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Should I get a new Wrangler?

Yaak392

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Forget crypto for now all I can say is AMC stock to the Moon!! Check it out on the Reddit forums and research but I would do it quickly!!!
I currently have a 2020 2 door Sport S that I bought new almost a year ago that only has the technology package. It’s great and I love the thing to death, but a month ago I had put in an order for a 2021 JLUR that was loaded with packages because I figure it makes sense to do that with how much money you can get for a used jeep and how much I would’ve spent on lockers, lift, etc to get my sport s to be equal to a Rubicon. Plus having 4 doors would be really nice. I’m 20 and single and in the military. I have a lot of money saved up from all the work I’ve done in my life, so even after I purchase the JLUR I’ll have 6k sitting in savings. But I’m now having second thoughts about it. Do I really need it? No. But I’m young, and can afford to make not the best financial decisions for something I really want. Plus I plan on keeping this new Jeep until it no longer drives so for at least 10 years. But I also love my sport s and all the memories I have with it, plus it being the very first vehicle I’ve bought with my own money.

any thoughts on this? The JLUR wouldn’t become a rock krawler or anything since it’ll be my daily driver, but it’d be nice to have something capable of hitting some badge of honor trails.
I currently have a 2020 2 door Sport S that I bought new almost a year ago that only has the technology package. It’s great and I love the thing to death, but a month ago I had put in an order for a 2021 JLUR that was loaded with packages because I figure it makes sense to do that with how much money you can get for a used jeep and how much I would’ve spent on lockers, lift, etc to get my sport s to be equal to a Rubicon. Plus having 4 doors would be really nice. I’m 20 and single and in the military. I have a lot of money saved up from all the work I’ve done in my life, so even after I purchase the JLUR I’ll have 6k sitting in savings. But I’m now having second thoughts about it. Do I really need it? No. But I’m young, and can afford to make not the best financial decisions for something I really want. Plus I plan on keeping this new Jeep until it no longer drives so for at least 10 years. But I also love my sport s and all the memories I have with it, plus it being the very first vehicle I’ve bought with my own money.

any thoughts on this? The JLUR wouldn’t become a rock krawler or anything since it’ll be my daily driver, but it’d be nice to have something capable of hitting some badge of honor trails.
I have a different opinion than the others I guess... I would suggest buying what you can afford and make sure it's exactly what you want. You can only live once. I've had a baby YJ, and then a Rubicon Unlimited and now a 392. I hate to buy something and have regrets that it wasn't as much as I wanted it to be. I say whatever you buy make it as tough as you think you could ever possibly need. That (to me) is what a jeep is for.
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Jamrock

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I have been seeing posts from people who want a Rubicon because they believe it is the best model.

Do they plan to use the lockers? No. Do they plan to use the electronic sway bar? No. Do they need the higher gear ratio? No.

They just feel that they will be missing out on something if they don't get a Rubicon.

Rubicon envy is a real thing.

If you really want the Rubicon, go for it. Don't have regrets for the rest of your life. Just make sure you really want it.

Don't buy it because you secretly believe that the other models aren't good enough. Even though the Sport is meeting all your needs, you still have doubts about it.
 

Some Random Guy

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I’m military too, and this might help you appreciate your decision to keep the Sport S. I bought a Rubicon. I use the hell out if the features, but if I could do it again I’d just do a Sport or Sport S and swap axles. I’m going to replace the rock rails because I need steps. I’m paying to replace the 4.1 gears with 5.13’s.
Also, keep that TSP going! Once you get to $100k you can take out loans of up to $50k at a time from it when you make big purchases. It will be around 1.5% interest (technically whatever the g-Fund rate is at the time of the loan), but the principal AND interest just goes back into your TSP. So no credit score hit, no bank making interest off you, it is all wins all around as a reward for having been disciplined.
 

