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I had a 97 that developed a crack - not due to impact. The dealer covered it. Afterwards, I noticed that quite a few have experienced the same thing. It usually starts at the center bottom. Mine just showed up one morning when it was about 9 months old if memory serves. Once it was replaced, never had another.
If your dealer wont replace it, just go to another until you find one that will. The addage about windshields not being covered under warranty does not apply to manufacturing defects, which this usually is.
Sure do miss seeing all the posting. Where are you Tsjay? I guess people are vacationing. Maybe they're out shopping for Jeeps! I'm still waiting for mine! And waiting, and waiting!
Sorry for not posting recently.. busy week...plus kids have been sick.. saharagal..i'm still shopping for my jeep geeting closer... When do you expect yours to be in?
Sorry the kids have been sick. There's a lot of stuff going around here too!
Are you still getting a red Sport? Dual tops, or just soft? My Sahara should be in in a week or two. I didn't really order it, the dealer ordered it as part of his last 2001 inventory. I am planning to buy it, but I haven't given them any money, so I'm not obligated... My husband seems to be questioning my decision recently. It's making me a little nervous. He thinks I'll regret getting a Jeep. Plus, I wish I had asked the guy to add the dual top option. Are the aftermarket tops as good as the Jeep hard top?? Anyone? I don't mind waiting to see if I need a hard top, but I want to have one that's as good as the factory top.
So glad to see some new posts in here! Monitoring a message board where no one is posting is about as exciting as watching paint dry.
I have been around, just not posting too much this week. Worked late Thursday night and missed the chat, but I was glad to learn that you participated. Tuesday night I washed my Thelma Jane, and that is about a two hour job as particular as I am about doing it just right, so I wasn't online much that night.
Your hubby is DEAD WRONG in thinking that you will be disappointed with a Jeep! He will be wrong as long as your expectations are to have FUN with the Jeep and you have no expectations that the Jeep will be even remotely PRACTICAL.
I think you know what you are getting into. There are times when you just say "Heck with practicality: I just want to have some fun." That's the attitude you must have to be happy with a Jeep.
As far as the hard top, you will never have an opportunity to get an original equipment caliber hard top at anywhere near the cost of the dual top option from the factory. If you even think you want a hard top, buy it with the Jeep to start with.
I still question your need for a hard top, since this is not going to be your daily driver and because your winters are so mild in Atlanta.
The one thing I do know is that you just HAVE to have the soft top, whether you have the dual tops or the soft top only. You will never enjoy that Jeep to the fullest if you don't have the top down! I know that I absolutely LOVE driving Thelma Jane topless (and doorless).
What top option does that Sahara that is coming in to your dealer have? If it has the soft top only, and if you really like everything else about the Jeep, I would buy it!
A major disadvantage with the hard top is the storage of it when it is off the Jeep. It takes up quite a large amount of floor space, and it is subject to damage while being stored.
The Sahara that's coming in only has the dark tan soft top. It also has full doors, sentry key, 30" Canyon wheel group, and add-a-trunk. I'm waiting to here back from another Jeep dealer this afternoon. Someone there told me that their last 2001 order is starting to arrive. Maybe he'll have a white dual top Sahara.
I had fun at the Chat on Thursday. I imagine it will be a lot more fun when I actually have some real-live Jeep experiences to share!
Think you will be willing to take the doors off when the top is down? I just don't think you would get the full effect of the top down experience with the full doors still on the Jeep. That's just a matter of opinion, Gal. I must admit that I haven't driven Thelma Jane with the top off and the doors on. I think she looks kinda funny with the doors still on when the top is off.
I really think that you should consider the half doors unless you will be taking the doors off.
I believe that I would even take the half doors off, if I had them, though, so I guess I'm just as well off with the full doors.
. I don't know about that. It has more room than a lot of cars I can't get into,rides better too. It's tough, reliable, gets around 20 mpg (highway). With a good trailer it will haul anything a small truck will. It is one of the strongest convertibles on the market.
These Jeeps have come a long ways. Every jeep head that has seen mine can't believe what they are seeing. One of them told me "it has every thing we used to put on them after market".
It does well on the highway, it does well around town, it does well off road. Your not going to get an entire soccer team in it but so what. For me it is the perfect vehicle. I have my old '67 Ford ¾ ton truck (run like a top),I have my HD and I have the jeep what else do I need?
Saharagal.. I guess timing is the key to what TJ I want.. If i'm ablr to find a 60th ann like I want, i'm going that way. i've gotten 2 quotes on 60ths.. If I miss out on the 60th..I might wait for the 2002's and order what I want.. Since the cutoff for ordering 2001's is May 30th I'm going for the dual top option myself.. just for added security. Hey Tsjay..I think you should get a soft top.. I did find out my local dealer is a huge distributor for Jeep parts..like quadratec. should check them out. thinkjeep.com.
If you can afford it get both tops, if not get the hard top then buy the soft top after market. Get the full doors, they offer better protection from the elements and varmints. You can get the half doors later. The main thing about a jeep, IMHO, it the versatility of it.
