Just called DC - my Jeep is in G status, which means it's painted and they're putting on the trim in Toledo, Ohio. I even have the VIN! The guy told me to call back around April 4 to get a rail car number so I can track exactly where it is. Okay now I'm REALLY starting to get psyched.
Just got the call from the dealer. They've got it in cleanup now and the service man will take it on it's mechanical test in the next hour. I should have it in the next few hours. Weather is sunny and 70 today. Top down on the way home!!! I'll snap digiphoto's and get them posted tonight or tomorrow AM. I'm like a kid at Christmas and am so happy it got here for the weekend!
Spyrodragon you got a great price because you ordered it from us. ) I really doubt you'll find a better price out there. Any spring will sag over time and quicker if is past it's weight operating range. The TeraFlex springs has been very good and we haven't had any problems with sagging. We do have problems when the Jeep is weighted down with things like a 35" tire in the rear with a heavy duty tire carrier/ bumper, a bull bar with a winch in the front, heavy duty skid plates on the oil pan and gas tank, rock rails on the side and a hard top with a roof rack. In situations like this the springs will sag and one solution is to get spacers and send the springs back and take advantage of the warranty from Tera. But for the most part the springs will not be a problem if the weight is reasonable and with all my extra stuff on my TJ, I don't have any spring sag and I have 3 years on the springs and a bit of wheel time at full flex, so you should be fine.
Dang you James! Are you a part of every forum??? haha, I didn't know that it was you. At least it's good to know that I can get in touch with ya for my questions no matter where I'm at! That's good to hear about the springs. I'm anxiously awaiting the arrival of my kit, I hope to have it on by next weekend! Want to do some Froading because I'm OFF work next weekend... WooHoo. Got time to put it ON! Happy Jeepin'
i've always wanted a convertible...and I love the macho type of vehicle the jeep is... I saw one in Dec i was hooked I had to have one. I like the idea of having a 4wd when needed. those unsuspecting ice storms here.. a 4wd will be good to have...
what train does the wrangler take to get down to Florda, Georgia, and Alabama. Some one told me CSX, but that does not seem right. Am trying to track my car, the dealer says it is still at the factory, the hot line says it is off loaded in my Home town. Oh ya did anyone know that in Australia they call the Sahara the renagade, Wonder if they have any cool stickers. And some one told me that there is another wrangler plant in South America, that builds wrangler for the rest of the world is that true?
There is no advantage to having a 3-speed automatic instead of a 4-speed, especially if the 4-speed lets you disable the overdrive when you want to do so. Although the 3-speed has a lock-up torque converter, you still are effectively driving on the highway with a 1:1 ratio in top gear, hence the high RPMs and poor fuel efficiency.
The only reason I can think that Chrysler uses a 3-speed automatic is to cut costs and because they think (probably correctly) that the majority of people who buy automatic transmissions do not understand what an overdrive gear does and will hence not realize they are getting shafted. They do this on the Dodge Neon too. I don't know of any other automakers that still use a 3-speed automatic.
I have wondered why they don't use the 4-speed automatic transmission that comes with the 4.0L in the the Jeep Cherokee and GC. I figure it might a space thing given how crammed together the drivetrain is on a Wrangler. They should still develop an alternative 4-speed slushbox though. I wonder if one will be offered with the new 6-cylinder engine.
Let me try to explain to you why I love my Thelma Jane, even though I may do only really tame offroading, if any at all.
Maybe by asking a question, I can answer your question. OK, let's say you have to go to the store or run some kind of erand. You go outside to the driveway, and there's your family car parked right beside your Jeep. You have the keys to both of these vehicles in your pocket, and they are parked so that one is just as easy to back out of the driveway as the other. Now, which one do you hop in to go wherever it is that you need to go?
I'll just bet that you hop in that Jeep, even though you will be on paved roads the whole time you are gone. You take the Jeep, because it is MORE FUN TO DRIVE, even on paved roads! AM I RIGHT??? You take the Jeep, because your Jeep is your Buddy. You take the Jeep, because it has personality.
I have gone nowhere in Thelma that I wasn't going in my Grand Prix GT, but I am sure having more fun getting there!
A bird dog might have the best pedigree in the world, and might have the potential to be the best hunting dog ever, but what if the owner of that dog doesn't hunt? He would still love that dog and wouldn't part with it for the world. That dog would be his best friend and he would take it everywhere he went. Now, I am a big time dog lover, so that analogy really works for me in describing my relationship with Thelma Jane. She might be truly awesome offroad, but even if I never do take her offroad, she is my Little Girl, and I just plain love going ANYWHERE in her!
You good buddies won't be hearing from Old Tsjay for a couple or three days.
I am going to our plant in Illinois that I used to travel to every week. I have to be there first thing Monday, but I am going up there tomorrow, so that I can see some friends.
