What’s funny is I know a few Wrangler owners who all “love them”… but then you hear them complaining about how hot/cold they are with the convertible roof, the rough ride, how noisy they are, and that it’s cool to take the doors off but too much work.
I think they have a great look and are great vehicles, but even on a stupid cheap lease I know it wouldn’t be the vehicle for me.
If I got one (or a bronco) it would be the hardtop with removable panels. And the Ford, actually has them over back seat too. Really give that convertible feel!
What’s funny is I know a few Wrangler owners who all “love them”… but then you hear them complaining about how hot/cold they are with the convertible roof, the rough ride, how noisy they are, and that it’s cool to take the doors off but too much work.
I think they have a great look and are great vehicles, but even on a stupid cheap lease I know it wouldn’t be the vehicle for me.
I think they get compared to "regular" SUVs (Grand Cherokee, Pilot, etc), and they are most definitely not that. Even the Unlimited is still a Wrangler.
What’s funny is I know a few Wrangler owners who all “love them”… but then you hear them complaining about how hot/cold they are with the convertible roof, the rough ride, how noisy they are, and that it’s cool to take the doors off but too much work.
I think they have a great look and are great vehicles, but even on a stupid cheap lease I know it wouldn’t be the vehicle for me.
I think they get compared to "regular" SUVs (Grand Cherokee, Pilot, etc), and they are most definitely not that. Even the Unlimited is still a Wrangler.
No, they are not that at all. Just be informed like any other major purchase. All of those things are true compared to a “regular” SUV but each generation of Wrangler has become more and more refined. Ironically, that’s something the hard core Jeep crew laments.
Currently doing the dance on a Granite Crystal Sahara 4xe.
2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Limited Velvet Red over Wicker Beige
2024 Audi Q5 Premium Plus Daytona Gray over Beige
2017 BMW X1 Jet Black over Mocha
What’s funny is I know a few Wrangler owners who all “love them”… but then you hear them complaining about how hot/cold they are with the convertible roof, the rough ride, how noisy they are, and that it’s cool to take the doors off but too much work.
I think they have a great look and are great vehicles, but even on a stupid cheap lease I know it wouldn’t be the vehicle for me.
I've mentioned this before, but my best friend has a 2017 JK 2 Door Rubicon Hard Rock w/ a 6 Speed Manual & a Soft Top. He bought it way below market value with low miles from a friend of ours about 2 years ago. He loves it for what it is. It is an extra car that he drives when he wants to on warm and hot spring/summer/fall days with the top flipped back and the back window out.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
@tjc78 said:
What’s funny is I know a few Wrangler owners who all “love them”… but then you hear them complaining about how hot/cold they are with the convertible roof, the rough ride, how noisy they are, and that it’s cool to take the doors off but too much work.
I think they have a great look and are great vehicles, but even on a stupid cheap lease I know it wouldn’t be the vehicle for me.
On my TJ the heater and A/C both work great. The ride doesn’t bother us in the slightest. Yes, it’s noisy above 50 mph, but I knew that going in. Removing the doors? It’s never something I really wanted to do.
My wife almost bought a two door JK instead of her X1, so I think we would be more than happy with a 4xe. I’ll be the first to admit that Wranglers aren’t a good fit for most people, but our family likes them.
A lot.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
What’s funny is I know a few Wrangler owners who all “love them”… but then you hear them complaining about how hot/cold they are with the convertible roof, the rough ride, how noisy they are, and that it’s cool to take the doors off but too much work.
I think they have a great look and are great vehicles, but even on a stupid cheap lease I know it wouldn’t be the vehicle for me.
I think they get compared to "regular" SUVs (Grand Cherokee, Pilot, etc), and they are most definitely not that. Even the Unlimited is still a Wrangler.
No, they are not that at all. Just be informed like any other major purchase. All of those things are true compared to a “regular” SUV but each generation of Wrangler has become more and more refined. Ironically, that’s something the hard core Jeep crew laments.
Currently doing the dance on a Granite Crystal Sahara 4xe.
I go back & forth in my head about the Wrangler a lot. I think it would be a great car for my wife. The giant 17" tires on the Rubicon would be a welcomed change from her Pilot's skinny-ish side wall 20s. I'm not sure if I'd go for the soft top or hard top. The soft top is easy to flip back and enjoy on a gorgeous day. I understand it is a nightmare trying to keep those plastic windows clean. The hard top offers more practicality, but if you are going to take the freedom panels off and keep them with you that's a big chunk of cargo space.
The bottom line is that we still need the space and practicality of a 3 row SUV. Maybe the next vehicle after the one that replaces the Pilot (I know, been hanging out with @stickguy too long) I'd look into a Wrangler or a Bronco.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
My opinion is that the Sahara is actually a pretty compliant ride without being too crazy in terms of tire size. For those that don't want to go with a rubicon.
