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JKU without off-roading

3K views 36 replies 28 participants last post by  EdwardB 
#1 ·
Going on 69 and not having any kind of crisis but I think I'd like a Jeep. Motivated in part by resale value which more than justifies price. Unlimited because ease of access to rear and additional space, hard top (quieter, more protection from elements), automatic and dual tranny for eventual toad use behind future MH.

Sport S as seems to have options wanted (power windows, locks - comfort items), automatic for most reasonable price. Reading and Youtubing A LOT but no decision on Sport S or if Sahara might be better.

No off-roading in sight. Really like the possibility of making it my own with accessories. No lift, bigger rims/tires, winch, etc. contemplated.

Fuel economy is a minus but believe expected 2018 with 9 speed and lighter weight will help a lot with that. Hopefully I can wait that long but spend a lot of time daily on this Forum, the FCA website and YouTube of course.

Family thinks I'm nuts, that it's a vehicle for young kids or younger folks and why a JKU if I'm not planning to leave the pavement?Well, because of its potential as a toad, great resale and being a "different", very customizable vehicle.

What say you? 2017 now or wait for JL? Sport S or Sahara?Continue with this (or maybe an equally "toadable", better mileage, "practical" but less caché Cherokee) or look elsewhere?

From the bottom of my heart, with all sincerity, please, fire away, let me have it with both barrels. Indebted.


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#3 ·
You only live once - if you want a Jeep, get one. Go with the 2017 and if you like the JL, trade the JKU in for one.

I'd go Sahara or Sport S. Either will be fine. You can add leather (go for the upgraded sound system even if you don't think you want it). Sahara will give you LED lights, body color trim and auto headlights standard, along with 18" wheels and I'm sure a few other things that I'm missing. Just make sure to opt for the 3.73 ratio if you're gonna get larger tires. Otherwise, you'll be fine with the 3.21 if you stick with the standard 31's.


Good luck!
 
#4 ·
I say go for it. We're ordering our first Wrangler, a JK, within the next few months. We're probably getting a Sport S, which has all the options we want, but a Willys Wheeler W is tempting for the cool-factor, for only a little bit more.

We thought about getting a 2018 JL, but most folks on here agreed that you should "never fly the A model." We wouldn't want anything earlier than a 2019, which would hopefully have the major bugs worked out. If the JLs turn out to be awesome, you can always trade your JKU in on one eventually.

What state are you in?
 
#5 ·
I say go for it. We're ordering our first Wrangler, a JK, within the next few months. We're probably getting a Sport S, which has all the options we want, but a Willys Wheeler W is tempting for the cool-factor, for only a little bit more. We thought about getting a 2018 JL, but most folks on here agreed that you should "never fly the A model." We wouldn't want anything earlier than a 2019, which would hopefully have the major bugs worked out. If the JLs turn out to be awesome, you can always trade your JKU in on one eventually. What state are you in?
If you can afford the Willys W I'd say go for it. Just remember, in the 2 door I believe you still have to pay extra for the AC ($1,200), yeah I know dumb, but what are ya gonna do.

Check out Club Willys here - very active thread and you can get lots of good info.
 
#8 ·
Family thinks I'm nuts, that it's a vehicle for young kids or younger folks...
I'm sure they mean well, but tell 'em you don't stop doing stuff because you get old, you get old because you stop doing stuff.

If you want the thing, buy the thing. Why wait?

Mark
 
#22 ·
Perfect!

Only thing I might add is that you should test drive a couple of them before you decide on what exactly you want.
 
#9 ·
I'd also recommend a Willy's in your case. Any vehicle is a poor investment. If you want something to tow behind a motorhome, a Jeep is one of your best choices. Most of my family doesn't get my Jeep choice either and I'm 37. I could care less. It's what I like and what I want. I've been able to take my family to some amazing and beautiful places that you can't really get to in other vehicles. I have a ten year old girl who smiles ear to ear when the top and doors are off and her hair is blowing around like crazy. Those are my favorite things. Someday, I'd like to end up living in an RV and towing a Jeep behind it. Just my wife and I. You're 69. Don't end up at 89 and wishing you'd done this 20 years ago. Go buy that Jeep right now.
 