Sure wish that I could take Ross Allen with me like I used to, but I don't have that apartment any more, and I am not going to leave him in a motel room all day. There is a motel that allows doggies, but I don't want to leave him in a strange place by himself all day.
I should be back Monday night, but it might be too late to do any posting. I if don't talk to you guys Monday night, I will be posting Tuesday night.
Things that I hope will happen while I'm gone:
1. Some certain tightwad, who shall remain nameless here, will finally order his Jeep.
2. Mrs. Saharanut will tell Terry to go get that Jeep he wants so bad.
3. Twylie will have a post about a mile long telling us how much he loves that new Jeep and/or direct us to a web page with pics.
4. All of you who haven't already posted your personal info and Jeep details in Meet the Members will do so. (Don't forget to include your email address and your IM user name)
5. Everyone who is expecting their Jeeps any day now will get them by the time I get back.
The 3-speed automatic was primarily a cost-cutting measure. That's one of the ways they kept the price of the Neon down in '95. Space is not an issue. They now have Toyota Celicas with SIX-SPEED manuals, so theres no redesign necessary to put a 4-speed in.
At the local dealership (Crowfoot Dodge Chrysler Jeep in Calgary, AB) they very rarely have atomatic TJs on the lot. The reason? I'm not entirely sure, but after driving an automatic '96 Neon for about a week, I'd sure as hell don't want a 3-speed! Besides, these things are built for FUN! And FUN vehicles are most often associated with stick shifts.
Also, it's true most people don't go offroading in their TJs, but use them as around-town drivers. In addition to looking really cool, once you think about it, this is one of the best convertibles for your money you can get! Sportages and Trackers may have a cloth roof, but theres no other vehicle out there for this kind of money where you can COMPLETELY remove the top and still have a nice, solid frame, along with an optional hard top for winter. Anything else loses much of it's body stiffness without a roof, but this thing is so solid, it really doesent matter. Also, what makes it such a great driver is it's ability to turn on a dime and park ANYWHERE, and youre not necessarily restricted to parking lots :-)
In addition to all that, what other vehicle lets you take the doors off and flip down the windshield? :-)
Got the Jeep yesterday and it is fantastic! I'll post a pic in the members gallery later this morning.
Short version - better in almost every way than I imagined. Ride on the road is actually pretty respectable. Wind, noise, sun, & music all combined to make the 40 mile trip home from the dealer a blast. I'll collect my thoughts and get tjsay requested review post up sometime later this weekend.
Our Jeep was coming to Atlanta and it arrived via Norfolk Southern. The 800 number operator can tell you what rail line. I was able to go to NS's website and enter the railcar number to track it as it made it to GA. Good Luck.
I forgot this when I posted my wish list: I hope that our buddy tjy has a safe and enjoyable ski trip and comes back to his new Jeep in one piece, so that he can enjoy it. Man, what a great few days for a guy to have- skiing in Utah and coming home to a brand new Jeep! Way to go, Doc!
I'm leaving for Illinois in an hour or so, and I'll be thinking about everyone. You guys be good, and have fun while I'm gone.
To old "Jeepless in Seattle," I hope she gets there soon! Be sure and let us know!
I might get a chance to check in on Monday sometime from work up in Illinois, but I probably won't be able to post until late Monday night.
Keep the posts rolling, so I'll have plenty to read when I next check in.
Although I've only ever driven automatics, I opted for the 5-speed manual on my forthcoming Jeep for the reasons given here - manuals are just supposed to be more fun to drive. I figured, with a ride like a Jeep, I've got to go manual. I felt like I was 15 again when I rented a Ford Aspire from a local rent-a-car and had my dad teach me the ropes. I actually had to call 6 different car rental places before I found one that even carried a manual transmission car, and the one I found was the only one they had on their lot. In any case, I'm looking forward to perfecting my shifting technique on my brand new Jeep!
Your story sounds familiar. I bought my wrangler without knowing how to drive a manual. My friend took me out a couple weeks before my jeep was sposed to come in to teach me. As i'm sure you've heard, wranglers are the easiest to learn manual on. They have so much low end torque that you really don't have to worry about stalling. My only problem learning was that i was use to autos with 4 bangers and no guts. So my wrangler (6-cyl) was pretty touchy on the gas for me in the beginning.
Actually I didn't know that Jeeps are easy to learn stick on - but it's good to know! Mine will be a 4-cyl, so I don't know what effect it'll have, but I know that I stalled quite a few times in the Aspire when I was learning. Anyway, I'm thankful for the info, and again, am looking forward even MORE to the big day!
