*lol* John, you're cracking me up! No, I don't love my job, in fact, I've never had a job I love, but I like it a lot and I work hard. Still, I'd rather be on a golf course. *g* I've always admired people who loved their work. So what do you retirees do besides cruise around in your Jeeps?
I like RoXanne. Especially if you use the existing X. The other names on the list don't work for me either. I agree with Tom. Own it for awhile and see what happens. No hurry. Go to a graphic arts business and look through their available design books to see what might blend or go with the X. Its not like a new born (sorry, its just like a new born). I agree with accessorizing. Especially with vinal. I changed the white JEEP on each side to black (my Jeep is red) and removed the Freedom logo which I think was a large picture of a Minuteman and replaced it with a black sun burst above the JEEP logo. Same width. It sets Rosie the Red Devil (Rosie for short) apart. Keats-we retired folks do whatever we want all day. Do you agree Wheelsdown? This board is so busy lately I can"t keep up. Avampiregirl-the trip across country sounds great. I did it several times in various VW's. If you find a computer along the way let us know how you are doing and how the Jeep is handling the trip. Be careful and have fun. Go Easy, John
Wow, oh, wow....NOW I understand what all the Wranger fuss is about! My wife and I picked up our still unnamed "X" at noon Central time, and put about 120 miles on it...top down. HAD to be the absolute hottest day of the year here in Alabama, but who cares??
A quick description: Red of course, with full doors/rolldown windows, dark tinted side/back windows, soundbar, leather wrapped steering wheel, Ecco wheel package, air, and a fun 6-speed. Even has a neat little "Trail Rated" badge on the driver's side (I didn't even know I took the test!)
I was worried about missing my Ranger P/U....never, ever again. You all were right on that score. This Wrangler rides amazing smooth, even compared to the Ranger. Folding down the rear seat will give me sufficient cargo room, although I doubt I'd get a load of mulch to take home!
By the way...sure are alot of Aggies around here. Sorta feel targeted, being a Longhorn!
Back to the bragging...um, I mean, cautiously happy attitude I have. Suffice it to say, any doubts I had the past three weeks flew out with the open topped breeze two blocks from the dealer's lot. My wife's had a tough couple of weeks at work, and I haven't seen such a smile on her face in a long time....that in itself was worth it.
Now...if I can just get the hang of putting the top back together in less than 30 minutes! Oh...one more little anecdote....my wife was cranking up the stereo, setting our stations, and I kept feeling a "buzz" on my right hip. Kept reaching for my cell phone (it's always on ring/vibrate). No one there...couldn't figure it out. Then....finally....realized it was some heavy duty pulsating from the subwoofer in the center console....yeah, I'm not the brightest bulb on the tree...
Oh, Terry....I actually thought of Excalibur today during my first drive. You know...great minds and all that.
Sorry for the length of the post, but I'm a bit hyper and manic. Just wanted to tell everyone thanks for the encouragement, and that you were RIGHT. This thing is a blast.
I've got some news for you... the thrill does NOT go away!
Yeeeeeeeeeeehawwwwwwww!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Now, not sure what part of Bama you are in, but maybe you could make a trip up here to good old KY and go wheelin' with me???
Tomster
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
P.S.
Just looked at your profile and saw that you are in Tuscaloosa, so I'm gonna guess five to six hours would get you to Turkey Bay. How about it sometime this summer??? Maybe you and Paul (erickpl) could rendezvous somewhere and convoy up together. He lives in Huntsville and comes up to Turkey Bay once in a while.
P.P.S.
Looked it up on Mapquest, and it is 350 miles and 5 hrs 44 min. according to them. Use Aurora, KY, as your destination city, if you want to look it up.
You guys are right it is great to take them off road !!! :P Well with 400 miles on her I made the decision today to take her to Coal Creek OHV ... nothing too serious as I really don't know a lot but it was really fun. At first I was avoiding the mud puddles (my brother was razing me) then I was hitting them head on ... the top was down with mud flinging in (didn't notice this till later) ... It was a blast, I can't wait to do it again ...
She is quite Dirty ... but actually looks really good that way
Flying through mud and water and spraying it everywhere can be fun, but preface it by driving through slowly first. Sometimes it can either be (a), deeper than it looks, and /or (b), concealing a large rock or something similar.
Hitting either of those at speed can be entertaining for onlookers but not for you!
(Couldn't tell if it was the same ones you'd already been through slowly from your post, so I thought I'd pass on the tip anyway).
I put an order for a 05 Unlimited in early May. It was too late, they stopped taking orders. My sales guy found another one, but I just found out yesterday that it was classified as "Z status", which he states is b/c either it fell off the truck or something is REALLY wrong with it (or it was sold by mistake....) Anyway, now I am SOL right now. I have the chance to get a Chrysler employee discount on one, so I really wanted it.
There are no more Unlimiteds with the options I want (manual, both tops, ....). So I told him i'll pick up my deposit on monday. I got to thinking about other models, but I don't want to get something that I'll regret later. I never drove the Sport or X, only the unlimited, and the price b/w a sport and unlimited is ~$500.
