I was just thinking, since your Sparx is a boy, and my Thelma Jane is a girl, do you suppose we could rent them a nice, romantic two car garage somwhere? Maybe ice down a bottle of some vintage 10W-30 for them?
Hey everybody! I'm just starting to get ready to buy a 2001 TJ and stumbled across this posting board! It's fantastic! Everybody seems to be very happy with their Jeeps, I can't wait to get mine. I still have 6 1/2 months (July '01) left on my current lease and it's killing me! I'll be ordering mine directly from the factory, so I'll probably order it May 1st and if it comes in early (my master plan), I'll just turn in my old car early! It seems like some of you had to wait a long time to get your TJ's and some of you got them very quickly. Hopefully mine will come in very shortly after I order it.
wandered over again to check on you and Thelma. Sounds as though you are absolutely thrilled with her! Keep enjoying and go "hug your jeep today!" Not much happening in GP, so come visit some! P.S. My gas mileage still sucks. Wonder if the salesman that put the first 3,500 miles on her just didn't break her in properly.
wleeke I don't like either of those colors. I wouldn't have any other color than black myself. I like the silverstone also. What about it?
dragonfly03 A lot of people are mounting off-road lights on the windshield bracket. I think that is where I am going with mine someday. Hella and PIAA are two popular lights. Did you bend the bumper or the bumperette? I don't know if I would buy bumperettes again. You probably will just bend them again. I took mine off. I think it looks better. I did scratch my fender on a tree a month or so after that. Maybe the bumperette would of offered some protection. tjy Not everybody is happy. Read up and you will see some unhappy Jeepers. I am one of the happy ones. Let us know if have any questions about the options.
I'm pretty sure of the options I want: 4.0L I-6 sport, 5-spd, 30" canyon wheel package w/dana 44, trac lock, dual tops w/full doors, speed control, a/c, fog lamps and tow hooks, body side-steps, am/fm cd radio w/subwoofer, add-a-trunk, flame red w/ black tops and charcoal interior......any other suggestions?
I loved your post. I was cracking up when I read it. However, Sparx already has a special someone(Spyro, the black Sport). Maybe Thelma Jane and Sparx could still be friends. )
I have a steel blue TJ and I am very pleased with the color. It does not look anything like the color chart in the brochure. You need to see one in person to judge for yourself. Here is a pic of mine, but it isn't very good because it was almost dark when I took it. I agree that the patriot blue was almost the same as black.
I appreciate the comments concerning my indecision about color (Patriot Blue or Blue Steel) in ordering my '01 Sport. I did get get out and look at the colors today and got a better idea. Thanks for the comments.
And 2001Wrangler, Thanks for posting that pic of yours. Very nice and looks more like the steel blue than most other pics I've seen.
I did it! Finally took the plunge after a year of indecision. Ordered a yellow Sport with black hard top. Think it was the 3 hour test drive that put me over the edge. Realized I could live with the noise and ride. I've wanted a Wrangler since college. Knew I would kick myself later if I bought something else. I'm perfectly at peace with my decision.
Earlier I asked about a supercharger. Accuratepower.com has one currently for TJs w/o air. They are working on one for ones with air. Should be available early next year. Talked with Mike at accuratepower and he was very enthusiastic and a wealth of knowledge on performance issues. The prototype increases HP by 82. That bumps the Wrangler's horsepower past the Mustang GT for example. When my warranty runs out, I will definitely be dropping one of those bad boys in. Have to admit that the availability of a supercharger influenced my decision to buy the Wrangler. I can think of no better driving experience, than pulling up next to some riced up Honda Civic, in a Wrangler with horsepower near 300, and blowing his doors off.
Looking forward to someday getting a Wrangler, but wondering what to do with my briefcase and computer when I am at the gym or a restaurant. I've looked at some of the Add-a-trunk options, but they look too small for my stuff.
Anyone have secure storage options that work for them?
dragonfly03 I don't think you will be able to find anything but the plastic ones. You may be able to get some custom ones done. To me it sounds like a good opportunity to buy a whole new bumper.
truebeliever That is great news. Glad to hear it.
wkpric I think these guys have the best security storage on the market. Check out the last one on the page if you want a lot of storage space and you are willing to get rid of your backseat. http://www.tuffyproducts.com/rear-storage/rear-storgage.html
thanks to your link I'm one step closer to owning a TJ (I'm still on the fence) I always wondered if there was more secured storage available.