I've got the intital info posted on our Jeep. Everything from our rationale to our buying experience to upgrades and accesories. I'm in process of getting it moved to a real hosting company, and the navigation is not terribly intuitive. Be sure to look on the left nav as well as the top nav for links. The left nav moves you down in a content area and the top nav moves you horizontaly through the pages within an area
great web site... Is there anything you regret about the jeep? "wish I done" "wish I shount have done?" like that... i'm still undecided...I like the 60th anniversary but..I like the Sahara as well
The only thing I regret about our Wrangler experience is that I didn't get one sooner. Although that sounds cliche, I mean it. It is an absolute blast, and while not a luxury car in any sense, it's actually pretty decent on the road. The fun factor more than makes up for a little wind noise and the other quirky traits. Ours is not a daily driver, but if it were, I probably would have gotten the hard top or dual top option, getting the full doors in the process.
Depending on what you are used to driving, the Wrangler will alter your driving style somewhat. Many have mentioned you'll drive slower; probably true. On the highway, a few things come into play... you need to pay more attention as compared to our current cars. Wind from trucks will blow you more than you are used to. Again, the fun factor more than makes up for it in our minds. However, all of these are offset by the ability to go anywhere you want! Just turn and go.
One potential regret on options might be that we didn't get cruise control, but this will never be a real regret, just something we may occasionally gripe about. Everything else was pretty carefully calculated by us before we ordered. We ordered the fog/tow hooks package mainly to get the wiring and switch for the fog lights. I didn't realize until we got ours that they moved the switch from the console to the left stalk. You now pull the end of the stalk out to engage the fog lights. Even if we need to upgrade the lights, I should be able to reuse the existing wiring. Once we upgrade our bumpers, the tow hooks will not be needed, so the $150 for the package may not have been the wisest choice, but we can use the factory stuff in the meantime.
I updated the site to include some more info in the "review" and "mods" secitions. I also got the content for the "ordering" page uploaded. One new pic in the photo section.
I've been to the Jeep Canada wbsite, and ive picked and priced my 2001 TJ Sport 5-speed. Very minimalist (read: cheap) vehicle, eg: i didnt order the CD player because i can just plug in my discman. I DO want the dual top though.
When I check off the ABS option, it says it comes with the 3.73 axle ratio, but I want the 3.07. Mine's going to be more of a highway driver and top-down cruiser than anything else (okay, i'll give it a mud bath now and then).
Is this right? Do I have to get a shorter axle ratio with ABS? Doesent seem right to me. Is it four-wheel ABS? It doesent come with rear antilock standard?
I currently own a 98 Yellow Mustang Cobra....17inch wheels 305 hp....etc. I had and old beet up 2wd truck that I would use for my Jet ski, but I was restricted to boat ramps becuase it was 2wd.....also when going snow skiing both my old truck and my car made me nervous as hell if any snow was on the road.
I decided to due the 2-1 deal.... and looked and all kind SUVs....Land Cruisers....4 runners...Pathfinders.....even the Grand Cherokee but I none of them really was sporty or grabbed my interest. That was until I saw a used 2000 yellow Sport.... and decided.. what the hell.... will try it out......and gosh darint I liked the little guy!
It seems I can have another 5 speed, a sporty fun vehicle, have 4wd, one of the best off road vehicles, a towing vehicle for my jetski, AND a convertible (always want one)! It will save me easily 10,000-20,000 dollars and I can add all kinds of options! While Chrysler dosn't have a good reliability record....the jeep looks so simple in basic I wounder how reliable the new ones are though?
I never thought of myself as a "Jeep person"...or thought about Jeeps in general...but I always like back roads and dirt roads......and I love convertibles.....and 4wd.........DUH!
I am trying to find a loaded yellow sport 5spd....and put $2000 of MOPAR things on it after I get it.....questions on that will be for another message........
A few questions....... Is it hard to get a loaded sport? If it is delivered after 4/30/01 and I have to factory order it...will the rebate $500 not count? What is a good price for a 2001 sport in relation to invoice..TMV says about 200$ over invoice....is that for real...includes rebate? Any general first time Jeep buying advice...? 5spd better than 3spd auto off road?
Lastly, I live in Las Vegas....my job allows me to fly for free anyware in the U.S......anyone reccomend a good dealer in the southwest that has great prices and is low on the bull?
Yellowman already has the info on the rebate... I got my 2000 Sport in Feb of last year for $21,677 I did not get the D44, trac-loc, or 30" wheel package because I'm upgrading. I did get the dual tops, fog lamps, full spare, all electrical convienince packages with 700amp battery and 150amp alternator, etc. As far as buying advice... get it, put the top down, and LOVE IT! greatest vehicle ever. As far as the 5-speed or auto for off-road... The Auto is better I believe. Unless your just REALLY good with your feet. It's better to climb with because it doesn't want to roll backwards like the manual, plus the engine compression helps. It is a little more tricky than the manuals going downhill but it's not bad at all. The 5-speed does have more power and gear ratio low and high end. If you get auto you'll want the 4.0L because the 2.5L on road will KILL you going up hills. My girlfriend couldn't go over 45mph up the mountain. Hope this Helps
I've never had a manual transmission vehicle want to roll backwards down a hill. (Keep your darn foot off the clutch! Use the key to start & stop.) The only thing that will stall a manual off-road is an object larger than the vehicle you are driving.
