If you really want a more comfortable ride for distance, but want to retain some of that Jeep feeling, I would recommend the Cherokee with one of the off-road packages.
Jeep wrangler(s)
- Thread starter SpokaneCY
- Start date
I have an off-road friend who claims these "retain" value simply because of their off-road performance. Seriously I've choked a few times looking at the base prices but then all the add-ons sends the price to $50K in a snap (for new anyway) but I could never use that rationale (outloud anyway).
My ultra masculine CR-V will be the official road car but if we're jeeping around CO for 4-5 hours at a time it sounds more doable despite the wind and MPG issues...
2 door vs 4 door... I like the idea of the extra room and I've read snippets that the 2-door actually handle worse in inclement weather? Not a car guy so not sure that makes sense.
I like the idea of the extra room for when we go to Whole Foods, or the street fair to buy fresh flowers. But I want the option to move a body comfortably if that time ever comes...
Van pulls up tomorrow and we hit town Friday night. Looking forward to connecting with you shortly!
I don't have anything constructive to add to the conversation, but your comments about wind noise and fuel economy immediately reminded me of this funny image I saw on twitter recently:
I believe it was illegal for your wife to drive that model.
I currently own a 79 CJ, and a 93 Wrangler as weekenders and have had Jeeps pretty much since I was 18. I've driven the new ones and they are awesome, if you like Jeeps. If you are worried about gas mileage or how smooth the drive is, don't get a Jeep, but if you can deal with that, they are awesome. Just like a car that requires premium gas, if that is a worry, don't even mess with it. The Gladiators are awesome, and they can't give them away, but they look dumb if you don't get a Rubicon one.
The Willys or Sahara are they way to go, if you don't want all the back country add on's the Rubicons provide. You still get off-road capability and a cool look, but not the heavier axles and off-road overkill. Make sure you pay attention to the engine, because they will try and stick you with a smaller one. I prefer the two doors, but if you have kids the 4 door might be better. 2 doors are cheaper too.
The Gladiators and newer Jeeps aren't selling as well as they thought they would, so you can work a pretty good deal, especially with the Bronco's and 2021's hitting here soon. I know you can still get new 2019's. I almost got a 2020 Rubicon last month, but went with a Raptor instead, as I already had two jeep's. My daughter is 8 and I've already told her, her first car will be a Jeep!
The Willys or Sahara are they way to go, if you don't want all the back country add on's the Rubicons provide. You still get off-road capability and a cool look, but not the heavier axles and off-road overkill. Make sure you pay attention to the engine, because they will try and stick you with a smaller one. I prefer the two doors, but if you have kids the 4 door might be better. 2 doors are cheaper too.
The Gladiators and newer Jeeps aren't selling as well as they thought they would, so you can work a pretty good deal, especially with the Bronco's and 2021's hitting here soon. I know you can still get new 2019's. I almost got a 2020 Rubicon last month, but went with a Raptor instead, as I already had two jeep's. My daughter is 8 and I've already told her, her first car will be a Jeep!
I’ve had one for a long time. They are like driving a brick, but so what. Mpg under 20 and loud cabin at high speed, big deal. I love it. The car requires less maintenance than others in my experience, very reliable.
I live in Colorado and have a 2010 Sahara, 2 door. It came with a hard and soft top. I sold the soft top and keep the hard top on all the time. The hard top does have removable roof panels to convert to a open roof "convertible". It only takes a couple of minutes to remove and replace the panels. I removed the back seat so they store very easily. We are retired so having the hard top makes it easy to drive highways into the high country with a quiet ride and then swap over to the open roof for trial riding. Then back to the hard top for the drive home. With the hard top on, the ride is very quiet. Drove it on highways to work every day, ride is fine. If you are just going to enjoy forest roads and out of the way mountain passes there is no need for a Rubicon. Also, I would recommend the 2 door for handling on narrow mountain roads.
a 4-Runner would be a better fit
as much as I like the idea of the Bronco i would hold off on new model Fords..
We bought a 2020 Rubicon last September and love it. We were debating the Sahara to cut down on cost, but the dealership offered us more for our trade-in if we went with the Rubicon, and we just splurged a bit. Like others have said, unless you're going to be doing some serious off-roading, a Rubicon is overkill. It looks sharp, but it's overkill.
I drive my Camry for a commuter car, but for our errands and other local trips have been almost exclusively in the Jeep. Driving with the doors and top off has been therapeutic since being trapped inside during the pandemic.
We have done some minor off-roading, but recently gave it its first true test at an off-road course. Doing that on a regular basis won't be something I do a lot of, but it was fun to go over some of the obstacles that you'd never think about going over otherwise. It handled large rocks and drops like a champ.
I drive my Camry for a commuter car, but for our errands and other local trips have been almost exclusively in the Jeep. Driving with the doors and top off has been therapeutic since being trapped inside during the pandemic.
We have done some minor off-roading, but recently gave it its first true test at an off-road course. Doing that on a regular basis won't be something I do a lot of, but it was fun to go over some of the obstacles that you'd never think about going over otherwise. It handled large rocks and drops like a champ.
If you like to go topless with the doors and roof off the Jeep is a no brainer. As someone else mentioned the 4runner is as equally good off road and definitely has more creature comforts.
I bought a '16 Sahara last year. I've enjoyed it immensely and have done some off roading. I do kinda wish I would have gone with the Rubicon, lockers would have been good on a couple of the mud holes I've hit.
Bought a Sport Unlimited 3 summers ago, wife thought she would hate it, but loves it and tends to prefer it to the Toyota. Freedom panels are a huge plus, and although the 18 mpg and road noise may be a concern, just turn the radio up as it will be one of the most fun rides you will own. Just make sure to wave to the other Wranglers!
