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? about the 2012

3K views 40 replies 22 participants last post by  dustyc 
#1 ·
Hi guys! I'm thinking about buying my first jeep. Im 56 and have had lots of cars and trucks and bikes, but never a jeep. I swear buy toyotas, have had 5 including the one i drive now, a 2000 tundra , i bought it new and i still love it. But theres nothing out there like a jeep.(Believe me if toyota build a fj that you could take the top off i would buy it.) Im through with bikes, it hurts when you wreck, I want something i can take the top off ,throw the dog in back and head to the hills. I'm not going to beat it into the ground or rock crawl it. It will probably never have the top on it. I will drive it when its not raining and my tundra when it is. My question to you that know, am i going to be happy with a new jeep? Will i constantly have to take it back to the dealer to get stuff fixed? Will it leak fluids? (my toyotas didnt). Honestly, will it be a piece of s---? I have a friend that just bought a new 2011 (i told him to get the 2012,) he didnt listen) it leaks water on the floor, which im not too conserned about , the auto tranny over heats going up a 10 degree hill. etc. (im getting a manual tranny) but hes not too happy with his. Im pretty critical of my vehicles and will be a dealers worst nightmare if I have a ton of problems. What do you guys think? Also, i can afford a new one (will get a sport) but wonder if the pre 06's are better? be honest here.I value your expertise. thanks mike
 
#2 ·
Hi guys! I'm thinking about buying my first jeep. Im 56 and have had lots of cars and trucks and bikes, but never a jeep. I swear buy toyotas, have had 5 including the one i drive now, a 2000 tundra , i bought it new and i still love it. But theres nothing out there like a jeep.(Believe me if toyota build a fj that you could take the top off i would buy it.) Im through with bikes, it hurts when you wreck, I want something i can take the top off ,throw the dog in back and head to the hills. I'm not going to beat it into the ground or rock crawl it. It will probably never have the top on it. I will drive it when its not raining and my tundra when it is. My question to you that know, am i going to be happy with a new jeep? Will i constantly have to take it back to the dealer to get stuff fixed? Will it leak fluids? (my toyotas didnt). Honestly, will it be a piece of s---? I have a friend that just bought a new 2011 (i told him to get the 2012,) he didnt listen) it leaks water on the floor, which im not too conserned about , the auto tranny over heats going up a 10 degree hill. etc. (im getting a manual tranny) but hes not too happy with his. Im pretty critical of my vehicles and will be a dealers worst nightmare if I have a ton of problems. What do you guys think? Also, i can afford a new one but wonder if the pre 06's are better? be honest here.I value your expertese. thanks mike

I think it will be everything that you want, I just bought a '12 and this is my first Jeep as well.

About your friend's '11 though, sounds like it's broken? I had a rental '11 and drove it all over Colorado, including 16% grade roads, mountain passes, and the auto never over heated.
 
#3 ·
At 2000 miles on my 12 Rubicon I can say it's the most fun vehicle I have ever owned at 48yrs old. I have been buying German cars for a long time now and figure I will have more issues with the Jeep. All that being said the smile factor is off the hook.....
 
#4 ·
the '12 jeeps as you may already know have the new pentastar engine, a 3.6L instead of your friend's 3.8L and also 85 more horsepower and slightly better fuel economy. I doubt you'll be disappointed with a new jk. you should go test drive a few of them and then test drive anything older than a '12 and you'll feel the difference. either way, '12 or not, you'll love it. I sincerely believe that. good luck.
 
#6 · (Edited)
These are some really weird questions. I can't imagine what kind of answers you think you're going to get. :confused:

Here's my take:

My question to you that know, am i going to be happy with a new jeep?
I have no idea what will make you happy. Most people that drive Wranglers either love them or hate them.

Will i constantly have to take it back to the dealer to get stuff fixed? Will it leak fluids? (my toyotas didnt). Honestly, will it be a piece of s---?
As with any vehicle, you could end up with a lemon, but it's unlikely.

I have a friend that just bought a new 2011 (i told him to get the 2012,) he didnt listen) it leaks water on the floor, which im not too conserned about ,
You realize that we all just didn't buy 2012s, right?

For a variety of reasons (not powered, interchangable soft/hard tops, doors and windshield are removable, etc.), Wrangler tops are more prone to leaking than "ordinary" convertables. Most don't leak for a while though, and if they do it is covered under warranty like anything else.

the auto tranny over heats going up a 10 degree hill. etc. (im getting a manual tranny) but hes not too happy with his.
That's because he needs to install a trans cooler, which is a simple $50 or so fix. I think this was the subject of a TSB if I'm not mistaken. It's not an issue with the 2012s, whether auto or manual.

Im pretty critical of my vehicles and will be a dealers worst nightmare if I have a ton of problems.
Okay.

What do you guys think?
I think you should buy one.