Seems I'm having a internal struggle between my right and left brain. There's the Jeep-flu-enza going around but my rational side says TJs arn't worth $22,000+ US hard earned cold hard cash...Maybe I'll get a Whizzer and ride around in that
Hi all, I started looking at this site over a year ago and learned alot about my Jeep. I ordered it so I got exactly what I wanted which was everything but Sentry key and ABS, which is not available with the Danna 44. So far I have less than 7000 miles on it, I dont drive it to work. Problems and dislikes, Their is alot of wind noise with the hard and soft tops(get use to it)they forgot to install the splash shield in pass. front wheel well(dealer ordered and installed)light under hood stoped working(dealer replaced) I have full doors and the area on the drivers door where the window frame is welded to the outter door panel stressed cracked(dealer rewelded and repainted the area, this was a scarey one to me but they did a hell of a job and it is not noticable,if you have a Jeep already keep a eye on this area they said they have seen a few like this)Tranny noise, yes it is noisy the pilot bearing and transmission both wine and the shifting is not that smooth. I havent complained about this because it sounds pretty common with the Sport and 5 speed. The paint leaves alittle to be desired, their is orange peel on the back and on none of then do they paint the wheel wells very well. Overall I like it alot with just a few things that bother me. Do I think it is worth the $23,000 I paid for it, I hate to say it but probely not but time will tell. I think I will be happier after a lift and real tires 33+. Every vehicle I have had for the past 12 years have had 33's or larger. I think with the larger tires I will be much happier. Well I can say this if your going to get one make sure you get the 4.0. This motor is pretty spunky. The auto just takes too much power away for me so the 5 speed is the way for me. Danna 44 and traclock, the standard axle Danna 35 will not hold up to larger tires or abuse with stock tires. Tracklock is not as good as a locker, I will install one later with larger gears when the tires go on but it is OK for now. Full doors, the glass is much better. AC, you cant have the top off all the time and a black top gets very hot. This is my 2cents on the Wrangler, take it with a grain of salt. Would I buy one again, I think so but it will be along time off. Brian
I just joined the list. I own a 2000 black wrangler sport 4.0L named "Spyro" This is "Sparx" special someone. I love my Jeep, except for some of the options I wish I would have gotten. But that will all be solved with a little time and money. So far I've added fog lights, a Garvin Industry full size roof rack (which is the best looking one out there in my opinion). I have also put 4 KC daylighters on the rack. I got the dual top option but the hard top had to much wind noise and lost heat fairly fast. I don't mind that happening on the soft top but for an extra grand I figured the hard top would do that. So to solve this problem my grandfather custom fitted insulation, sound dampening metal, and a stitched black vinyl to match the black interior. It look increadable and deadens alot of noise and is most definatly warmer... just ask dragonfly03. Now I'm in the market for skid plates. Anyone out there know of any that are better than the Mopar ones? If so let me know.
Anyone have any experience with a TJ with a lift kit? I really want to lift mine soon, but I would like to hear some opinions of people with lift kits on their TJ. Which one is the best and how much is the stock ride changed? I want to put a 4" suspension lift and 33x12.50's on mine!
Thelma Jane and I just got back from Chattanooga. It was our first long trip together, and things went fine.
You guys that warned about the effect of wind on a Wrangler weren't kidding, were you? We fought about a 30 mph headwind all the way to Chattanooga. As the road made it turns, the wind sometimes was slightly from the front quarter, and Thelma got shoved a little sideways. I can see why the people with the SE's have such a hard time driving into the wind. Even that 4.0 L has to work pretty hard going into such a strong wind.
I enjoyed every minute of the drive. I am no more tired than I would have been if I had made the trip in the Grand Prix.
Driving a Wrangler is FUN! There's no way to compare the feeling with that of any other vehicle I've ever owned.
Thelma only got 17 mpg on the trip, but she's not broken in and that wind made a lot of difference, I'm sure. I was driving her 70 mph most of the time. The weather changed last night, and it got really cold. I had a cross wind out of the west for the trip home, but it wasn't nearly as strong as the headwind going down there yesterday.
I don't think there will be any problems in driving a Wrangler on long trips. It's well worth any minor inconveniences to have the fun of driving a Jeep, at least as far as I am concerned.
