Thinking about getting a wrangler

[PMGP1941]

+1 for Willy's

Sponsored

 

[IdahoJOAT]

Sport or Willys. The bigger tires are nice, but if you are not going off the pavement all that often, you’d be trading some handling for the look of bigger tires. I use my Sport on some decent mountain service roads and it handles it fine. As for snow ( I know your area fairly well), do put on winter tires as the Wrangler can get a bit tail-happy without them on ice.

And you could just get Rubicon take-off KO2s for cheap...

 

[IdahoJOAT]

I just reread your OP, and I think I have my own $0.02, so take it for what it's worth.

You like the look of the Wrangler, which you're going to get no matter what model you choose, to include the 2 and 4 door, in my opinion.

While the 2 door is more maneuverable, the 4 door is no slouch and we were quite surprised with our first JLUR just how tightly it turned. And the ROOM is invaluable. What is that saying about land? There's only so much? That's the difference in the JL vs JLU. You're only ever going to be able to create so much room in a 2 door versus the 4 door having more already, then you can put the rear seat down as well.

Based off your other needs, I don't understand why everyone is pushing you towards the Willy's. Yes the Willy's has the MTs, and I believe it has the LSD standard as well, but those MTs are loud. Just plain loud. And if you're not going to be using them for anything other than snow...

I would recommend a JLUS(4 door Sport S). You can option it out just about any which way you want, the longer wheelbase is more stable without sacrificing much more than inches of turning radius.

I would also recommend the 2.0T. It makes 5 less horsepower and well over 40 more torque, and it just feels better.

the Limited Slip Differential(LSD) is a must for you, and the optioned 4Auto transfer case would be really nice for you.

Lastly, hard top. Get the hard top. Even if you want to spend $500-1000 later on a premium soft top, get the hard top. You'll want the heated defrost, wiper and washer and if you DON'T get this from the factory, the wiring, hoses and steering column controls need to be added later, and that's a pain.

Sorry, here's the last thing. Say you order a JLUS with small, non-alpine radio, manual doors and locks, hard top, Stabli-trak transfer case(4Auto), and 2.0T. It has the crappy tires right?

Well most dealers offer great deals on take-off Rubicon tires and wheels. I was told this past summer $500 for a set of 5. $500!!! Now that's gone up since then, but even at $1000 that's a steal for tires that saw maybe 30 miles of use and are top of the line KO2 ATs.

...

Okay, maybe that's more like $0.05.

 

[zrickety]

So I am looking at possibly getting a wrangler. I had one back in 90 when I came home from the service. I joined here to learn more about the current wranglers. I would like to give a little background and through some Q and A get an idea of what model and features I might want.
First off I will admit that I don't see a lot of off roading in my future. Not a lot of trails near Rochester, NY. I am most attracted to the wrangler because I like the way it looks. I like that it is a box on wheels. Because I like the box I am most attracted to the 2DR. When I had a wrangler a hundred years ago 2DR was it. I loved driving that thing because of how small and maneuverable it was. Loved the turning radius. I am also attracted to the wrangler because I think it would be great for our snowy winters and I can put the top down in summer. As I said I don't necessarily need the most capable off road rig but I do like the look of the bigger tires on the Rubicon and Willy's.
So I guess my starting point here is what model would you guys recommend? What features should I make sure I include? I am able to drive a stick but I also want the convenience of remote start... our winters can be brutal. I am leaning toward a 2DR for the reasons mentioned above but any other guidance would be appreciated.

I also came from the YJ. You can't go wrong with any trim if the price is right. If you like the Willys/Rubicon shop around, they can be had for Sport money if you're willing to travel.

 

[omega145]

Probably browse the site for the countless threads, questions and comments from people in the same boat as you? You could also build a Jeep on their website with exactly what you are looking for at the price point that works for you.

 

[LarryB]

Willys is a great package, but though i've read here that the MT tires on the Willys are crappy in the snow?

where he lives, winter tires are a must.

 

[lmendham]

So I am looking at possibly getting a wrangler. I had one back in 90 when I came home from the service. I joined here to learn more about the current wranglers. I would like to give a little background and through some Q and A get an idea of what model and features I might want.
First off I will admit that I don't see a lot of off roading in my future. Not a lot of trails near Rochester, NY. I am most attracted to the wrangler because I like the way it looks. I like that it is a box on wheels. Because I like the box I am most attracted to the 2DR. When I had a wrangler a hundred years ago 2DR was it. I loved driving that thing because of how small and maneuverable it was. Loved the turning radius. I am also attracted to the wrangler because I think it would be great for our snowy winters and I can put the top down in summer. As I said I don't necessarily need the most capable off road rig but I do like the look of the bigger tires on the Rubicon and Willy's.
So I guess my starting point here is what model would you guys recommend? What features should I make sure I include? I am able to drive a stick but I also want the convenience of remote start... our winters can be brutal. I am leaning toward a 2DR for the reasons mentioned above but any other guidance would be appreciated.