..but have there been major price increases for Wranglers? When I got my '99 Cherokee Sport (in '99) I only paid about $20,500. It has every possible option except power seats and automatic tranny. I guess selecting a 2-door also saves about $1,000. (I even got the no-longer-avilable-on-Sport overhead console and Infinity sound system.) I remember Wranglers being only a little bit cheaper back then but reading these posts makes me wonder if Wranglers are really more expensive than Cherokee Sports. Comments?
As a novice student of manual transmission, I was wondering if you could fill me in on your technique for not rolling backward on a hill in a manual? Although I won't be taking my Jeep offroad, and there aren't as many hills here as there are in, say, San Francisco, there are a few places in LA that I'm a little nervous about driving on because of the rollback issue. Here's my understanding: I'm on a hill (going uphill) at a stop in the middle of a line of cars, let's say. I have my right foot on the brake and my left foot on the clutch to keep it from stalling, correct? (this is where I got confused by your foot-off-the-clutch comment). When I want to go forward, I have to take my right foot off the brake and quickly start to give it gas while I let up off the clutch. In that split second while my foot is off the brake and I haven't yet hit the gas, won't the car start to roll backward? Finally, what do you mean by using the "key" to start and stop? I've had people tell me they'll use the emergency brake if they're on a steep hill at a dead stop, then get the car in gear and let the emergency brake go. I need to get this straight if I want to tackle Laurel Canyon!
there are two ways out of the rolling-back danger. The first is good for in-town, the second off-road.
In town on a hill, you drop the car into neutral and press on the brake like you would normally at a light/stop sign. When you want to move again, you do the following (you need to practice this until it gets smooth): 1)pull up the e-brake lever (MUCH easier with a hand brake) and take your foot off the brake 2)step on the clutch 3)put it in first and start to hit the gas/release the clutch 4)just as you feel the gear engage, release the e-brake and away you go Like I said, this takes practice. I would suggest trying it in a parking lot first. My former roommate, a member of the "teach someone to swim by throwing them in the deep end" school of thought, taught me by making me drive around the local hills (the first day I had my Jeep) on regular roads. You'll learn fast enough I'm sure.
off-road, you can start the Jeep in first w/o using the clutch if you take out the "clutch defeat" fuse that was designed for just that purpose on the TJ. Perhaps this is what milt721 is referring to.
Now, the only thing I've heard about the hand-brake method you describe is that it's not so good for the car - I'm not sure if this means not so good for the engine, the hand brake, or both. Any ideas?
I joined this message board because hopefully I will be purchasing a Wrangler before the April 3 rebate deadline. I had a Mazda Miata for three years, and truly loved it. For the last three years, I have owned a small sedan. It is a great car, but it just doesn't compare to feeling the "wind in my hair." To make a long story short, I have wanted a Wrangler all of my life, and I think that I will finally be getting one within the next 3 to five days. I think I am more excited now than I have ever been about anything. I couldn't even sleep last night because I was thinking about it.
I am debating between an ES and a Sport. I don't want anything fancy, but I think I might be able to get the Sport at a really good price. Anyway, I am glad to join this community, and I am looking forward to discussing Jeep's with ya'll.
Welcome! I'm new too, just about to get mine in a week or so. I'd say it depends on your budget. If I had more cash, I would have gone for the 6-cylinder Sport. Because I'm not of unlimited resources, it came down to a decision between the SE fully loaded with everything I want, or a somewhat stripped-down Sport for a little more money. I decided to go with the SE and the options, since I'm not really a power monger. But again, if I had another $2,000 lying around, I would have gone for the Sport. Best of luck with your Jeep hunt! Oh, and before tsjay makes his formal request, post your info in the Meet the Members section!
I noticed that in my first post, I typed ES instead of SE. I guess I was so excited, that my typing got away from me. lol
I don't have any extra money either. The one thing that might help me get the Sport, is that my dealership has a new 2000. I think they might be willing to let it go for a pretty good price, so that they can bring some more 2001's in.
Well, it was good to hear from someone so soon after posting on the board. I will keep you updated.....
Just got back from Illinois, locked my front door, Oh Boy, got to sit down and take a rest for a while. Imagination sets in, pretty soon I'm singin'....
Sorry: just got carried away, but I DID just get back from Illinois.
