thinking about getting one in a few months... Anyone have anything they care to share to help/prevent me from pulling the trigger?
18 Jeep sahara JL 4dr
- Thread starter BigMotherTucker
- Start date
Are you planning on lifting and big tires? Horsepower is the only drawback. Can't understand why they don't put a hemi in them.
Buy new. Used Jeeps are overvalued big time considering the dependability or lack thereof. That said, Jeeps are awesome.
For fun, do like I did and get an old CJ and drop a small block Chevy in it. Damn I miss that jeep.
New jeeps are overvalued considering the dependability or lack thereof. So you are going to pay a lot for the privilege of having a jeep, but you will also get to sell it for a lot.
It blows my mind that nobody tries to make a competitor to Jeep wranglers. Seems like they could all take the chassis for one of their existing small SUVs and essentially just make it a convertible.
Lift yes... Tires eventually. They're putting a turbo diesel in them starting next year. The standard v6 is fine for anything I'll do with it.
As you point out. Old jeeps are expensive... New Jeeps are expensive. Ulitimately, I want a new one because it'll be my every day driver and the 18 JLs have just about all the creature comforts i've come to get use to. If i'm being honest with myself, it'll probably rarely go "off road" in any meaningful copacity, so... I need this thing to have all the bells and whistles. I guess i'm going through my mid life crisis and i'm ready to have a play pretty. I've talked myself out of a jeep several times in my life. The wife is on board, so I trying to talk myself into going all in. Fully tricked out Sahara to be moded at my leasure in the future.
I love the CJs... My two issues with them is a) i dont want a project b) as stated above, I want all the creature comforts.
The CJs are my favorite body style though.
The CJs are my favorite body style though.
i'm right there with you. 6'4" with a 2015 JKU Sahara.
If you're considering lift and tires on a sahara, check the gear ratio options if buying new. I have a manual with 3.21, still stock for now, but i'm worried that i'll want to regear when I upgrade. basically, it's geared for good gas mileage now, but it would function better with more torque for bigger tires.
If you're considering lift and tires on a sahara, check the gear ratio options if buying new. I have a manual with 3.21, still stock for now, but i'm worried that i'll want to regear when I upgrade. basically, it's geared for good gas mileage now, but it would function better with more torque for bigger tires.
FYI, if you are 6'4" and like creature comforts, get in and out of the thing a few dozen times before you decide. The exit/entry experience for tall folk is awkward; doors suck. Fun vehicle though.
When I was looking at 2018 vehicles, one of the Jeep models actually came in tops as far as 5 year cost to own. It surprised me, but they do seem to hold their value really well.
You need to think about how you'll be driving it. I would really hesitate to make one my daily car if I spent much time on major highways. Riding on the interstate or a major highway in a soft top sucks. Getting a hard top on or off sucks unless you have a pulley system rigged up, and even then it's a little bit of a hassle. The hard top also takes up a ton of space when you're not using it. Another reason a pulley system is good. Ideally, you have it set up to just drive up under the rig, lift it up, and leave it hanging there until you need it again.
For me, I basically took the hard top off as soon as it was reasonably warm and kept it off until it got to be consistently cold. So early spring through late fall, I just made do with a soft top, only putting it up for rain and using a cover I could pull over it in 30 seconds when I wasn't driving it.
The tradeoff was worth it to me when I was not commuting on a major highway. It was no longer worth it once I started commuting on a major highway. I see a lot of people driving around in jeeps in great weather with the hard top on, which makes me think a lot of people end up giving up with the hassle and just keeping the hard top on basically all the time. At that point, to me, you've just got an inferior and overpriced SUV.
The only other thing I'd add is that jeeps with automatic transmissions are an abomination.
As someone I trust greatly once said: "Jeeps are great as long as you do not have to drive them for more than 12 minutes"
I bought a brand new 2017 JKU last year. Now, i’m Strongly considering trading it on something else. I was in the same boat as you. Always wanted a Jeep. Convinced myself I would love it as a daily driver, but I really don’t. It’s loud. It rattles. It lacks power. It was too expensive for me to really consider “playing” in it. I keep asking myself what I was really paying for besides the Jeep emblem. I don’t hate it at all. I just don’t love it either. Your mileage may absolutely vary.
I had wrangler for about 3 months before I got rid of it. It was fun while it lasted, but you have to know the weather better than the weather man. I filled it up with gear going dove hunting and realized it wasn’t going to work when deer and duck season rolled around, so I went back to a truck.
Ford is bringing the Bronco back in 2020. Supposed to be based on the new Ranger that comes out next year.
20 mins to work one way... and 8 mins of that is 30mph on base. I think it'll be fine as my every day driver.
There is no more driver leg room in a 4dr vs a 2dr, just more space behind the front seats. The back seat in a 2dr is useless, I finally just took mine out and put it in the shop. I have a 64 CJ-5 that is easier to access the back seat than my 2012 JK. With a Jeep you either love it and readily overlook its shortcomings or you hate it because its not a Honda Accord or a 3/4 ton pickup. A Jeep is a Jeep nothing more nothing less. The Rubicon package is worth it if you are seriously going to offroad but 99.99% of Jeeps never see anything worse than a gravel road.