The multitude of things you can do to it, and with it. Don't treat it like buying a car .. because it isn't just another car. You don't Have to "settle" for what the dealer puts together not with a jeep.
Call around to some after market jeep stores look at all the options you have .. your not going to believe it. Get the strongest model you can afford then customize it yourself.
I am going to get the top hoist, to make getting the hard top off easier. I am looking at the half doors after market MUCH cheaper, there are draw backs to this like matching the paint but it can be done. Judge for yourself .. just my $0.02.
hey all. Busy week for me as well. I'm excited for all the new and expectant Jeep owners. Perfect weather in ATL this weekend. Clear, cool, with a nice breeze. I'm headed off in a few min.
I posted the pics of the undercoating in the front wheel wells as well as a couple of pics of the Bestop Duster installed:
Hi Everyone! Glad we have some action this weekend in here.
Good to hear from you, Mr. Nkelly1! How are things going out there in God's country with that new Jeep?
When are we gonna get to see some pics, Ned????
Include some nice scenery shots too.
My advice to saharagal about the top selection was based on my perception of her intended use for the Jeep.
I believe she has stated somewhere in an earlier post that the Jeep was strictly a toy, an "extra" vehicle for the family. On that basis, I recommended that she only get the soft top. If the weather is bad, then she simply could leave it in the garage and drive something else. Atlanta winters aren't really winters at all.
But, you are right, and I made the same point, if she is going to get a hard top, she should get it as part of the deal to start with.
Twylie:
When you gonna do some chattin' with me and tonkadave and saharanut and texasjeep?
Tonkadave found a great place to chat about Jeeps.
Pretty cool mods you've done there - I might try the polyfoam stuffing in the soundbar to boost my bass a little before I get the subwoofer. I was wondering about the Bestop Duster. Is a soft top assembly required to install a Duster? Since I currently only have the hard top, I was wondering about it - it does look pretty cool if the top is off.
Man, its been like 2.5 weeks since ive been able to take the top off. This weather here in the Northeast is killing me. Its either been to cold, raining or both like today.
Someone posted about the full doors versus the half doors. I always thought the half doors look great cause they keep the lines of the jeep going with the top down. If your concerned about the plastic window, just get the glass sliders which are sold aftermarket.
I think Nkelly1 was asking about a small trailer for a jeep. I was thinking about getting one too. Theres a guy on another board that can buy Small Military Trailers overseas for $150 and then has them sent over. That would make a good fit for jeeps. Land Rover actually used to make a powered trailer that worked with a driveshaft. Thats not an option for our jeeps though.
yellowman - Bestop makes a duster for the hardtop models as well. If you look at the rear section of ours, where the softtop is folded down, there is a bit of extra material there for it to pouch up and not push the soft top down too much. The duster clips in to the channels on the lip of the body tub and has two cinch straps that wrap around the sport bar directly behind the seats.
nkelly - the shift arrow may get tackled tomorrow. I want to swap the speakers but am still trying to find some clips for the wiring. The factory wires aren't very long and I'm trying to avoid cutting them because they'll be really short and difficult to work with. So,... the dang light is next on the list. I'll be sure to snap pics along the way so anyone interested can give it a try. Where I have the steering wheel positioned, I really can't see the shift light, but it's coming out as a matter of principal! Sounds like you're loving your Jeep like the rest of us are. Keep posting!
tsjay - I'll be sure to check out the site you guys mentioned, sounds like I won't have to spend $20/mo on AOL for you guys afterall!
S'nut - thanks for the link. I'll cross post you next time I publish new content! You may be actually giving tsjay a run for the longest anticipation. We'll have to find someone with a blue Jeep once you get your red one for a patriotic shot!
Tonka - do you have a lead on the mil-surplus trailers? I'd like to get more info if you have any.
Tonka and 2001 - sorry, ATL has been hogging all the sun and good weather over the last couple of days.
Sorry to make mention of this again, but I really, really want to encourage you guys to take advantage of this.
That chat room I have told you about is SUPER! The guy that set it up is a real Jeep Lover, and the chat room is first class.
Last night we had Saharanut, Tonkadave, Yellowman, and yours truly in there along with the host, Gillblue. We had a great time, and if some of the rest of your had been there, it would have been even better.
The link takes you to the chat room "foyer," and you might find us there, but we usually go to the "TJ Chat Room." Just click on "Rooms" and select the TJ Chat Room, and that's where you will find us.
We haven't set any kind of schedule, so just check once in a while. It's available all the time, so stop by and see who's there.
This is a free chat room, so be sure and thank Gillblue for setting it up for us when you visit.
He guys, I am looking to trade my 2000 Camaro. I really like the idea of a Wrangler. My driving is mostly around town with occasional weekend trips. I have decided the Sport 6 cyl is a good choice. The standard equipment on the Sport makes up the difference in price.
I wish I could rent a Wrangler for a weekend to really get the feel for the vehicle. I rented a 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix last weekend. I drove 500 miles in 2 days. First thoughts of the Grand Prix were good, but after 2 days. I was really bored with the Pontiac. So, the only way to know a car is to drive it a couple days.