Congrats on your Jeep tsjay, I am happy you like it. Do not expect that mileage to get any better, I rarely even do that well with my 2000 4.0. I just wanted to let people know I got a new radiator under warranty, the old one was bad, the one on the 99SE. I now have to take the 99 SE back to the shop, the blinkers and tailights keep not working. This will be the 2nd time in a month the Jeep will need serviced, and it is at 9850 total miles. I don't know if it will be around too much longer, I am thinking of getting rid of it and getting something much more reliable. I will have to think about it more when I am not so mad. I plan on keeping the 2000 Sport, it has not been in the shop in the last month, so it is doing good. Anyway, I am happy for you tsjay. I will keep you all posted on what gets fixed and what breaks next. Happy Jeeping!!!!!
ttt6, I thought long and hard about the price issue too. 22k seems like a lot to pay for a basic car. (No power windows and doors, no leather interior, etc.)But what other cars are you considering? If you are considering an economy car or small truck for 14k then yes the Wrangler is a lot. But if you're considering a midsize sedan or sport coup you are probably looking at mid 20's. There is nothing "special" about a mid sized car. A Wrangler is special. Just asked tsjay who gave up a Grand Prix. The Wrangler is a stylish car. It portrays a good image. Many people would not own one, but no one dislikes them. They are an American Icon. A piece of American history. What other car gives you so much style for 22k? Also it is one of a kind, the best in it's class. If you buy a Mustang GT for example, someone else will have a Cobra. Another guy with more money will get a Corvette. Someone else will get a Viper. Someone else a Porsche, etc., etc. If you want the best production short wheel base 4X4, you buy a Wrangler whether you're from the trailor park or Beverly Hills. My conclusion is that the Wrangler is a fantastic value. High style in the low 20's. No other car on the market can match that. Something to think about.
I'm sorry you are having trouble. You are an experienced Jeeper, so I guess you are accustomed to an occasional problem. Don't get too mad, now. Remember how much fun these little guys are.
I'm up to 744 miles on Thelma, and so far there's not a hint of a problem. I'm getting lots of compliments on how pretty she is. That white paint job with the black hard top and deep tinted windows is awesome, even if I do say so myself. I'm glad I stayed with my original color choice.
It still amazes me how quickly she came in after my order was placed. It was three weeks and two days, with the Jeep plant shut down one of those weeks.
They'll get the bugs out of that Jeep, onlyinajeep, so don't give up on it yet. You encouraged me, remember? You told me to expect some problems.
Thanks for all of your support as I went through the struggle with "Wrangler Fever."
Jeeps worth the price? I think in the entire auto industry it is a supply and demand thing. I knew someone that bought a Z71 in 95 in the low 20's. A few years later and they are in the low 30's with no major changes. You can get a mercury grand marquis (which this is no BMW or anything) in the low 20's. I think they have to sell these cars so cheap because everyone wants to buy SUVs. I guess other issues like volume can make a difference also. Just my guess. I think Jeeps sell for this price because they can sell a good number of them and see a greater profit margin.
ttt6 I know there was no other vehicle on the market I wanted. I would rather buy a Jeep that is not worth the price and be happy than buy a car for a great price and be miserable. Post if you have any other issues that we can help steer you in the right direction.
spyrodragon I think mopar skid plates or most of them are not bad, just maybe expensive. I think the most vulnerable spot on a TJ is the gas tank. I would go with the www.kilbyenterprises.com gas tank skid. I have www.teraflex.com gas tank skid and like it so far. Which other skids are you looking at?
2001wrangler The ride on a lifted Jeep can be just as good and in some cases better. I would look at the two companies already mentioned.
After reading about tsjay's first long trip, and about others driving habits, I have to wonder what some Jeep owners are thinking? First of all, if you read the owner's manual, it says to break in the engine, don't go over 50 mph the first few hundred miles, and don't go over 55 mph for the first 5000 miles! Is this in the manual as a joke? I didn't think so, so I stuck to it exactly for my 2000 TJ Sport. Yes, I got a few dirty looks, and some honks from truckers, but I regularly get 19.5 to 21 mpg in my Wrangler, and that's in VERY HEAVY Southern Cal traffic (like tsjay, I have a 32 mile one-way commute, and I love every minute of it in my Jeep).
Also, Wranglers are just not built for speed. This became obvious the first time I drove mine on the freeway. I think it has helped me slow down in general, I rarely go over 60 or 65.