Thelma did great, but she was a little thirsty going up there- only got 15.7 MPG, but I was fighting wind all the way,
I've been thinking about this whole 6 cylinder vs. 4 cylinder engine thing - I've read that the 4 cyl. has 120 horsepower, right? Well, my old car was a 95 Saturn which I just discovered had 100 horsepower.
Does this mean I might not notice the lack of power on the SE as much as I thought?
The key start or starter crawl can only be done with an stick shift. What you do is crank the motor with it in gear. If your gears are low enough you can start the motor and keep on moving. This is a trick that is used in off roading if you wind up in a spot that you have to creep over really slow. You will need to by-pass the starter cut out on the clutch so you may crank the starter without pushing in the clutch (it in your manual).
I am trying to decide to go with a yellow loaded Sport or white Sahara.....does the Sahara have any thing you really can't get on the sport? Are those Sahara seats and better? The Sahara does seem to cost more for generally the same options.......is it more of a yuppy mobile? The tan sports bars do look slick though...as do the seats...but 1,000$ neat...got be more..
Also since I live in a hot climate area....the black top/interior may not help on the sport.... or are the new Jeep A/C pritty good?
I have been on a business trip and haven't had the opportunity to welcome you to the group, so... WELCOME!
There's another version of the Wrangler that is available now, the 60th anniversary edition. You might want to check one of those out before you buy. They are sort of a cross between the Sahara and the Sport. They have the painted fender flares like the Saharas, but other than that, they look like a Sport. I don't know if the interior in those is any different than the Sport interior. The 60th anniversary Wranglers only come in black and in silver, but I like both colors.
I have a Sport, and I am very happy with her. I wasn't crazy about the Sahara's interior, but to each his own.
If I were buying a Jeep now, I would still get a Sport or maybe the 60th.
I haven't had a chance to check out the A/C yet, since I have only had my Jeep since Dec. 8th.
Check out my Thelma Jane at:
htp://members.aol.com/tjoh298765/thelma.html
Be glad to answer any questions, so post or email me.
Sorry, I got behind on this conversation. Goducks answered most of your question, but I use a slightly different technique for starting on hills. I rarely put the vehicle in neutral for anything, so I'm usually sitting at a light with the trans in first, and one foot on the clutch and one foot on the brake. When sitting at the light, I get a feel for the "grab point" of the clutch and hold it just below that point. (You can feel this grab point through the clutch pedal, or look at your tach or simply listen to the engine.) When the light changes, I quickly move my foot from the brake and step on the gas while slowly letting out the clutch. (I don't know, the e-brake method may be easier, but I've never tried it.) Come to think of it, it would probably be safer for a beginner to use the e-brake method, if you stall, you won't have to meet the driver of the car behind you.
Using the key for stopping and starting is strictly for off-road when you are in low range. If you were climbing a steep hill and had to stop for some reason, you simply turn off the key and the vehicle stops. (Pushing in the clutch is dangerous at this point.) When you need to get moving again, simply turn the key, the vehicle will fire up and move forward at the same time and you don't have to worry about clutching.
And don't worry about the e-brake method being "bad" for the car. Unless you are cruising around at faster than a walking pace with the parking brake on, nothing is going to happen.
Welcome!! I was like debating between the Sahara & the 60th anniversary,,, I just hate the interior color in the Sahara.. But I really like the balck 60th anniversary,, i have a pic of the black 60th if you would like to see... I can email it to ya.. Interior is agate (black) looks sharp! plus the 60th are a little cheaper than the Sahara Wlecome back Tsjay! Welcome to the club! Saharanut Terry
I've always been told that holding down the clutch down at a light like that is the quickest path to premature clutch burn-out, and I would imagine not-quite-letting-it-catch-gear is just as bad. Perhaps someone more mechanically inclined than myself can explain why this is so, but in the meantime I'd seriously consider changing that habit and keeping it in neutral at stoplights.
Of course, you can always do the "rolling stop" at stop signs on hills if there is no traffic coming the other way: pop it in neutral and in that split second that gravity halts the vehicle at the stop sign, pop it back into first and get going again. But I think that anytime you are pressing on the clutch, you are putting wear on it and so you should not keep it pressed down for extended periods of time.
yellowman, keep in mind that a Wrangler is considerably heavier than a Saturn and about as aerodynamic as the side of your house. The long and short of it is that in town the 4-cylinder isn't bad (mostly because of aggressive gearing) but on the highway or against the wind you most definitely will feel a lack of power. That may be an acceptable trade-off given how much $$ you save vs the larger engine, but you will feel underpowered at times.
Comments
Mike D.
-twylie
James
What ever happened to the VW Thing?
Happy Jeepin'
I saw one in Dec i was hooked I had to have one.
I like the idea of having a 4wd when needed.
those unsuspecting ice storms here.. a 4wd will be good to have...
"What's the deal" (Seinfeild)
??????