Also, i can afford a new one (will get a sport) but wonder if the pre 06's are better?
If money isn't an issue, would you buy a 2006 Corvette or a 2012 Corvette? The TJs are different--and some people prefer them--but they're not "better." From a technical standpoint in terms of reliability and capability, Jeep didn't take steps backwards. Just because some folks prefer classic cars doesn't mean those classics are (from a technical standpoint) "better." It just means some folks prefer them.

Let me put it this way. If you offered 100 jeepers the choice between a brand new TJ (no longer being produced, but just imagine) and an identically equipped brand new JK, I would expect the vast majority would choose the new JK. Not all would. Some prefer the TJ. But most would choose the JK.
 
#7 ·
These are some really weird questions. I can't imagine what kind of answers you think you're going to get. :confused:

Here's my take:



I have no idea what will make you happy. Most people that drive Wranglers either love them or hate them.



As with any vehicle, you could end up with a lemon, but it's unlikely.



As with any vehicle, you could end up with a lemon, but it's unlikely.



As with any vehicle, you could end up with a lemon, but it's unlikely.



You realize that we all just didn't buy 2012s, right?

For a variety of reasons (not powered, interchangable soft/hard tops, doors and windshield are removable, etc.), Wrangler tops are more prone to leaking than "ordinary" convertables. Most don't leak for a while though, and if they do it is covered under warranty like anything else.



That's because he needs to install a trans cooler, which is a simple $50 or so fix. I think this was the subject of a TSB if I'm not mistaken. It's not an issue with the 2012s, whether auto or manual.



Okay.



I think you should buy one.



If money isn't an issue, would you buy a 2006 Corvette or a 2012 Corvette? The TJs are different--and some people prefer them--but they're not "better." From a technical standpoint in terms of reliability and capability, Jeep didn't take steps backwards. Just because some folks prefer classic cars doesn't mean those classics are (from a technical standpoint) "better.'

More clap clap clap here
 
#11 ·
:thumb:

Take one on a long test drive. That's really the only way to start to get a handle on whether they're for you.
 
#9 ·
^^^ Excellent post above. I love my '12 and wouldn't trade it for any other vehicle. I've done more wheeling with it in it's 2000 mile life than I had in most other vehicle's life time. I also had to take it in due to a leaky axle seal!!! Oh the horror!!!!! I had it back the same day, runs perfectly, no leaks and has been nothing but fun. I've driven Toyotas and have always found them boring to drive with little to no fun factor. It's all in the eyes of the beholder. I bet you would have fun in your new Jeep, haven't really met anyone that didn't swear by their wrangler, but everyone is different.
BTW- my wife started out with a Toyota land cruiser. Great car, but it leaked everywhere and was always having a problem. It REALLY does depend on the specific vehicle you get, some are perfect...others not. :whistling:
 
#12 ·
No no, you were told "The only WRONG question is the one that isn't asked." So your question wasn't WRONG, but it was weird. :D

Kidding aside, what I meant is that you are of course asking WRANGLER ENTHUSIASTS if you'll like a Wrangler. I mean really, what kind of answer do you expect? We ain't here because we HATE Wranglers, trust me.

So go get on that test drive . . .
 
#14 ·
Might I suggest driving the different geared ones as well between the 3.21 and the 3.73s and just compare the different options available you might be surprised. Good luck, I just rolled 1,000 miles on mine and I smile every time I walk up to it. My wife hated it at first but now she jokes about stealing it.
 
#15 ·
It's probably not going to be Toyota reliable but then again it can be. I've had 5 since 97 and have owned a 4runner, MINI, BMW, and a Pathfinder in that time also. My Jeeps never really gave me any problems other than what I did to it. Other than my MINI, my Jeeps have all been real fun and good experiences.....I say go for it an get a 12, it will have a warranty so you will know by the end of it whether or no to get rid o it.
 
#22 ·
I just got my 2012 JKUR friday after ordering and waiting 7 weeks. Its my first jeep. Ive rented other jeeps on vacation but the quality and refinement in my new one is beyond compare to the rental ones. I cant peel the smile off my face and 400 miles on it in the first two days proves that!!!
 
#23 ·
Just don't buy a Jeep. What will happen is this: You'll have some minor problem, easily fixed under warranty, and then you'll be back here telling how fantastic your Toyota's were (regardless of any repairs you might have had on them).

Your mind has already been poisoned against Jeeps ("Will it leak fluids?"). Despite everything in favor of the Wrangler, its relatively excellent value vs any Toyota product, and the availability of a comprehensive Lifetime Warranty from the factory for a very reasonable price, we've seen your type here before. You will be waiting and watching for any signs of it being a "piece of sh*t" as you say, and I guarantee you will find a reason to think of it as such.
 
#24 ·
I was a 20+ year Toyota owner until last Friday. Just bought a 2012 JKU just in time for the weather to cool down here in Indy - down to the seasonable 50's and 60's from the 80's where its been for a few weeks. Can't wait for the warmer weather!!!! Crossing my fingers that 1) I can still pull my 2700lb boat with the 3500lb tow rating of the JKU and 2) I don't have any major issues with the vehicle.