Bottom line, I think the break-in period is important, you'll never get that first 5000 miles back. And, if you want good gas mileage, SLOW DOWN!
Thanks Truebeliever, Tsjay, Texasjeep, Onlyinajeep. I truly value your input. In a way I'm embarassed, it's like you guys are elders and talking common sense to a kid like me (I'm too old to be a kid I'm going to let everything sink in and decide.
As for Jeep competition there is NONE. DC has the monolopy. I already have a car so I don't really need another I do see the Jeep as a big toy (just like the Whizzer Thanks again.
Not to worry tsjay, I still love my little Jeep. You will find that there is a love/hate relationship between Jeep and owner, much like a marriage. And, I have made the same decision over and over to keep the Jeep and the wife. Today we have had about 6 inches of snow, so I have been out playing as time permits. Jeeps, like a Husky, love the snow. After a good snow, look outside, don't be surprised if you see it rolling on its back trying to get a little more snow stuck to it before you come out to play. I am not sure why it has been having so many things go wrong lately, I have been surprised how it has recently behaved. I am guessing it is trying to tell me it wants a new toy, like bigger tires or new wheels, like I said, a Jeep is like a wife. The more you buy your Jeep the happier it seems to be. So keep this in mind tsjay, if your Jeep ever starts to give you a problem, you may need to buy it something, otherwise they think you are seeing another SUV.
hi! i have been keeping up on this forum for a few days now and its pretty interesting. i would like to ask some of you jeep owners a few questions: i saw a "new" jeep at a dealer called a "landrunner". is this the NEW jeep the website talks about? is this a wrangler in an option package? it looks really cool but i wonder about the 24k pricwe attached to it. if anyones seen it, they know what im talking about as far as the looks go. awesome - hummerish but with a definite wrangler background. my other question is: everyone here has a new jeep. does anyone have an older one? ive heard horror stories about their ridiculous lack of quality. can anyone verify this (with NO bias)? their reliabiliy records kept me from getting one last year. i dont want a truck that falls apart. id rather get another pick up. thanks for your help and have fun in your jeeps - go offroad!
The Landrunner is a conversion done through an outside company. It's a jeep with just a little wider stance and better approach angle because of where the bumper and fender are placed. The conversion can be done on 1981-1986 CJ7's and 1987-2001 Wranglers. The conversion package includes hood, fenders, bumper, brush guard, safari rack, side steps,amongst many other things. Yea it's the best looking Hummerlike conversion for a Jeep but I still don't like how wide the back fenders and the hood stick out from where the doors are, it makes it look like it has big hips or something. At the dealership near where I live they actually had brochures about them. Most of the ones I've seen have been sports with the price of a Sahara. If you really think about it it's not much more expensive if any at all if you were to get the add-ons ex. Roof rack, lights, bumper, tires, etc. on a regular Sport. I know I paid $500 for my roof rack and $250 for my daylighters, and tires would be an extra grand or so for the 31's that come on the Landrunner. If you want the address or # to one of the places that does the conversion just write back. But no it's not a new jeep model it's just a conversion like the Hum J-7. http://www.sparx.muddyyellowjeep.com/
I'm pretty much looking for total undercarraige protection on the skid plates, so any ones you suggest would be helpful. also do you think I should change where my exaust tip is? I know I scrapped it a few times and whenever I cross water it usually ends up bubbling and gurggling in the water. Thanks for your help. http://www.sparx.muddyyellowjeep.com/
is it overkill to have 4x4, abs, and trac-lok on the vehicle if most of your drive is commuting on pavement? that's what i've been told. then again, the guy is just trying to sell me what he has on the lot. thanks for the input!
Well, this could be a waste of time, since I don't have much faith that this post will actually go through under the new system.
I'm going to keep it short and give it a try. I sure hope they get the bugs worked out: I miss my Town Hall!
I just wanted to let everyone know that me and Thelma Jane have had a week together as of last night, and I am more convinced than ever that I did the right thing in getting a Wrangler. What a joy to drive! She has over 900 miles on her already because of my long commute and one long business trip (about 500 miles round trip).
Here's how I believe I was able to post. I got into Wrangler IV by doing a message board search on wrangler. Then I hit the log in icon, and of course it said I was already logged in. From that page, I then did another search on wrangler ang got back into Wrangler IV. This time when I got back into Wrangler IV, it was ready for posting.
