[fullabuck]

Hi there the wife and i are considering purchasing a 2005 wrangler renegade but we keep hearing negative points of view from people who have never owned one so i was wondering if there is anyone who can set us straight on a few small issues. predominately this jeep will be the wife's car so most of the driving will be general commuting but we want to go bush or beach when possible so the things we want to know are:

Stability on the open road good or bad?
road noise ? (jeep has a hard top and soft top)
roll over??? shit i hope not.
Any advice would be good.

Fullabuck

 

[jrussblues]

Plenty stable, as roll over prone as any other suv, actually has a pretty low center of gravity in stock form. Noisy...yes. test drive it and see if its tolerable.
There are a lot of myths about roll over, and some of the old cj's may have had concerns but that was 30 years ago.

 

[TJ Skip]

I dunno just don't try and use it for something it's not like a family vehicle or a really long commuter. Doesn't get great gas mileage kinda small and bumpy ride a little noisy but I can tell you this its the most fun I have ever had driving a vehicle and as long as you don't take it grocery shopping or have an 1 and a half commute everyday ill think you will enjoy it

And Rollin over is half the fun

 

[mac56]

Most impractical vehicle i've ever owned.... but damn, I LOVE IT !!!unk:

 

[tallzdatank]

if your wife is halfway decent at driving it wont roll over. its not a race car but its fairly stable at regular speeds. noisy yes, more with a soft top than hard, but its still there either way. test drive it and see, also don't expect good economy. but it will run FOREVER if taken care of.

 

[UnlimitedRubicon]

Stability on the open road good or bad?

Stability is not good in comparison to a dedicated on-road vehicle. Unintentionally aggressive steering input at speed (emergency maneuvering) can lead to loss of control/roll over.

road noise ? (jeep has a hard top and soft top)

With factory carpet kit and hardtop the noise isn't terrible. Again, if your only reference is a dedicated on-road vehicle the Wrangler will be noisy in comparison.

roll over??? shit i hope not.

It's a consideration.

Any advice would be good.

If finances allow, I'd get a dedicated on-road vehicle for commutes and keep the Jeep a weekend/adventure vehicle.

I'm guessing you're from down under so you might visit ausjeepoffroad.com and get some input as well.

 

[mtfisherim]

Stability could be a bit better if you can swing into a JKU, but a good size price swing (I know someone selling one in the next month if you are near NC.. )
Also if you have driven it only with the soft top, definitely try the hard. My first one was a hardtop and I thought it was perfectly fine, my recent ride had the soft top and it was significantly louder. I don't mind but as a DD for some it might get annoying.
As above, one of the best vehicles I have ever bought!! Nothing like driving with the top and doors off!!
Good luck!

 

[Jacqui]

Speaking as a wife with a Jeep as a daily driver, I can say it's not for everyone. But, I love driving our LJ (called an Unlimited Wrangler - LJ's were built between 2004-2006) and it's great for everyday use because it has a longer wheelbase than a regular TJ (1997-2006). Essentially, it has a foot of extra space in the back. So if you want to get groceries, pick up stuff at the hardware store or pack up to go camping, you can actually fit it all behind the back seat. It's much more convenient and has a smoother ride than a TJ, so it's better as a DD (daily driver). Noise levels depend on which top you have (hardtop is quieter) and what tires are on the Jeep (mud terrain ride rougher and add noise). You can add thin insulation to the hardtop to help with noise and temperature exchange.

Basically: the ride is not very smooth, it has some road noise, it gets crummy gas mileage compared to what you can get nowadays, and it's the most fun you'll ever have driving to work every day. Holds up well in a crash (strong aftermarket parts can add safety). Doubles as a weekend fun mobile that will take you anywhere. My husband and I really enjoy spending time together while adding modifications to our Jeep. It's a joint obsession. Best thing you can do is test drive several Jeeps, including some highway driving, and see how you both like it.

 

[fullabuck]

Currently the wife is driving a mx5 or as is known in the us a eunos roadster so road noise is not an issue as they are a little noisy and the suspension is rigid so rough rides are the norm.
I drive a 1967 falcon ute which guzzles gas like a Mack truck so economy is not an issue just hate to buy something that is not practical, crap none of our cars are practical what the hell am i worried about