I would like to think I have equity in my Camaro. I have the base 16k miles, 3.8 v6 a/t, t-tops, sport appearance pkg, and monsoon stereo. The car retailed for $22500. My current payoff is $15300.
My challenge is to find a fair price and get the equity out of my car.
Any thoughts? Am I crazy for wanting to trade a performance-oriented Camaro for a "fun-in-the sun"--"go anywhere" Wrangler?
Welcome to the group, my fellow Kentuckian! GO BIG BLUE!
It is a tough call as to whether a Jeep is something you would be happy with, since I know nothing about you or your family situation.
Jeeps are definitely FUN, but you make a lot of sacrifices in order to have one, if it will be your only vehicle.
You need to think about the lack of cargo room, the relatively poor gas mileage, the rougher ride and higher noise levels compared to a car, and things like that.
Let us know more about how you will use the Jeep, and maybe we can help you. Are you going to have this as your only vehicle, do you have a family to carry around in it, what type of driving do you mainly do, etc?
In my case, I was DEFINITELY happy with giving up a 2000 Grand Prix GT for my Jeep, and that Grand Prix was the best car that I ever owned! For me, the pure fun of the Jeep makes all the sacrifices well worth it.
I had a beautiful, virtually new Grand Prix GT with leather interior, and just about every option that you could get. It was powerful and very fun to drive, and it got great gas mileage (just over 30 MPG at times on long trips). It had a huge trunk. It was a perfect car, never going back to the dealer for any kind of problem at all during the almost 20K miles that I put on it. So, am I happy that I gave all that up for a Jeep? YES!
In my case, though, I hardly ever have any passengers, and, when I do, there's usually just one.
Don't expect any practical advantages with the Jeep. For 99% of the driving public, there is no real practical reason to have one. THEY ARE JUST PLAIN FUN!
If you will take the time to read a lot of the posts in here, I think you will get a good feel for what Jeep ownership is like. In over 2500 posts, there is not one in which a person has said that they regret getting a Jeep. You won't find that situation in any other vehicle's message board, I'll wager.
I'm sure you have a hard decision to make.. myself. I dont have a wrangler yet..My wife isnt too keen about getting another car. She doesnt see the practicality of a jeep. I've just dont wanna tink about practicality. what the point of paying for something that you dont like driving.Just for once i wanna buy a car that I want.. I'm sure you have done this with a camaro.. I had a camaro when I was younger..My dad hated it. anyway welcome to the board.. Tell us where ya from. I'm from Alabama..
Just wanted to say hello tsjay and others on my chat site sent me here. Lots of good info. Good postings. Come join in the fun on our jeep site. Online chat and lots of other fun stuff.
Visit our site at http://itsajeep.org click on the chat link at the bottom of the page.
Hey Tsjay, I don't have a family to haul around, my primary driving is to work and back (5 mile round trip). My roommate has a pickup truck for cargo carrying. My biggest concern is making it to and from work (mostly FROM work). Lexington has not had much snow the last 3 years. Four years ago we got a huge snow dumped on us. I was stuck at home with a rear-drive s-10.
My motivation for buying a jeep is the rugged feel. I would never see off-road use. As for hwy driving, I have found it to be cheaper to rent a car for $25 a day and put the fast 500 weekend miles on a rental car. I would rather get Gatlinburg parking lot dings on a car I will return in 48 hours.
So, I could easily leave the jeep at home when I travel on the interstate.
Now for my problem, I have just run the numbers. The jeep I want will cost about $22000 invoice. I am not sure if I can handle raising my debt that high. I may have to consider the SE to get a Wrangler that is affordable.
How much you spend is up to you, of course. For your purposes, an SE would be fine, I think. They look just as good and I think you can get pretty much the same options. You are really only paying for the six cylinder engine when you get a Sport.
I needed to get the six because of all the highway driving that I do. I drive 27 miles each way to work and back, and I also have to take occasional business trips. The four cylinder is just way too weak for highway driving, but it is fine for in town, I'm sure.
Whatever you get, don't pay more than $200 over invoice, and make them SHOW you the invoice. I guess you know that there is a $500 rebate or 4.9% incentive financing now on the 2001's. The rebate is factory to buyer and costs the dealer nothing, so you should get the $200 over invoice or better from the dealer and still get the rebate on top of that.
In your situation, I think you would be happy with a Jeep. No family to haul around and your willingness to rent a car for long trips makes you a good candidate for a Jeep.
They are a BLAST! I say GO FOR IT!
You can look up my email in my profile and ask me any questions that you might have.
I would like to know if the 4.0 jeeps are reliable? I had a 1991 2.5 and will probabably buy a 1999 Black Sahara tommorow. It has 64,000 miles but the dealer only wants 9500 for it. What a deal. It had 32'' super swampers and 16 inch enkei rims. Wish me luck. I will be trading in my 1996 GT for it.
