Using a Rubicon as a daily driver

[Grousemont]

Hey guys,

I plan on ordering a 2019 Rubicon in a few months, and also plan on using it as a daily driver...

I do understand that Rubicon is made for off-roading, but do you guys think I can purchase "less" rugged tires and swap my Rubi tires out with them?

If you’re fortunate enough, I would opt to have two vehicles for daily driving. While the JLR is awesome to drive it gets old as a commuter. Especially if you are more agressive then not. My two cents.

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[xeon]

JLUR is my daily driver 12K miles and racking them up. I bought this knowing it would be a daily driver with weekend fun happening in between. 2" lift and 35s and loving it. No longer worry about pot holes or other bumps that would have cost me thousands to fix in my last car (BMW Z4 3.5iS). No more worrying about how to stuff the kids backpack in the trunk. To me its the perfect no worry vehicle. What ever comes my way...i can just "get over it"

 

[Greg Cobble]

I have been driving a new Rubi for 2 weeks coming from a lifted Super Duty 3/4 ton Ford that was nice-leather, heated and cooled seats, etc..
I don’t miss the truck at all because the Rubi rides SO much better. I feel like I float over everything. Sure, the short wheelbase keeps it a little busy feeling on some roads but it rides super IMO. My wife is picky (drives a 4 door MB) and hated the truck ride. No complaints with the Jeep.
The icing is I got 20.3 mpg this last tank with normal driving (from town to 85mph passing on highway). The 8 speed tranny with 4:10 gears makes this thing feel quick and with a mpg I am thrilled with.

 

[viper88]

JLUR is my daily driver 12K miles and racking them up. I bought this knowing it would be a daily driver with weekend fun happening in between. 2" lift and 35s and loving it. No longer worry about pot holes or other bumps that would have cost me thousands to fix in my last car (BMW Z4 3.5iS). No more worrying about how to stuff the kids backpack in the trunk. To me its the perfect no worry vehicle. What ever comes my way...i can just "get over it"

The top and door off fun is self explanatory. So is the whole off road life style. You bring up something almost no one does. Part of the appeal of the Wrangler is the worry free life style. Not just in the wilderness but in a urban environment also. For me the Wrangler is the ultimate "no worry" vehicle as far as being a daily urban commuter vehicle. It was not initially the plan but both my previous TJ and JK ended up as daily drivers. I always owned other cars, mostly sport cars and the Wrangler was supposed to be the weekend or winter vehicle. I found I almost never drove my other cars whenever I owned a Wrangler. Driving my other cars in the City always kind of stressed me out worrying about possible damage. With my other cars I have to be super cautious about where i drive and park. In a large City like Chicago people just are not as considerate about cars on the street or in parking lots. We have to deal daily with bumper damage, door dings, door scrapes, wheel scrapes, pot holes, shopping carts, super tight parking spaces, and inconsiderate drivers who just don't care.

I am planning on a shorter 2-door JL for more parking options but have not decided fully on model yet. The height of the JL eliminates any concerns about scrapping the bottom of doors on curbs. The height is also great for visibility and parking when the City has not plowed snow and it freezes into rock like chunks. Or for parking on mounds of frozen snow and ice where they did plow. Other cars just can't due to a typical 6" clearance. More possible parking spaces for me in the winter also because the frozen plowed snow is like rocks on a trail that will rip off exhaust systems. The height and bumpers discourage other drivers from playing bumper cars while trying to parallel park. The fenders and rock rails help with door dings. The huge tires absorb pot holes. It is reliving because a minor scrape on a wheel, fender, bumper is not the end of the world because parts are cheap and replacement bumpers are plentiful. Wranglers have super tight turning radius which make parallel parking in tight spaces easier. Having paint work on a sport car is like the end of the world. On a Wrangler it is a rite of passage. Unlike in a sport car, I won't need a forensics report to explain why a bumper was re-sprayed at resale. lol. And resale is great for the Wrangler…..Bonus Round! Can't forget the Jeep camaraderie either!