#12 ·
Well I have at least 2 dealers close by here in the Treasure Coast of Florida I can start visiting. ***** (?) in Va. sounds like the way to go if ordering and will try to now learn more about the Willys. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Yep. If you don't mind the trip up they're hard to beat. They will do 7% below invoice on a Sport or Willys for you. They'll even pick you up at the airport.
 
#15 ·
I am 69 and in February I bought a used 2010 JKU Sport. My Blazer was 15 years old and rusted to the point where it was unsafe to drive. I found the Jeep in a Ford dealer's used car lot. I took it out for a test drive and felt at home in it right away. Mine is a 6 speed stick with a hard top and a few unneeded extras like air conditioning, power steering, power windows and door locks.

I needed the extra cargo capacity of the JKU because we go canoeing and camping a lot. I also haul a lot of musical instruments and sound equipment. I don't intend to go off road with it. And I don't go mall-crawling with it (I haven't been near a mall for 20 years). I bought it because it suits me.
 
#16 ·
I say go for it too. I see a lot of jk's as toads. They are nice to have and great resale. I have a jku sport. I added side steps remote start and heated seats. The heated seats I plan to have in any vehicle I buy in the future. Jeeps are the best vehicles to put your own touches to.


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#17 ·
I also say go for it. A few months ago, I spent a week with a 2015 2-door Sport S as a service loaner vehicle, fell in love and didn't want to give it back, and bought a new 2016 2-door Sahara 75th Anniversary.

I've been down a few rough back roads that would be impassable in a regular car, but I also don't have plans for any serious off-roading, or lifting the suspension, or putting on bigger tires. So you're not alone.

A lot of the reviews of the Wrangler are bad, but I don't agree. Other than the poor gas mileage, a Wrangler makes a good everyday car. Sure, it's noisier and bumpier than, say, a Malibu or something.....but the ride and noise quality is on par with, if not better than, something like say a RAV4.

As much as I like manuals, I chose the automatic because I'm always exploring, stopping, backing up to look at things, stuff like that. I have another car that's a manual for when I want that. The automatic is good and I don't think you'll regret it.

As far as Sport S vs. Sahara, take your time and virtually "build" the Wrangler you'd like on Chrysler's website. Many things are optional on the Sport, including things you never thought of like air conditioning! I was going to buy a Sport because I liked the basic, rugged looks of it, but then by the time I added the power accessories, hard top and air conditioner, the Sahara ended up costing very little more.

I see a few here recommend the Willys. The small extra cost is a bargain for what you get with it, and it looks cool. But I suspect that the upgraded suspension and tires are only going to hurt ride quality and make it noisier. I haven't driven one myself, that's just what I suspect.

2016/2017 vs. the new JL? There isn't a whole lot of information about the JL out yet. My guess is it'll likely be more fuel efficient, safer, and have much better electronics. Hopefully it'll keep most of the classic Jeep styling....I hope they don't mess that part up.

Basically the only two real flaws I see in the current JK is fuel economy and technology. The optional navigation radio is very old technology and doesn't even remotely compare to the slick setup in my Grand Cherokee. On the other hand, the JK navigation gets the job done. Put an address in and it'll get you there. And even if JL fuel economy is better, how much better can it really get? It'll still be a heavy vehicle with poor aerodynamics so my guess is it'll only be a little better. How much do you drive? How much do you like the latest technology? Really up to you here.

So yeah.........get one!
 
#18 ·
Jeeps are for all ages, youtube search the "sun city west big wheels club" which is a senior club.
 