The only reason I can think that Chrysler uses a 3-speed automatic is to cut costs and because they think (probably correctly) that the majority of people who buy automatic transmissions do not understand what an overdrive gear does and will hence not realize they are getting shafted. They do this on the Dodge Neon too. I don't know of any other automakers that still use a 3-speed automatic.
I have wondered why they don't use the 4-speed automatic transmission that comes with the 4.0L in the the Jeep Cherokee and GC. I figure it might a space thing given how crammed together the drivetrain is on a Wrangler. They should still develop an alternative 4-speed slushbox though. I wonder if one will be offered with the new 6-cylinder engine.
Let me try to explain to you why I love my Thelma Jane, even though I may do only really tame offroading, if any at all.
Maybe by asking a question, I can answer your question. OK, let's say you have to go to the store or run some kind of erand. You go outside to the driveway, and there's your family car parked right beside your Jeep. You have the keys to both of these vehicles in your pocket, and they are parked so that one is just as easy to back out of the driveway as the other. Now, which one do you hop in to go wherever it is that you need to go?
I'll just bet that you hop in that Jeep, even though you will be on paved roads the whole time you are gone. You take the Jeep, because it is MORE FUN TO DRIVE, even on paved roads! AM I RIGHT??? You take the Jeep, because your Jeep is your Buddy. You take the Jeep, because it has personality.
I have gone nowhere in Thelma that I wasn't going in my Grand Prix GT, but I am sure having more fun getting there!
A bird dog might have the best pedigree in the world, and might have the potential to be the best hunting dog ever, but what if the owner of that dog doesn't hunt? He would still love that dog and wouldn't part with it for the world. That dog would be his best friend and he would take it everywhere he went. Now, I am a big time dog lover, so that analogy really works for me in describing my relationship with Thelma Jane. She might be truly awesome offroad, but even if I never do take her offroad, she is my Little Girl, and I just plain love going ANYWHERE in her!
Hope maybe this helps.
tsjay
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
HAPPY DAY!!!! WOOOHOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!! YIPPEEEEEE!
Give us a report if you can get out of that Jeep long enough!
tsjay
I know you are hugging that Jeep today!
im with ya guy...
take care Tom...
I appreciate your help!
T
I am going to our plant in Illinois that I used to travel to every week. I have to be there first thing Monday, but I am going up there tomorrow, so that I can see some friends.
Sure wish that I could take Ross Allen with me like I used to, but I don't have that apartment any more, and I am not going to leave him in a motel room all day. There is a motel that allows doggies, but I don't want to leave him in a strange place by himself all day.
I should be back Monday night, but it might be too late to do any posting. I if don't talk to you guys Monday night, I will be posting Tuesday night.
Things that I hope will happen while I'm gone:
1. Some certain tightwad, who shall remain nameless here, will finally order his Jeep.
2. Mrs. Saharanut will tell Terry to go get that Jeep he wants so bad.
3. Twylie will have a post about a mile long telling us how much he loves that new Jeep and/or direct us to a web page with pics.
4. All of you who haven't already posted your personal info and Jeep details in Meet the Members will do so. (Don't forget to include your email address and your IM user name)
5. Everyone who is expecting their Jeeps any day now will get them by the time I get back.
Think I might get my wishes?
tsjay
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
At the local dealership (Crowfoot Dodge Chrysler Jeep in Calgary, AB) they very rarely have atomatic TJs on the lot. The reason? I'm not entirely sure, but after driving an automatic '96 Neon for about a week, I'd sure as hell don't want a 3-speed! Besides, these things are built for FUN! And FUN vehicles are most often associated with stick shifts.
Also, it's true most people don't go offroading in their TJs, but use them as around-town drivers. In addition to looking really cool, once you think about it, this is one of the best convertibles for your money you can get! Sportages and Trackers may have a cloth roof, but theres no other vehicle out there for this kind of money where you can COMPLETELY remove the top and still have a nice, solid frame, along with an optional hard top for winter. Anything else loses much of it's body stiffness without a roof, but this thing is so solid, it really doesent matter. Also, what makes it such a great driver is it's ability to turn on a dime and park ANYWHERE, and youre not necessarily restricted to parking lots :-)
In addition to all that, what other vehicle lets you take the doors off and flip down the windshield? :-)
Short version - better in almost every way than I imagined. Ride on the road is actually pretty respectable. Wind, noise, sun, & music all combined to make the 40 mile trip home from the dealer a blast. I'll collect my thoughts and get tjsay requested review post up sometime later this weekend.
-twylie
-twylie
I'm leaving for Illinois in an hour or so, and I'll be thinking about everyone. You guys be good, and have fun while I'm gone.
To old "Jeepless in Seattle," I hope she gets there soon! Be sure and let us know!
I might get a chance to check in on Monday sometime from work up in Illinois, but I probably won't be able to post until late Monday night.
