Anyone also own a Jeep Wrangler?

I did a build-to-order for my 2006 Wrangler Sport. I always wanted a Jeep, and I wanted to get the last of the TJs. I briefly drove it as a daily, but I didn't want to use it for that, or expose it to road salt, which is dumped on the roads here in the Midwest! I've made multiple trips out west for camping and trails, with what would only fit in the back, and later to pull a small box trailer (that I recently sold). She's even been featured in 4Wheeler magazine!

I've kept her looking stock, but most of suspension has been changed out with a mixture of manufacturer parts, including dual batteries for a Snomaster fridge in the back. It is solid axles, so the ride is rougher then my Tacoma on pavement and dirt. She's no speedster, but that's not where she shines. The TJ's flex is excellent, and she climbs hills like a mountain goat. I have property in the Black Hills that I'll be moving to in a few years, where she'll get plenty of use on all of the local trails. I'll never sell the TJ. (Oh, and I'll probably keep my Tacoma just as long!)

Last fall: I did some work on leveling the suspension as it was sagging in the rear. She's on 33s which is enough for my use. There is a Currie AntiRock in the front, and the front and rear diffs each have a Detroit TrueTrac.




Last summer: In CO, after driving the Rim Rocker trail.




2019: Overland Expo East, Virginia (on second trip East).




2019: A stop in Durango, CO.




2019: Alstrom Point, UT, after 4Wheeler magazine's Overland Adventure reader's ride, and Overland Expo West. Lake Powell was about 1,000 feet below, and it was windy that night!




November 12, 2005. Funny looking, I'll admit!

 

Had a Tacoma, thought I wanted to be a Jeep guy. Sold my 2006 Tacoma and bought a new stock 2014 Jeep JK. After 4 years I sold the Jeep and bought another new Tacoma.

 

I’ve had 3 jeeps.
1990 YJ
2003 TJ
2016 JKUR

Have loved every single one of them. Regretted getting rid of each one, but am also Loving the ‘23 Tacoma TRDOR I traded the Rubicon for.

 

This is how I made my 2015 JKU-R one of the most enjoyable vehicles I’ve ever owned:

 

Never.

Borrowed several variants in both 2 door and 4 door from a few V6 Sport models, to Saharas with the street tires, to Rubicons with M/Ts. Even took the V8 variant home and aside from the torque it had, every single one of them felt like a POS.

 

Ya, I have a 2006 "LJ".... 6 MT, premium package. 2" BDS, 33x10.50's.... was my DD for 9 years or so, worked fine for me, but happy it is just a summer toy now.

 

CJ’s are way more fun

 

I loved my JL sport s. It was by no means a comfortable ride but it was great fun. I didn't even mind it when my wife and dog got tossed around in the car whenever we go over a single speed bump. The resale values on them are incredible too. I am fortunate to have had no problems with my old jeep so it wasn't quite a money pit for me!

 

I had a new 06 2 door Rubicon. It was trouble free for the most part but with off road tires it was a challenge to have a conversation on the freeway.

 

a anti-theft jeep JK has a 6-speed manual

 

Starlink? I have yet to see ‘em.

 

My 2017 Recon has a manual and it's pretty clunky. I prefer the feel of it over the JL's cable operated system.

 

I've owned 1 CJ, two TJs a YJ (For a few days, yuck) an MB I dearly loved, and what I traded my current DCLB for, a 2013 6 speed manual JKRU.
I've been to 6 EJSs, including one with an 88 Samurai, but none with my Taco.
I can tell you none of them were what I'd call reliable, but they were great on the trail.
My last FCA product ended up costing me $2700 worth of upper engine work, and even then, has cam sensor issues.
I put more than 50k miles on that Jeep and it hit my 3.6 Pentastar right at the dreaded 90,000 mark.
At one point I was part of the FCA Pentastar lawsuit that was recently partially dismissed, but gave that up after reality set in.

I loved a lot of my Jeeps, but overall I don't believe they currently offer a viable long term quality & reliable product.

I wouldn't ever buy another new Jeep product personally.
However my brother is just days away from taking delivery of a 392 Rubicon JL that I'm sure will be a blast to drive around in.....just not something I'd personally spend 100k on.
I'll not be buying any new Jeep products myself, based on experience.

 

I sold my Lifted 2006 Liberty CRD after I bought the Tacoma as a replacement. I sort of miss it's Quirkiness and Diesel Clattering. My BF has a 2015 Wrangler Unlimited sport softtop. I think it's fine. So far as I have seen it has been reliable not needing any repairs in over a year or more. Since I'm going to be doing maintenance on it now I like how the Pentastar V6 has the oil filter canister up top. It should be easier than the Tacoma to do an oil change. The bad is I had trouble with it the first time because the quick change places it was going to over tightened and rounded off the darn drain plug.

I think the Tacoma rides a bit smoother on the highway and being it has enclosed solid cab is much much quieter. However riding with the top open in good weather makes it hard to complain about that. Both are very popular and good vehicles to experience. Wranglers are fun to drive. I'm not sure I would want to live with one as a daily driver especially with a soft top. The times I've gone off road with Jeeps of all types and other 4x4s I'd have to agree that, that is their place where they shine for sure.

 

I've considered buying a Jeep to leave up at my cabin. They are cool and are very capable offroad vehicles. But I honestly have never personally known a Jeep owner that didn't regret buying one.

 

Buy one!!!!! I would recommend getting an older TJ over a newer one!!!

 

The '23 two door I drove, albeit quickly, was pretty nice and the ZF trans was, as they always are, very good. (It was the 3.6 as well) I just don't trust 'em long term and their safety ratings are sad, which sucks because the idea behind the platform is a good one and I like the thought of a truck with a simple design language (interior and exterior) I wouldn't say no to one as a third vehicle for beach days and some dumb fun or if I had a farm or cabin property or something. Always thought LJs were pretty cool too. I used to get annoyed at Jeep bros but Toyota bros are just as annoying, so that part nowadays is just a draw.
I'd probably buy a clean XJ at the right price though. Maybe a two door Bronco? Toyota outta give us a short wheelbase option, I'd be in.

 

everyone complains of the jeeps safety rating until you have to use it. This jeep was hit on the rear quarter
and pushed off the freeway at 75 rolled six or seven times. driver has some bruising from the seatbelt.
Bad part it only had about 753 miles on it. It did start with a hardtop on it. I don't
think my tacoma would protect me as well.

 

That is good to hear and glad that driver walked away safe. Last I looked there were lower ratings for passengers versus the driver but I'd have to look again for the new stuff. Heard 24s got some upgrades too. At the same time I'm dailying my 1st gen which just has a front bag for driver/passenger and thats it, so I'd hesitate to say its worse than that anyway.

 

I own both and my friend also owns both. But util toyota puts in a roll cage the jeep is better
in a rollover. IF you have your belt on. and don't have a lot of crap inside to fly around LOL