This is the kind of info I was looking for.
So... I did want a Rubicon. But after doing a **** ton of research, I came to the conclusion that you made at the end of your post. 99.99% of anything I do will be on the pavement. The Sahara is built for that. Also, almost every youtube review of the new JL says that Jeep has cleanned up the driving experience a lot. Basically the new JL driving experiece is a lot like the Xterra (of which I use to own one... I know... My wife knows I use to be gay). So thats what i'm hanging my hat on for ride type right now.
So... I did want a Rubicon. But after doing a **** ton of research, I came to the conclusion that you made at the end of your post. 99.99% of anything I do will be on the pavement. The Sahara is built for that. Also, almost every youtube review of the new JL says that Jeep has cleanned up the driving experience a lot. Basically the new JL driving experiece is a lot like the Xterra (of which I use to own one... I know... My wife knows I use to be gay). So thats what i'm hanging my hat on for ride type right now.
Bought a ‘12 JK new and it’s been my daily driver since. when people ask I say that it’s the perfect vehicle unless you want comfort, reliability, practicality, or efficiency.
In reality, It’s been dependable. Not comfortable in a plush way. But if you’re committed to “the life” there’s not a better vehicle. I treat it like I’m driving my boat to work each day. Top down 90% of the time it’s not raining, doors off anytime there’s no rain forecast for more than a few days. I have the advantage of parking in a garage at home and at work, so that makes the topless time easier.
3” lift and 35” toyos on it. Sacrificed some handling, but didn’t do much to mpg. But definitely gave it “that look”.
Usually run a bikini top with duster and tonneau over the back. Gets a little wet back there in the “bed”, but I took out the carpet. Hard top for December and January only (live in Florida). I did add a seat cooler to stop my back from sweating so much.
Anyway, if you’re into the elements go for it. If you think the top will be on and windows up 90% of the time, you might be disappointed. You sacrifice a lot of conveniences (like a/c vents in the back seat) to only enjoy the Jeepiness on the weekends, IMO.
In reality, It’s been dependable. Not comfortable in a plush way. But if you’re committed to “the life” there’s not a better vehicle. I treat it like I’m driving my boat to work each day. Top down 90% of the time it’s not raining, doors off anytime there’s no rain forecast for more than a few days. I have the advantage of parking in a garage at home and at work, so that makes the topless time easier.
3” lift and 35” toyos on it. Sacrificed some handling, but didn’t do much to mpg. But definitely gave it “that look”.
Usually run a bikini top with duster and tonneau over the back. Gets a little wet back there in the “bed”, but I took out the carpet. Hard top for December and January only (live in Florida). I did add a seat cooler to stop my back from sweating so much.
Anyway, if you’re into the elements go for it. If you think the top will be on and windows up 90% of the time, you might be disappointed. You sacrifice a lot of conveniences (like a/c vents in the back seat) to only enjoy the Jeepiness on the weekends, IMO.
Go for it BMT. I'm just a few weeks away from getting a 4dr Wrangler myself, though I'm probably leaning towards getting one a couple of years old with low miles that someone else has already paid for the lift and tires. Even the Sport S models can easily get to $40K to get one with decent equipment then I would easily be looking at another $5K minimum for lift, wheels, and tires. I like the JL body, but I don't know if I like it for $12K to $14K more than I can pay for a '16 with 30Kish miles.
From a quick look at prices in MS for a Sahara, they look to be $44K to $50K. I just found this place in VA today, so I don't know a lot of details yet. However, they're offering 2018 JL Saharas already lifted with bigger tires & aftermarket wheels for $46K. http://wellsautos.com/newandusedcars.aspx?clearall=1
From a quick look at prices in MS for a Sahara, they look to be $44K to $50K. I just found this place in VA today, so I don't know a lot of details yet. However, they're offering 2018 JL Saharas already lifted with bigger tires & aftermarket wheels for $46K. http://wellsautos.com/newandusedcars.aspx?clearall=1
Thanks for this write up.
My plan is to have the top/doors off as much as possible. Weather permitting of course. Now as far as creatcher comforts go... Y'all need to look at the JL. That thing has more **** in it than my current car (15 Camry) I would like seat coolers, but they don't exist as of right now.
My plan is to have the top/doors off as much as possible. Weather permitting of course. Now as far as creatcher comforts go... Y'all need to look at the JL. That thing has more **** in it than my current car (15 Camry) I would like seat coolers, but they don't exist as of right now.
Im thinking I might drive to Houston. River Oaks is a 'UGE jeep dealership. Nothing is in stone yet. Thanks for the link. I'm going to check them out.
The Chrysler engine scares me, but 285hp they put in it after ‘11ish is pretty good (I tow a 19’ boat with it, no problem). I’ve had 2 recalls in 95k miles and otherwise the only issue has been the damn tire pressure sensors. I wish I could turn them off.
OK... I just perused that website.. Wow.. New jeeps already tricked out... Great pricing. What's the deal? That's immediately option #1.