Keep the posts rolling, so I'll have plenty to read when I next check in.
Take care, Buddies!
tsjay
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
Just about 10 more days...Can't wait!
Mike
have fun!
Actually I didn't know that Jeeps are easy to learn stick on - but it's good to know! Mine will be a 4-cyl, so I don't know what effect it'll have, but I know that I stalled quite a few times in the Aspire when I was learning. Anyway, I'm thankful for the info, and again, am looking forward even MORE to the big day!
Mike
http://www.geocities.com/eewylie/jeep.htm
-twylie
Is there anything you regret about the jeep?
"wish I done"
"wish I shount have done?"
like that...
i'm still undecided...I like the 60th anniversary
but..I like the Sahara as well
enjoy your jeep
Saharanut
(terry)
Depending on what you are used to driving, the Wrangler will alter your driving style somewhat. Many have mentioned you'll drive slower; probably true. On the highway, a few things come into play... you need to pay more attention as compared to our current cars. Wind from trucks will blow you more than you are used to. Again, the fun factor more than makes up for it in our minds. However, all of these are offset by the ability to go anywhere you want! Just turn and go.
One potential regret on options might be that we didn't get cruise control, but this will never be a real regret, just something we may occasionally gripe about. Everything else was pretty carefully calculated by us before we ordered. We ordered the fog/tow hooks package mainly to get the wiring and switch for the fog lights. I didn't realize until we got ours that they moved the switch from the console to the left stalk. You now pull the end of the stalk out to engage the fog lights. Even if we need to upgrade the lights, I should be able to reuse the existing wiring. Once we upgrade our bumpers, the tow hooks will not be needed, so the $150 for the package may not have been the wisest choice, but we can use the factory stuff in the meantime.
I updated the site to include some more info in the "review" and "mods" secitions. I also got the content for the "ordering" page uploaded. One new pic in the photo section.
-twylie
When I check off the ABS option, it says it comes with the 3.73 axle ratio, but I want the 3.07. Mine's going to be more of a highway driver and top-down cruiser than anything else (okay, i'll give it a mud bath now and then).
Is this right? Do I have to get a shorter axle ratio with ABS? Doesent seem right to me. Is it four-wheel ABS? It doesent come with rear antilock standard?
I decided to due the 2-1 deal.... and looked and all kind SUVs....Land Cruisers....4 runners...Pathfinders.....even the Grand Cherokee but I none of them really was sporty or grabbed my interest. That was until I saw a used 2000 yellow Sport.... and decided.. what the hell.... will try it out......and gosh darint I liked the little guy!
It seems I can have another 5 speed, a sporty fun vehicle, have 4wd, one of the best off road vehicles, a towing vehicle for my jetski, AND a convertible (always want one)! It will save me easily 10,000-20,000 dollars and I can add all kinds of options!
While Chrysler dosn't have a good reliability record....the jeep looks so simple in basic I wounder how reliable the new ones are though?
I never thought of myself as a "Jeep person"...or thought about Jeeps in general...but I always like back roads and dirt roads......and I love convertibles.....and 4wd.........DUH!
I am trying to find a loaded yellow sport 5spd....and put $2000 of MOPAR things on it after I get it.....questions on that will be for another message........
A few questions.......
Is it hard to get a loaded sport? If it is delivered after 4/30/01 and I have to factory order it...will the rebate $500 not count? What is a good price for a 2001 sport in relation to invoice..TMV says about 200$ over invoice....is that for real...includes rebate? Any general first time Jeep buying advice...? 5spd better than 3spd auto off road?
Lastly, I live in Las Vegas....my job allows me to fly for free anyware in the U.S......anyone reccomend a good dealer in the southwest that has great prices and is low on the bull?
Thanks,
Joe Stanley
P.S. I must be nuts....I am going to buy a jeep!
http://www.jeepunpaved.com/anniversary/index.html
Drew
Host
Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards
Just make sure you put your deposit down before April 30 - Check out my message #1573 for more info.
Mike
As a novice student of manual transmission, I was wondering if you could fill me in on your technique for not rolling backward on a hill in a manual? Although I won't be taking my Jeep offroad, and there aren't as many hills here as there are in, say, San Francisco, there are a few places in LA that I'm a little nervous about driving on because of the rollback issue. Here's my understanding: I'm on a hill (going uphill) at a stop in the middle of a line of cars, let's say. I have my right foot on the brake and my left foot on the clutch to keep it from stalling, correct? (this is where I got confused by your foot-off-the-clutch comment). When I want to go forward, I have to take my right foot off the brake and quickly start to give it gas while I let up off the clutch. In that split second while my foot is off the brake and I haven't yet hit the gas, won't the car start to roll backward? Finally, what do you mean by using the "key" to start and stop? I've had people tell me they'll use the emergency brake if they're on a steep hill at a dead stop, then get the car in gear and let the emergency brake go. I need to get this straight if I want to tackle Laurel Canyon!