What would everyone recommend? I "could" wait until next year and get a 2006, but it may never happen then b/c of the discount. Is the Sport a pretty good model or will I regret getting it and not waiting for the unlimited?
Yeah, like the Macster said, Laura, be careful about water holes, creek crossings, and mud holes. If you suck water into your engine, that could be the end of that engine.
Wonder how the dude came out that posted a while back that his engine had ingested some water? He never did post and let us know, did he?
Also, Laura, even though Jeeps are tough, too much playing in water and mud can mean some parts will have a shorter life than normal.
hello...if anyone can advise i'd appreciate it...i live in nc and am looking for my first jeep...ind. had one advertised on internet for 15500...2001 wrangler sport...both tops...big wheel package...v6/5 speed...ac...new tires...offered me a no haggle price of 14500...am i in the ball park of a fair price? thanks for any advice...also 49500 miles tks, mark
Oh, Tomster, you're really rolling today!! Now that's one I hadn't thought of. Don't know why....at my age, it seems appropriate...ahem.....
I've been to Kentucky several times; alas, just passing through. Beautiful, beautiful state. Nothing more I'd love than to have a caravan of Wranglers to pay you a visit. Been there, done that when I was immortal and rode a motorcycle. When I was in the Air Force at my last station (Air Force Academy), a friend and I drove our Goldwings to Austin, Texas...1002 miles driveway to driveway...nonstop. That's another story, but I truly came to understand what truckers mean by white line fever....half the trip I don't even remember due to "zoning out".
(By the way...my ID, randyace, is originally from a forum for Honda Shadow ACE 750. Thus, "ace"!)
It's nearly 8:00 central time here, and I think I'm going to experience some star-lit driving in a few minutes....I've only been out in the garage to ogle at the X oh, several dozen times in the past 3 hours.....
Do an appraisal to get a baseline price. Everyone else can chip in about their local prices and the value of the mods (although mods usually don't add much value to a used car, but then again, a Jeep isn't a car).
Yeah it was the one I went thru slowly before ... I am too much of a wimp to go through them too much ... and they were small puddles, the biggest was probably the length of my tire.
I do however appreciate the advise as I am new to all of this, next weekend is Camp Jeep on the Road so hopefully I will learn some more.
The Unlimited and the Sport are different animals. The Sport is more fun (IMHO) but has its quirks. I much prefer the Unlimited for our long distance daily commute and longer trips, like to Vegas etc. but the Sport can get the job done (we once chose to drive the Sport from Los Angeles to northern B.C. rather than the more economical, but more uncomfortable, Tacoma). Best thing to do is to test drive a Sport or X and see what you think - it really is personal preference.
Laura - have a great time at Camp Jeep and be sure to tell us all about this Camp Jeep on the Road. I'd be interested to hear how it compares to the Camp Jeep I went to last summer in California.
Amanda - have fun driving across the country - I've done it a number of times (the first time driving I was behind the wheel of a '69 Opel Kadet that could only do 45 mph down hill because of the roof carrier on it). There's just nothing like having the freedom to stop when you want to, poke around in out-of-the-way places and so on. Is your Sahara an auto? They would be an advantage if you are planning on driving the streets of San Francisco.
Man, I'm sorry about the way things are going in your quest for a Jeep.
All I can say is test drive a Sport, and see how you like it. The ONLY thing different is the shorter wheel base and less cargo room. The Sport will be just as much fun to drive. You just gotta decide how important the room factor is.
Your are right to be careful not to get something that you will not be happy with. Only you can decide what works and what doesn't.
Good luck! I hope whichever way you go turns out to be just right for you. Things happen for a reason, so maybe this is all going to turn out for the best for you.
I'm looking at getting an IMC hardtop hoist w/winch, and have a few questions for those familiar with this product:
1) Would you recommend it? 2) I'm getting an Unlimited, should I feel comfortable that this hoist can really handle storing this hardtop for an extended period of time (i.e. 6 months)? 3) I've read on the website that it mentions "install close to a wall if you want this to be a 1 person job". Not sure what this means. Can one person easily take off the top with a hoist? 4) I've got a tall ceiling in my garage (12 ft)... Will that be a problem? Will I be able to store it close to the ceiling so I can easily get it out of the way?
Thanks, just test drove an Unlimited w/ dual tops yesterday, and REALLY liked the hardtop option, but my only concern is getting it off by myself, which will be the case most of the time.
I think they want you to mount the hoist close to a wall so that you can use one hand on the winch control and one hand to guide the top as it goes up or down. The winch mounts to the wall, so if the wall is too far from the pulleys that are directly above the hard top, you can't reach the hard top to guide it as you work the winch controls.
I don't have an Unlimited, but I have a new hoist system and used it by myself to remove the hard top from Thelma Jane last time. Have not yet put the top back on using the new hoist.