#19 ·
I've researched a lot, too. We're planning on going through Koons. It's nearly impossible to get a good deal in Florida, I've already checked around. The demand is just too high. Koons will give you 7% off of invoice with no haggling and no tricks that I've discovered. We plan to fly there and drive back on non-interstate roads so we're not forced to maintain the same speed and RPM on a brand new vehicle. When you're ready, I recommend that you talk with Craig Benner there. His e-mail is:

cbenner1988@gmail.com
 
#20 ·
I'm your age. I didn't buy my Wrangler to go off road bashing, I have a Polaris Ranger for that kind of stuff. The main reasons for the Jeep were size, easy handling, and getting up my driveway in the winter time. It's the perfect vehicle for me. I've always had pick up trucks, but they are getting outlandish. Got rid of my diesel truck and couldn't be happier.
 
#21 ·
After debating for the last few years in which Jeep Wrangler, my wife and I finally decided on a 2016 JKU Willys Wheeler. Do not plan on doing major rock climbing or off-roading, just forest trails and dirt roads. We have a Polaris rzr for places like Moab, and I can pull the rzr with the Jeep. Whatever you decide, just make sure you get at least the 3.73 gears.
 
#23 ·
You're a great bunch of guys (and gals?!?). Really, really, sincerely appreciate the feedback. A couple of your comments really hit home. The DW took me to one of the local dealers that TrueCar had sent.

Drove Sport and Sahara unlimiteds with black and body colored hard tops and fenders. With my
neck problem and even with the Sahara's step, I couldn't comfortably get in or out of the driver's seat. DW didn't find entry/exit comfortable. Drive was a little stiff.

Don't know why I felt so bad/disappointed because I just didn't fit. Wow! So much time studying and wanting only to discover it's not going to be our solution.

We drove a 3.2 4x4 Latitude Altitude Cherokee w/comfort/convenience, towing (4,500#), Active Drive II and Uconnect in Graphite Metallic w/Morocco cloth. 2016 with tremendous incentives.

We fit, no problem getting in and out, large second row, price near JKU, good ride, good fuel mpg. Some fine tuning on price pending.


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#27 ·
Family thinks I'm nuts, that it's a vehicle for young kids or younger folks and why a JKU if I'm not planning to leave the pavement?Well, because of its potential as a toad, great resale and being a "different", very customizable vehicle. What say you? 2017 now or wait for JL?
I bought my 2015 Wrangler at age 70. Always kinda wanted one, and decided to just go for it, and bought a brand new one. I added a towbar base-plate and tail-light wiring so I could flat-tow it behind my motorhome (works great).

The Wrangler is a good choice for older guys - much easier to get into and out of than low cars, and the upright seating and visibility is awesome.

The lure of an 8 or 9 speed automatic transmission is enticing, but I'd say at your age, go for it now. Wranglers really hold their resale value, so you probably won't lose much if you buy one now and sell it in a year or two (suggest a private sale rather than a trade-in). I see used Wranglers on Craigslist listed for more than I paid for mine new.

One suggestion - opt for the 3.73 gearing rather than the 3.21 gears that come on most.

Good luck to you...
 
#30 ·
I just bought my first Jeep a week ago. No looking back....only forward. Absolutely love it! Bought the Sport S package. Added the Tyger Hitch, and waiting for the Tyger steps to arrive. I was thinking on lifting it but saw the thread with 33 inch tires no lift and decided for now to just upgrade the wheels and tires. I will use it in the woods here and there and to pull my boat to and from the Lake a few miles away. I know I will miss my F150 Supercrew for its hauling capabilities, but this is way more fun to drive and to accessorize.

GO FOR IT and ENJOY!!!!!
 
#31 ·
You are NOT nuts! I'm 60 and the wife is a teensy bit older. We've both been motorcycle riders for years and toured in every state west of the Mississippi and a few on the other side. We knew a day would come when we just wouldn't enjoy the 2 wheel route as much any more but didn't know what we would do. I wanted a convertible but that doesn't take this Colorado boy some of the places I want to go. What to do... we bought a 2016 Sahara! With the Freedom top, I have my "convertible"! I'll likely never be a "rock hopper" but we've already taken several moderate 4x4 trips and... it's a blast. We love this thing. It really is the one vehicle that will get me to work... even in our worst blizzard, goes "topless" and gets us out to see new things and places. We've had 'er for 6 weeks now and we couldn't be happier. GO FOR IT.
 
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