Jeep Wrangler experiences
 

Hey,
We are thinking of trading our Subaru WRX for a new Jeep Wrangler 2DR (Rubicon). Does anyone own one of these? I'd appreciate your thoughts. I realize it is a completely different kind of car, but I have a Boxster and 3.2 Carrera for backroad fun. We do a lot of backpacking and it would be nice not to have to worry about ground clearance on some of the roads we need to access. A regular SUV/CUV is out of the question (my wife and I find them boring and we want a manual transmission)

My Sub is an '05 and has been dead reliable. I hate the turbo lag, but overall I can't complain. I feel like the car is in too good of shape to sell it to a "normal" car owner. I realize how stupid that sounds, but its emotional. Can't help it.

Thanks

rent one for a few days. You may not be able to rent a Rubicon but a Wrangler should give you a general idea of what they are like. The 2012's are supposedly a step up (drive-line) from what the previous years have been.

Also, why not consider a Subaru Outback?

I darned near bought a Jeep Wrangler before buying a Mustang...sounds crazy, I know.

I've heard that the newest engine is a vast improvement. However, do you do a LOT of driving off paved roads? That, and if you live in snow country are both good reasons for having a jeep.

I like the rental suggestion above...give you a taste of what it's like to have to live with one for most of your daily driving...

I'd also add that the Subaru is a less problematic car than the Wrangler...not saying that Wrangler owners don't love their Jeeps, but they seem to take these problems in stride.

I rented a Wrangler some years back and the novelty wore off quickly. I have always loved the idea of a Jeep, but they have been rather marginal vehicles wrt quality and gas mileage over the past decade (or three?). Would be nice if they've gotten better.

What about an Outback? More ground clearance and likely better build quality/reliability. I loved both of my Subies...

We rented a 2010 a while back for the reasons listed. Only thing I didn't like was the engine and interior. These have both been addressed.

As for the Sub Outback - decent car, but it is a boring drive (sorry nothing personal). I see no reason to trade in my WRX for something essentially the same. Added to that is the fact I am left with an engine I believe to be too weak for that size car (you can't get a manual transmission in the 3.6l).

I've driven a lot of Jeeps. Have been over the Rubicon Trail with them many times with CJ-5s, CJ-7s and a previous version of the Wrangler Rubicon. That's where they're really excellent, and really fun.

But on paved roads, they're marginal, at best. Unless you intend to be in low gear/low range, I can find very little reason to own one of these.

But hey, it's a free country, and one of our great joys is that we get to drive whatever we want to drive.

While much improved over the older models they still ride terribly. I sold mine after 1 year because of this. After awhile you won't be taking any rides just for fun.

I had to endure this for ten days while on vacation in the USVI;

http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p...2/DSCN2250.jpg

Never again! It was a 2010 with 20k on the ODO. Poor visibility, horrendously sensitive accelerator, very poor rear seat access, poor build quality, noisy, awful suspension, uncomfortable seats, poor turning circle, and the powerplant was a joke.

I'm not saying this because I'm a Land Rover guy. I'm saying this because it was a horrid vehicle.

Cheers,

Paul.

excellent advice.

I rented one a few weeks ago (on Maui). It wasn't nearly as nasty as the soft-top version I had rented years before on the big island. (The pop-off hard-top panels were easy off/on with the newer version)

While I would never buy one (love my Cayenne) I'll likely rent one again.

I do chuckle at the design/build of the Jeeps. It's like PlaySchool bought a steel factory and built a car.

My old 92' went to close to 250k before it rusted out in a few dangerous places. Was still running when I traded it in. If you don't mind the noise and the ride they seem to go forever.

My wife's daily driver is a Rubicon.

Lousy ride, bad gas mileage, and my wife would puke if I suggested she drive anything else-
She absolutely loves it!

Top off, doors off in Summer, nothing beats it. This is our third Wrangler, first Rubi.
For her, it's no more than a pavement pounder, but when I take it off road, the capabilities are astounding.

That describes it! Shortcomings be damned...people who love their Jeeps, LOVE their Jeeps! :D

Rented a two door on the Big Island in 2008. LOVED it.

Rented a four door with hard top on Maui in December 2011. LOVED it.

As a daily driver? Probably not. I think the renting one is a great idea. I just hopped out of my ancient 3/4 ton Suburban that I own for the same reasons you want a Jeep. Not svelte or refined. Sure does the job well however. I can sleep in the Suburban.
Larry

You're aware that outback XT's and forester XT's (both turbo 4's) could be had with a manual transmission, right?

I would agree that the wrangler isn't a boring drive...mostly because you're so busy steering the thing constantly as it wanders all over the road...especially in a cross-wind. That's not my idea of fun.

Porsches are the best thing on pavement.
Jeeps are the best thing off pavement.

Toyota Camry drivers don't understand either one:

Porsche- To low to get in and out of easily, rides way too rough.
Jeep- To high to get in and out of easily, rides too rough.

Maybe that's why Porsches and Jeeps have very active internet forums, and Camry drivers don't give a hoot about Camry.com

There are other options. I had a Toyota FJ Cruiser. Hated it, but YMMV. My wife's Mini Countryman has great ground clearance! My current Land Rover is the best 4x4 I've ever driven, but make sure you get an '08 or newer!

Check Consumer Reports,

Steve

73 911 T MFI Coupe, Aubergine

Interesting...I sold a Suby to buy this. Fun to drive but terrible milage. Only had it since November so no top off experience yet. I tried to find one to rent before I bought but nowhere to be found in my area...

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1329604971.jpg

I have had my '97 Wrangler since it was new. It has been a GREAT vehicle. There is very little left of what I bought in '97 because of years of major modifications. The advice given to rent one for a month before buying one is good. They are a love them or hate them vehicle. They can be every bit as addictive as a Porsche.
http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/m...Jeep/test2.jpg

There is a reason a lot of people tow these behind their regular trucks when they go to the boonies. The short wheelbase alone is cause for much of the bouncy ride and the 2 door still has that same wheelbase, right? Of course, that short wheelbase makes it great off road, but it sounds like you are just looking for a stickshift with better ground clearance for maybe a dirt road. A Wrangler may be overkill for that.

For serious other off road SUVs there are also the Nissan Xterra and the Toyota FJCruiser with a stick. They both don't ride great either but may be a better compromise for your application.

G