I just leave my top hanging in the hoist for storage.
It is really hard to evaluate a deal on a used vehicle without seeing the vehicle. If the guy is advertising it as a V-6, I would have to wonder if he even knows anything about the Jeep. It would be an I-6, not a V-6.
At face value, the deal seems to be good. The mileage is fine for an 01. If the Jeep is in good condition, and with those miles, I would say that the $14,500 is a pretty good price. I think maybe by "big wheel package" he means the 30" tire package.
Wish we could help ya more, but SO much of the price of a used vehicle depends on the appearance of the vehicle. If that Jeep looks to be in really good condition, I think you would be getting a good deal.
Buying a used vehicle always involves some risk. Try to find out as much as you can about that Jeep. Ask if it has ever been wrecked. Ask about its mechanical history. Ask about its maintenance history.
Good luck. Hope you end up with a super nice Jeep at a super good price.
if you want an unlimited, get an unlimited ,, that extra room in the back is very nice to have.
get it with either top, then buy the other later, it will cost a bit more that way,, but you will have what you want and still get the rebates etc now.
I believe it was Terry who made the recommendation, and we've decided to name our new addition "eXcalibur"! Yea...I mentioned that to my wife, and she said, "that's it"!
Went out for a ride last night in some back road, rural areas. Now, I suspect alot of us are obsessive-compulsive, and I have a bunch of quirks. One of 'em is getting a million bugs on the windshield and grille area of a brand new vehicle....and expecially eXcalibur. Arghhhhhh.....
After only 10 minutes of watching those bastards deliberately target my headlights and kamakaze into the windshield, the ride became less enjoyable. Did I mention all those things were bastards????
Which brought up a thought/question...when you got your new Wrangler, was it difficult for you to take it off-road through the mud, etc. for the first time? I know that's what they're built for, but it had to be hard to see something once so pristine to come back looking like, well....muddy and filthy. I think that's going to kill me. I'm obsessive about clean vehicles (barely got in the driveway last night and had the windex and bug scraper in hand working to clean the windshield)....my wife said I was "sick". Probably so.
Someone just please say it sucked getting it dirty for the first time...even if it's not true, I'll feel better!
Yeah, it sucks getting your new Jeep dirty the first time(s). Fortunately, the flat windshield makes it easier to scrape off bug guts!
I don't know how many of the really early "Tomster" posts you've read - say 4 years ago or so. But many of us here will recognize the really close kinship you must have with Tom, based on your dirt and bug comments! Others will elaborate more, I'm sure! We still razz him from time to time; especially after seeing his posts of Thelma Jane wedged into Buttpucker Gulch! He'll give you sage advice on keeping your Jeep in pristine condition! (I think it was a year or so before he ever got Thelma Jane off of pavement.....)
My '99 Sport Wrangler has the factory hardtop...I always thought it was some form of aluminum, but the after market catalogs state that their hardtops are made of fiberglass/plastic. Are the original Jeep Wrangler hardtops also made of such material?....the jeep advertising brochures are silent on this point. Thanks....
Randy, makes me feel good I had a hand in choosing a name. It took me a while to come up with Red Ryder for mine.
Off-road! Off-road!! I have had my TJ for over five years. The closest it has been to off-road was when I backed off the edge of my driveway once.
You know, over five yours and the thrill is every bit as good as the day I got it. Top has been up and down about eight times so far this year. In the Chicago area, early spring can be fickle, had to put the top up mostly because it was cold, not rain. I never get tired of top down time.
Just closed a deal on a new Unlimited!!!!!!!!! HOOOO HHOOO!!!!
Got a silver "H package", w/dual tops. I went in wanting a blue, but nothing was available in H package & dual tops for 300 miles. I was able to get $1,000 below invoice, w/ $2,000 in rebates... I'm pumped!
Now, gotta work on getting that hoist I've been asking about, and looking into trading in my tires for some 31"s. Any suggestions on what kind of tires to look for? FYI, I'm gonna be doing mainly city driving... only taking it off-road on rare occassions.
They're doing a dealer relocate for me, and I'm scheduled to pick up tomorrow night. In the meantime, I'm driving another Unlimited they had on the lot. I'll try to post pic's when I get it!
Yup, getting it dirty for the first time is very interesting. And the bugs, they may as well heve been smashing into my face. But time heals all. You will eventually turn to the dirty side. In time my friend, in time----- John
Well, Randy, one thing about it, those bugs won't have the guts to do that again!
You know what was the last thing that went through their minds? Their butts.
You sound just like me in my early days with Thelma Jane. I used to stop at rest areas along interstates, for Pete's sake, get wet paper towels from the restrooms, and go out and wipe the bug guts off Thelma Jane's grill, hood, windshield, and windshield frame that had accumulated since the last rest stop!!! How bad is that?
It took me 14 months after taking delivery of Thelma Jane before I had the courage to take her off road for the first time. Well, one time and I was hooked! I still cared about Thelma Jane's appearance, but I was willing to let her get dirty at least.