So, it seems that you have to go through the log in page without actaully logging in and then get into Wrangler IV from there. (I am set up for auto log in, so this may not work otherwise.)
I was trying to double check my procedure, and it didn't work. I apparently left out a step.
You have to go through the SUV conference before getting into Wrangler IV.
Maybe that's all there is to it. Instead of getting into Wrangler IV and back out to the log in page, maybe all you have to do is to be sure to get into Wrangler IV after going through the SUV conference.
Whatever it takes, please put up with it and post, brothers and sisters! I really miss my buddies when no one is posting.
This time I just made sure I went through SUV conference and then got into Wrangler IV from there. That's not too much trouble, so come on people, POST!
Have you been in that "software questions answered" section? People are griping, and the host is answering questions. They are admitting that they have lots of bugs to work out.
Apparently, they had no choice but to go to a new system. The old system wasn't being "supported," but I don't know why it wasn't.
Everyone is griping about the absence of place marks. That does suck!
Hopefully people will keep posting and just put up with the inconvenience. I would sure miss this group if it withered up and died.
Hello all, just seeing if I can still work this crazy thing. I see that things have changed in the last days. Hopefully this is not the beginning of the end of this forum, I guess we will just have to see. If things get to be to problematic, there is a good forum at www.jeepsunlimited.com and go under the Wrangler forum.
It took me a couple of days, but I finally got this thing to work. So has anyone out there gotten any snow to play around in yet? I'm ready for it to snow down here in NC. So has anyone here asked for something for the Jeep for Christmas? I asked for a brush guard from Smittybuilt. I wanted a bull bar but $700 was too much for christmas so $360 was a nice half price alternative, plus it looks pretty good. It should be in sometime between 2-3 weeks, they were out at the warehouse so they had to put it on backorder. Me and Sparx (dragonfly03) will be posting pics on our her website as soon as we get them. www.sparx.muddyyellowjeep.com Also, my Jeep got rolled (not flipped, but with toilet paper) last night, I guess that's what you get when you've got jealous friends.
I just tried to answer your post, and my message got lost somehow. When I hit the "post" button, I got kicked out of Wrangler IV and sent back a screen to the list of conferences.
I'll try it one more time. I said we have only had one little one-inch snow that only got the roads nasty and Thelma dirty.
I am anxiously awaiting a nice big snow to play in with Thelma Jane, but, with my luck, we won't have any.
I am going to keep this short, since I don't even know if this is going to get through. This new stuff really sucks!
Hi all. this is a repost since my post from yesterday got erased thanks to this wonderful (yea right) new system. I'm looking for opinions on auto vs manual transmissions. People have told me that a manual is the only way to go for offroading. I really don't get it though: if you're crawling through some tough terrain, isn't shifting the last thing you want to be worrying about?? also, why is the auto only a 3 speed? opinions would be greatly appreciated!!
I have been trying to post for the past few days and haven't been able to do so. So now I can and I cant remember what the hell I was going to say...Oh well, I am still enjoying the new smell of my Jeep........
Hey, man, good to hear from you! How's it going with the new Jeep?
What are you going to do about the top? Are you going to make them get you a tan top like you wanted to start with?
Did you get your Jeep this past Monday? I believe you said that was going to be the day.
I'm enjoying the crap out of my Jeep! It's more fun to drive than any other vehicle I have ever owned. I even took her on a trip of about 250 miles each way, and she did fine. She's got over 900 miles on her in a week and one day. No problems at all so far.
Well, I just lost another post. I was trying to respond to your question about automatic vs. five speed manual, and when I hit the "post" button, I got sent back to the conference list screen.
I just LOVE this new Town Hall! It works so well!
Anyway, I am a big fan of the manual five speed. That's what I ordered in my new Jeep that I just picked up eight days ago.
You get better mileage and more power with the five speed. Besides, to me it is much more fun to drive a vehicle with a manual transmission.
That's my two cents worth, but go with whatever turns your crank. It's just a matter of personal preference.