2025 Jetta GLI Autobahn, 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xE
whatever I get can certainly just be a fun car. Not likely to ever have to really travel with it much. And if I did, probably would be alone and it would bother me way less than my wife!
I can definitely see a Wrangler as a fun, 2nd or 3rd car. But for me, that would not be a 4 door Unlimited, just the 2 door. And it would spend most of it's time topless and doorless. Probably just the base model with the V6 engine and the standard transmission. I mean, seriously, an automatic transmission in a Jeep??? Nah.
Henry, I am of the same mindset. I don't need it to be practical, so if I am getting a Jeep, darn it, I want a real Jeep! Manual trans of course is a plus. I would though get the freedom (they still call it that?) hardtop since I would not want to deal with the soft top or plastic windows. I can't really see myself driving around doorless. I know the wife would not go for that.
so fun at times and totally impractical. Basically replacing my old Miata, except much easier to get in and out of, and my legs will fit!
I would love to have another Miata as a fun car. Though I'm not as nimble as I was it would probably benefit me by getting me in better shape, mentally and physically.
2021 VW Arteon SEL 4-motion, 2018 VW Passat SE w/tech, 2016 Audi Q5 Premium Plus w/tech
@ab348 said:
Just be patient. A high percentage of new Wranglers sold end up on the used market in short order. I get the sense that the idea of owning a Wrangler is much more powerful than the reality of living with one for some significant number of people.
Lots of 4xe will end up on used car market because people are buying them to flip to vroom, carvana etc
I would have kept my JLU rubicon if they didn’t have the recall and swap the front steering stabilizer. The new one wasn’t good and I had death wobble. I hear that is more of an issue with Rubicon’s??
I could definitely see myself driving around doorless, no problem. Back more years than I want to count, a friend of mine had one of those fiberglass replicas of a T-bucket. More fun than anything you can think of (except for that, of course). Another friend of mine had a Meyers Manx, also a lot of fun but not fast. We used to race that T-Bucket, it was very quick. Whenever I see one of those open, 2 seat, 3 wheelers I think of that T-bucket fondly. A 2 door jeep, topless and doorless, is probably about as close as I will ever come now to that T-bucket. I could not see myself climbing in and out of a T-bucket.
There are a lot of dreams that I have had to give up now that I'm old. But there are some advantages, such as having the time to pursue some things I could not before.
still no window sticker on mine. just the build sheet for 2 days.
How is the ML doing? Happy with how it runs and drives?
Seems to be good. 70 mins or so on the road on Sunday with no issues. If I had to complain about something, I'd say the idle feels a little rough. I'm not sure. I don't recall "feeling" it before, but I do now. The wife made a comment, to which I replied "hey, it is a massive engine." I'm not sure I totally believe it myself, but no CEL, so it must be ok. lol.
If we're keeping it, I have a couple of things to sort. The power tailgate doesn't work, and it is in desperate need of an audio input. It has an Aux channel, which seems to be occupied by a very frayed first-gen iphone cord. But it goes through the glovebox and behind the stereo. I'm assuming a mod by the first owner. I've seen units online that plug into the back and are BT receivers. But it seems I need to pull the stereo out first to confirm fitment.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
still no window sticker on mine. just the build sheet for 2 days.
How is the ML doing? Happy with how it runs and drives?
Seems to be good. 70 mins or so on the road on Sunday with no issues. If I had to complain about something, I'd say the idle feels a little rough. I'm not sure. I don't recall "feeling" it before, but I do now. The wife made a comment, to which I replied "hey, it is a massive engine." I'm not sure I totally believe it myself, but no CEL, so it must be ok. lol.
If we're keeping it, I have a couple of things to sort. The power tailgate doesn't work, and it is in desperate need of an audio input. It has an Aux channel, which seems to be occupied by a very frayed first-gen iphone cord. But it goes through the glovebox and behind the stereo. I'm assuming a mod by the first owner. I've seen units online that plug into the back and are BT receivers. But it seems I need to pull the stereo out first to confirm fitment.
Engine mounts?
2025 Jetta GLI Autobahn, 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xE
I would love to have another Miata as a fun car. Though I'm not as nimble as I was it would probably benefit me by getting me in better shape, mentally and physically.
I saw a Black Miata RF this AM on my way in. Very cool car. Even the regular Miata with a soft top would be fun. My wife doesn't drive stick and I don't think I could bring myself to acquire a Miata with an Automatic. The Jeep does hit the fun and practical button at the same time (4 door, 4WD, Convertible) that can be driven year round.