zrickety

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I currently have a 2020 2 door Sport S that I bought new almost a year ago that only has the technology package. It’s great and I love the thing to death, but a month ago I had put in an order for a 2021 JLUR that was loaded with packages because I figure it makes sense to do that with how much money you can get for a used jeep and how much I would’ve spent on lockers, lift, etc to get my sport s to be equal to a Rubicon. Plus having 4 doors would be really nice. I’m 20 and single and in the military. I have a lot of money saved up from all the work I’ve done in my life, so even after I purchase the JLUR I’ll have 6k sitting in savings. But I’m now having second thoughts about it. Do I really need it? No. But I’m young, and can afford to make not the best financial decisions for something I really want. Plus I plan on keeping this new Jeep until it no longer drives so for at least 10 years. But I also love my sport s and all the memories I have with it, plus it being the very first vehicle I’ve bought with my own money.

any thoughts on this? The JLUR wouldn’t become a rock krawler or anything since it’ll be my daily driver, but it’d be nice to have something capable of hitting some badge of honor trails.
Thank you for your service!
I don't know where you are in California, but I did a random search on Autotrader and found 300 Rubicons, some as low as $41k. If you want to trade up, no time like the present. I would definitely grab one on the lot as the wait times seem to be stacking up.
 

The Last Cowboy

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I can't emphasize this enough, If you are lower enlisted (and I've been there) do not make yourself car poor. Just because you can afford the payment, insurance, fuel and maintenance doesn't mean you should, if it means having nothing left to do anything with. Keep some of your money to actually save and do things with. Make sure you always have enough money in your savings to cover a new set of tires at a minimum. You should never have less than a couple thousand in savings at any time. Life throws curve balls. You are only 20, you are fortunate to have a 2020 JL now, and it will serve you well for years to come (as long as you don't let your buddies drive it).

Take a breath, there's no need to have it all right now. Those of use who enlisted didn't have trust funds and investment accounts and most of us had no college money. Enjoy your Jeep, get a degree with your GI bill, figure out where you want to go in life after the military or in the military and let your JL take you there. A 2020 is still practically brand new.

Good luck, make yours what you want it to be a little at a time. These forums can get into your head and make you think that a little is not enough and that you must have it all right now. Look around at some of the POSs that your fellow service memebers are driving and how they have no money living payday loan to payday loan. Be glad you're not in their shoes. When I was in I knew guys who were living in the barracks that delivered pizza and donted plasma just to make their new car payment and payday loans
 
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dgoodhue

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But I’m young, and can afford to make not the best financial decisions for something I really want.
You have more time to make up for mistakes when you are young, but smart financial decision in your 20's can set up yourself up in the future.

You have a 1 year old Jeep, enjoy and drive it and work on paying it off if you haven't already. The smart financial decision is to put some money away for retirement and to save (invest) your money to put towards a house. You are 20 years old, you will have plenty of opportunity to buy that Rubicon in the future.
 

Jeep55

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I currently have a 2020 2 door Sport S that I bought new almost a year ago that only has the technology package. It’s great and I love the thing to death, but a month ago I had put in an order for a 2021 JLUR that was loaded with packages because I figure it makes sense to do that with how much money you can get for a used jeep and how much I would’ve spent on lockers, lift, etc to get my sport s to be equal to a Rubicon. Plus having 4 doors would be really nice. I’m 20 and single and in the military. I have a lot of money saved up from all the work I’ve done in my life, so even after I purchase the JLUR I’ll have 6k sitting in savings. But I’m now having second thoughts about it. Do I really need it? No. But I’m young, and can afford to make not the best financial decisions for something I really want. Plus I plan on keeping this new Jeep until it no longer drives so for at least 10 years. But I also love my sport s and all the memories I have with it, plus it being the very first vehicle I’ve bought with my own money.

any thoughts on this? The JLUR wouldn’t become a rock krawler or anything since it’ll be my daily driver, but it’d be nice to have something capable of hitting some badge of honor trails.
Retired Air Force and I echo the same advice by others on this blog to keep your Sport and save your money instead. Also recommend you participate in the Government's Thrift Savings Program (TSP) offered to active duty members that provides matching funds on contributions, if not enrolled. You cannot go wrong with TSP.

