Thinking about getting a wrangler

[Creeker]

Any model is great.

First figure if you want a proper Jeep (i.e., with manual transmission, (I'm biased)).

Often the question is what options do you want
Heated seats, leather, driving aids (e.g., brake assist, BSM), remote start, type of top, half doors.

Bank for the buck, it is hard to beat the Rubicon. Probably won't ever reach is full capabilities, but in the snow, the differential lockers can get you or someone else out of a jam. Helped many a neighbor get up the steep road into our subdivision using the JLR and the lockers when the snow and ice comes to our area.

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[Cowboy from hell]

2 Dr Willys 6 speed MT ragtop....good luck and have fun sir.

 

[west tex]

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 put off getting a Wrangler for many years because I convinced myself it wasn't practical. Well, last year I finally went ahead and did it. Now I kick myself for delaying so long.

From what you describe, the Willys sounds like it would be just about ideal.

Do it. ?

 

[Strommen95]

I wouldn't overthink things. All of the Jeep models would be great for you. I would stick with a Sport, get the options you know you want, enjoy it stock for a bit and let your experience with the Jeep dictate any upgrades you'll get.

 

[kidhauler]

+1 on the WIllys. I'm picking this guy up today. 2 door manual Willys Sport. The only options I went for were tow package with AUX switches and AC. I live in New England and can't wait for this weekend's snowstorm.

 

[LarryB]

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.

 

[roaniecowpony]

The big decision is 2 door or 4 door. Since I don't rock crawl, I don't need that level of 2 door manueverability. But I do have hunting dogs and have slept in my 4 door a handful of nights on hunts. I removed the back seats and built a plywood platform to extend over the rear seat footwell to the back of the front seats. This gives gun/junk storage in the footwell and flat storage and dog hauling above. If you're tending toward the "overlander" type of activity, or just long trips, this might push you toward a 4 door. Drive them both.

I bought a Rubicon because I'm not as inclined to modify a vehicle anymore. It's pretty well setup to do moderate off-roading right off the lot. That works for me. Getting a Rubicon was the probably the choice I felt was most important for me. But in 2018 they didn't offer all the packages with larger tires they have now.

I got the 8 speed automatic. It is by far the best automatic transmission I've ever driven. It always is in the right gear at the right time. I think everyone here that has one will give you positive reviews on it.

I'm with the crowd that would get the LED headlights. Mine came off the lot and had halogen headlights but had the LED tail lights. But you're in snow country and lots of owners have been unhappy with snow/ice accumulation on the Jeep headlights, since they're recessed. There are some aftermarket options with heating elements, including the Oracle Oculus, Truck Lite and others.

I have the Alpine optional audio system. Yes, it sounds pretty good. But the Jeep is still so loud that I don't think it matters a lot. Unless you are the type to sit and listen in your vehicle while parked.

 

[CT_LFC]

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

 

[dshark1]

I have a 2dr Rubi since about 7 months. I luv the little beast! However it gets smaller really quick. So definitely think about future needs. I have now ordered a 4dr. Whichever model u go with +1 on the LED”s about the best I have seen. Also do strongly consider the full time 4wd option for $695. That gives u the ability to just slam it in 4hi auto & forget it! I just added that option 2 my new build.

 

[roaniecowpony]

I have a 2dr Rubi since about 7 months. I luv the little beast! However it gets smaller really quick. So definitely think about future needs. I have now ordered a 4dr. Whichever model u go with +1 on the LED”s about the best I have seen. Also do strongly consider the full time 4wd option for $695. That gives u the ability to just slam it in 4hi auto & forget it! I just added that option 2 my new build.

Doesn't both the Rubicon and Sahara come standard with xfer cases that have 4 Hi Auto?

 

[dshark1]

Doesn't both the Rubicon and Sahara come standard with xfer cases that have 4 Hi Auto?

No sure about the Sahara , but the Rubicon does not! My 2 dr Rubi presently that I purchased of the lot, does not have the option. Like I stated above. $695 option for full time 4wd on either the Willy’s or Rubicon

 

[MerPinXEss]

Tow package/aux/battery, LED, proximity remotes, heated mirrors...personally love the torque of 4xe, but heard compaints about cold weather. Whatever you do say hello to these folks...

 

[roaniecowpony]

No sure about the Sahara , but the Rubicon does not! My 2 dr Rubi presently that I purchased of the lot, does not have the option. Like I stated above. $695 option for full time 4wd on either the Willy’s or Rubicon

I see that now. The build and price engine is a bit misleading as it doesn't show you the base xfer case for the Rubicon, just the option.

 

[dshark1]

I see that now. The build and price engine is a bit misleading as it doesn't show you the base xfer case for the Rubicon, just the option.

Not sure why they kinda hide the option? I think if they advertised it more
And actually made the consumer aware of the $695 option, more people would have it!

 

[sailscall]

In Apr 2021 I bought a new 2 DR Sport, hard top, LSD, 6MT, with AC and trailer package. It was going to be for my sons to drive. I have 4 cars and 4 drivers. My oldest, who goes to college in Cleveland, took over our Murano. It's a great runner for going up and down the I90. My youngest, who is a senior in high and commutes into the city of Buffalo daily for school, took over my Infiniti QX70. By default I ended up with JL which I really enjoy.

Keep in mind this is our toy. It's not our daily driver. i have Willy's wheels I'll mount once we get through winter and some Oracle Oculus switchback Bi-LED headlights I'll install once it warms up. The roof came off before Memorial Day and went on in early Oct. I only got caught in the rain twice. It has 2700 miles on it in 9 months.

The questions I'd ask myself are:

1) Daily driver or toy?
2) If a daily driver, will you regularly have any back seat passengers? The 4 door drives better, has
easier access to the rear seat, and has way more room.
3) Garage kept or parking lot?
4) Urban or suburban?

Once Punk'n or Sunset Orange are available again, I'm going to buy a 2Dr Willy's, 6MT, half doors, soft top, Alpine stereo upgrade, trailer package, cold weather, AC. I'll be an empty nester and have the luxury of having an extra car or two around.

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