Mike
In town on a hill, you drop the car into neutral and press on the brake like you would normally at a light/stop sign. When you want to move again, you do the following (you need to practice this until it gets smooth):
1)pull up the e-brake lever (MUCH easier with a hand brake) and take your foot off the brake
2)step on the clutch
3)put it in first and start to hit the gas/release the clutch
4)just as you feel the gear engage, release the e-brake and away you go
Like I said, this takes practice. I would suggest trying it in a parking lot first. My former roommate, a member of the "teach someone to swim by throwing them in the deep end" school of thought, taught me by making me drive around the local hills (the first day I had my Jeep) on regular roads. You'll learn fast enough I'm sure.
off-road, you can start the Jeep in first w/o using the clutch if you take out the "clutch defeat" fuse that was designed for just that purpose on the TJ. Perhaps this is what milt721 is referring to.
Now, the only thing I've heard about the hand-brake method you describe is that it's not so good for the car - I'm not sure if this means not so good for the engine, the hand brake, or both. Any ideas?
Mike
I am debating between an ES and a Sport. I don't want anything fancy, but I think I might be able to get the Sport at a really good price. Anyway, I am glad to join this community, and I am looking forward to discussing Jeep's with ya'll.
It won't be long now...
Mike
I don't have any extra money either. The one thing that might help me get the Sport, is that my dealership has a new 2000. I think they might be willing to let it go for a pretty good price, so that they can bring some more 2001's in.
Well, it was good to hear from someone so soon after posting on the board. I will keep you updated.....
Talk to you later...
Sorry: just got carried away, but I DID just get back from Illinois.
Thelma did great, but she was a little thirsty going up there- only got 15.7 MPG, but I was fighting wind all the way,
She got 18.8 MPG coming home.
Missed you guys
tsjay
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
I've been thinking about this whole 6 cylinder vs. 4 cylinder engine thing - I've read that the 4 cyl. has 120 horsepower, right? Well, my old car was a 95 Saturn which I just discovered had 100 horsepower.
Does this mean I might not notice the lack of power on the SE as much as I thought?
any thing you really can't get on the sport? Are those Sahara seats and better? The Sahara does seem to cost more for generally the same options.......is it more of a yuppy mobile?
The tan sports bars do look slick though...as do the seats...but 1,000$ neat...got be more..
Also since I live in a hot climate area....the black top/interior may not help on the sport....
or are the new Jeep A/C pritty good?
Joe
WELCOME!
There's another version of the Wrangler that is available now, the 60th anniversary edition. You might want to check one of those out before you buy. They are sort of a cross between the Sahara and the Sport. They have the painted fender flares like the Saharas, but other than that, they look like a Sport. I don't know if the interior in those is any different than the Sport interior. The 60th anniversary Wranglers only come in black and in silver, but I like both colors.
I have a Sport, and I am very happy with her. I wasn't crazy about the Sahara's interior, but to each his own.
If I were buying a Jeep now, I would still get a Sport or maybe the 60th.
I haven't had a chance to check out the A/C yet, since I have only had my Jeep since Dec. 8th.
Check out my Thelma Jane at:
htp://members.aol.com/tjoh298765/thelma.html
Be glad to answer any questions, so post or email me.
tsjay
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
I wish I could "fancy up" Thelma's page, but I learned just the very basics needed to put up the simplest web page.
That's a sweet-looking little Jeep, twylie! I wish I had gone with the soft top.
Gotta get to work.
tsjay
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
Using the key for stopping and starting is strictly for off-road when you are in low range. If you were climbing a steep hill and had to stop for some reason, you simply turn off the key and the vehicle stops. (Pushing in the clutch is dangerous at this point.) When you need to get moving again, simply turn the key, the vehicle will fire up and move forward at the same time and you don't have to worry about clutching.
And don't worry about the e-brake method being "bad" for the car. Unless you are cruising around at faster than a walking pace with the parking brake on, nothing is going to happen.
I was like debating between the Sahara & the 60th anniversary,,,
I just hate the interior color in the Sahara..
But I really like the balck 60th anniversary,,
i have a pic of the black 60th if you would like to see... I can email it to ya..
Interior is agate (black) looks sharp!
plus the 60th are a little cheaper than the Sahara
Wlecome back Tsjay!
Welcome to the club!
Saharanut
Terry
Of course, you can always do the "rolling stop" at stop signs on hills if there is no traffic coming the other way: pop it in neutral and in that split second that gravity halts the vehicle at the stop sign, pop it back into first and get going again. But I think that anytime you are pressing on the clutch, you are putting wear on it and so you should not keep it pressed down for extended periods of time.