I would say your son is a perfect candidate for a 2" spring spacer lift. They are relatively inexpensive at about $200 which includes new shocks. The best way to describe it is a 2 inch hockey puck that sits right above your springs. You would need the new shocks due to the longer travel your suspension will now have. From what ive heard its a relatively easy install. But, first I would check with your dealer to see if they will honor your warranty with a lift. My local dealers wont, so im gonna wait a while to lift.
I'm looking a buying a used Jeep Wrangler, soft-top, stick, preferably '98 or newer. What potential problems should I look for on a Wrangler of that age?
Well gang, I just heard from my dealer that my 2001 Sport will probably end up being a 2002 because he said they're so backordered with 2001's that my recent order probably won't make it in time. Goodbye Summer '01 with my Jeep. So it looks like it'll be a 2002, probably sometime in September. I'm really bummed.... Not only do I not get it for the summer but I lose out on 4.9% financing or the $500 rebate. I still cannot believe it. I haven't started looking for one locally yet because they're so hard to find at dealers with the 5 speed & Dana44 read ends. Any idea how much $$$ the 2002's are going up? Probably zillions. Looks like the first thing my TJ will see if a nasty Buffalo winter. **sigh**
(Scomo is off to get a Labatt's & search the WWW for Jeep pages...!)
I believe that in 1998, the TJ had the ventilation controls resdesigned from the slide type to the rotary type. Check to make sure your future TJ wasn't beat and had all the recalls completed (check at www.alldata.com) Expect to pay top buck as they hold their value better that almost anything. Here in Buffalo a nicely eqquiped '98 Sport with 30k miles is about $18000 and an SE is about $14000. After searching you may end up getting a new one because of the high resale value. And ask any question you have to the group here...they're a great bunch of people with lots of info & like to share.
camaro2trade - welcome to the board. try some other car rental places and see if you can find a Jeep to rent. Only an extended drive will convince you if it will work as an only vehicle, but many on this forum use one as a daily driver and wouldn't easily go back to a car. Good luck to you.
madman - the duster works with the rear seat in as long as it's in the "fold" mode, not "tumbled". It presses the duster up a little but would help it shed water. I'll snap a pic the next time we have the seat in ours. Counting the days is tough, but completely worth the wait.
hjyphe - I recommend checking carpoint and edmunds for concerns about particular model years. I've collected some info off the web about the changes to the Wrangler form year to year (1997-2001). I haven't fully organized it and there appears to be some conflicting info, but it's a start. Scroll to the bottom of:
scomo - bummer that you can't get a 2001 ordered this year. See if your dealer will do a locate for one with what you're looking for. It might cost a few more $$$, but you'll be able to enjoy the summer with it.
hey all, I'm back after a week in SoCal. Will try to make the Thursday chat and update those who are interested in how it all went.
scomo: the '98 models still have the slide controls for the HVAC. I wish mine had the rotary controls but it's a relatively small thing.
For TJs, I also think the '97 models were the most troublesome because of all the new changes. Judging from my own experience, Chrysler fixed most of those things by 1998. From what I recall, these are the major new changes on the Wrangler since then:
1997--the big update from the YJ, with coil springs, new interior, new body panels 1998--cruise control and dual tops become options 1999--rotary HVAC switches replace slide controls 2000--4.0L gains a few HP, new "improved" 5-speed tranny replaces old one (whether it really is better is debatable) 2001--new & quieter soft top, console subwoofer appears, new dials on the dashboard
I played phone-tag with dealers in my area until I found the Wrangler I would have ordered from the factory. Now I have probably six dealers in my area code, but I ended up going 200 miles out-of-state anyway, because that dealer had my car at a fair price. Waiting a month is one thing, but a season is nuts. Trust me, if you look long enough you'll find it. I don't know where you are, but if you're in the Northeast anywhere I would recommend Georgetown Jeep in Connecticut, where I bought mine. Very professional, no BS.
As for service, I figure any dealer should be happy to get my business, since that's where the margin is. If you've only got one in your area, and you think he's gonna be a jerk if you don't buy it from him, tell him to find you one on somebody else's lot, or you'll go find it yourself and he won't make any money at all. That's more than you owe him, and if he's not happy with it, then you don't want to do business with him period.
64,000 miles is a lot on a 2 year old car, if u think you will put on a lot of miles, it might be safer to get a slightly more exspencive one, with less miles.
any comments about kid seats (boosters) & safety in the rear with soft top or none at all??
looking at a 16 month old '99 gold/bronze sahara 16,400 miles, auto, air, cruise, tilt, abs, hard/soft matching tops with privacy, defrost & wiper on hard, never off road, garaged, and would you believe driven by a 72 year old?
do you find the edmunds pricing to be accurate? the guy wants 18,000 and is not negotiable.
it drives alot better than the 1980 cj7 I had 20 years ago....
I had to entertain customers last week and couldn't chat, but I hope to be there tomorrow night.
Any chance of Edmunds setting up a permanent chat room for Jeepers? It would be nice to have a 24/7 chat room where all of us could get together at any time.
I would be more than willing to pay a reasonable fee for that service, and I'll be some others would too.
We found another chat room, but Edmunds doesn't like us spending time there. So, let Edmunds establish us a place???