Do you know what gears you are running? I'm upgrading to 35s in the (hopefully) near future, but I don't want to be sorely disappointed if I don't regear from 3.21. Not so much worried about mpgs (it is, after all, a jeep), but concerned about sluggishness. I've seen it both ways on other forums.
So I'll weight in here: 2015 JKUR w/ 6-sp. Mods: ARB Bumpers, WARN, 2.5" lift, extra stuff on the bottom like skids/trackbars/etc. Just past 50k miles on the 3.6l that's also in the JL.
Seats five reasonably well. You're not cruising down the highway at 85mph in this thing. It _can_ tow 3500lbs, but not something it does well. If you're not taking the doors and top off often, there are many much better vehicles out there for the money.
I recently looked the JL's over. Hard. If I hadn't already set up the JKUR just how I like it, I'd be sorely tempted. A lot of the stuff on the JL is from the lessons learned on the JK. Think 'evolutionary', not 'revolutionary.' Some real improvements: fenders are now higher so more clearance for your tires from the start, factory four-place aux power for lights, etc; folding the windshield is now practical; dash is much better layout and better features; headlights and taillights are LED and good quality (JK headlights were simply awful...), more I'm probably forgetting.
Drivetrain and undercarriage are virtually the same, so they'll both drive and handle the same. It's still a solid front axle under there, so there's only so much you can do to the ride. Interior is nicer on the JL, but they're both Real Jeeps (TM) and not Tahoes. Lots' of bare metal still visible on the interior.
I ordered mine because I wanted a stick and not much else. Dealers don't stock many base Rubicons, as they're not as much profit for them. Hard to find a dealer who'll give you one of his monthly slots to order off, too. I got dual-top and premium sound, nothing else. Wish I had the connectivity package, but that's the only regret. Radio, leather, heated seats, lift, bumpers 'n' armor, slush mats, most everything is both better and cheaper aftermarket. OEM heated seats switches are integrated to the computer, so if that's important, go with factory. Otherwise, it's simple to just add a couple of dedicated switches. Unless you just don't want to do it yourself and/or are made out of money.
Cost is a thing, tho. JL's are really popular right now and it shows. The JK's have seen a very small decrease in price. That said, value holds like no other vehicle I've experienced. I've been offered more for my 2015 in the last six months than I have in it, new + mods, not even counting the miles.
One last thought before I go: Just helped a coworker get into a Jeep. He bought a 2016 Sahara with just about every option on it except the transmission. Matching fenders, top, GPS, leather, heated seats, you name it. But, it had a 6-spd. And it sat on the lot. And sat. He bought it for $27k with 40k miles on it. Probably was close to $40K new, but that stick shift was the problem. Rubicon drivers (and Sport builders) really like them, but Sahara's tend to attract soccer moms who don't.
So if you get a JL in Sahara, don't get a stick.
Unless you really _want_ a stick, then buy a Rubi or Sport and fix it the way you like it.
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Stock Sahara gears (3.21). The place that did my lift “offered” to upgrade the gears, but I chose not to (reading the same forums I’m sure you read). I haven’t really thought about it since, meaning that it’s not sluggish at all. I’m not a gear head so I’m sure there are some who would be more sensitive to it than I am. But she performs fine for my daily driving, hauling a boat, and some beach driving. Definitely not worth the expense (I’ve done 40k miles since my lift and might consider the 34” nittos rather than my tires but otherwise wouldn’t change a thing. Also, I kept my stock rims and used spacers - have heard horror stories that defy the laws of physics about spacers, but have had no problems and got to keep a somewhat stock look. Knocking on a lot of wood this morning.)
I bought my first Jeep when I was 14 years old, I am now 53. I have owned every incarnation of a Jeep from a 64 Willys to a full size Cherokee, to a small Cherokee, to an AMC Cj, to a Chrysler YJ, to a ZJ, to my current JK and the only time one has been in a dealer shop was for a recall for the heated mirrors on the JK. The next one may be a total POS , but so far the Jeeps have been far less trouble than the Chevrolet trucks I have owned. I'll admit that I am probably biased, Jeeps are in my blood. In those 39 years I have maybe been without one for a total of two years and that whole time was spent trying to figure out how to buy the next one.
I ended up buying a patriot a few years back to save a little money... and regret it. Buy the damn thing.
^ many thanks. I'm wanting to keep the stock rims too, so I've been reading those spacer stories... Hopefully I'll get my similar setup soon...
Electrical problems galore. Straight 6 engine can’t tow or you will warp the cylinder head. Chysler won’t make good on most of the defects that are inherent to the Jeep line. Like any Chrysler product, it is pretty much a trader once you get to 60,000 miles. Unless you have bottomless pockets. Had a 2007 Grand Cherokee and it was the most God-aweful experience I ever had. Have you ever heard of a company called ICON? They will sell you an entire Jeep kit (any style) to build your own from the ground up except they come with Toyota powertrains.
Only two jeep products I've had were a 98 and 2008 and both made it to 140k with the only real problem being replacing teh transfer case in the 98 model. I'd definitely agree Jeep and chrysler are on the lower end quality wise, but it just doesn't seem to matter much. Seems even the "bad" cars now are likely to get you to 100k+ or 150k without having to spend a lot of time in the shop.
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