I would 100% recommend a Willys, my 4 door has had absolutely no problems in the snow. I'd for sure recommend the remote start and heated seats because they are a game-changer during the winter, It was nice getting into a warm car when it was -1 degree in Western PA this morning. I also recently got rear-ended and the spare on the back took the full hit. The upgraded brakes are also a welcomed addition and have definitely saved me.

 

[MaineBumpkin]

I hate to be a contrarian. Well, no, I don't. But, anyway, I have a JLR (2dr Rubicon) with an 8 speed auto and a solid top and you should think about that combination. You live in far upstate NY right down the alley to get lake effect snows; you're doing an especially tricky type of near off-roading every winter whether you recognize it or not. A Rubicon provides the most off-road bells and whistles, heaviest stock axles, I believe an AWD option, and all the controls, without having to rebuild it yourself and get it done before the next snowfall and I can attest to the smooth power application from the 8 speed and the nice warmth you'll enjoy with the solid top. But, the Willys does give you personality, identity, and image.

^ Exactly what I was thinking. Rochester is the land of lake effect snow measured in feet, right? I got my wife a Rubicon for 1 reason, the ability to lock the axels. I also didn't 'intend' to do much off-road travel when we ordered it but that changed in a hurry ? Always good to entertain all the options and scenarios but in the end, get what makes you happy

 

[old mike]

^ Exactly what I was thinking. Rochester is the land of lake effect snow measured in feet, right? I got my wife a Rubicon for 1 reason, the ability to lock the axels. I also didn't 'intend' to do much off-road travel when we ordered it but that changed in a hurry ? Always good to entertain all the options and scenarios but in the end, get what makes you happy

I agree; I don't want to tell anybody what to do; and I don't want to get blamed for the result. I just worry that getting stuck in a lake effect blizzard, especially in one of those really stylish and attractive soft tops where you can feel the trapped heat start to dissipate within minutes, won't really make most folks happy.

 

[Serenity]

It’s true… I have a problem ?

Don’t we all I’ve definitely upped the ante on my second one!

 

[Glovetown]

Willys 2 door, 8 speed auto, cold weather package, premium soft top and remote start.

Add Aux switches and 4x4 auto

 

[RONALD J]

I BOUGHT A 4XE. LI ION BATTERIES. NO GOOD IN COLD CLIMATE. BATS. ARE GOOD TO 55 DEG. F
RUN ALL WINTER ON ENGINE. DEFEATS PURPOSE OF HTBRID.

 

[Strommen95]

I BOUGHT A 4XE. LI ION BATTERIES. NO GOOD IN COLD CLIMATE. BATS. ARE GOOD TO 55 DEG. F
RUN ALL WINTER ON ENGINE. DEFEATS PURPOSE OF HTBRID.

WHY ARE WE YELLING?

 

[entropy]

^ Exactly what I was thinking. Rochester is the land of lake effect snow measured in feet, right? I got my wife a Rubicon for 1 reason, the ability to lock the axels. I also didn't 'intend' to do much off-road travel when we ordered it but that changed in a hurry ? Always good to entertain all the options and scenarios but in the end, get what makes you happy

Nah. Lived over 10 years in VT. Lockers are not needed. Winter tires and a winch. No need to lock the axles in snow. Maybe add a rear LSD and good to go. If you are worried about getting stuck in a snowstorm a shovel and a winch are far better investment than lockers. A winch will pull you out of any situation, there are trees virtually everywhere in the north east and a bunch of folk riding heavy pickup trucks.

But best to have lockers than not hehe.

 

[Johnczar4]

I have a sport S in North and love it. Added Rubi takeoff 33’s and Rubi suspension for still well under what a Rubi would cost.
Things I love about my build
- Dual top Soft top great in summer and hard top better for snow less noisy Ana you can easily open up the back. If you are thinking soft top only go to a dealer and try going in and out of the back with the soft top - it sucks. In the summer I access the back by folding down the back seats in my JLU. I can’t imagine needing to do that 12 months of the year. Much cheaper to get these both at the beginning
Cold weather package- heated steering wheel is now a must in the winter
Safety package - I have blind spot and cross traffic warning. Helped prevent me from hitting a number of things.
A/T tires - mud tires are louder on Highway and are as their name implies good in mud. Although thick tread they are not snow tires. I don’t of road. I just need to be able to drive every day no matter what the conditions are.

THINGS I WISH I ADDED
Premium stereo - I’m looking to add an amp to the system because at highway speed with top down radio not loud enough
LED lights Didn’t think I needed until I drove the JLU at night. I hear I’m going to hit someone every time I turn a corner in a dark neighborhood at night. No joke stock headlights are terrible

Headliners have no use in a Jeep. I’ve never been cold in the winter and if it’s summer and not raining there top is down.

Get what you want in the beginning. And as many have said go test drive a few to make sure what you want.

Sponsored