After three years plus of wheelin', she has plenty of scratches and some dings, but it has been worth it for the fun of wheelin'. When I clean her up, she still looks pretty good, but she is far from pristine.
How did you get such a super deal??? $1000 BELOW invoice with another $2000 in rebates? Did I understand you correctly? You actually got the Jeep for $3000 below invoice, once the rebates were applied?
It took me 2 or 3 weeks to find a dirt road to try the Sport out on - I'm definitely NOT obsessive about clean vehicles. I couldn't wait to get the Unlimited out on a dirt road - it look a couple of days to go exploring.
A month or so later I took some really neat photos of a bright and still shiny GiGi up at an abandoned fire lookout tower. I have some photos posted at: http://community.webshots.com/album/219225529PBYpqi .
For all you folks in other parts of the country - be glad you don't live in California.
I paid all kinds of gas prices this weekend. Yesterday it started with $2.31 in Frazier Park. Next came $2.17 in Yermo (of all places). This was the cheapest gas I saw. Mojave was $2.29. This morning I paid $2.19 in Vegas - sure wish it that was cheap around here.
The most expensive I saw was $2.94 in Baker, so I guess I shouldn't feel too bad about our prices. Also, this sort of keeps me from going out and exploring the Mojave desert - Baker is about the only place to get gas around there.
I have recently had problems with my 2004 TJ, after driving at higher speeds (45 +) if a bump was hit my steering wheel and front wheels would shake uncontrolably. After many trips to having the tires and wheels rotated and balanced I finally went to my Jeep dealership. The dealership replaced the steering damper and the problem still occured. The dealership stated my custom wheels were to aggressive, I deceided to remove the aftermarket wheels and replace with the factory wheels. The problem still occured, after another trip to the dealership and 3 days later they finally have come to the conclusion that I have a bad gearbox.
What is a gear box and does this sound like something that could happen?
I was assuming the dealership had checked the obvious, like loose components, before suggesting replacing the box. If he does have any non factory items a dealership usually washes its hands of any problems associated with them (for obvious reasons).
Everything is factory except for the wheels which are not out of line for the warrenty. The tech just stated gearbox but I'm sure your right its a steering gear box. Is this something that just goes bad? I'm more concerned that after the warrenty is up I will experience this problem again.
....Is this something that just goes bad? I'm more concerned that after the warrenty is up I will experience this problem again.................
No, it's not an item with a high failure rate and usually has a long working life. However, larger wheels and tires will contribute to a higher rate of wear than normal, though by how much is hard to quantify.
WOW! I was on vacation and thankfully away from computers. I went back to Ohio to visit family and friends. It's about an 8.5 hour trip with no delays. Well, you know how that goes. I spent an hour going about 2-10 miles per hour through a construction zone :mad: The temp gauge never moved
The bugs were really bad. Tom, you'd have gone through about 10 rolls of paper towels :P My grill, radiator and windshield are filled with bug guts.
To answer a few old posts: 1. 99tj .....hmmm not very original but pretty easy to figure out where that handle came from. :P 2. I'm a graphic designer and work for the Worldwide Leader in Sports (ESPN) Great Job, can't complain. 3. No replies to the spy photos? :confuse: The shape looks interesting. Is it me or did the hood look longer? At first, I was very resistant to the idea of the Wrangler changing. I think we're all naturally resistant to change period, right? I'm now anxious to see what they come up with. Have they really let us down in the past with Wrangler changes? Chrysler's design team is incredible (300,Charger,Magnum..to name a few) and they seem to give carte blanche to their designers. If I could start over, I'd go back to school for Automotive/Industrial design. Seems like it would be a blast.
Yep, I've been shopping around for a while now. I got several offers for $500 below invoice, but i got a call back from this dealer on May 30th, and he told me if I bought one on their lot, he'd give me $1500 below invoice... catch was I had to buy it before month end. They didn't have what I wanted on the lot though... "H' package w/dual tops.
After talking to him, he told me he could "dealer locate" one for me $1,000 plus rebates... I went for it! We couldn't find the color I asked for (blue... only with a hardtop), but he had a silver within 50 miles.
I pick it up tonight!
Watching this forum really has helped me understand the pros/cons about joining the Jeep family (my 1st Jeep), and I thank everyone for their replys.
Now I've got a shoping list of accessories I'm looking at... 1) replace tires w/31" 2) Get side steps. This model didn't have the side step, and I'm thinking about getting the chrome tubes, and get the matching bumpers... Any suggestions about where to get them? 3) Hoist. Looking at the IMC hoist w/crank... seems as though many are pleased with it on this site. 4) Door entry guards (heard there a must if you don't want to ding up the door wells. 5) Bed liner: I'll have the back seat out all the time to give me room for my trips to Home Depot. It'll help me control the dirt that comes with it! 6) Cab Cover: This looks like a pretty cool option to putting the top up every night. I haven't found any real info on this... It just slips over the cab with the soft top down like a car cover, but only covers the cab, and straps down. Know anything about this one?