One hour a week is better than nothing, but a 24/7 would be GREAT!
Camaro2trade -- I live in Boston, and I know the Dollar rent-a-car office at Logan airport rents Wranglers, so you might want to check with the Dollar in your area to see if they have them.
Somebody else was talking about the shift arrow -- I hate that *&^%&* thing. My solution was going to be a piece of electrical tape on the dashboard, but is there an easy way to disconnect it?
My '99 Cherokee Sport (nearly the same instrument panel as a Wrangler) has a shift arrow that I have not seen in years. With the steering wheel almost all the way down, the upper rim blocks the light. You can't even see it at night.
I am looking into buying a used jeep. I only have about 7000 dollars to spend and want one with a V6 engine. Can anyone tell me what years would be the best for reliability and performance? I have heard of problems with carberators but am not sure when they switched to fuel injection.
"Man, its been like 2.5 weeks since ive been able to take the top off. This weather here in the Northeast is killing me. Its either been to cold, raining or both like today."
I was down the Cape over the holiday weekend, and I want a jeep!!! Took the Jetta to its limits on some fire roads until I had to back out about a mile. Weather was great on outer Cape.
"I think Nkelly1 was asking about a small trailer for a jeep. I was thinking about getting one too. Theres a guy on another board that can buy Small Military Trailers overseas for $150 and then has them sent over. That would make a good fit for jeeps."
Could you let us know more about that please? I am interested in a jeep, and if I get one, will want a trailer. I have an aluminum 16' boat which weighs 1300# with maybe a 400# tongue weight. Should a Jeep be OK with that?
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Drew
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Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards
If your dealer wont replace it, just go to another until you find one that will. The addage about windshields not being covered under warranty does not apply to manufacturing defects, which this usually is.
busy week...plus kids have been sick..
saharagal..i'm still shopping for my jeep
geeting closer...
When do you expect yours to be in?
Have a great Memorial Day holiday
Lets see some posting
SNut
Terry
Are you still getting a red Sport? Dual tops, or just soft? My Sahara should be in in a week or two. I didn't really order it, the dealer ordered it as part of his last 2001 inventory. I am planning to buy it, but I haven't given them any money, so I'm not obligated... My husband seems to be questioning my decision recently. It's making me a little nervous. He thinks I'll regret getting a Jeep. Plus, I wish I had asked the guy to add the dual top option. Are the aftermarket tops as good as the Jeep hard top?? Anyone? I don't mind waiting to see if I need a hard top, but I want to have one that's as good as the factory top.
So glad to see some new posts in here! Monitoring a message board where no one is posting is about as exciting as watching paint dry.
I have been around, just not posting too much this week. Worked late Thursday night and missed the chat, but I was glad to learn that you participated. Tuesday night I washed my Thelma Jane, and that is about a two hour job as particular as I am about doing it just right, so I wasn't online much that night.
Your hubby is DEAD WRONG in thinking that you will be disappointed with a Jeep! He will be wrong as long as your expectations are to have FUN with the Jeep and you have no expectations that the Jeep will be even remotely PRACTICAL.
I think you know what you are getting into. There are times when you just say "Heck with practicality: I just want to have some fun." That's the attitude you must have to be happy with a Jeep.
As far as the hard top, you will never have an opportunity to get an original equipment caliber hard top at anywhere near the cost of the dual top option from the factory. If you even think you want a hard top, buy it with the Jeep to start with.
I still question your need for a hard top, since this is not going to be your daily driver and because your winters are so mild in Atlanta.
The one thing I do know is that you just HAVE to have the soft top, whether you have the dual tops or the soft top only. You will never enjoy that Jeep to the fullest if you don't have the top down! I know that I absolutely LOVE driving Thelma Jane topless (and doorless).
What top option does that Sahara that is coming in to your dealer have? If it has the soft top only, and if you really like everything else about the Jeep, I would buy it!
A major disadvantage with the hard top is the storage of it when it is off the Jeep. It takes up quite a large amount of floor space, and it is subject to damage while being stored.
I wish I had gotten the soft top!!!!!!!!
tsjay
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
I had fun at the Chat on Thursday. I imagine it will be a lot more fun when I actually have some real-live Jeep experiences to share!
See ya!
I really think that you should consider the half doors unless you will be taking the doors off.
I believe that I would even take the half doors off, if I had them, though, so I guess I'm just as well off with the full doors.
tsjay
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
20 mpg (highway). With a good trailer it will haul anything a small truck will. It is one of the strongest convertibles on the market.
These Jeeps have come a long ways. Every jeep head that has seen mine can't believe what they are seeing. One of them told me "it has every thing we used to put on them after market".
It does well on the highway, it does well around town, it does well off road. Your not going to get an entire soccer team in it but so what. For me it is the perfect vehicle. I have my old '67 Ford ¾ ton truck (run like a top),I have my HD and I have the jeep what else do I need?
I guess timing is the key to what TJ I want..
If i'm ablr to find a 60th ann like I want, i'm going that way. i've gotten 2 quotes on 60ths..