Yes, I've seen the guy in the British Racing Green 1st Generation NA Miata driving with the top down when it was 25 degrees outside on the highway with the bomber jacket, hat, & goggles. I know it is possible to drive a Miata with proper winter tires for 4 seasons. I'm just not willing to do that at this point in my life.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
Q7 is totaled. 33,000+ in damages. They value it at 44600. Wonder if I can get that value up a little??
Put it into Carvana, Vroom, and Carmax to get rough estimates (before they mark the VIN totaled). Might help you drive the discussion more. Also get comps on AutoTrader.
Small victories though!
2025 Jetta GLI Autobahn, 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xE
Q7 is totaled. 33,000+ in damages. They value it at 44600. Wonder if I can get that value up a little??
And that’s before opening it up and likely finding more. Also a risk of getting to a point and finding something they can’t safely fix, and waste a ton of work!
Just be careful. Sounds like it just made the total cut. If you can convince them it’s worth $50, they may decide to fix it instead! Not that I would want it back.
I also had a $1000 bonus cash coupon from Jeep that was emailed to me. They ended up just reducing the price by $1000.
Ended up with 10.1% off MSRP plus the $7500 federal tax credit.
Wow. That's all I can say is just Wow. No wonder this is the third one sold or leased here in the last month or so. I have no real interest in a 4 door Wrangler and I'm still tempted.
Just be patient. A high percentage of new Wranglers sold end up on the used market in short order. I get the sense that the idea of owning a Wrangler is much more powerful than the reality of living with one for some significant number of people.
Bingo! But the insane resale value makes it easier to suffer the buyer’s remorse.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
That’s a rare time capsule. So when are you listing yours?
Not with the lists of needs to get it looking like this one. Then there is the fact that mine has over 160,000 miles on it. Plus I'd like to enjoy it for 1 or 2 seasons, then teach my son how to drive stick on it.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
Q7 is totaled. 33,000+ in damages. They value it at 44600. Wonder if I can get that value up a little??
I think so. Best thing you can do is find similar/same vehicles in the region at retail prices and use those for comparisons. $45K just *sounds* low for this market.
2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 2013 Ford F250 Lariat D, 1976 Ford F250, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100
Q7 is totaled. 33,000+ in damages. They value it at 44600. Wonder if I can get that value up a little??
Put it into Carvana, Vroom, and Carmax to get rough estimates (before they mark the VIN totaled). Might help you drive the discussion more. Also get comps on AutoTrader.
Small victories though!
I did that the day of the accident. I'll see if it has increased tho
@mjflyod1, Does the 44.6k include sales tax? Or doc fee? If so, they valued the actual vehicle at a lower number.
Before taxes. I backed into the number assuming only 7% sales tax. I'll have to add doc fee
That's a funny spelling of floyd. I had an OB nurse that used to write Dr. Flyod on the board. Every time, I would ask her what my name is and she would say Floyd. Every time I would ask her why she wrote Fly od
Q7 is totaled. 33,000+ in damages. They value it at 44600. Wonder if I can get that value up a little??
I think so. Best thing you can do is find similar/same vehicles in the region at retail prices and use those for comparisons. $45K just *sounds* low for this market.
They keep saying "not fair market value because dealers mark them up" to my wife. I need a good response. I guess I should just say that I don't have a dealers license and can't buy at wholesale
I thought the insurance check is supposed to cover replacement value, which includes all taxes and fees? I think it HAS to, otherwise people would constantly be suing the at-fault party for more.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
Q7 is totaled. 33,000+ in damages. They value it at 44600. Wonder if I can get that value up a little??
I think so. Best thing you can do is find similar/same vehicles in the region at retail prices and use those for comparisons. $45K just *sounds* low for this market.
They keep saying "not fair market value because dealers mark them up" to my wife. I need a good response. I guess I should just say that I don't have a dealers license and can't buy at wholesale
That's silly. Replacement value is replacement value, so where do they expect you to buy your replacement car?!
2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 2013 Ford F250 Lariat D, 1976 Ford F250, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100
I thought the insurance check is supposed to cover replacement value, which includes all taxes and fees? I think it HAS to, otherwise people would constantly be suing the at-fault party for more.
It has been quite a while since I had a car totaled (2010 if memory serves), but the basic quandary is between taking the check or allowing them to replace with a "similar" vehicle. The one time I got in a dispute with the insurance back around 1980, I told them to go ahead and try to replace. That was on a 1970 Challenger convertible. They offered me a 6 cylinder convertible to replace a V8 (no, thanks), and a V8 hard top (no, thanks), and finally negotiated a higher settlement as they could not find a similar replacement. You can be very picky about the replacement, you do not have to take what they offer.
I don't think you'll get anything toward dealer or registration fees, but you'll certainly get sales tax added.
You do in NJ.