My Toyota's were as reliable as the sunrise and sunset. Hoping for the best with the Jeep.
 
#26 ·
I was a 20+ year Toyota owner until last Friday. Just bought a 2012 JKU just in time for the weather to cool down here in Indy - down to the seasonable 50's and 60's from the 80's where its been for a few weeks. Can't wait for the warmer weather!!!! Crossing my fingers that 1) I can still pull my 2700lb boat with the 3500lb tow rating of the JKU and 2) I don't have any major issues with the vehicle.

My Toyota's were as reliable as the sunrise and sunset. Hoping for the best with the Jeep.
You'll be back here complaining when a light bulb blows or the glove compartment creaks :)
 
#25 ·
I am inclined to agree with the post above. My axle leak, though it was so small and incipient that it never tainted my garage floor, was absolutely a non issue as it was resolved quickly and well. I don't view my wrangler as tainted, ruined or garbage despite this small manufacturing defect. It sounds like you already view toyotas as vehicular perfection, why not stick with that brand? Like I said before, even toyotas aren't perfect nor are they anywhere near as reliable as everybody touts them to be in my experience. You should buy what YOU feel comfortable with. It's an awful lot of cash to spend on something you have reservations about.
 
#28 ·
Slightly different perspective....I am a little younger (but not much) I started driving Jeeps in the Army over 30 years ago, SO you realize these were the first Jeeps. But I was hooked.

I bought one in '94 when family and finances finally allowed. I traded it off after a few years, because "she didn't like it". ( I traded her off a few years later)

I got my '04 Sport in '04 and it is my DD. It has 150K+ miles. I like the sound, the feel, the little bit of lift I have, and the friends I have made going to "Jeep things". I do get it muddy a few times a year, but am harder on it on the street than off road.

I purchased a '12 JK Sport in Dec. It has 5k miles on it now, had 4 miles when I got it. It is my pleasure ride, weekend, evening cruise, highway vehicle. It gets 22mpg consistently on the highway. It gets 18+mpg consistently around town. It is a soft top. It is a totally different feel than the '04 TJ.

For me they both have their place............ if I had to choose just one?......probably the JK just because it has less miles, so it should last longer.

And (at my age I appreciate) the JK doesn't have as high of a step over into the inside of the vehicle.

I have had no problems with my JK and very few with my TJ......TJ normal wear items, water pump and clutch only "major" things.

Someone else said it best earlier, you either will love a Jeep or hate it.
 
#33 ·
I've owned 4 toyotas (2 currently), this is my first Jeep. I wouldn't make a comparison between them, as my 13K mile 2012 Jeep has seen more hard core use than any of the Toyotas I owned, including my Tundra which I still own and was my primary overland vehicle for 2 years. I put in at least 4000 miles off pavement on the Jeep, hauling a trailer each time, on several trips already. So, if I have to perform major maintenance at 30K miles when it's been working this hard since it hit the 500 mile mark, I will absolutely not equate that to the fact that it is a Jeep. And I think people expect to treat a vehicle like a Jeep and use it like a Jeep, but expect street sedan maintenance schedules. Lets be realistic here, Jeeps are Jeeps, and run on 35" tires and 4.5" of lift (like mine), and crawl over rocks, drive on sand, plow snow, and all other goodies. I don't expect much more than 100K miles with this kind of treatment from any vehicle. But, if something does happen, I'm covered by the extended warranty.
 
#34 ·
So, I have owned toyotas, but currently am enjoying my hassle free 2011 Wrangler. Each wrangler seems to be different from the next. I have talked to plenty of jeep owners (jk) that have had leaks, burn oil, or other problems that I do not have. Even the 12's are not without problems. Read the threads. IMO, if you want a jeep, get a jeep and enjoy it, regardless of the faults that it might/ might not have. There is nothing like it. Fact of the matter is, the next Toyota might be just as bad as any jeep could be. Can't go topless in a Toyota though.
 
#35 ·
The real issue with Jeeps is not that they're poor quality vehicles with a short lifespan. Quite the contrary, look at how many ultra-high mileage Jeep vehicles are on the road. Jeeps (well, the Wrangler and Cherokee series anyway), are generally "beefy" and long lasting.

Nor is the engineering a problem.

Individual components are also of good quality.

The issue is final assembly. That's where I think most issues come from.

Interestingly, what this means is that most problems happen earlier in the lifespan of the vehicle, rather than later. Again, in my experience, once you get through repairing those things that weren't done right on the assembly line, you can expect hundreds of thousands of miles of reliable use.

This is in contrast to a "piece of crap" that may start off ok, but gets progressively worse as time goes on.
 
#36 ·
I am approaching your age soon and just bought my first Jeep, a 2012 Sahara 2dr hardtop.

The Jeep may be considered by to be somewhat impractical, due to it's smaller interior and the ride can be a little on the rough side at times, but the fun factor, which is why most of us buy Jeeps, cannot be beat.

In my opinion, it is a great vehicle that I will look forward to driving for many years.

Go for it, while you are young enough to still have some fun in ii!
 
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