Jeep Wrangler guys...Get in here!!

Since I'm jeep ignorant, I don't know what it actually is, but there's one for sale at the Kubota dealership near Sanford.

I saw it covered in frost this morning, and it was still there when I came back by around 3pm.
 
Get something else!!!

Jeep is an acronym
Just
Empty
Every
Pocket

Seriously, if you really want one, the old inline 6 only with a manual transmission only. An older Cherokee or Grand Cherokee with the same engine would also be a great 4X4 to have some fun in, even though they only come in automatic IIRC. The Grand Cherokee with the smaller V8 is also great (5.2 Liter?). It made decent torque at a very low RPM.
My 96 XJ was a stick. Damn I miss that thing.

GTDKhZ3uqRMQh0nfRBYAT7TzM1bNqr6pM24YgaSsbTe3ITxSINPB99857fFWoWIZIjGWbDmo5MNQc5VErhNYqmmFFZBmKNngEBdwrgjnve5A_LHvPmJyM0GfiuWOTr7Al4ZAV0Bln2GzjSIUBGhsEfuauwMUMQHr92aKivrI1nd_kqG1dLAidWrbNLNei04vc-poc0WIUDbIUOPnLbFdL6TucwybG5C2P2EENBDoZZHo5j1s4yZvQwPusqdMpF2RoJDLPsHxXbCxccYtrdPZCKptQ5iLtp7kJrELWsK7fE4skF7JZvUlVCTPJ5N24QGLXSyLMwu9WxqaMk_Uok-eDgyOVK6RlL_9WfEmxilox05LVVUkBFuYm80mMadky3k8nKhjssLoEQp8-6AgPHvONfcr-tyrDwFYrphcdXhQ89U0kKW-Qhp41-fm6Ko4vJZR9WzeQzzs_OYXsmR0IE8EjyWOL5yQraWg2UUzYkB7s2lrz_anrlKwuMQkmJ1vRM6b6WtUpBGa5X3qZug-sGsW8ZJKWGhRY9h1Uqv6jey37W0Re9_ccjV09sbfVJZbQYL3hNnk6HUHtfLUCZmIZxBLUTeSo8g2K4oFySVhITwr0u0Pxe6usT1gCaPYBUCPPmJPbPPDLAkakS9J1rxMqs5x3PdauE9ERWVAnQlR_74lMFZq5vOxv4fRbML8Ha2wVWxBEFy-uDnaJYKviQtOFDZ_uaVaGvaCeC5hJvU2mc1K-VdFAG10dD9UUfDD-yIrIRaz4bmbvKhdrGgdwfE_MFtMuEw49_7D2hvwg7nljTHeXJk3r5Z3thYIkPEe-fGEukFiwWSaLUnTlKwfLQerJSrmhL8ft-P2u-HRVjPNe9gQG_l8bpfvkijtdn4Ga5em1M3iQ8UcHtFmr9ObA7--4uxjpfCDx93cjVfLkp3X8mtQufIuWaL5hH_jjoFIqmLbWJfxiFFgs7FnapX8mEHNy0Ol=w800-h600-no
 
I used to work for a Large Jeep dealership in Concord NC have to tell you that I think that jeep people are just crazy. Now that I got that out of the way,, we had a female customer ,professionally dressed all the time and always complaining about her Wrangler, heard her say that JK ment Just Joking. She a few years later she trades in her JK to the newer model and continues to complain at least twice a month about the vehicle. Heard a service advisor mention to a customer that as new /upgraded models emerge, that its like putting lip stick on a pig. People get into the idea of owning a Wrangler, buy the soft top model and then complain about wind noise and tell us FIX it under warranty. Hard tops with removable panels leak water they complain. I answer with yep, they do. They put big lift kits on their mall crawlers/ that they can now see/ and then complain about rust spots on the frame rails and suspension and want it fixed under warranty. Don't take me wrong, Jeep Wranglers are probably the most off road capable vehicles ever sold. When I was faced with a difficult new Jeep Wrangler owner complaining about everything, I would tell them this. " You just bought a vehicle that's capable and designed to climb up a side of a mountain, some comfort and ride quality will have to be sacrificed " The more sane customers then understood what they bought and shut up.
 
I used to work for a Large Jeep dealership in Concord NC have to tell you that I think that jeep people are just crazy. Now that I got that out of the way,, we had a female customer ,professionally dressed all the time and always complaining about her Wrangler, heard her say that JK ment Just Joking. She a few years later she trades in her JK to the newer model and continues to complain at least twice a month about the vehicle. Heard a service advisor mention to a customer that as new /upgraded models emerge, that its like putting lip stick on a pig. People get into the idea of owning a Wrangler, buy the soft top model and then complain about wind noise and tell us FIX it under warranty. Hard tops with removable panels leak water they complain. I answer with yep, they do. They put big lift kits on their mall crawlers/ that they can now see/ and then complain about rust spots on the frame rails and suspension and want it fixed under warranty. Don't take me wrong, Jeep Wranglers are probably the most off road capable vehicles ever sold. When I was faced with a difficult new Jeep Wrangler owner complaining about everything, I would tell them this. " You just bought a vehicle that's capable and designed to climb up a side of a mountain, some comfort and ride quality will have to be sacrificed " The more sane customers then understood what they bought and shut up.

You are correct some people have unrealistic expectations for them and don’t understand it that you don't buy a jeep wrangler to have a a plush riding convertible car. Newer models are closer but its still not a car and will
not ride like one.
 