If I miss out on the 60th..I might wait for the 2002's and order what I want.. Since the cutoff for ordering 2001's is May 30th
I'm going for the dual top option myself..
just for added security.
Hey Tsjay..I think you should get a soft top..
I did find out my local dealer is a huge distributor for Jeep parts..like quadratec.
should check them out.
thinkjeep.com.
Take care guys & gals
Snut
Terry
The multitude of things you can do to it, and with it. Don't treat it like buying a car .. because it isn't just another car. You don't Have to "settle" for what the dealer puts together not with a jeep.
Call around to some after market jeep stores look at all the options you have .. your not going to believe it. Get the strongest model you can afford then customize it yourself.
I am going to get the top hoist, to make getting the hard top off easier. I am looking at the half doors after market MUCH cheaper, there are
draw backs to this like matching the paint but it can be done. Judge for yourself .. just my $0.02.
I posted the pics of the undercoating in the front wheel wells as well as a couple of pics of the Bestop Duster installed:
http://www.ewylie.com/jeep/mods.htm
have a great holiday weekend everyone!
-twylie
Good to hear from you, Mr. Nkelly1! How are things going out there in God's country with that new Jeep?
When are we gonna get to see some pics, Ned????
Include some nice scenery shots too.
My advice to saharagal about the top selection was based on my perception of her intended use for the Jeep.
I believe she has stated somewhere in an earlier post that the Jeep was strictly a toy, an "extra" vehicle for the family. On that basis, I recommended that she only get the soft top. If the weather is bad, then she simply could leave it in the garage and drive something else. Atlanta winters aren't really winters at all.
But, you are right, and I made the same point, if she is going to get a hard top, she should get it as part of the deal to start with.
Twylie:
When you gonna do some chattin' with me and tonkadave and saharanut and texasjeep?
Tonkadave found a great place to chat about Jeeps.
http://itsajeep.org/public/chat.html
A guy in Alabama that has three Jeeps in the family has set this up for Jeep lovers to chat.
(No offense, Terry, you have a nice chat room too, but for whatever reason, my puter just doesn't do well there.)
Let's make use of it, people!
tsjay
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
Pretty cool mods you've done there - I might try the polyfoam stuffing in the soundbar to boost my bass a little before I get the subwoofer. I was wondering about the Bestop Duster. Is a soft top assembly required to install a Duster? Since I currently only have the hard top, I was wondering about it - it does look pretty cool if the top is off.
yellowman
looks great (wish I thought of it) Butits an Alabama boy...sooo i'm close
Good to see you posting agin twylie...
nice web site you have...
gave you a link on my page
http://www.terrysjeeppage.homestead.com/index.html
Saharanut and I just got through chatting in that chat room that I posted a link to earlier, and it was really neat!
The place is even nicer than I thought- there are features that I just learned about.
You guys need to try it!
We're all welcome to use it, and it's available all the time.
tsjay
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
Someone posted about the full doors versus the half doors. I always thought the half doors look great cause they keep the lines of the jeep going with the top down. If your concerned about the plastic window, just get the glass sliders which are sold aftermarket.
I think Nkelly1 was asking about a small trailer for a jeep. I was thinking about getting one too. Theres a guy on another board that can buy Small Military Trailers overseas for $150 and then has them sent over. That would make a good fit for jeeps. Land Rover actually used to make a powered trailer that worked with a driveshaft. Thats not an option for our jeeps though.
Where the heck is the sun?
nkelly - the shift arrow may get tackled tomorrow. I want to swap the speakers but am still trying to find some clips for the wiring. The factory wires aren't very long and I'm trying to avoid cutting them because they'll be really short and difficult to work with. So,... the dang light is next on the list. I'll be sure to snap pics along the way so anyone interested can give it a try. Where I have the steering wheel positioned, I really can't see the shift light, but it's coming out as a matter of principal! Sounds like you're loving your Jeep like the rest of us are. Keep posting!
tsjay - I'll be sure to check out the site you guys mentioned, sounds like I won't have to spend $20/mo on AOL for you guys afterall!
S'nut - thanks for the link. I'll cross post you next time I publish new content! You may be actually giving tsjay a run for the longest anticipation. We'll have to find someone with a blue Jeep once you get your red one for a patriotic shot!
Tonka - do you have a lead on the mil-surplus trailers? I'd like to get more info if you have any.
Tonka and 2001 - sorry, ATL has been hogging all the sun and good weather over the last couple of days.
-twylie
That chat room I have told you about is SUPER! The guy that set it up is a real Jeep Lover, and the chat room is first class.
Last night we had Saharanut, Tonkadave, Yellowman, and yours truly in there along with the host, Gillblue. We had a great time, and if some of the rest of your had been there, it would have been even better.
The link takes you to the chat room "foyer," and you might find us there, but we usually go to the "TJ Chat Room." Just click on "Rooms" and select the TJ Chat Room, and that's where you will find us.
We haven't set any kind of schedule, so just check once in a while. It's available all the time, so stop by and see who's there.