I have an auto so I can't vouch for the manual catagory. I like the auto because I use my Jeep for more than just off-roading, she spends alot of time on the pavement. I do know that the auto doesn't have as good ratio in the lower gears as the manual does, so creaping down steep hills is a bit tougher. I like the city driving ease of an automatic and on hills I don't have to worry about rolling back as much as in a manual. Manuals may get a bit better gas mileage. I myslef don't like having to shift gears but some people like feeling that power. Even though you get that bit of extra power from a manual you can do as much in an automatic if you learn how to do it right. yes manuals are better for "off-roading" because you can configure them in more ways with better gearing than an auto. But my auto has performed quite well off-road and I have no special upgrades yet. I too want to know exactly what advantages a manual has over an automatic in off-road purposes. Best bet, go test drive both and find out which one you could live with.
We haven't had any snow yet here in southern Ohio, but I wish I had my 33's on tonight.....we have alot of high water and I had to drive across a couple places where the road was covered on my way home tonight. I will be getting my lift and 33's on the 26th!!
Well, I keep trying to post and it finally let me. I think everyone pretty much dislikes this new format, myself included. I completely forgot what the main purpose of this post was. Oh well.
Sparx finally got his premanent tag on Friday, after having him for two months. He loves it. It says " *SPARX* ". Very cute.
Well, when I remember what I wanted to ask, I'll try and post back.
Comments
Just a thought.
tsjay
tsjay
P.S. My gas mileage still sucks. Wonder if the salesman that put the first 3,500 miles on her just didn't break her in properly.
I don't like either of those colors. I wouldn't have any other color than black myself. I like the silverstone also. What about it?
dragonfly03
A lot of people are mounting off-road lights on the windshield bracket. I think that is where I am going with mine someday. Hella and PIAA are two popular lights.
Did you bend the bumper or the bumperette?
I don't know if I would buy bumperettes again. You probably will just bend them again. I took mine off. I think it looks better. I did scratch my fender on a tree a month or so after that. Maybe the bumperette would of offered some protection.
tjy
Not everybody is happy. Read up and you will see some unhappy Jeepers. I am one of the happy ones. Let us know if have any questions about the options.
alee and sparx
http://sparx.muddyyellowjeep.com
alee and sparx
www.zoomnet.net/~kpowell/jeep.jpg
And 2001Wrangler, Thanks for posting that pic of yours. Very nice and looks more like the steel blue than most other pics I've seen.
Proud to be part of the club.
Anyone have secure storage options that work for them?
I don't think you will be able to find anything but the plastic ones. You may be able to get some custom ones done. To me it sounds like a good opportunity to buy a whole new bumper.
truebeliever
That is great news. Glad to hear it.
wkpric
I think these guys have the best security storage on the market.
Check out the last one on the page if you want a lot of storage space and you are willing to get rid of your backseat.
http://www.tuffyproducts.com/rear-storage/rear-storgage.html
Seems I'm having a internal struggle between my right and left brain. There's the Jeep-flu-enza going around but my rational side says TJs arn't worth $22,000+ US hard earned cold hard cash...Maybe I'll get a Whizzer and ride around in that
http://www.whizzermotorbike.com/
Problems and dislikes, Their is alot of wind noise with the hard and soft tops(get use to it)they forgot to install the splash shield in pass. front wheel well(dealer ordered and installed)light under hood stoped working(dealer replaced)
I have full doors and the area on the drivers door where the window frame is welded to the outter door panel stressed cracked(dealer rewelded and repainted the area, this was a scarey one to me but they did a hell of a job and it is not noticable,if you have a Jeep already keep a eye on this area they said they have seen a few like this)Tranny noise, yes it is noisy the pilot bearing and transmission both wine and the shifting is not that smooth. I havent complained about this because it sounds pretty common with the Sport and 5 speed. The paint leaves alittle to be desired, their is orange peel on the back and on none of then do they paint the wheel wells very well.
Overall I like it alot with just a few things that bother me. Do I think it is worth the $23,000 I paid for it, I hate to say it but probely not but time will tell. I think I will be happier after a lift and real tires 33+. Every vehicle I have had for the past 12 years have had 33's or larger. I think with the larger tires I will be much happier.
Well I can say this if your going to get one make sure you get the 4.0. This motor is pretty spunky. The auto just takes too much power away for me so the 5 speed is the way for me. Danna 44 and traclock, the standard axle Danna 35 will not hold up to larger tires or abuse with stock tires. Tracklock is not as good as a locker, I will install one later with larger gears when the tires go on but it is OK for now. Full doors, the glass is much better. AC, you cant have the top off all the time and a black top gets very hot.