This /\....... I love my Jeep. I''ve been fortunate enough to not spend much after purchase. I did have to redo the front brakes and replace the computer but for a 25 year old vechicle thats not bad. Ive had it now for about about 8 years. The only after market parts on my Jeep are the rear bumber aftermarket, and I switched to a newer model front bumper so I could have the towing hooks.
 
I had an '09 that I put 45,000 absolutely trouble free miles on. On delivery I had them remove the carpet and take the side and back covers and the doors off....leaving only the top on to stay outta the sun. I drove it for 5 years and 45,000 just like that. Winter and summer....I would go to the dealer for service and after hearing so many people complain about their Jeep "leaking", when the service writer would ask me what I was there for I would always say...It's Leaking Everywhere!!! They always got a big laugh outta that.....
I bought it in 2009 when Chrysler didn't know if they were going to be in business the next day or not. They were offering a Life Time Bumper To Bumper Warranty for the original owner!!! I paid $16,000 for that Wrangler OTD. Five years later I Sold it to the dealership and Bought a 2014. They handed me a check for $16,000. In 5 years they had gone wild in sales!!! That was quite possibly the Worst vehicle decision I ever made in my life!!! While I absolutely enjoyed the new 2014...I had NO REASON to sell the 2009....I could have kept it Forever and had a lifetime warranty!!! Stupid Is As Stupid Does!
As @Lager said above...you have to understand what it's purpose is...I would NEVER own one as an Only vehicle.
 
I’ve had 2, both LJ’s, both 2006, and both silver, lol.
I’ll see if I can dig up a pic or two.
 
I have an ‘01 TJ and love it. I’ve done a little bit of everything to it though… Lift, slip yoke eliminator on transfer case, Ford 8.8 rear axle swap, light bar, etc.

Being completely honest though, I really prefer my XJ or ZJ. My TJ is fun, but it’s completely impractical. It has no room, sucks on gas, sucks in the snow, BUT it goes absolutely anywhere off-road that I want it to.

I’d stay away from the newer models… I’ve heard lots of horror stories with electrical issues that cripple the vehicle. I’d aim for a TJ/LJ or older.

45A9B0DD-16C6-4593-985F-D81AF5FC1AC0.jpeg
 
Drove a 6.0 LSx swapped 00 TJ last week. Pretty fun. Stock axles and 6 cylinder 5 speed manual.

I miss my 94 YJ.
 
Last edited:
This is from Forbes 2023 list of 32 vehiclies to avoid in the new year. #16 "
Jeep Wrangler/Wrangler Unlimited

Though some might argue the iconic Wrangler and its four-door Wrangler Unlimited version are among the best-performing off-road vehicles, they suffer from limited passenger comfort, harsh and erratic ride and handling abilities and excessive wind noise at higher speeds. True, they get great resale value, but the Wranglers placed among the lowest scoring models in Consumer Reports’ testing, with the Unlimited also falling on its worst-values list; the original Jeep’s descendent also gets low marks in initial quality, performance and reliability from J.D. Power.
 
the best-performing off-road vehicles, they suffer from limited passenger comfort, harsh and erratic ride and handling abilities and excessive wind noise at higher speeds.

I thought that was the draw? LOL

I’ve had two…I’d never have one as my only ride…for the reasons above. And never a 4 door.
 
And, with the OPs budget of around $10k, he isn’t looking at the newer models anyway
 
I think the world is telling me to get a Jeep. Ordered takeout from a spot we never go too, found a ‘04 4.0 Auto 165k miles Columbia Edition for sale in the parking lot asking 10,500. Though I just realized there’s a bullet point “professional frame repair”, guess I better ask the title status.
 
I have owned: 1948 Jeep..1976 Golden Eagel..1978 Levi Edition..2004 Wrangler..2006 Wrangler..2009 Wrangler...2014 Wrangler 4 Door...2015 Wrangler...2016 Rubicon..2017 Wrangler converted to a Pick Up...2018 Wrangler...2018 Wrangler 4 Door...2020 Gladiator Sport...2020 Gladiator Overland...2020 Gladiator Mojave...
My favorite....2009 Wrangler Sport
Just came across this again....RS and I ordered a 2023 Willys Extreme Recon in January...got an EM saying it has shipped....this one will be a keeper.
 
Just came across this again....RS and I ordered a 2023 Willys Extreme Recon in January...got an EM saying it has shipped....this one will be a keeper.
I’ve got $20 on 90 days. 😂
 
I have owned: 1948 Jeep..1976 Golden Eagel..1978 Levi Edition..2004 Wrangler..2006 Wrangler..2009 Wrangler...2014 Wrangler 4 Door...2015 Wrangler...2016 Rubicon..2017 Wrangler converted to a Pick Up...2018 Wrangler...2018 Wrangler 4 Door...2020 Gladiator Sport...2020 Gladiator Overland...2020 Gladiator Mojave...
My favorite....2009 Wrangler Sport
That's got me beat by a few. 👍 I have owned: 1949 Willys wagon..1953 CJ-3B.. 1963 Gladiator step side pu..1976 CJ5 6cyl/rare factory 4 speed..1977 CJ5 "Levi Strauss" Renegade 304 3spd..1978 CJ7 hardtop 6cyl 3spd..2000 Wrangler 6cyl 5spd and currently a 2011 2 door Wrangler 6cyl automatic.
 
Last edited:
We ordered a ‘24 Sahara on Feb 3. Just got the email today showing it’s progressed from “order confirmed” to “scheduled”.

Next steps:
In Production
Vehicle Built
Shipped
Delivery
IMG_1783.jpeg
 
Back
Top Bottom