This is a free chat room, so be sure and thank Gillblue for setting it up for us when you visit.
http://itsajeep.org/public/chat.html
tsjay
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
I am looking to trade my 2000 Camaro. I really like the idea of a Wrangler. My driving is mostly around town with occasional weekend trips. I have decided the Sport 6 cyl is a good choice. The standard equipment on the Sport makes up the difference in price.
I wish I could rent a Wrangler for a weekend to really get the feel for the vehicle. I rented a 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix last weekend. I drove 500 miles in 2 days. First thoughts of the Grand Prix were good, but after 2 days. I was really bored with the Pontiac. So, the only way to know a car is to drive it a couple days.
I would like to think I have equity in my Camaro. I have the base 16k miles, 3.8 v6 a/t, t-tops, sport appearance pkg, and monsoon stereo. The car retailed for $22500. My current payoff is $15300.
My challenge is to find a fair price and get the equity out of my car.
Any thoughts? Am I crazy for wanting to trade a performance-oriented Camaro for a "fun-in-the sun"--"go anywhere" Wrangler?
Thanks for any input,
Tim
It is a tough call as to whether a Jeep is something you would be happy with, since I know nothing about you or your family situation.
Jeeps are definitely FUN, but you make a lot of sacrifices in order to have one, if it will be your only vehicle.
You need to think about the lack of cargo room, the relatively poor gas mileage, the rougher ride and higher noise levels compared to a car, and things like that.
Let us know more about how you will use the Jeep, and maybe we can help you. Are you going to have this as your only vehicle, do you have a family to carry around in it, what type of driving do you mainly do, etc?
In my case, I was DEFINITELY happy with giving up a 2000 Grand Prix GT for my Jeep, and that Grand Prix was the best car that I ever owned! For me, the pure fun of the Jeep makes all the sacrifices well worth it.
I had a beautiful, virtually new Grand Prix GT with leather interior, and just about every option that you could get. It was powerful and very fun to drive, and it got great gas mileage (just over 30 MPG at times on long trips). It had a huge trunk. It was a perfect car, never going back to the dealer for any kind of problem at all during the almost 20K miles that I put on it. So, am I happy that I gave all that up for a Jeep? YES!
In my case, though, I hardly ever have any passengers, and, when I do, there's usually just one.
Don't expect any practical advantages with the Jeep. For 99% of the driving public, there is no real practical reason to have one. THEY ARE JUST PLAIN FUN!
If you will take the time to read a lot of the posts in here, I think you will get a good feel for what Jeep ownership is like. In over 2500 posts, there is not one in which a person has said that they regret getting a Jeep. You won't find that situation in any other vehicle's message board, I'll wager.
See my Thelma Jane at the following web page...
http://members.aol.com/tjoh298765/thelma.html
tsjay
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
myself. I dont have a wrangler yet..My wife isnt too keen about getting another car. She doesnt see the practicality of a jeep.
I've just dont wanna tink about practicality.
what the point of paying for something that you dont like driving.Just for once i wanna buy a car that I want..
I'm sure you have done this with a camaro..
I had a camaro when I was younger..My dad hated it.
anyway welcome to the board.. Tell us where ya from. I'm from Alabama..
Take care
Snut
Terry
Just wanted to say hello tsjay and others on my chat site sent me here. Lots of good info. Good postings. Come join in the fun on our jeep site. Online chat and lots of other fun stuff.
Visit our site at http://itsajeep.org click on the chat link at the bottom of the page.
Gill Blue
Hey Tsjay, I don't have a family to haul around, my primary driving is to work and back (5 mile round trip). My roommate has a pickup truck for cargo carrying. My biggest concern is making it to and from work (mostly FROM work). Lexington has not had much snow the last 3 years. Four years ago we got a huge snow dumped on us. I was stuck at home with a rear-drive s-10.
My motivation for buying a jeep is the rugged feel. I would never see off-road use. As for hwy driving, I have found it to be cheaper to rent a car for $25 a day and put the fast 500 weekend miles on a rental car. I would rather get Gatlinburg parking lot dings on a car I will return in 48 hours.
So, I could easily leave the jeep at home when I travel on the interstate.
Now for my problem, I have just run the numbers. The jeep I want will cost about $22000 invoice. I am not sure if I can handle raising my debt that high. I may have to consider the SE to get a Wrangler that is affordable.
Thanks guys
How much you spend is up to you, of course. For your purposes, an SE would be fine, I think. They look just as good and I think you can get pretty much the same options. You are really only paying for the six cylinder engine when you get a Sport.
I needed to get the six because of all the highway driving that I do. I drive 27 miles each way to work and back, and I also have to take occasional business trips. The four cylinder is just way too weak for highway driving, but it is fine for in town, I'm sure.
Whatever you get, don't pay more than $200 over invoice, and make them SHOW you the invoice. I guess you know that there is a $500 rebate or 4.9% incentive financing now on the 2001's. The rebate is factory to buyer and costs the dealer nothing, so you should get the $200 over invoice or better from the dealer and still get the rebate on top of that.
In your situation, I think you would be happy with a Jeep. No family to haul around and your willingness to rent a car for long trips makes you a good candidate for a Jeep.
