Thinking about buying a JL - test drive experience

[vtx531]

I daily drove a TJ from age 16-28 (Still have it in my garage as a restoration work in progress). I've since driven a Ford Fusion PHEV that is much better for freeway commuting and has been awesome but at 250,000 miles I've been thinking about going back to a Jeep.

My first thought was a 2door manual stripper to keep it cheap. But I have two kids and a 2600lb boat trailer so seems like the 4door would be a better fit. Manual power windows and locks not so great on four doors...so now we are talking $40,000+. Yikes!

I test drove a brand new Sport S with auto trans and it was really nice. Then I test drove an '18 Sahara manual with 100k miles at a dealership price $22,750 plus a surprise $1300 in BS fees like reconditioning fee, antitheft. Not nearly as nice as the brand new one. Lots of wind noise (maybe just a windier day than when I drove the new one), whistling noise coming from the header seal, fan motor made a weird noise.

I see what people are talking about with the manual transmission not being so great. The clutch had no feel at all. It felt when you have a brake pedal that pushes all the way to the floor, no progressive increasing pressure. It did seem to get "good" mileage though, upper 20's on my short mix of highway/city.

So, after all this, I'm thinking maybe just get the new Chevy Trax for $22,500 - 4 doors, hard top, power locks, windows, remote start, heated seats, 6-speed auto, 32mpg. Doesn't have 4x4 and can't tow. Other choice maybe a Maverick Hybrid but I don't like how the price is jacked up so much from when it came out.

I really wanted to like these new Jeeps and I thought maybe I could make it work for me but it's not looking good.

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[yokramer]

 

[ArcadeTracks]

Wranglers are definitely not for everyone. I hope you enjoy whatever you decide to get

 

[yokramer]

Wranglers are definitely not for everyone. I hope you enjoy whatever you decide to get

he drove a TJ for 12 years you would think he knew this ...

 

[Sean L]

Makes JL Wrangler Forums account to tell us he's buying a Chevy Trax...

 

[azjl#3]

So the auto was good, but you’re making the decision based on a well worn out 18 manual?

something tells me his better half is making the decision…

 

[vtx531]

I guess I was more hoping for some responses with experiences along the lines of:

"I use it as a daily driver and it's not that bad"

or

"I have a 2-door with kids and I make it work"

or

"manual transmission is good because..."

 

[vtx531]

So the auto was good, but you’re making the decision based on a well worn out 18 manual?

something tells me his better half is making the decision…

Maybe the 18 just a worn out bad one? Guess I should go try a new one with manual and see how it is. I know there are issues with early manuals but not up on all the exact details of what has changed.

 

[yokramer]

I guess I was more hoping for some responses with experiences along the lines of:

"I use it as a daily driver and it's not that bad"

or

"I have a 2-door with kids and I make it work"

or

"manual transmission is good because..."

You made up your mind you didnt want one. Why do you need validation from internet strangers to buy a vehicle? Do you want a Wrangler and are willing to live with the compromises that come with it? If so be an adult and do it, otherwise get the Trax or Mavrick that you clearly think would be the better option.


Or just get the 2 Door Rubicon and fuck everything else cause its the only Wrangler thats worth buying.

 

[Sean L]

I guess I was more hoping for some responses with experiences along the lines of:

"I use it as a daily driver and it's not that bad"

or

"I have a 2-door with kids and I make it work"

or

"manual transmission is good because..."

Then ask those questions in your post... ?‍

For the Record I've been daily driving my 2018 Sahara since I bought it new, right off the first JL delivery in town. Low 20s MPG in the summer, high teens in the winter. Its as good at Station Wagon duties as it is off road. I have the 3.6 liter with 8 speed and have only had minor electrical issues that was fixed by replacing a blown high amp fuse.

 

[ParadigmDawg]

Just depends on what you ware looking for and what you want.

I came from the AMG world and always was heavily modded. These things were stuck to the ground and over 800 hp. The first time I drove the Toaster, it was the worst feeling thing that I have ever driven. After watching a million videos and researching online, I decided that a Wrangler had to be in the mix. I started out with a 2024 Rubicon X on 35's. A couple of months I purchased a 2023 392 and had it built out a little bit.

To my surprise, the 392 is the most fun/favorite vehicle that I have ever owned out of my 25+ vehicles. We use the Rubicon X for the milder trails and to take on more road type trips and the 392 to beat on.

 

[rock123]

If you aren't going to use the wrangler for off-roading (pretty challenging off roading at that), there is no advantage to buying it. It can't tow worth a damn, gets poor mpg, handles poorly (JL much better than a TJ though for that), and is expensive. I really only bought a wrangler due to the solid axles, lockers (rubicon), etc.

 

[Mifsuud]

Had an '89 YJ which was my daily up to 158k on the clock. Sold it to a friend who needed a ride.
25+ years later I bought a used '21 JLUR 4xe and it's my favorite vehicle since the YJ. Extremely capable off the lot. Hybrid works for my lifestyle. Burn gas on trail runs.

I couldnt drive a crossover suv. Other than Wranglers there are entirely too many Crvs, Rav4s, Santa Fes, etc on the road. They're basically tall civics in the case of the crv, same platform. Made for short woman to drive. My wife and mother being perfect examples. Can't do it.

 

[Ratbert]

I guess I was more hoping for some responses with experiences along the lines of:

"I use it as a daily driver and it's not that bad"

or

"I have a 2-door with kids and I make it work"

or

"manual transmission is good because..."

You explicitly said you've got a 2,600 pound boat to tow. That takes the 2-door out of the picture, simplifying your choices.

 

[rohdawg]

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