler in perfect shape but breaks your teeth with its Wrangler ride, OR not have it as a retiree's DD. One option is to soften the ride on a retirees budget.

Opinions?

If ride is an issue it will not get better with age. I have a 23 4dr High Attitude. Ride is very good. A lot better than 2dr because of longer wheel base. I am 65. My Ram is more comfortable but Jeep parks anywhere.

 

[Eyeball]

If on road ride quality is one of your top priorities a Wrangler of any model series from YJ to JL or any trim sport to rubicon is likely not for you. While the ride can be smoother with high quality shocks and springs, you are still dealing with solid axles, a rigid frame and the wind noise of a breadbox being pushed through space.

When properly set up, the can ride “nice for a Jeep” but still not up to par with an average vehicle made for on road only driving.

 

[RockAltered]

I'm 76.
MY DD is a stock 22 JLR Hard Top V6 AT Warn Zion.
My cruiser is a 23 Ram 1500 Limited 4x4.
Last Boat, Last Jeep, Last Truck, Last Gun, Last Wife, Last Bottle of Wine ?

 

[Tlove]

I am asking retirees since we most often worry about ride quality and I need an opinion.

My wife's 2 door 2018 S (see avatar) is now in darn near showroom shape after all the repairs. She's going to trade it in in 2 years for her new car. When I retire in 2 years, I thought with 2 years more depreciation, I'd buy it from her and keep it in the family. Us it as my retirement daily driver. But the ride is OEM with 35s. A bit harsh and bouncy. It has 5" less wheelbase than my Renegade. And my 6 speed Renegade rides far better as a DD, but has to go then.

Guess my question is... if it's likely to be your last vehicle, would you buy a 8 YO Wrangler in perfect shape but breaks your teeth with its Wrangler ride, OR not have it as a retiree's DD. One option is to soften the ride on a retirees budget.

Opinions?

I’m retired 72 years old . Bought my first Jeep ( 2018 Rubicon 4 door) last year. Love the ride. I’ve got a great convertible that I can get in and out of.??

Sponsored