They are a BLAST! I say GO FOR IT!
You can look up my email in my profile and ask me any questions that you might have.
tsjay
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
Thanks!
I like the duster pics. It really neatens up the look. Did you have to pull out the rear seat? Or does the fold and tumble put it down enough?
Only 55 days to go!
Madman
I'm looking a buying a used Jeep Wrangler, soft-top, stick, preferably '98 or newer. What potential problems should I look for on a Wrangler of that age?
Thanks!
(Scomo is off to get a Labatt's & search the WWW for Jeep pages...!)
But, look on the bright side... you will be one of the first in here to get an '02.
Not much consolation, I know.
Maybe you WILL find one in inventory somewhere, though.
Sorry, Dude. I really feel for you.
tsjay
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
I propose that we go there at 7:00 PM CDST.
A bunch of us have been there, but we miss each other, because there has been no set time.
If that time works for you, then I'll see you there.
http://itsajeep.org/public/chat.html
Please try to make it. It's a great place to chat!
tsjay
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
madman - the duster works with the rear seat in as long as it's in the "fold" mode, not "tumbled". It presses the duster up a little but would help it shed water. I'll snap a pic the next time we have the seat in ours. Counting the days is tough, but completely worth the wait.
hjyphe - I recommend checking carpoint and edmunds for concerns about particular model years. I've collected some info off the web about the changes to the Wrangler form year to year (1997-2001). I haven't fully organized it and there appears to be some conflicting info, but it's a start. Scroll to the bottom of:
http://www.ewylie.com/jeep/official_specs.htm also check:
http://www.ewylie.com/jeep/1997_changes.htm
scomo - bummer that you can't get a 2001 ordered this year. See if your dealer will do a locate for one with what you're looking for. It might cost a few more $$$, but you'll be able to enjoy the summer with it.
-twylie
scomo: the '98 models still have the slide controls for the HVAC. I wish mine had the rotary controls but it's a relatively small thing.
For TJs, I also think the '97 models were the most troublesome because of all the new changes. Judging from my own experience, Chrysler fixed most of those things by 1998. From what I recall, these are the major new changes on the Wrangler since then:
1997--the big update from the YJ, with coil springs, new interior, new body panels
1998--cruise control and dual tops become options
1999--rotary HVAC switches replace slide controls
2000--4.0L gains a few HP, new "improved" 5-speed tranny replaces old one (whether it really is better is debatable)
2001--new & quieter soft top, console subwoofer appears, new dials on the dashboard
As for service, I figure any dealer should be happy to get my business, since that's where the margin is. If you've only got one in your area, and you think he's gonna be a jerk if you don't buy it from him, tell him to find you one on somebody else's lot, or you'll go find it yourself and he won't make any money at all. That's more than you owe him, and if he's not happy with it, then you don't want to do business with him period.
-cwk.
I just added a online classified ad program to our site, check it out and email me suggestions as to what different catagories you need.
http://itsajeep.org
Gill Blue
looking at a 16 month old '99 gold/bronze sahara 16,400 miles, auto, air, cruise, tilt, abs, hard/soft matching tops with privacy, defrost & wiper on hard, never off road, garaged, and would you believe driven by a 72 year old?
do you find the edmunds pricing to be accurate? the guy wants 18,000 and is not negotiable.
it drives alot better than the 1980 cj7 I had 20 years ago....
I think that you would be saving at least around $5000 compared to the best deal you could get on a brand new Sahara. Probably more like $5500.
You would still have a lot of warranty left to protect you (you said it was 16 months old, so you would have 20 months left on the original warranty).
What did Edmunds say the retail value of that Jeep would be?
I say go for it!
tsjay
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
Drew
Host
Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards
Any chance of Edmunds setting up a permanent chat room for Jeepers? It would be nice to have a 24/7 chat room where all of us could get together at any time.
I would be more than willing to pay a reasonable fee for that service, and I'll be some others would too.
We found another chat room, but Edmunds doesn't like us spending time there. So, let Edmunds establish us a place???
One hour a week is better than nothing, but a 24/7 would be GREAT!
tsjay
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
Somebody else was talking about the shift arrow -- I hate that *&^%&* thing. My solution was going to be a piece of electrical tape on the dashboard, but is there an easy way to disconnect it?
I was down the Cape over the holiday weekend, and I want a jeep!!! Took the Jetta to its limits on some fire roads until I had to back out about a mile. Weather was great on outer Cape.
"I think Nkelly1 was asking about a small trailer for a jeep. I was thinking about getting one too. Theres a guy on another board that can buy Small Military Trailers overseas for $150 and then has them sent over. That would make a good fit for jeeps."
Could you let us know more about that please? I am interested in a jeep, and if I get one, will want a trailer. I have an aluminum 16' boat which weighs 1300# with maybe a 400# tongue weight. Should a Jeep be OK with that?
Regarding www.alldata.com, do TSB's and recalls apply indefinitely, or only under warranty?
I like the electrical tape idea of fixing the light if there is no fuse for it. Otherwise, why not just remove the bulb?