This is my 2cents on the Wrangler, take it with a grain of salt. Would I buy one again, I think so but it will be along time off.
Brian
http://www.rubiconexpress.com/
Thelma Jane and I just got back from Chattanooga. It was our first long trip together, and things went fine.
You guys that warned about the effect of wind on a Wrangler weren't kidding, were you? We fought about a 30 mph headwind all the way to Chattanooga. As the road made it turns, the wind sometimes was slightly from the front quarter, and Thelma got shoved a little sideways. I can see why the people with the SE's have such a hard time driving into the wind. Even that 4.0 L has to work pretty hard going into such a strong wind.
I enjoyed every minute of the drive. I am no more tired than I would have been if I had made the trip in the Grand Prix.
Driving a Wrangler is FUN! There's no way to compare the feeling with that of any other vehicle I've ever owned.
Thelma only got 17 mpg on the trip, but she's not broken in and that wind made a lot of difference, I'm sure. I was driving her 70 mph most of the time. The weather changed last night, and it got really cold. I had a cross wind out of the west for the trip home, but it wasn't nearly as strong as the headwind going down there yesterday.
I don't think there will be any problems in driving a Wrangler on long trips. It's well worth any minor inconveniences to have the fun of driving a Jeep, at least as far as I am concerned.
tsjay
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
I just wanted to let people know I got a new radiator under warranty, the old one was bad, the one on the 99SE. I now have to take the 99 SE back to the shop, the blinkers and tailights keep not working. This will be the 2nd time in a month the Jeep will need serviced, and it is at 9850 total miles. I don't know if it will be around too much longer, I am thinking of getting rid of it and getting something much more reliable. I will have to think about it more when I am not so mad. I plan on keeping the 2000 Sport, it has not been in the shop in the last month, so it is doing good.
Anyway, I am happy for you tsjay. I will keep you all posted on what gets fixed and what breaks next. Happy Jeeping!!!!!
I thought long and hard about the price issue too. 22k seems like a lot to pay for a basic car. (No power windows and doors, no leather interior, etc.)But what other cars are you considering? If you are considering an economy car or small truck for 14k then yes the Wrangler is a lot. But if you're considering a midsize sedan or sport coup you are probably looking at mid 20's. There is nothing "special" about a mid sized car. A Wrangler is special. Just asked tsjay who gave up a Grand Prix. The Wrangler is a stylish car. It portrays a good image. Many people would not own one, but no one dislikes them. They are an American Icon. A piece of American history. What other car gives you so much style for 22k? Also it is one of a kind, the best in it's class. If you buy a Mustang GT for example, someone else will have a Cobra. Another guy with more money will get a Corvette. Someone else will get a Viper. Someone else a Porsche, etc., etc. If you want the best production short wheel base 4X4, you buy a Wrangler whether you're from the trailor park or Beverly Hills.
My conclusion is that the Wrangler is a fantastic value. High style in the low 20's. No other car on the market can match that. Something to think about.
I'm sorry you are having trouble. You are an experienced Jeeper, so I guess you are accustomed to an occasional problem. Don't get too mad, now. Remember how much fun these little guys are.
I'm up to 744 miles on Thelma, and so far there's not a hint of a problem. I'm getting lots of compliments on how pretty she is. That white paint job with the black hard top and deep tinted windows is awesome, even if I do say so myself. I'm glad I stayed with my original color choice.
It still amazes me how quickly she came in after my order was placed. It was three weeks and two days, with the Jeep plant shut down one of those weeks.
They'll get the bugs out of that Jeep, onlyinajeep, so don't give up on it yet. You encouraged me, remember? You told me to expect some problems.
Thanks for all of your support as I went through the struggle with "Wrangler Fever."
tsjay
I think in the entire auto industry it is a supply and demand thing. I knew someone that bought a Z71 in 95 in the low 20's. A few years later and they are in the low 30's with no major changes. You can get a mercury grand marquis (which this is no BMW or anything) in the low 20's. I think they have to sell these cars so cheap because everyone wants to buy SUVs. I guess other issues like volume can make a difference also. Just my guess.
