Anyone consider a Jeep Wrangler?

I had a 2 dr early model JK before the Tacoma and loved it. Had it up on 33s, overall about 5" lifted from stock. Had a handful of minor issues along with the famous death wobble that got taken care of then an oil leak problem that may well have been the head gasket.

But...Back seats were always out, doors almost always off unless it was snowing. Thing was a blast. I loved driving it, even though even with a V6 the 3.8 was dismally underpowered. But anyway kids happen and needs change. I found myself needing to haul and tow things regularly with my business and the farm, the jeep didn't make sense anymore. The 2dr can't effectively haul or tow much of anything.

I do miss taking the doors off and just the fun of driving it. I hope someday to buy a beater TJ or something to have some fun with, but that day is not soon.

 

What's the reason for the change of heart?

 

My 2015 had a leaking oil cooler and a bad main buss which made the horn go off and had to drive 20 miles with a blaring horn. Others had defective oil filter housings.

 

I came from a a YJ 1990 Wrangler and a 2013 Wrangler and couldn't agree more, two completely different beasts.

The Tacoma is Excellent offroad if you're into desert driving= High speed sand driving. My Tacoma can go 3x the speed while being twice as smooth. In terms of rock crawling, there is no substitute for short break-over and departure angles and solid axles. Jeep has a winner if you want to take it the extra mile but most never do.

all three tacomas and 2 wranglers have been reliable for me having driven 60k+ min. on each. The character of a jeep is unmistakable and is something that (if you were a jeep owner prior) you will always miss and want to go back to.

You cant really go wrong with whatever you choose as long as you acknowledge each vehicles weaknesses

 

Just getting bored with the Taco. It’s also starting to nickel and dime me and I’m just not having the passion to put time or money into it. It’s just not what I want anymore

My step dad had a JK a few years ago and it rode a lot nicer than the Taco. So the nicer ride on and off-road with even better mpg to boot doesn’t sound like a bad deal.

When I wrote that post two years ago, “Jeep” was only TJs and older in my mind and I didn’t consider a JK “a real Jeep” but I’ve since gotten over it. And the 3.6l Jeeps seem to be just as reliable as my current Taco.

 

Wife drives a 2018 JLU Rubicon. I drive the Taco. Best of both.

 

Owned several wranglers and several Tacoma’s. Having a truck is way more practical.

 

The grass will always seem to be greener on the other side..

I love my taco, as it just seems to be more practical and as you stated before is more likely to be reliable than a Wrangler.

 

i get the the whole jeep thing, they are cool..... but when I think jeep i recall the simplicity of my dad's '79 CJ5, not today's Fiat Rubicon....lol.... and please don't start with the flaming about technology advancements, reliability, etc..... I get it.... I just like the general purpose vehicle era of Jeeps......besides, if I didn't need the cargo room of a Taco I'd have a 4runner...

 

Beater TJ, good luck! Lol. They’re so overpriced right now it’s insane.

 

She’ll love it. Congrats.

 

Or just wait for this.

 

Unless you paid 10k for it, I’m not sure you’re being realistic lol

 

Looks cool, but Jeeps are dead. It was probably the ugliest part on a jeep, but once they stopped using trailer lights for tail lights, the Jeep died.

Yeah I know Jeeps once used the round trailer lights for tails, maybe it died twice.

 

Ive never owned a Jeep. What keeps me away is the reputation that they are poor road-trip vehicles. My buddy who owns one describes driving it on the highway as being akin to “trying to push a piece of rope down a hallway”.

Not really my thing, but undoubtably they are very capable off-road vehicles.

 

That’s fine but I don’t see many wrangler owners day dreaming about a Tacoma. At this point, everything I toss in my tacos bed can be tossed in the back of an SUV. I’m also not towing much anymore either. I honestly believe a Jeep with more interior space would be more practical for me.

And what’s wrong for wanting to sell something you’re no longer passionate about? At some point, you have to just throw in the towel and drive what you enjoy. When I wanted a compact truck, I chose the Tacoma and I’ve been riding in these things since 15. Now I want an off-road oriented SUV so that brings me to a 4Runner or Jeep. I’d consider a 4Runner but I want those locked solid axles haha.

 

Definitely go for the Jeep. Way more parts too for your off road needs. I seriously thought about a 2018 Wrangler unlimited, but they start at $38K. Way over what I wanted to spend.

 

Yes I was planning on saving up for a JLUR but I think I’m okay with saving a few bucks and going with a newer JKR.

 

I compare it to driving a loaf of bread into a hurricane when they’re lifted and stuff

 

Getting harder to find the 2018’s. Don’t know how I like the 2019 body. If you’re lucky enough and can find an ‘18 next month or October, you should get a good deal.