Car for my 23 yo son

Franklin · 07-21-2005, 05:30 PM

I just got off the phone with my boy. He was headed over to the local Jeep store to buy a Wrangler. After a bit of discussion I think I convinced him that CJ's (or whatever) are great off road vehicles, but, daily drivers they are not.

So off we went on what he should buy. I've owned BMW's since '69 and Porsche's since '71 so I have my prejudices and he has passenger seat experience with both. My advice to him is find the cleanest, low mileage 81 318is that he can and he will have the "last of the real BMW's" and not have to worry about the sub frame pulling apart on track day.

What say you?

Moses · 07-21-2005, 05:46 PM

Agree about the CJ's. I've owned them. Deadly street cars and ZERO comfort.

Any car for a 23 year old will need some cool factor. If it were me, I'd be driving a Mini Cooper. Fantastic cars.

vash · vash's Garage

A CJ-7 was exactly the vehicle i had when i was 23! i drove that thing everywhere, some places that i shouldnt have too. (thank goodness the MP's were sympathetic, you know lost dog

) the new wranglers, (TJ's) are great for youthful bodies that dont mind the noise, rattles, bumps,...

no days, agreed mini cooper. S

widebody911 · widebody911's Garage

He wants a jeep for the same reason some people want tongue rings and tattoos; it's not for the comfort or practicality, it's for the look.

Tishabet · 07-22-2005, 05:49 AM

How much can he afford? is he in Colorado (ie will occasionally need to drive in snow)?

deanp · 07-22-2005, 05:58 AM

New Wranglers have come a long way from CJ-5's 7's or even the past generations of Wranlgers. They are no longer as utilitarian as they once were. Sure, they still have a short wheelbase (except for the Unlimited), still bouncy and not as comfortable as sport sedans. But, I have had a '75 CJ-5, a '76 CJ-7 and a '91 Wrangler. The '91 Wrangler was used as a daily driver by me for a number of years and is still in use by my wife from Nov. to April. I put an average of 30,000 miles on a year, highway and secondary roads, on the Jeep and enjoyed all of them. It has seen its fair share of off highway use.

You do need to respect them (higher center of gravity and all), they aren't practical (limited storage, fair fuel economy, limited seating) but don't discount them based on premonitions. Our 911's have similar quirkiness, but we love them anyway. The soft tops are better insulated now, hardtops offer decent security and there is the joy of top down driving in a Jeep that is hard to describe. They also are easy to use in the city due to the short wheelbase, tight turning radius; and they fit into tight spaces (like the Mini).

A better view might be to look at what it will be used for (does he have an interest in backcountry activities, you are in CO afterall), are you in a snowy region (another use for 4wd) and why does he want one.

After all -

It's a Jeep Thing, You Wouldn't Understand.

Rot 911 · 07-22-2005, 06:34 AM

Damn you guys are old if you are still thinking of the CJ's. Of course I'm old too, but manage to stay up with the times

I also own a 2000 Wrangler (now called TJ). The plus side is that it has air, CD player, dual air bags, wider stance then the old CJ's so really stable in the curves, steel doors and much quieter top. Down side is fuel mileage still sucks and with the back seat in, no storage room. Oh and one other plus, they have great resale value.

Franklin · 07-22-2005, 06:36 AM

Grant, his budget is a max of 10K, which rules out mini's, etc. Yes, he will be driving in snow. My experience with an '89 325is with lsd and 4 Blizzaks was excellent. It went, turned and stopped.

Dean, thanks for the "other" perspective on Wranglers.

deanp · 07-22-2005, 06:55 AM

You'll find a very active enthusiast family for Jeeps, just like Porsche's and BMW's. They are easily maintained, easy to customize, hold their value well and properly cared for will run forever. If I were 23 again, and I had to pick one vehicle to use year round in a variety of climates and conditions that had to get me everywhere, I would have to pick a Jeep. I have had mine longer than any other vehicle I currently have or have had. Certainly not a track vehicle or a economical commuter, but I can't imagine not having one in the driveway. Every time I drive ours I get that silly smile on my face, the same one I get with the 911, just for different reasons.

Dantilla · 07-22-2005, 07:38 AM

My wife's daily driver is a '98 Wrangler. I bought her a 912 so she could have a Porsche of her own, but she prefers the Wrangler.

stevepaa · 07-22-2005, 07:49 AM

What has he been driving previously? How many cars so far? Will he use it for dating?

gatotom · 07-22-2005, 10:38 AM

I was 20 when I bought my first P-car living in Colorado, hell of a snow car....engine in the back has some advantages.....its kinda like a snowmobile on wheels.

Tishabet · 07-22-2005, 10:55 AM

He can get a pretty good 944 turbo for under 10k. I use my 944 year round here in Boston, no problems so far.

pwd72s · 07-22-2005, 11:00 AM

23? Living in Colorado? A Jeep? Not the car if he plans on racking up the freeway miles, taking long trips. But man, I'd LOVE being 23 years old, single, living in Colorado, driving a jeep...way cool, and the chicks will dig it.

(edit) I'm jealous! I mean, when I was 23, all I had was a crummy Pontiac...a new G.T.O.

speedracer · 07-22-2005, 06:57 PM

95-96 toyota tacoma truck. Has some cool factor, 4X4 (for winter) and very reliable.

JavaBrewer · JavaBrewer's Garage

A van, so that he won't feel obligated to drink and drive. Plus a van has benefits...

expat · 07-22-2005, 11:50 PM

I'd suggest a Toyota 4runner. Awesome offroad ability, heaps of storage capacity, engines and trans go for miles and miles and you can easily sleep (or whatever a 20 something does) in the back. On road they are a little slow (not a bad thing for a 20+) but most these days will have mods to suspension and wheels which gives the cool appeal (to some).

speedracer · 07-23-2005, 08:21 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by dmoolenaar
A van, so that he won't feel obligated to drink and drive. Plus a van has benefits...

Bangbus!!!!

klaucke · 07-23-2005, 10:10 AM

I have a Cherokee. Much more practical than a Wrangler, IMO. Goes great in the snow, I can put 4 friends in it with along with myself, good storage, good security vs. a Wrangler. Mine has a manual 5-spd and cruises exceptionally well on the highway (manuals have 3.08:1 differential gears, vs. 3.55:1 for the autos [or 3.73:1 for the towing package autos]) and gets decent gas mileage, in the low 20's if driven conservatively. It's still a Jeep so I don't mind if I get a scratch or two on it. Very, very easy to work on (I put a new tranny in mine, easy DIY in the driveway) and stone-cold reliable. The I-6 4.0 engine used in both the Cherokees and Wranglers just go and go, seemingly forever. 140k miles and it runs smooth and doesn't drip a drop of oil. Perhaps some of the only benefits of the Wrangler are the better resale value (I read it is the 2nd slowest depreciating car, 1st being the 911) and cool factor.

mattdavis11 · 07-23-2005, 03:16 PM

Land Cruiser. FJ 40 for jeep style, FJ 60, 62, 80 for wagon. Can't go wrong there.