As you can tell, I'm excited on making it mine! Let me know your thoughts about any of these upgrades I'm thinking about making... especially the chrome bumpers. There are so many options. I like the look of the chrome bumpers, but a little concerned about maintenance/scratching.
Tom: Thank GOD someone is as compulsive as I am (but, my sympathies to you, anyway!).
I not only do the same thing as you, with respect to using paper towels on a road trip, but I actually grab the windshield scraper/squeegee from that nasty, used water and use the bug scraper side to clean my front bumper/grille area off...I've gotten plenty of wierd and/or dirty looks from other motorists who apparently don't appreciate my giving my vehicle a front-end bath with a windshield cleaner they intend on using. Can't imagine why....
On another note....it's forecast for rain here in Tuscaloosa (Alleybammey) today, and God forbid....I get eXcalibur wet and dirty today....arghhhhhhhhhhhhhh.....
Had my first experience putting the softtop up last night in anticipation of the rain; wasn't as difficult as I thought, but the owner's manual is right....it has to be done in the proper sequence or the drip rail tabs are a bugger to insert.
Here's another sick behavior...was only about 150 percent humidity here last night, and by the time I finished with the top, had sweated a pint or so...most of the drops ending up on my baby....I made my wife go inside so she wouldn't make fun of me when I used a soft, wet cotton towel to remove the offending perspiration....
..and if anyone is wondering...yes...I HAVE seen a shrink about my little quirks!
I'm taking delivery on my new unlimited tonight, and spoke to the local GoodYear dealer. They said they would swap out my existing 30" GoodYear Wrangler GS-A's with 31" GoodYear Wrangler RTS's for $19.07/tire plus balancing, and warranty.
Anyway know if this sounds like a good swap?
Will I be getting a better/worse tire? (FYI, I'll be doing mostly on-road driving).
Okay...I've now found the first thing needed for eXcalibur. I've already inadvertently hit the bottom edge of the sill plate with my boots, leaving a few scuff marks (which I can rub away, if I remain careful).
Was searching the Mopar website, and saw their door entry guards, which I suppose to be reasonably priced, "may" require the door(s) to be shimmed.
Need advice...I KNOW there are drivers out there like me (no names...Tom) whom such scuffs would bother, and most likely have the scuff guards installed....was it necessary to shim the door adjustment?
Comments
I've always admired people who loved their work. So what do you retirees do besides cruise around in your Jeeps?
A quick description: Red of course, with full doors/rolldown windows, dark tinted side/back windows, soundbar, leather wrapped steering wheel, Ecco wheel package, air, and a fun 6-speed. Even has a neat little "Trail Rated" badge on the driver's side (I didn't even know I took the test!)
I was worried about missing my Ranger P/U....never, ever again. You all were right on that score. This Wrangler rides amazing smooth, even compared to the Ranger. Folding down the rear seat will give me sufficient cargo room, although I doubt I'd get a load of mulch to take home!
By the way...sure are alot of Aggies around here. Sorta feel targeted, being a Longhorn!
Back to the bragging...um, I mean, cautiously happy attitude I have. Suffice it to say, any doubts I had the past three weeks flew out with the open topped breeze two blocks from the dealer's lot. My wife's had a tough couple of weeks at work, and I haven't seen such a smile on her face in a long time....that in itself was worth it.
Now...if I can just get the hang of putting the top back together in less than 30 minutes! Oh...one more little anecdote....my wife was cranking up the stereo, setting our stations, and I kept feeling a "buzz" on my right hip. Kept reaching for my cell phone (it's always on ring/vibrate). No one there...couldn't figure it out. Then....finally....realized it was some heavy duty pulsating from the subwoofer in the center console....yeah, I'm not the brightest bulb on the tree...
Oh, Terry....I actually thought of Excalibur today during my first drive. You know...great minds and all that.
Sorry for the length of the post, but I'm a bit hyper and manic. Just wanted to tell everyone thanks for the encouragement, and that you were RIGHT. This thing is a blast.
And finally....yes! I have hugged my Jeep today!
Randy
CONGRATULATIONS!
I've got some news for you... the thrill does NOT go away!
Yeeeeeeeeeeehawwwwwwww!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Now, not sure what part of Bama you are in, but maybe you could make a trip up here to good old KY and go wheelin' with me???
Tomster
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
P.S.
Just looked at your profile and saw that you are in Tuscaloosa, so I'm gonna guess five to six hours would get you to Turkey Bay. How about it sometime this summer??? Maybe you and Paul (erickpl) could rendezvous somewhere and convoy up together. He lives in Huntsville and comes up to Turkey Bay once in a while.
P.P.S.
Looked it up on Mapquest, and it is 350 miles and 5 hrs 44 min. according to them. Use Aurora, KY, as your destination city, if you want to look it up.
Tyrannosaurus ReX, or T-ReX for short?
Tomster
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
Call the Jeep TeX!
TeX the X !
