Suitable Trim Level and Other Options

[embedded rock]

Hey there Jeepers! (hopefully that's not offensive)

Have been researching, reading about, and building a Wrangler at the Jeep site for quite a while now. Recently drove a '21 JLU with an auto and about 43k miles. Back in '80 or so, I drove a CJ5(?) that wouldn't track straight. That's it. That's my Jeep experience.

I want one as a second vehicle to my F150.

This JL would be used for around town and short trips. Then, during the summer it would be be roaming the Rockies and forest service roads, etc.

For awareness, I have ridden a motorcycle through the Alpine Loop in Colorado twice; but, have never ridden Black Bear. This is the type of driving I would do with the Wrangler too. Never back to the Alpine Loop again due to the crowd; but, you get the idea.

So, what is an ideal trim and/or options that would be sufficient for my future JL?

Most likely a pre-owned JL fits the budget better; but, I'm now starting to see mark-downs on new 2-door Wranglers as much as $4k.

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[failsafe306]

If I were you I’d get a Willys.

 

[kah.mun.rah]

Same thoughts as @failsafe306. IMO the best bang for the buck for a Wrangler that spends time on and off-road is a Willys. If it's in the budget, a Willys with the XR package I think is better than a base Rubicon.

 

[Some Random Guy]

You say short trips and you aren’t super Jeep savvy.
Would you consider a plug-in hybrid? Look up the 4XE. I know you said you were targeting used, but if you only burn gas on pleasure trips you might find the 4XE worth it.
Otherwise almost any Sport, Sport S, or either Willys trim seems good for you. Just avoid Sport or Willys Sport if crank windows and manual locks aren’t your thing.

 

[vetygud]

Willys would fit the bill. It would get the job done until you put miles on and decide if and any upgrades are needed.

 

[J.Ferreira]

You say short trips and you aren’t super Jeep savvy.
Would you consider a plug-in hybrid? Look up the 4XE. I know you said you were targeting used, but if you only burn gas on pleasure trips you might find the 4XE worth it.
Otherwise almost any Sport, Sport S, or either Willys trim seems good for you. Just avoid Sport or Willys Sport if crank windows and manual locks aren’t your thing.

I weirdly love my crank windows.

 

[Ratbert]

I'm not sure if you're considering new or not, but if you are then check out the spreadsheet in my sig.

 

[Xcoaste]

Whatever fits your budget will do the trick.

They are all more capable than the CJ5. Good set of tires will take you almost anywhere.

 

[Valpo Jeep]

We have a Sport S and so far like it a lot, what does the Willies offer over the Sport S?

 

[embedded rock]

Thanks for the comments and suggestions everyone.

Tires are a bit of a priority as I would prefer to not have to go straight to the tire shop after buying new or used. This is where the Willy's trim has an advantage. Or, a used JL without the street tires.

Engines. My preference is to not have a turbo--same reason I have the 5.0 v8 in the F150. So there are two versions of the v6 for the Wrangler and I understand one has e-torque. Looking at this infor it would seem there are two batteries as the website lists "auxiliary battery" as standard.

Question is are there really two batteries? A week ago I asked a sales guy at the local Jeep dealer and he didn't know the answer. I had suspected that the e-torque would have an aux battery; but, no definitive answer. (I know the I4 turbo engine has an aux battery near the rear axle.)

 

[embedded rock]

Get the m220 heavy duty rear axle. Also called a Dana 44
ask your dealer and double check the official build sheet. You can put an Eaton true trac in it When the mopar limited slip clutch wears out.

willys and Willy’s sport have it.
anything with the mopar limited slip has the bigger rear axle.
this is the only thing I regret not getting on my lowest cost sport.

hindsight I would have got the Willy’s sport

things that are hard to upgrade
. Axles
. Power windows and locks almost impossible To add later.

easy upgrades
tires
rims
lift
bumpers

medium upgrades,just cost money
eaton thru trac for your front axle, or a torque locker
rubicon takeoffs. Lockers, axles, etc.

Having the "Anti-Spin" covers the axle choice, right?

 

[kermitjewel]

enjoy your new jeep when ya get it m8!

 

[Javwohl]

Thanks for the comments and suggestions everyone.

Tires are a bit of a priority as I would prefer to not have to go straight to the tire shop after buying new or used. This is where the Willy's trim has an advantage. Or, a used JL without the street tires.

Engines. My preference is to not have a turbo--same reason I have the 5.0 v8 in the F150. So there are two versions of the v6 for the Wrangler and I understand one has e-torque. Looking at this infor it would seem there are two batteries as the website lists "auxiliary battery" as standard.

Question is are there really two batteries? A week ago I asked a sales guy at the local Jeep dealer and he didn't know the answer. I had suspected that the e-torque would have an aux battery; but, no definitive answer. (I know the I4 turbo engine has an aux battery near the rear axle.)

To answer your battery question yeah both v6s have an extra battery the v6 with ess has a second battery up near the first but it is the size of a motorcycle battery, the etorque v6 has a standard battery in the engine compartment and a 48v underneath.
There is stores about issues with the smaller battery in the ess and ways around it. Have not seen issues with the 48v in the etorque.
Hope this helps.

 

[embedded rock]

To answer your battery question yeah both v6s have an extra battery the v6 with ess has a second battery up near the first but it is the size of a motorcycle battery, the etorque v6 has a standard battery in the engine compartment and a 48v underneath.
There is stores about issues with the smaller battery in the ess and ways around it. Have not seen issues with the 48v in the etorque.
Hope this helps.

Thanks for confirming the dual batteries. Now, those make a case for the upgraded alternator that comes with the tow package.

 

[Javwohl]

Thanks for confirming the dual batteries. Now, those make a case for the upgraded alternator that comes with the tow package.

There is a lot of advantages to getting the tow package even if you don’t plan to tow, the bigger altanator is one of you don’t go with the etorque v6, also the standard battery is bigger and you get the aux switch’s and working all ready installed. If you plan to run any accessories it’s a good item to have.

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