Thinking of going with a "bare bones" model

[Thunderjet]

I'm thinking of ordering a 2 door model with the only option being a hard top. This will get me a 6 speed V6. May add LSD or something similar at a later date. Not much reason for AC where I currently live. Do all models come with AC? This will be a 4th vehicle and will only be driven about 20% of the time. Maybe off road on occasion but no hard core stuff. Been driving manuals for over 50 years so no issues there.
Anyone here go with the base model and ended up happy with their decision? I might use it as a TOAD once we get our RV in the future.

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[yokramer]

This man says no need for AC in easter TN lol

 

[Thunderjet]

This man says no need for AC in easter TN lol

I live in Alaska,
Not Easter TN

 

[yokramer]

Sorry, I live in Alaska,
Not Easter TN

Ok that makes way more sense lol. Before you get the manual do the research on its issues.

 

[631_Islander]

I live in Alaska,
Not Easter TN

My opinion: I would still get the A/C compressor as it can be used to humidify the hot, dry air the heater blows in the winter.

 

[Valpo Jeep]

Many go topless in good weather thus negating the need for AC. All depends on how you are gonna use the Jeep

 

[OminousSkitter]

My opinion: I would still get the A/C compressor as it can be used to humidify the hot dry air the heater blows in the winter.

Also great at dehumidifying when condensation is on the interior.

 

[Sandevino]

I spent 3 winters in Gakona and A/C is a must have in Alaskan winters to defrost / dehumidify the cabin.

 

[Only-In-A-Jeep]

To answer your original question, the base model sport is a very capable 4 wheel drive vehicle. Much more capable than other 4WD vehicles such as Subaru, etc. The base Sport isn't going to climb rocks like a modified Rubicon but will still take you places most other 4WDs will not.

I love mine and have never felt the need to have a Rubicon for status purposes only. I have the soft top but in Alaska the hard top is probably the right call.

 

[Deleted User 38384]

I'm thinking of ordering a 2 door model with the only option being a hard top. This will get me a 6 speed V6. May add LSD or something similar at a later date. Not much reason for AC where I currently live. Do all models come with AC? This will be a 4th vehicle and will only be driven about 20% of the time. Maybe off road on occasion but no hard core stuff. Been driving manuals for over 50 years so no issues there.
Anyone here go with the base model and ended up happy with their decision? I might use it as a TOAD once we get our RV in the future.

All the cool kids have manual locks/windows and the 5" screen!

 

[Blue 179]

I bought my 2 door new in 2021. It is a fun vehicle for me and only used in warmer months. I run top down and doors off as much as possible. I live in the Chicagoland area where it can get warm/humid. I have never even turned the AC on once. I love having the manual locks/ windows as well.

 

[flyer92]

In all my years of Jeep ownership, I've always driven base models and had zero complaints, at least as far as offroad and utility performance is concerned. Despite what all the YouTube "experts" say, the JL Sport is quite capable and exceeds requirements for most use cases. Many folks don't realize that a knowledgeable driver is usually more beneficial than a "high-end" trim package or a heavily modified rig with every bell and whistle. I currently own a 2-door Sport with soft top, and the only modification I've done, is to install an Antirock sway bar, only because I'm too old and injured to crawl under the vehicle and disconnect the links. My MB and CJs didn't have A/C (it wasn't even an option back then), so I didn't think I needed it in my '99 TJ. However, as I got older and lived in much warmer places, I wished I had included it. Even if you don't think you'll ever need it, the lack of A/C becomes a major setback if/when you decide to sell it. TBH, I would still have that TJ today if it had A/C, and I consider it one of the worst mistakes I ever made in my history of vehicle ownership. All that said, it is your Jeep....do your research, read the constructive feedback on the forum, and do what makes you comfortable. Best of luck and happy Jeepin'!

 

[Stetson]

I have a 2 door 6MT Willy’s that is on the base side. Only options are the red paint, hard top and convenance group. I love it. There are people on here who don’t like the manual and that is fine, I like mine. Makes it a little more fun to drive.

I also flat tow my jeep behind my RV. Am very happy with my selection…and so are my dogs

 

[jhalla920]

I'm thinking of ordering a 2 door model with the only option being a hard top. This will get me a 6 speed V6. May add LSD or something similar at a later date. Not much reason for AC where I currently live. Do all models come with AC? This will be a 4th vehicle and will only be driven about 20% of the time. Maybe off road on occasion but no hard core stuff. Been driving manuals for over 50 years so no issues there.
Anyone here go with the base model and ended up happy with their decision? I might use it as a TOAD once we get our RV in the future.

I jumped in a base Sport with the only options being tinted soft top and floor mats. Everything came with A/C as far as I could tell. I would have gone without uconnect, cruise, a/c, reverse camera, tpms, etc. if I could have. Manual (knock on wood) did take some getting used to but has been great so far. Only upgrade I’ve done has been led all around and 33” tires. Go for it!

 

[Ratbert]

Make sure you research the issues associated with our manual transmission.

Additionally, test drive a manual and an automatic back to back. I stupidly bought my manual JLUR without doing that first.

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