Tomster
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
X-lax!
Tomster
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
She is quite Dirty ... but actually looks really good that way
I've been wanting to get over to Coal Creek sometime, so maybe we can hook up there. Think you might want to make a trip to Turkey Bay sometime?
Tomster
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
Laura
And yes she has been hugged (even though she doesn't have a name)
Hitting either of those at speed can be entertaining for onlookers but not for you!
(Couldn't tell if it was the same ones you'd already been through slowly from your post, so I thought I'd pass on the tip anyway).
There are no more Unlimiteds with the options I want (manual, both tops, ....). So I told him i'll pick up my deposit on monday. I got to thinking about other models, but I don't want to get something that I'll regret later. I never drove the Sport or X, only the unlimited, and the price b/w a sport and unlimited is ~$500.
What would everyone recommend? I "could" wait until next year and get a 2006, but it may never happen then b/c of the discount. Is the Sport a pretty good model or will I regret getting it and not waiting for the unlimited?
I miss my Jeep......
Wonder how the dude came out that posted a while back that his engine had ingested some water? He never did post and let us know, did he?
Also, Laura, even though Jeeps are tough, too much playing in water and mud can mean some parts will have a shorter life than normal.
Tomster
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
49500 miles
tks, mark
I've been to Kentucky several times; alas, just passing through. Beautiful, beautiful state. Nothing more I'd love than to have a caravan of Wranglers to pay you a visit. Been there, done that when I was immortal and rode a motorcycle. When I was in the Air Force at my last station (Air Force Academy), a friend and I drove our Goldwings to Austin, Texas...1002 miles driveway to driveway...nonstop. That's another story, but I truly came to understand what truckers mean by white line fever....half the trip I don't even remember due to "zoning out".
(By the way...my ID, randyace, is originally from a forum for Honda Shadow ACE 750. Thus, "ace"!)
It's nearly 8:00 central time here, and I think I'm going to experience some star-lit driving in a few minutes....I've only been out in the garage to ogle at the X oh, several dozen times in the past 3 hours.....
Randy
Check out Jeep Wrangler: Prices Paid & Buying Experience too.
Steve, Host
Yeah it was the one I went thru slowly before ... I am too much of a wimp to go through them too much ... and they were small puddles, the biggest was probably the length of my tire.
I do however appreciate the advise as I am new to all of this, next weekend is Camp Jeep on the Road so hopefully I will learn some more.
Laura
Laura - have a great time at Camp Jeep and be sure to tell us all about this Camp Jeep on the Road. I'd be interested to hear how it compares to the Camp Jeep I went to last summer in California.
Amanda - have fun driving across the country - I've done it a number of times (the first time driving I was behind the wheel of a '69 Opel Kadet that could only do 45 mph down hill because of the roof carrier on it). There's just nothing like having the freedom to stop when you want to, poke around in out-of-the-way places and so on. Is your Sahara an auto? They would be an advantage if you are planning on driving the streets of San Francisco.
All I can say is test drive a Sport, and see how you like it. The ONLY thing different is the shorter wheel base and less cargo room. The Sport will be just as much fun to drive. You just gotta decide how important the room factor is.
Your are right to be careful not to get something that you will not be happy with. Only you can decide what works and what doesn't.
Good luck! I hope whichever way you go turns out to be just right for you. Things happen for a reason, so maybe this is all going to turn out for the best for you.
Tomster
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
1) Would you recommend it?
2) I'm getting an Unlimited, should I feel comfortable that this hoist can really handle storing this hardtop for an extended period of time (i.e. 6 months)?
3) I've read on the website that it mentions "install close to a wall if you want this to be a 1 person job". Not sure what this means. Can one person easily take off the top with a hoist?
4) I've got a tall ceiling in my garage (12 ft)... Will that be a problem? Will I be able to store it close to the ceiling so I can easily get it out of the way?
Thanks, just test drove an Unlimited w/ dual tops yesterday, and REALLY liked the hardtop option, but my only concern is getting it off by myself, which will be the case most of the time.
Thanks for any advice!
Scott
I think they want you to mount the hoist close to a wall so that you can use one hand on the winch control and one hand to guide the top as it goes up or down. The winch mounts to the wall, so if the wall is too far from the pulleys that are directly above the hard top, you can't reach the hard top to guide it as you work the winch controls.
I don't have an Unlimited, but I have a new hoist system and used it by myself to remove the hard top from Thelma Jane last time. Have not yet put the top back on using the new hoist.
I just leave my top hanging in the hoist for storage.
Tomster
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
Hey, welcome to the board. Glad you have posted.
It is really hard to evaluate a deal on a used vehicle without seeing the vehicle. If the guy is advertising it as a V-6, I would have to wonder if he even knows anything about the Jeep. It would be an I-6, not a V-6.
At face value, the deal seems to be good. The mileage is fine for an 01. If the Jeep is in good condition, and with those miles, I would say that the $14,500 is a pretty good price. I think maybe by "big wheel package" he means the 30" tire package.
