12 years with my everyday Jeep Wrangler JK
Discussion
Arizona is a very Western place, bone dry , huge skies, endless distances, desert flora, canyons, wilderness. This is where the winter house is located.
When it came to adding a second car down there to the old SL500 the choice seemed simple.
Jeeps were cheap and classless, fit the landscape and don’t change very much over time. Further, I wanted to something I could take out of some offroading and not worry about expensive bodywork and paint repairs.
In 2012 I went down to the local Jeep dealer in Scottsdale. They had a huge inventory unlike in recent years. I told him I want a 4dr JK Wrangler Sport in Gecko Green. “ Sure” he said..”Hop in”.
We drove to an enormous lot with hundreds of Jeeps and a few in the colour and spec I wanted. How much?
“$35k”
Had them add running boards, gave them a certified cheque and drove it off the lot next day.
I still have it . A couple of years ago I thought about trading it for a JL, the newer and better model, but they wanted an insane premium over MSRP and it was just not worth it to me. Retail prices are also a lot higher these days and they don't change THAT much:
The thing has been to Death Valley, Monument Valley, California, Nevada, Utah, New Mexico and in all sorts of obscure places in Arizona.
What needed replacing:
Although it is a simple vehicle, there have been a number of items:
Fairly heavy on tires; on my fourth set in 60,000 miles.
Fifth windscreen. Common issue with the flat upright glass, though cheap to replace if you don’t go OEM
New fuel pump
Then, a friend borrowed it and took it on an an advanced off-road event. That resulted in new bumpers, new running boards and a new fuel tank. No frame damage.
Things I dislike about it:
-Not a great highway car. Slow,tends to wander, crap seats especially in the back.
-Heater leaves rear seat passengers freezing in winter.
-Headlights are appalling, worst I have ever had.
- no stability control or driver aids.
Things I like:
-Cheap to fix and paint is protected by the plastic bumpers,running boards and wings.
-Proper 4x4 and has a real low gear if you need it.
-Wheels are at the edges so you can drive up and down very steep terrain without any overhang.
-ideal for desert trail driving
-Dog has travelled in it since she was a puppy and interior is cheap and sturdy.
feels like it fits in Arizona.would never have one in the city in Canada.
Overall it has been a good vehicle and inexpensive.Very low depreciation also. Cant imagine being without one. Far from a perfect vehicle but definitely fit for purpose in Arizona.
When it came to adding a second car down there to the old SL500 the choice seemed simple.
Jeeps were cheap and classless, fit the landscape and don’t change very much over time. Further, I wanted to something I could take out of some offroading and not worry about expensive bodywork and paint repairs.
In 2012 I went down to the local Jeep dealer in Scottsdale. They had a huge inventory unlike in recent years. I told him I want a 4dr JK Wrangler Sport in Gecko Green. “ Sure” he said..”Hop in”.
We drove to an enormous lot with hundreds of Jeeps and a few in the colour and spec I wanted. How much?
“$35k”
Had them add running boards, gave them a certified cheque and drove it off the lot next day.
I still have it . A couple of years ago I thought about trading it for a JL, the newer and better model, but they wanted an insane premium over MSRP and it was just not worth it to me. Retail prices are also a lot higher these days and they don't change THAT much:
The thing has been to Death Valley, Monument Valley, California, Nevada, Utah, New Mexico and in all sorts of obscure places in Arizona.
What needed replacing:
Although it is a simple vehicle, there have been a number of items:
Fairly heavy on tires; on my fourth set in 60,000 miles.
Fifth windscreen. Common issue with the flat upright glass, though cheap to replace if you don’t go OEM
New fuel pump
Then, a friend borrowed it and took it on an an advanced off-road event. That resulted in new bumpers, new running boards and a new fuel tank. No frame damage.
Things I dislike about it:
-Not a great highway car. Slow,tends to wander, crap seats especially in the back.
-Heater leaves rear seat passengers freezing in winter.
-Headlights are appalling, worst I have ever had.
- no stability control or driver aids.
Things I like:
-Cheap to fix and paint is protected by the plastic bumpers,running boards and wings.
-Proper 4x4 and has a real low gear if you need it.
-Wheels are at the edges so you can drive up and down very steep terrain without any overhang.
-ideal for desert trail driving
-Dog has travelled in it since she was a puppy and interior is cheap and sturdy.
feels like it fits in Arizona.would never have one in the city in Canada.
Overall it has been a good vehicle and inexpensive.Very low depreciation also. Cant imagine being without one. Far from a perfect vehicle but definitely fit for purpose in Arizona.
RoadToad84 said:
Thanks for sharing. I have a soft spot for these, bit feel the "cool" factor attracts a premium above and beyond the intrinsic value of the car, see also LR Defender, VW Camper etc.
That said I'm considering getting an H3 Hummer for gits n shiggles, so disregard my opinion entirely!
Always buy what you like!!.. not much cool factor in the US as Jeeps have typically been a lot cheaper than LRs and VW campers are not common and not great for the roads I bump around onThat said I'm considering getting an H3 Hummer for gits n shiggles, so disregard my opinion entirely!
Quhet said:
Looks like it's been used properly and I love the colour!
Did your friend cover the cost for the offroad damage? I'd be pretty furious if it were mine
Offered but I covered it. Did your friend cover the cost for the offroad damage? I'd be pretty furious if it were mine
Not as bad as when someone had a track mishap in my Porsche years ago. Still, they are just cars and things go wrong sometimes.
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