Unlike my previous Wranglers this JL will not be just a daily urban driver. The plan is to take long road trips, visit friends, and National Parks across America and Canada.

 

[Matthew/E36]

That would be awesome! But they wont. For me, I'd love for them not to have the red dash, and instead thing the grey would be a bit more subtle. Thats not an option (but likely will be after market). And who knows, maybe the red will grow on me.

The sticker is most likely coming off within the first 6 months. The rest, I can probably live with. (If anyone saw the top of the hood on a more consistent basis, I'd probably change that out too, but its really not a big deal).


This is exactly what happened to me. That leather dash looks pretty good (in pictures, when I saw it in person, it doesn't look quite as good...the metal on the other hand...does look better in person).

I thought, I don't need a Rubicon, I just cruise around in the city with the top off, but I want leather this go around because my JK Sport S was bone stock. Once I priced a Sahara and a Rubicon out the way I wanted (very very basic), they were within about 2 grand of each other and 5 grand over the Sport. It just made sense to spend a little more and get a more mechanically strong jeep and deal with the "Aggressiveness" of it rather than spend almost the same amount on leather dash.

Plus, since I wanted a manual, I couldn't get selc-trac which is a huge feature of the Sahara. It was in the end, a no brainer (unless I wanted to go bone stock Sport S again...which Im still considering...but ordered a Rubicon anyway)

Same here...priced out exactly what I wanted in Sahara and Rubicon trim...then a reasonable "just enough" version. Typically I don't do it, but I just went with exactly what I wanted and got the Rubicon. Manual selectrac could have been a big factor if available...or even the MOAB.

I was also not interested in after-purchase/market mods like change/remove stickers, dash, etc. Now that I've had it I could have considered that more. Only stickers I removed were the unlimited ones on the sides. I could remove some more badging, but left it all on for now. (Granite JLUR and I like the red accents and interior). Pre-order I really wanted a black/dark dash, but saw it in person and thought it would be a unique element for this vehicle purchase. I can always go get a more restrained vehicle...that's NOT a jeep!

 

[Matthew/E36]

JLUR is my daily driver 12K miles and racking them up. I bought this knowing it would be a daily driver with weekend fun happening in between. 2" lift and 35s and loving it. No longer worry about pot holes or other bumps that would have cost me thousands to fix in my last car (BMW Z4 3.5iS). No more worrying about how to stuff the kids backpack in the trunk. To me its the perfect no worry vehicle. What ever comes my way...i can just "get over it"

Traded my E90 M3 for a manual JLUR! Wanted another unique ride...sounds like you were the same!

Yes, for some reason the JLUR is new, but I'm less worried about the kids wear and tear and tossing things around in the trunk.

 

[xeon]

The top and door off fun is self explanatory. So is the whole off road life style. You bring up something almost no one does. Part of the appeal of the Wrangler is the worry free life style. Not just in the wilderness but in a urban environment also. For me the Wrangler is the ultimate "no worry" vehicle as far as being a daily urban commuter vehicle. Not initially the plan but both my previous TJ and JK ended up as daily drivers. I always have owned other cars, mostly sport cars and the Wrangler was supposed to be the weekend or winter vehicles. I found I almost never drove my other cars whenever I owned a Wrangler. Driving my other cars in the City always kind of stressed me out worrying about possible damage. With my other cars I have to be super cautious about where i drive and park. In a large City like Chicago people just are not as considerate about cars on the street or in parking lots. We have to deal daily with bumper damage, door dings, door scrapes, wheel scrapes, pot holes, shopping carts, super tight parking spaces, and inconsiderate drivers who just don't care.

