Considering buying a new Jeep Wrangler...opinions??

[Jeanne B]

Ok, I've really wanted an older 2-dr soft top Wrangler for a few years now ever since renting one during a land vacation in the Virgin Islands...and maybe I'm going through a mid-life crisis now, LOL, because I'm a recently divorced 40 year old female and I'm seriously thinking about skipping the idea of buying an older one as a second vehicle with more chances of mechanical problems and instead trading in my Toyota Rav4 this winter or coming spring for a 2010 Wrangler, either the Sahara or Rubicon...am I nuts??? My one concern, living in New England, is how warm the newer jeeps are in the winter (I know I could get the dual option which would also include the hard top that I could use in the winter months). Resale value isn't really an issue to me and I have minimal debt and an emergency fund so I wouldn't be buying a "toy" that I can't afford. I know the 2 doors aren't the most practical but I'm really not interested in the 4-door model and it's just DD16 and I so the back seat of my Rav doesn't get used much as it is now.

Does anyone have one of the newer model Wranglers or know someone that has one? If so, I'd love to hear any opinions!!

 

[bunkkinsmom]

I SAY DO IT!!!!

We have a 97 Jeep Wrangler and it is our "extra" car. Basically we share our van and then use the Wrangler when we need to.

LOVE LOVE LOVE MY JEEP!!!

 

[NatashaDisneyCM]

I sat in every model Jeep had back in Nov. because I was considering it myself. They are way to small inside for me! In every model! I cannot even seeing anyone sitting in the backseat!
so I went with the 2010 dodge ram with a hemi! now those have room!
good luck with what ever you do thou, I say do go for the 2010. the warranties etc are great!( or maybe I got a great deal because I am close friends with the guy who runs the place)

 

[Minnie]

I've always wanted one of those but even on a smooth high man do they ride rough.... You might see if a dealer would let you try one overnight just to make sure you want to make the change. I bet you will really notice the difference. But I have to admit I still like them

And if you're not concerned about the resale value and have the budget to get what you want... then really why not

 

[rockydek]

My son bought a brand new Jeep Wrangler 2 door Sahara on June 4 2009.
Its been in the shop for repairs 3 times.
Make sure you check it out ....He traded in his 2008 Honda Civic SI and I think he wishes he kept it.

 

[pumba]

we are from maine too and we had a few in our younger years.....only thing was the wheel base is smaller then most cars that travel the roads and we came home one night from a relatives home and we kept on moving all over the road because we didnt stay in the wheel tracks of the car in front of us..typical maine snow storm problems...a state trooper pulled us over and we told him what was going on........he thought we were plowed......hahaha.
We were warm enough and our two kids were in the back seats and they were warm too.......that was not an issue for us.......
Good luck and have fun ......as we got older we went from having two different wranglers to a jeep cherokee......talk about luxury......we were in heaven,....

 

[Jeanne B]

My son bought a brand new Jeep Wrangler 2 door Sahara on June 4 2009.
Its been in the shop for repairs 3 times.

So much for my thought that a new one wouldn't have much chance for mechanical problems, LOL. I've had my Rav for 3 years now, it has 70k miles on it and other than regular maintenance I've only had it in the shop once, and that was covered under my warranty.

we are from maine too and we had a few in our younger years.....only thing was the wheel base is smaller then most cars that travel the roads and we came home one night from a relatives home and we kept on moving all over the road because we didnt stay in the wheel tracks of the car in front of us..typical maine snow storm problems...a state trooper pulled us over and we told him what was going on........he thought we were plowed......hahaha.
We were warm enough and our two kids were in the back seats and they were warm too.......that was not an issue for us.......
Good luck and have fun ......as we got older we went from having two different wranglers to a jeep cherokee......talk about luxury......we were in heaven,....

What a funny story about getting pulled over by the state trooper. Well I guess I'm going backwards as I'm getting a little older since I'm thinking about going from the more comfortable, practical SUV to the fun vehicle, lol.

Thanks for the feedback everyone, this is what I love about the DIS...I'll take my time to do some research, test drive a few and who knows, maybe I'll end up sticking with my original idea of buying a good used one just for summer use and keep my Rav.

 

[Golf4food]

I would be hesitant to purchase anything under the Chrysler umbrella right now, frankly. There is no prmoise they will even be in business next year, no promise they will uphold any warranty, and no promise the residual value on any Chrysler vehicle will not plummet and be practically worthless. If you are willing to take on all of those risks and intend to keep it for many years (like 10 of them) then by all means go ahead - you can probably get a good deal on one. Otherwise I would look for a two year old model in good condition so you don't take as big a hit in residual value if the worst should happen. There is a chance, however, that Jeep would be bough up by another company if Chrysler does go belly up, and that might mitigate things slightly. Still a bit of a crap shoot right now.

 

[natenapril]

We have a 99 Wrangler and love it. We feel the soft top stays warmer than the hard top but we live in Alaska where it gets COLD. I would get both tops. We have the hard top, soft top, bikini top and are planning on getting the emergency top soon as well.
I REALLY want a four door wrangler but just can't justify the cost. But at the end of 2010 when my debts are paid I WILL get one.

 

[minkydog]

Well, I'm 53 and definitely having a mid-life crisis cuz I bought my 1998 Jeep Wrangler last spring and I LOVE IT!! Yeah, it's small. I can't carry the whole dance team. And it drives like a truck. It's loud, it's windy. But, man! is it fun! Mine is racin' red and still looks hot for an 11yo car. In the summer I have the top off as much as I have it on.

I have had no problems with my Jeep, other than one of the zippers on the soft windows jumped the track and I had to duck tape it closed. Definitely not a deal-breaker. Come summer I'll just take the window out and let the wind whip my hair around.

My jeep has a great A/C and heater--it will just about put you outta there. I live in GA, so our weather isn't extreme, although we get plenty of rainy 30s, with the occasional ice storm or snowfall. Good thing I have 4 wheel drive

 

[Jeanne B]

I would be hesitant to purchase anything under the Chrysler umbrella right now, frankly. There is no prmoise they will even be in business next year, no promise they will uphold any warranty, and no promise the residual value on any Chrysler vehicle will not plummet and be practically worthless.

I hadn't thought of that, might be another reason to stick with buying a good used one.

We have a 99 Wrangler and love it. We feel the soft top stays warmer than the hard top but we live in Alaska where it gets COLD.

Interesting, I would have thought the hard top would keep it warmer than the soft top.

Well, I'm 53 and definitely having a mid-life crisis cuz I bought my 1998 Jeep Wrangler last spring and I LOVE IT!! Yeah, it's small. I can't carry the whole dance team. And it drives like a truck. It's loud, it's windy. But, man! is it fun! Mine is racin' red and still looks hot for an 11yo car. In the summer I have the top off as much as I have it on.

I have had no problems with my Jeep, other than one of the zippers on the soft windows jumped the track and I had to duck tape it closed. Definitely not a deal-breaker. Come summer I'll just take the window out and let the wind whip my hair around.

What a great post, sounds like you're very young at heart for 53, that's awesome!!

And good 'ole duct tape...it always works wonders.