Jeep Wrangler as a DD

[Fundguy1]

Steel box frame and solid axles do not equal a good DD or baby buggy in most locations. For off road and driving to off road locations they rule however.

[mmmmQuattro]

Isn't a new model just around the corner?
I bought one for my daughter last year and it wasn't my favourite car to drive.
The solid front and rear axles mean that if you hit a bump you really feel it and you are constantly working the steering wheel to keep it going straight.
It's pretty crude and old fashioned, but heaps of people like them, so it really comes down to, if you like it after a long test drive - go for it.
Modding is great, as there's so many parts available and they are way cheaper than BMW parts.

[Fundguy1]

Solid axels only advantage is when you set them up for off road use you can get much more vertical wheel travel. That's why they've been retrained on the wrangler.

[waterbottle1]

I got a jku for a DD.
It's not really the softest ride on stock suspension. And pretty much all panels can come off if you wanted it too.
If you ain't gonna wheel it. The grand Cherokee are very nice too if u like them jeeps.

[j_marinelli]

I just traded in my daily driver Fiesta for a used xterra pro4x. Very happy with it though Im surprised Nissan discontinued the Xterra.

[Fundguy1]

The new jeep is lighter, aluminium frame I believe, better mpg, will have a diesel option, manual option, and pickup option. If I was buying one, I'd get all 3 of those options.

[BloomRunsDubs]

Originally Posted by jlstyle

Is it due to the low top speed? I mean I rented a wrangler in Hawaii for a week and I think it hauled us ok except the excessive noise from the tire. Any other concerns I should be aware of?



I thought Jeep was a Jeep. Do you think I should still consider a newer model even if I won't be using the car for off roading? I'll be using it 95% for my point A-B driving only.



Yes this is the main reason for considering the wrangler. Relatively cheap, good resale value, a car to go for rough weather, kid mess friendly.

Partially the low speed and partially because I have 35 inch tires on mine that are crappy for high speed driving. I like to cruise at 80 on the freeway and it just isnt the best

[Nister]

My wife and I have been daily driving Jeeps for several years. They suit the job well and are a lot of fun. Currently have a 2015 rubicon 4dr and a 2011 Sahara 2dr. They are great in any weather, reliable, very good resale value. Biggest issue as a daily driver for most people is gas mileage, i avg around 14.5 city/hwy mix- but not an issue to me.

[jlstyle]

Originally Posted by Nister

My wife and I have been daily driving Jeeps for several years. They suit the job well and are a lot of fun. Currently have a 2015 rubicon 4dr and a 2011 Sahara 2dr. They are great in any weather, reliable, very good resale value. Biggest issue as a daily driver for most people is gas mileage, i avg around 14.5 city/hwy mix- but not an issue to me.

They look great! I love the rubicon color. Yes, gas mileage isn't an issue for me because my X5 already averages less than 15 city/hwy mix.

[Nister]

Originally Posted by jlstyle

They look great! I love the rubicon color. Yes, gas mileage isn't an issue for me because my X5 already averages less than 15 city/hwy mix.

Thanks! The rubicon is copper brown pearl. Took some time to find the exact combination I wanted- this color with matching top/fenders, tan leather, navi, etc.

Better photo of it-



My plan with it is to keep it fairly stock, subtle exterior mods. Being a rubicon its more capable than my abilties.

[Official NOCO]

Originally Posted by bdkinnh

There are two soft top choices from the factory: basic and premium. The premium is thicker, so gives little more sound protection, but even with that I wouldn't want to be in one for more than a couple of hours on the highway. With the hardtop you can add more insulation, which makes it even quieter, and I'd be willing to do a long road trip in it (if someone else was paying for gas).



My 2009 was slow, but my 2015 has the 285 HP engine, and I have no complaints.



Huh? Not sure what being top heavy would have to do with snow performance, but mine is a goat in the snow.

My bad should have noted it is bad in the snow when you're in the mountains. Here in AZ the only snow we see is high altitude of course. Top heavy is an issue when it comes to switchbacks on mountains, lots of roll overs out here. But yeah solid point of course the newer models like the OP wants are more advanced. Just sharing my experience with the 2005 model.

[Fundguy1]

Personally I'd prefer the hardtop in the snow. Rollovers are user error. The hard top keeps you warm and protected, and thr added weight helps your tires dig through the snow instead of floating on top of it.

[bdkinnh]

Originally Posted by Fundguy1

Personally I'd prefer the hardtop in the snow. Rollovers are user error. The hard top keeps you warm and protected, and thr added weight helps your tires dig through the snow instead of floating on top of it.

The hardtop is only 100 lbs (slightly more for the 4 door), so it's traction assistance is negligible at best.

It does keep you warm, though.

[KingOfJericho]

Originally Posted by Fundguy1

The new jeep is lighter, aluminium frame I believe, better mpg, will have a diesel option, manual option, and pickup option. If I was buying one, I'd get all 3 of those options.

There has not been confirmation that the diesel would be available with a manual. It would be cool and I think it makes sense but it hasn't been formalized, from my reading.