I am planning on a shorter 2-door JL, have not decided fully on model yet. The height of the JL eliminates any concerns about scrapping the bottom of doors on curbs. The height is also great for parking when the City has not plowed snow or for parking on mounds of frozen snow where they did plow. Other cars just can't due to a typical 6" clearance. More possible parking spaces for me in the winter because the frozen plowed snow is like rocks on a trail that will rip off exhaust systems. The height and bumpers discourage other drivers from playing bumper cars while trying to parallel park. The fenders and rock rails help with door dings. The huge tires absorb pot holes. It is reliving because a minor scrape on a wheel, fender, bumper is not the end of the world because parts are cheap and replacement bumpers are plentiful. Wranglers have super tight turning radius which make parallel parking in tight spaces easier. Having paint work on a sport car is like the end of the world. On a Wrangler it is a rite of passage. Unlike in a sport car, I won't need a forensics report to explain why a bumper was re-sprayed at resale. lol. And resale is great for the Wrangler…..Bonus Round! Can't forget the Jeep camaraderie either!

Unlike my previous Wranglers this JL will not be just a daily urban driver. The plan is to take long road trips, visit friends, and National Parks across America and Canada.

You are so right. I had already forgotten about those other worries about where to park, door dings, etc. That stressed me out each time I got in the car to the point I often took another car just to avoid it. So happy with this JEEP, worry free and stress free. I even bought the all weather floor mats so the kids spills didn't freak me out... LOL. The dirt and mud catching on the weekend is an extra bonus. The only thing I really try to take care of are the leather seats but I am not obsessed as it like my other cars.

 

[lagunajim]

I'm on my third Wrangler Rubicon over the years, and one more vote for "all terrain tires being pretty good".

A Jeep does not provide the same ride as an SUV, it is stiffer, so be sure your expectations are set correctly.

And before you change out your tires, spend a few weeks on the factory all-terrains that will come on your Rubicon to see if you're happy just the way the manufacturer designed the vehicle. The new "JL" version of the Wrangler was designed specifically to get closer in several ways to other SUV's in the market used by daily-drivers as family vehicles.

 

[viper88]

You are so right. I had already forgotten about those other worries about where to park, door dings, etc. That stressed me out each time I got in the car to the point I often took another car just to avoid it. So happy with this JEEP, worry free and stress free. I even bought the all weather floor mats so the kids spills didn't freak me out... LOL. The dirt and mud catching on the weekend is an extra bonus. The only thing I really try to take care of are the leather seats but I am not obsessed as it like my other cars.

Spills on the carpet are no problem. Puke or other funk no problem! On the TJ and JK carpets were super easy to remove and reinstall. I think it's the same with the JL. Just remove them, take them to a self serve car wash and blast with the wand, let them dry and reinstall. You can even remove the drain plugs and hose out the tub. I can't think of any other vehicle where you can do that as easily?

 

[ps2baseball]

You are so right. I had already forgotten about those other worries about where to park, door dings, etc. That stressed me out each time I got in the car to the point I often took another car just to avoid it. So happy with this JEEP, worry free and stress free. I even bought the all weather floor mats so the kids spills didn't freak me out... LOL. The dirt and mud catching on the weekend is an extra bonus. The only thing I really try to take care of are the leather seats but I am not obsessed as it like my other cars.

Do you have the black and red stitching?

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01MQODEUN/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1

https://www.amazon.com/Car-Seat-Pro...f_rd_t=40701&refRID=W7GBQWAGNFC2SGRX6TV9&th=1

If so I highly recommend for kids and car seats. They look awesome in the Rubicon.

 

[Man-of-methods]

I've driven trucks mainly my whole life, a sports car here and there, a mini van (yeah, I was a soccer dad) and many sport utes until I finally decided to buy this Rubicon as a daily...I haven't looked back since March. Kids are gone, it was time for me to have some fun. And boy, is this Jeep fun!! So much, that my wife wanted one of her own.

 

[Wrangles]

Rubi is fine as a daily driver even with stock wheels and tires. Drives smooth and isn’t loud at all. Go for it. I daily drive mine, it’s mucho bueno.