Insurer must (1) offer a cash settlement based upon the actual cost of a “substantially similar auto” including all applicable taxes and other fees, or (2) offer a replacement auto including all applicable taxes, license fees, and other fees. N.J. Admin. Code § 11:3-10.4.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
Comments
What’s funny is I know a few Wrangler owners who all “love them”… but then you hear them complaining about how hot/cold they are with the convertible roof, the rough ride, how noisy they are, and that it’s cool to take the doors off but too much work.
I think they have a great look and are great vehicles, but even on a stupid cheap lease I know it wouldn’t be the vehicle for me.
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
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Currently doing the dance on a Granite Crystal Sahara 4xe.
2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Limited Velvet Red over Wicker Beige
2024 Audi Q5 Premium Plus Daytona Gray over Beige
2017 BMW X1 Jet Black over Mocha
I’ve never been a trendsetter before!
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
https://carsandbids.com/auctions/rx5PvqO6/1999-honda-prelude-type-sh
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
On my TJ the heater and A/C both work great. The ride doesn’t bother us in the slightest. Yes, it’s noisy above 50 mph, but I knew that going in. Removing the doors? It’s never something I really wanted to do.
My wife almost bought a two door JK instead of her X1, so I think we would be more than happy with a 4xe. I’ll be the first to admit that Wranglers aren’t a good fit for most people, but our family likes them.
A lot.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
Going to be pricey I assume.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
The bottom line is that we still need the space and practicality of a 3 row SUV. Maybe the next vehicle after the one that replaces the Pilot (I know, been hanging out with @stickguy too long) I'd look into a Wrangler or a Bronco.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
2021 VW Arteon SEL 4-motion, 2018 VW Passat SE w/tech, 2016 Audi Q5 Premium Plus w/tech
25 NX 450h+ / 24 Sienna Plat AWD / 23 Civic Type-R / 21 Boxster GTS 4.0 / 03 Montero Ltd
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
so fun at times and totally impractical. Basically replacing my old Miata, except much easier to get in and out of, and my legs will fit!
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
2021 VW Arteon SEL 4-motion, 2018 VW Passat SE w/tech, 2016 Audi Q5 Premium Plus w/tech
Lots of 4xe will end up on used car market because people are buying them to flip to vroom, carvana etc
I would have kept my JLU rubicon if they didn’t have the recall and swap the front steering stabilizer. The new one wasn’t good and I had death wobble. I hear that is more of an issue with Rubicon’s??
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
We used to race that T-Bucket, it was very quick. Whenever I see one of those open, 2 seat, 3 wheelers I think of that T-bucket fondly. A 2 door jeep, topless and doorless, is probably about as close as I will ever come now to that T-bucket. I could not see myself climbing in and out of a T-bucket.
There are a lot of dreams that I have had to give up now that I'm old. But there are some advantages, such as having the time to pursue some things I could not before.
If we're keeping it, I have a couple of things to sort. The power tailgate doesn't work, and it is in desperate need of an audio input. It has an Aux channel, which seems to be occupied by a very frayed first-gen iphone cord. But it goes through the glovebox and behind the stereo. I'm assuming a mod by the first owner. I've seen units online that plug into the back and are BT receivers. But it seems I need to pull the stereo out first to confirm fitment.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
25 NX 450h+ / 24 Sienna Plat AWD / 23 Civic Type-R / 21 Boxster GTS 4.0 / 03 Montero Ltd
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
Yes, I've seen the guy in the British Racing Green 1st Generation NA Miata driving with the top down when it was 25 degrees outside on the highway with the bomber jacket, hat, & goggles. I know it is possible to drive a Miata with proper winter tires for 4 seasons. I'm just not willing to do that at this point in my life.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
Q7 is totaled. 33,000+ in damages. They value it at 44600. Wonder if I can get that value up a little??
Is the family still doing well and feeling okay?
2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2023 A6 Allroad - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman
Small victories though!
Just be careful. Sounds like it just made the total cut. If you can convince them it’s worth $50, they may decide to fix it instead! Not that I would want it back.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Does the 44.6k include sales tax? Or doc fee?
If so, they valued the actual vehicle at a lower number.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
That's a funny spelling of floyd. I had an OB nurse that used to write Dr. Flyod on the board. Every time, I would ask her what my name is and she would say Floyd. Every time I would ask her why she wrote Fly od
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
https://www.insure.com/car-insurance/total-loss-settlements.html#:~:text=No state sales tax.&text=Insurer must (1) offer a,§ 11:3-10.4.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
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Insurer must (1) offer a cash settlement based upon the actual cost of a “substantially similar auto” including all applicable taxes and other fees, or (2) offer a replacement auto including all applicable taxes, license fees, and other fees. N.J. Admin. Code § 11:3-10.4.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Limited Velvet Red over Wicker Beige
2024 Audi Q5 Premium Plus Daytona Gray over Beige
2017 BMW X1 Jet Black over Mocha