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Looking to buy - need suggestions

1K views 7 replies 6 participants last post by  The General 
#1 ·
I'm in Montreal Canada and am looking to buy my first car (age 37 - we have good public transit, regardless of what people say). I've always been partial to the look of YJ and wranglers. I've figured out what I need as a min, and a couple things I would like to avoid, but I can't seam to find what I'm looking for.

1) I would prefer a non-removable top, but I understand its not really an option on these models. what options are the best to keep the vehicle warm and can deal with our winters. and what am i giving up in comparison to a perm top vehicle.

2) I don't need a huge 4 door vehicle, I think 2 doors is sufficient for me. But i want 4 seats. what base should i start with. Also note question 1.

3) I'm not looking for a complete off road vehicle, but some thing that can easily deal with snow piles. I don't have a permanent parking space and would like something that won't need to be COMPLETELY dug out every snow storm. Say able to climb 2 feet of packed snow.
 
#2 ·
From your description of what you want you have no idea what a Jeep is all about and what it is or does. Please do not buy a Jeep. Buy something else. PLEASE!
 
#3 ·
While I realize most want a jeeps for Fun, I'm being realistic. 90% of the time it will be used for city driving, and I would prefer something that will be comfortable during the winter which can get pretty cold. 90% of the time it will be just me. The last 10 % will be weekend stuff and to be realistic I won't need Dune buggy or rock climber, I want to go to the Laurentians, and its back road which most of the time a normal car will do. I've already been in situations the I had to leave cars for 2 months until the weather gets better because it could not get threw the roads and tow truck would not come.

My ideal vehicle is 2 door 4 seat, not too big, but can squeeze extras in when needed in a crunch. I prefer the higher vantage point over a sedan and I like the space it give (I'm 6'2". The main reason I never got a car before was I really don't want to deal with Montreal winter snow, and want something that can just go threw it. Montreal gets 2-3 storms a year that drop around 2 feet. The fact I like the aesthetics of a wrangler is bonus.

I was hoping someone would be able to explain to me the benefits of a jeep, instead of just saying DON'T. While I like the concept of a removable top on maybe 2-3 weekends a year, I don't consider it worth daily troubles with de-thawing & scrapping it daily in the winter if it doesn't have a de-icer. I was hoping for smaller 2 door to save on Gas, versus 4 door which raises the gas mileage, but I don't think you can get 2 door 4 seats in any variation.

I'm just trying to make an educated decision.
 
#5 ·
Not sure if you already made your decision but here is what I think. Driving my JK Sahara in and around Montreal was great, specially in winter... can't tell you how many STM buses would get stuck on a stormy day and I would go drive around for fun and I'll skip the unplowed city streets parking stories which always get some Honda civic guy upset!

BUT... Jeep is not for every one. Don't get me wrong, it's by far the best 4x4 but some people might find a wrangler uncomfortable or shakes too much (wobble) ... anyways! I still prefer all these to the roads asphalt quality of Montreal! You really need to like what wrangler is, and its capabilities to enjoy driving one everyday, every minute!

Go to several dealers and try one... drive it for a while to see if that's what you want! If you have a little doubt than I would say go for something more regular, wrangler is not for you.
 
#6 ·
You should really do some research. Go into a dealership and ask some questions and take a look at some 2 and 4 doors.

I will give you some info Based in the concerns you have expressed. Yes all wranglers have removable tops. But if your concern is security, the hard top is as secure as any other vehicle. It takes removing 8 bolts to take off the top (not like someone can just come along and lift off the top.) and they keep the heat in plenty well enough in the winter.

Not sure what you meant by wranglers not having 4 seats. Both 2 and 4 doors have a rear bench seat and easily seat 4. But the 2 door doesn't have great leg room in the rear. Also, with the 2 door, keep in mind there is almost no usable cargo space in the back if you keep the rear bench in/up.

I've had my 4 door for almost a year now and couldn't be happier. I did have some plans for a few mods but a baby on the way have put a damper on chopping up my 1 year old JKU. Hoping to pick up a TJ for a play toy in the near future.

Wranglers are very capable vehicles and I've actually pulled a few people out from being stuck in snow or mud. It would definitely live up to your needs.
 
#7 ·
Wranglers are great vehicles. I work in a dealership and we see all sorts of people who have lots of misconceptions of what a wrangler is like. The new pentastar engine is awesome. The average purchaser of a wrangler is in the city 90% of the jeeps life. It is great in the city and a load of fun. The freedom top is a blast and every part of the year down process is quick and easy once you overcome the learning curve.

Purchasing a wrangler is an easy decision. I'm on my 5th one. I would recommend them to anyone up to a family of 4. My kids love our jeeps.
 
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