Wish we could help ya more, but SO much of the price of a used vehicle depends on the appearance of the vehicle. If that Jeep looks to be in really good condition, I think you would be getting a good deal.
Buying a used vehicle always involves some risk. Try to find out as much as you can about that Jeep. Ask if it has ever been wrecked. Ask about its mechanical history. Ask about its maintenance history.
Good luck. Hope you end up with a super nice Jeep at a super good price.
Tomster
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
get it with either top, then buy the other later, it will cost a bit more that way,, but you will have what you want and still get the rebates etc now.
jeff
Went out for a ride last night in some back road, rural areas. Now, I suspect alot of us are obsessive-compulsive, and I have a bunch of quirks. One of 'em is getting a million bugs on the windshield and grille area of a brand new vehicle....and expecially eXcalibur. Arghhhhhh.....
After only 10 minutes of watching those bastards deliberately target my headlights and kamakaze into the windshield, the ride became less enjoyable. Did I mention all those things were bastards????
Which brought up a thought/question...when you got your new Wrangler, was it difficult for you to take it off-road through the mud, etc. for the first time? I know that's what they're built for, but it had to be hard to see something once so pristine to come back looking like, well....muddy and filthy. I think that's going to kill me. I'm obsessive about clean vehicles (barely got in the driveway last night and had the windex and bug scraper in hand working to clean the windshield)....my wife said I was "sick". Probably so.
Someone just please say it sucked getting it dirty for the first time...even if it's not true, I'll feel better!
Randy (and eXcalibur)
Glad X has a name now - good choice!
Yeah, it sucks getting your new Jeep dirty the first time(s). Fortunately, the flat windshield makes it easier to scrape off bug guts!
I don't know how many of the really early "Tomster" posts you've read - say 4 years ago or so. But many of us here will recognize the really close kinship you must have with Tom, based on your dirt and bug comments! Others will elaborate more, I'm sure! We still razz him from time to time; especially after seeing his posts of Thelma Jane wedged into Buttpucker Gulch! He'll give you sage advice on keeping your Jeep in pristine condition! (I think it was a year or so before he ever got Thelma Jane off of pavement.....)
You guys have to be related somehow, trust me!
Enjoy eXcalibur!
Gary
Off-road! Off-road!! I have had my TJ for over five years. The closest it has been to off-road was when I backed off the edge of my driveway once.
You know, over five yours and the thrill is every bit as good as the day I got it. Top has been up and down about eight times so far this year. In the Chicago area, early spring can be fickle, had to put the top up mostly because it was cold, not rain. I never get tired of top down time.
Terry
Got a silver "H package", w/dual tops. I went in wanting a blue, but nothing was available in H package & dual tops for 300 miles. I was able to get $1,000 below invoice, w/ $2,000 in rebates... I'm pumped!
Now, gotta work on getting that hoist I've been asking about, and looking into trading in my tires for some 31"s. Any suggestions on what kind of tires to look for? FYI, I'm gonna be doing mainly city driving... only taking it off-road on rare occassions.
They're doing a dealer relocate for me, and I'm scheduled to pick up tomorrow night. In the meantime, I'm driving another Unlimited they had on the lot. I'll try to post pic's when I get it!
Thanks everyone for all of your advice!
Scott
You know what was the last thing that went through their minds? Their butts.
You sound just like me in my early days with Thelma Jane. I used to stop at rest areas along interstates, for Pete's sake, get wet paper towels from the restrooms, and go out and wipe the bug guts off Thelma Jane's grill, hood, windshield, and windshield frame that had accumulated since the last rest stop!!! How bad is that?
It took me 14 months after taking delivery of Thelma Jane before I had the courage to take her off road for the first time. Well, one time and I was hooked! I still cared about Thelma Jane's appearance, but I was willing to let her get dirty at least.
After three years plus of wheelin', she has plenty of scratches and some dings, but it has been worth it for the fun of wheelin'. When I clean her up, she still looks pretty good, but she is far from pristine.
Take care of Xcalibur.
Tomster
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
Congratulations! Yeeeeeeeeeeehawwwwwwwwwww!!!!!!!!!!
How did you get such a super deal??? $1000 BELOW invoice with another $2000 in rebates? Did I understand you correctly? You actually got the Jeep for $3000 below invoice, once the rebates were applied?
Happy for ya, Dude!
Tomster
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
A month or so later I took some really neat photos of a bright and still shiny GiGi up at an abandoned fire lookout tower. I have some photos posted at: http://community.webshots.com/album/219225529PBYpqi .
I paid all kinds of gas prices this weekend. Yesterday it started with $2.31 in Frazier Park. Next came $2.17 in Yermo (of all places). This was the cheapest gas I saw. Mojave was $2.29. This morning I paid $2.19 in Vegas - sure wish it that was cheap around here.
The most expensive I saw was $2.94 in Baker, so I guess I shouldn't feel too bad about our prices. Also, this sort of keeps me from going out and exploring the Mojave desert - Baker is about the only place to get gas around there.