And being only 20 years old, time is on your side to build a nest egg, whether it's for retirement, down payment on a house or other needs. Purchase of a new Rubicon can wait a later date when the time is right. And thank you for your service.
 
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csjlu

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You have more time to make up for mistakes when you are young, but smart financial decision in your 20's can set up yourself up in the future.

You have a 1 year old Jeep, enjoy and drive it and work on paying it off if you haven't already. The smart financial decision is to put some money away for retirement and to save (invest) your money to put towards a house. You are 20 years old, you will have plenty of opportunity to buy that Rubicon in the future.
I agree. Most people associate "sub-optimal" money decisions made when young as being OK, because one presumably has more time to recover from the decision. While that is true, it also robs one of the opportunity to compound capital into wealth. I have taught my kids to see each $1 spent today as really being $8-10, since that is what today's dollar could be if saved and invested properly. If people looked at the difference between a $40,000 setup and a $60,000 setup as really being $200K over time and not just $20K today, they might make different decisions. If you have to finance the purchase with a car loan, the difference is even wider.

I teach my kids to figure out what value and happiness their expenditure generates, but to do it as efficiently as possible and save the balance. There is also something to be said "climbing the ladder" over time, as it defers some gratification into the future and gives you something to work towards, and it slows down the Hedonic treadmill that undermines the financial health of so many American households.
 
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Marine2146

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I currently have a 2020 2 door Sport S that I bought new almost a year ago that only has the technology package. It’s great and I love the thing to death, but a month ago I had put in an order for a 2021 JLUR that was loaded with packages because I figure it makes sense to do that with how much money you can get for a used jeep and how much I would’ve spent on lockers, lift, etc to get my sport s to be equal to a Rubicon. Plus having 4 doors would be really nice. I’m 20 and single and in the military. I have a lot of money saved up from all the work I’ve done in my life, so even after I purchase the JLUR I’ll have 6k sitting in savings. But I’m now having second thoughts about it. Do I really need it? No. But I’m young, and can afford to make not the best financial decisions for something I really want. Plus I plan on keeping this new Jeep until it no longer drives so for at least 10 years. But I also love my sport s and all the memories I have with it, plus it being the very first vehicle I’ve bought with my own money.

any thoughts on this? The JLUR wouldn’t become a rock krawler or anything since it’ll be my daily driver, but it’d be nice to have something capable of hitting some badge of honor trails.
If you would be happy with a stock rubicon I would trade up over building up your sport. You’ll never get the money you put in to the accessory’s back and the accessory’s won’t add any trade in value.
I spent a lot on accessory’s for my super duty when I was in the marines, I could have got a newer truck with what I put into it.
I wouldn’t see buying a new JLUR as much of a risk if your buying it out right. If you decide you don’t want it you later you won’t have a big loss if any as long as you don’t overpay for it. Also if you plan to keep if forever it would make more sense to have the four door. When you get married and have kids you’ll wish you had a four door. Get the JLUR and make some memory’s with it while in the military, if you keep the sport until your out you might not want to sell it as it was there for a major/important part of your life. I still have my super duty that I never drive and that’s my only reason for keeping it. Also if you get married in the military get a prenup, I’ve seen to many lives destroyed by “the one”.
Also take my advice and don’t have any regrets before leaving the military, you’ll hate yourself for it.
Last, make sure to have any and all Injuries documented while your in. It will payoff big time for you when you get out.
 

viper88

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I have been seeing posts from people who want a Rubicon because they believe it is the best model.

Do they plan to use the lockers? No. Do they plan to use the electronic sway bar? No. Do they need the higher gear ratio? No.

They just feel that they will be missing out on something if they don't get a Rubicon.

Rubicon envy is a real thing.

If you really want the Rubicon, go for it. Don't have regrets for the rest of your life. Just make sure you really want it.

Don't buy it because you secretly believe that the other models aren't good enough. Even though the Sport is meeting all your needs, you still have doubts about it.
I am willing to bet most people who buy a Rubicon do it mostly for the look. I think this is true for most cars/vehicles.
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