 

[crash13]

The top and door off fun is self explanatory. So is the whole off road life style. You bring up something almost no one does. Part of the appeal of the Wrangler is the worry free life style. Not just in the wilderness but in a urban environment also. For me the Wrangler is the ultimate "no worry" vehicle as far as being a daily urban commuter vehicle. It was not initially the plan but both my previous TJ and JK ended up as daily drivers. I always owned other cars, mostly sport cars and the Wrangler was supposed to be the weekend or winter vehicle. I found I almost never drove my other cars whenever I owned a Wrangler. Driving my other cars in the City always kind of stressed me out worrying about possible damage. With my other cars I have to be super cautious about where i drive and park. In a large City like Chicago people just are not as considerate about cars on the street or in parking lots. We have to deal daily with bumper damage, door dings, door scrapes, wheel scrapes, pot holes, shopping carts, super tight parking spaces, and inconsiderate drivers who just don't care.

I am planning on a shorter 2-door JL for more parking options but have not decided fully on model yet. The height of the JL eliminates any concerns about scrapping the bottom of doors on curbs. The height is also great for driving, parking when the City has not plowed snow and it freezes into rock like chunks. Or for parking on mounds of frozen snow and ice where they did plow. Other cars just can't due to a typical 6" clearance. More possible parking spaces for me in the winter also because the frozen plowed snow is like rocks on a trail that will rip off exhaust systems. The height and bumpers discourage other drivers from playing bumper cars while trying to parallel park. The fenders and rock rails help with door dings. The huge tires absorb pot holes. It is reliving because a minor scrape on a wheel, fender, bumper is not the end of the world because parts are cheap and replacement bumpers are plentiful. Wranglers have super tight turning radius which make parallel parking in tight spaces easier. Having paint work on a sport car is like the end of the world. On a Wrangler it is a rite of passage. Unlike in a sport car, I won't need a forensics report to explain why a bumper was re-sprayed at resale. lol. And resale is great for the Wrangler…..Bonus Round! Can't forget the Jeep camaraderie either!

Unlike my previous Wranglers this JL will not be just a daily urban driver. The plan is to take long road trips, visit friends, and National Parks across America and Canada.

Agree 100%. Mine (Punk'n Rubi) is daily driver also and have so far racked up 8,000 miles, including a 3,000 mile road trip to Eastern Canada. No problem at all with the tyres or ride quality. No problems with anything actually. Also take it off road about every other weekend so loving the flexibility and exceptional capabilities.

Adding to the above note, the other fun thing about city driving is the little sports cars that like to tailgate thinking they are causing you stress I mean really... I have steel bumpers and rock rails. Your car will be eaten alive if you bump into me!

 

[Carbonalpine]

JLUR is my daily driver 12K miles and racking them up. I bought this knowing it would be a daily driver with weekend fun happening in between. 2" lift and 35s and loving it. No longer worry about pot holes or other bumps that would have cost me thousands to fix in my last car (BMW Z4 3.5iS). No more worrying about how to stuff the kids backpack in the trunk. To me its the perfect no worry vehicle. What ever comes my way...i can just "get over it"

You definitely went to the other side from z4 to JL. It will be hard to ever go back to a small car now. I went from an e92 supercharged m3 to a f350 lariat. Then went to a jkus, which took adjustment. Then when the new corvette came out I went to see it and I ran out of the dealer feeling clusterphobic. I will never go back to a sports car.

 

[Midwest22]

Traded my E90 M3 for a manual JLUR! Wanted another unique ride...sounds like you were the same!

Yes, for some reason the JLUR is new, but I'm less worried about the kids wear and tear and tossing things around in the trunk.

I kept my 335i thinking that I wanted to have both but am now wishing I traded it in. Now its in the garage with a dead battery and I have to go through the hassle of selling it on my own...which I don't have time or patience for that! I'll be daily driving my JLUR, even after the lift and 37's get put on

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