Thinking the unthinkable

[Mtrctylarry]

My 2018 Sahara turned three years old last November. It only has 16,300 miles. It has Mopar lift, 35-inch tires, 4.88 gears, is fully equipped and has given me very few problems.

I’ve owned Wranglers for 14 years. But I barely drive this Jeep any more. Every time I get a chance, I hop in the Fiat Spider instead. I prefer the maneuverability, the precise steering, the fuel economy.

I don’t off-road like I used to anymore; I think I have developed a mental blockage towards bashing such a beautiful —and expensive— Jeep against the rocks. Driving the Jeep around town and on the freeway seems to have become a chore for some reason.

But I don’t know what else to get. Ideally, I’d want something a little nimbler, with AWD/4WD, that is comfortable, with room for four, is easy on gas, fun to drive, and doesn’t cost an arm an a leg. Body-on-frame preferred, but not required.

A few months back I placed an order for a 2023 Mini Clubman John Cooper Works. After waiting eight months, when the vehicle finally arrived I couldn’t pull the trigger. Paying $51,000 for a Mini was one of my holdbacks; another was my lack of trust in German/British durability. Otherwise, I think the vehicle would have fit the bill.

I don’t know what else get, though. I owned a Tacoma before: loved the solidity but hated the power train and the seats; I kind of like GMC Canyon AT4 but the interior is just old. I’m not considering Broncos. Grand Cherokee is out of the question: I’m not spending that kind of money, and I am pretty much done with Jeep dealers. I don’t like Subarus; they look like shit. But I’m open to Toyotas, Mazdas, GMs, and to some Hondas.

Any other thoughts? Suggestions? Keep the Jeep and suck it up...?

I think you would enjoy a 2dr Wrangler…I had a 2015 JK and except for The ‘Sky touch’ roof I have on the 2019 JL, I really miss the 2dr, so much more fun to drive. Short wheelbase corners and handles so nice, and you just can’t beat the look of the 2dr. ?

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[MesaAZGuy]

Here’s my take… sell the Jeep and enjoy the roadster. Less insurance and less maintenance issues. I had three vehicles. An overland ProMaster van, a Chrysler 300 Hemi and a Diesel Crew cab Ram truck. All I have now is the XR Rubicon. Mainly got it for the looks and its ability to be flat towed. I love the Fiat roadster and would make that a daily but being a contractor, I need some sort of cargo capability. The bus is too big to haul shit around in!

 

[nostatic]

I have 45K miles on my '20 2-door, it is my daily driver. Still bone stock other than removing the back seat and installing two amateur radios and antennas. Gets off-road once and awhile but mostly for around town and a once-a-week 300 mile commute to the office.

I don't want something more maneuverable or sporty - btdt. I like the Jeep, and drive it everywhere. I find it totally livable as a DD, but probably wouldn't with 35s, etc.

More than one use case...

 

[failsafe306]

Do you really want two 2dr vehicles though? If driving the Sahara has become a chore, maybe put it back to stock for a while. My stock JLUR is anything but a chore to drive.

 

[Roky]

Any other thoughts? Suggestions? Keep the Jeep and suck it up...?

Yes….. suck it up buttercup, before the ink even dries when you sell it, something will come up that makes you wish you still had it……and you’ll be…….

 

[aldo98229]

I have 45K miles on my '20 2-door, it is my daily driver. Still bone stock other than removing the back seat and installing two amateur radios and antennas. Gets off-road once and awhile but mostly for around town and a once-a-week 300 mile commute to the office.

I don't want something more maneuverable or sporty - btdt. I like the Jeep, and drive it everywhere. I find it totally livable as a DD, but probably wouldn't with 35s, etc.

More than one use case...

What you need is a 2 door wrangler. Keep it on 33s and low center of gravity to enjoy the fuel economy. Or get the willys and keep the 32s.

I cant think of anything that you want that would have good fuel economy. A 2 door jeep will have better fuel economy than a 4runner for sure.

I agree about 35s.

As good as these Jeeps look on 35s, and as capable as they are off-road, from a day-to-day drivability standpoint, 35-inch tires really suck the fun —and the fuel economy— out of them.

33-inch tires is the sweet spot for these rigs.

 

[aldo98229]

Do you really want two 2dr vehicles though? If driving the Sahara has become a chore, maybe put it back to stock for a while. My stock JLUR is anything but a chore to drive.

Unfortunately, bringing it back to stock...that ship sailed the moment I put 4.88 gears on it.

 

[nostatic]

I agree about 35s.

As good as these Jeeps look on 35s, and as capable as they are off-road, from a day-to-day drivability standpoint, 35-inch tires really suck the fun —and the fuel economy— out of them.

I average 24mpg on my long mostly-freeway commute. If I nurse it (ie drive slower) I can get 25-26. This is with the 3.6. I'm about due for tires, will likely go to 255/75-17 from the OEM 245/75-17 but don't anticipate that will make a big difference.

 

[jeepingib]

I understand being done with Jeep dealers. Find the cheapest, newest used 2 Dr in your area and go from there.

 

[Pic18]

My 2018 Sahara turned three years old last November.

Not trying to be a wise guy but do you mean 4 years old? Or did you buy it in November 2019 so you have had it 3 years?
Anyway, a Charger GT AWD or a used Grand Cherokee might fit what you’re looking for. I do think the new Colorado and Canyon are going to be worth the wait.

I have a 2018 JLUR and I love it. But I keep looking at other things just because I want a change. But then I look at my Jeep and think it would be a financial mistake to get rid of it and take out a higher interest loan on a vehicle I’d have to spend more money to make to my liking. But I want a change, but I love my Jeep. It’s an endless loop.

 

[Rubi SoHo]

In that scenario, I’d be looking for the straightest FJ cruiser I could get my hands on

 

[Wbino]

I have a 1999 2 seat hardtop convertable that I've barely driven since I got my Jeep.?

 

[aldo98229]

Not trying to be a wise guy but do you mean 4 years old? Or did you buy it in November 2019 so you have had it 3 years?
Anyway, a Charger GT AWD or a used Grand Cherokee might fit what you’re looking for. I do think the new Colorado and Canyon are going to be worth the wait.

I have a 2018 JLUR and I love it. But I keep looking at other things just because I want a change. But then I look at my Jeep and think it would be a financial mistake to get rid of it and take out a higher interest loan on a vehicle I’d have to spend more money to make to my liking. But I want a change, but I love my Jeep. It’s an endless loop.

Yes, I got it in November 2019. It was a leftover 2018. The dealer gave me an amazing discount: 22% off MSRP. Paid $38,000 + tax & license.

I seem to be stuck in that exact endless loop!

I find the price of new vehicles keeps holding me back from doing anything, though. To buy something similar to what I have now would cost me almost twice as much...

 

[gato]

Since you almost ordered the Mini Clubman, you should consider driving the BMW X1 - it is the same platform/engine, but the BMW is a much better vehicle in my opinion (my gf has one). Or the X3 if you want a bit more space and a rear-biased AWD platform.

There is always the Compass Trackhawk - now with the same 2.0T I4 as the Wrangler (just different tune) - since you like Fiat gear

 

[Cowboy from hell]

Jeep renegade...my wife loves hers and I like it too!.....

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