What is a gear box and does this sound like something that could happen?
Thanks
It's under warranty so let them replace it, and be sure to post back with the results.
Does your Jeep have a lift kit on it, or is your suspension bone stock?
This could very easily turn out to be a loose trac bar. That is one of the most common causes of that wobble you are experiencing.
The gearbox they must be talking about is your steering gear box. I'm going to be very suprised if a new steering gear box will solve your problem.
Mac, what's your take on this???
Tomster
Have you hugged your Jeep today?
I was assuming the dealership had checked the obvious, like loose components, before suggesting replacing the box. If he does have any non factory items a dealership usually washes its hands of any problems associated with them (for obvious reasons).
Thanks and I will update with any new info.
No, it's not an item with a high failure rate and usually has a long working life. However, larger wheels and tires will contribute to a higher rate of wear than normal, though by how much is hard to quantify.
I went back to Ohio to visit family and friends. It's about an 8.5 hour trip with no delays. Well, you know how that goes. I spent an hour going about 2-10 miles per hour through a construction zone :mad: The temp gauge never moved
The bugs were really bad. Tom, you'd have gone through about 10 rolls of paper towels :P My grill, radiator and windshield are filled with bug guts.
To answer a few old posts:
1. 99tj .....hmmm not very original but pretty easy to figure out where that handle came from. :P
2. I'm a graphic designer and work for the Worldwide Leader in Sports (ESPN)
Great Job, can't complain.
3. No replies to the spy photos? :confuse:
The shape looks interesting. Is it me or did the hood look longer? At first, I was very resistant to the idea of the Wrangler changing. I think we're all naturally resistant to change period, right? I'm now anxious to see what they come up with. Have they really let us down in the past with Wrangler changes? Chrysler's design team is incredible (300,Charger,Magnum..to name a few) and they seem to give carte blanche to their designers. If I could start over, I'd go back to school for Automotive/Industrial design. Seems like it would be a blast.
-Dan
After talking to him, he told me he could "dealer locate" one for me $1,000 plus rebates... I went for it! We couldn't find the color I asked for (blue... only with a hardtop), but he had a silver within 50 miles.
I pick it up tonight!
Watching this forum really has helped me understand the pros/cons about joining the Jeep family (my 1st Jeep), and I thank everyone for their replys.
Now I've got a shoping list of accessories I'm looking at...
1) replace tires w/31"
2) Get side steps. This model didn't have the side step, and I'm thinking about getting the chrome tubes, and get the matching bumpers... Any suggestions about where to get them?
3) Hoist. Looking at the IMC hoist w/crank... seems as though many are pleased with it on this site.
4) Door entry guards (heard there a must if you don't want to ding up the door wells.
5) Bed liner: I'll have the back seat out all the time to give me room for my trips to Home Depot. It'll help me control the dirt that comes with it!
6) Cab Cover: This looks like a pretty cool option to putting the top up every night. I haven't found any real info on this... It just slips over the cab with the soft top down like a car cover, but only covers the cab, and straps down. Know anything about this one?
As you can tell, I'm excited on making it mine! Let me know your thoughts about any of these upgrades I'm thinking about making... especially the chrome bumpers. There are so many options. I like the look of the chrome bumpers, but a little concerned about maintenance/scratching.
gotta go for now...
Scott
Scott
I not only do the same thing as you, with respect to using paper towels on a road trip, but I actually grab the windshield scraper/squeegee from that nasty, used water and use the bug scraper side to clean my front bumper/grille area off...I've gotten plenty of wierd and/or dirty looks from other motorists who apparently don't appreciate my giving my vehicle a front-end bath with a windshield cleaner they intend on using. Can't imagine why....
On another note....it's forecast for rain here in Tuscaloosa (Alleybammey) today, and God forbid....I get eXcalibur wet and dirty today....arghhhhhhhhhhhhhh.....
Had my first experience putting the softtop up last night in anticipation of the rain; wasn't as difficult as I thought, but the owner's manual is right....it has to be done in the proper sequence or the drip rail tabs are a bugger to insert.
Here's another sick behavior...was only about 150 percent humidity here last night, and by the time I finished with the top, had sweated a pint or so...most of the drops ending up on my baby....I made my wife go inside so she wouldn't make fun of me when I used a soft, wet cotton towel to remove the offending perspiration....
..and if anyone is wondering...yes...I HAVE seen a shrink about my little quirks!
Have a great day...
Randy
Anyway know if this sounds like a good swap?
Will I be getting a better/worse tire? (FYI, I'll be doing mostly on-road driving).
Thanks,
Scott
Was searching the Mopar website, and saw their door entry guards, which I suppose to be reasonably priced, "may" require the door(s) to be shimmed.
Need advice...I KNOW there are drivers out there like me (no names...
Tom) whom such scuffs would bother, and most likely have the scuff guards installed....was it necessary to shim the door adjustment?Thanks.
Randy