I think Jeeps sell for this price because they can sell a good number of them and see a greater profit margin.
ttt6
I know there was no other vehicle on the market I wanted. I would rather buy a Jeep that is not worth the price and be happy than buy a car for a great price and be miserable. Post if you have any other issues that we can help steer you in the right direction.
spyrodragon
I think mopar skid plates or most of them are not bad, just maybe expensive. I think the most vulnerable spot on a TJ is the gas tank. I would go with the www.kilbyenterprises.com gas tank skid. I have www.teraflex.com gas tank skid and like it so far. Which other skids are you looking at?
2001wrangler
The ride on a lifted Jeep can be just as good and in some cases better. I would look at the two companies already mentioned.
Also, Wranglers are just not built for speed. This became obvious the first time I drove mine on the freeway. I think it has helped me slow down in general, I rarely go over 60 or 65.
Bottom line, I think the break-in period is important, you'll never get that first 5000 miles back. And, if you want good gas mileage, SLOW DOWN!
Just my opinion.
Sean.
As for Jeep competition there is NONE. DC has the monolopy. I already have a car so I don't really need another I do see the Jeep as a big toy (just like the Whizzer
I am not sure why it has been having so many things go wrong lately, I have been surprised how it has recently behaved. I am guessing it is trying to tell me it wants a new toy, like bigger tires or new wheels, like I said, a Jeep is like a wife. The more you buy your Jeep the happier it seems to be. So keep this in mind tsjay, if your Jeep ever starts to give you a problem, you may need to buy it something, otherwise they think you are seeing another SUV.
http://www.sparx.muddyyellowjeep.com/
http://www.sparx.muddyyellowjeep.com/
http://www.landrunner.com/
I'm going to keep it short and give it a try. I sure hope they get the bugs worked out: I miss my Town Hall!
I just wanted to let everyone know that me and Thelma Jane have had a week together as of last night, and I am more convinced than ever that I did the right thing in getting a Wrangler. What a joy to drive! She has over 900 miles on her already because of my long commute and one long business trip (about 500 miles round trip).
I absolutely LOVE my Thelma Jane!
Let's see if this message will post.
tsjay
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
So, it seems that you have to go through the log in page without actaully logging in and then get into Wrangler IV from there. (I am set up for auto log in, so this may not work otherwise.)
Let's see if this one goes through.
tsjay
You have to go through the SUV conference before getting into Wrangler IV.
Maybe that's all there is to it. Instead of getting into Wrangler IV and back out to the log in page, maybe all you have to do is to be sure to get into Wrangler IV after going through the SUV conference.
Whatever it takes, please put up with it and post, brothers and sisters! I really miss my buddies when no one is posting.
tsjay
tsjay
Have you been in that "software questions answered" section? People are griping, and the host is answering questions. They are admitting that they have lots of bugs to work out.
Apparently, they had no choice but to go to a new system. The old system wasn't being "supported," but I don't know why it wasn't.
Everyone is griping about the absence of place marks. That does suck!
Hopefully people will keep posting and just put up with the inconvenience. I would sure miss this group if it withered up and died.
tsjay
www.sparx.muddyyellowjeep.com
Also, my Jeep got rolled (not flipped, but with toilet paper) last night, I guess that's what you get when you've got jealous friends.
I'll try it one more time. I said we have only had one little one-inch snow that only got the roads nasty and Thelma dirty.
I am anxiously awaiting a nice big snow to play in with Thelma Jane, but, with my luck, we won't have any.
I am going to keep this short, since I don't even know if this is going to get through. This new stuff really sucks!
What are you going to do about the top? Are you going to make them get you a tan top like you wanted to start with?
Did you get your Jeep this past Monday? I believe you said that was going to be the day.
I'm enjoying the crap out of my Jeep! It's more fun to drive than any other vehicle I have ever owned. I even took her on a trip of about 250 miles each way, and she did fine. She's got over 900 miles on her in a week and one day. No problems at all so far.
tsjay
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
I just LOVE this new Town Hall! It works so well!
Anyway, I am a big fan of the manual five speed. That's what I ordered in my new Jeep that I just picked up eight days ago.
You get better mileage and more power with the five speed. Besides, to me it is much more fun to drive a vehicle with a manual transmission.
That's my two cents worth, but go with whatever turns your crank. It's just a matter of personal preference.
tsjay
Sparx finally got his premanent tag on Friday, after having him for two months. He loves it. It says " *SPARX* ". Very cute.
Well, when I remember what I wanted to ask, I'll try and post back.
alee and sparx
http://sparx.muddyyellowjeep.com
"Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow"