OT: I'm trying to buy a new car...

[uconnphil2016]

Update: my wife saw pictures of an All Track I test drove and said “dear god why not buy a hearse.” She agreed I can get a smaller SUV.

I’ve test drove two small SUVs I was pretty underwhelmed by. Jeep Renegade and Ford EcoSport. The EcoSport was actually SMALLER than my Honda Fit and for a car with “eco” in the title it actually only gets 25 mpg. Tons of tech in the higher end model I drove but still the power was pitiful and it was super cramped. The Renegade was actually really nice but I’m worried about the low projections on reliability. Will do a Buick Encore next week.

Isn’t ford discontinuing all models besides mustang and trucks? May be something to consider there

 

[intlzncster]

Update. Don't ever buy a Jeep unless it's a Wrangler or Grand Cherokee.

Or a CJ-7!

 

[Dream Jobbed 2.0]

Isn’t ford discontinuing all models besides mustang and trucks? May be something to consider there

Mustang is the only sedan/coupe they’re going to make. Will continue to make SUVs and trucks. EcoSport is new for this year and officially off my list

 

[UconnFanNVa]

I've got a 2007 jeep patriot and while I hate that it is extremely under powered, and I should never completely fill the tank (long story), otherwise I have about 170k miles on it and it's still going. I'm waiting for it to just give me a reason to get into a new JLU sport s.

 

[willie99]

Since you're looking for a used luxury car like a BMW, I would suggest you look at Japanese models like Lexus, Acura & Infinity. As others have said, the maintenance on German vehicles is crazy and since you're buying a higher mileage used car, maintenance becomes an issue.

 

[HuskyHawk]

Update. Don't ever buy a Jeep unless it's a Wrangler or Grand Cherokee.

I’ve been eyeballing the new (finally updated) Wrangler. The really annoying aspect is that even the Sahara comes with less standard equipment than a base model Corolla. The prices for them well equipped get crazy.

I’d never take off-road beyond driving on a beach or dirt road, but I like the idea of a four door, 4wd convertible. If I had a four car garage and lots of money I’d simply get a convertible and an suv separately.

Maybe I will wait for the new Bronco and hope. Considered a 4Runne4 Limited but as @Hoophound says, it’s an aging platform that needs an update. But the rear window goes down, for a semi convertible experience.

 

[Chin Diesel]

I’ve been eyeballing the new (finally updated) Wrangler. The really annoying aspect is that even the Sahara comes with less standard equipment than a base model Corolla. The prices for them well equipped get crazy.

I’d never take off-road beyond driving on a beach or dirt road, but I like the idea of a four door, 4wd convertible. If I had a four car garage and lots of money I’d simply get a convertible and an suv separately.

Maybe I will wait for the new Bronco and hope. Considered a 4Runne4 Limited but as @Hoophound says, it’s an aging platform that needs an update. But the rear window goes down, for a semi convertible experience.

You laid out all the pros and cons of owning a Wrangler.

It's unique that you can take it off road, take the top off and have fun with it. It's not a Lexus ES, or as you mentioned , even a Corrolla.

I will see no less than 300 Wranglers fldriving around today around the beaches.

A Bronco with a detachable roof would be a smash hit.

 

[Dream Jobbed 2.0]

I’ve been eyeballing the new (finally updated) Wrangler. The really annoying aspect is that even the Sahara comes with less standard equipment than a base model Corolla. The prices for them well equipped get crazy.

I’d never take off-road beyond driving on a beach or dirt road, but I like the idea of a four door, 4wd convertible. If I had a four car garage and lots of money I’d simply get a convertible and an suv separately.

Maybe I will wait for the new Bronco and hope. Considered a 4Runne4 Limited but as @Hoophound says, it’s an aging platform that needs an update. But the rear window goes down, for a semi convertible experience.

The base model wrangler has crank winders and I think is maybe the only vehicle being produced with no backup cam. That model still runs you $30,000. Boggles the mind.

 

[HuskyHawk]

You laid out all the pros and cons of owning a Wrangler.

It's unique that you can take it off road, take the top off and have fun with it. It's not a Lexus ES, or as you mentioned , even a Corrolla.

I will see no less than 300 Wranglers fldriving around today around the beaches.

A Bronco with a detachable roof would be a smash hit.

Even here in the Boston suburbs I see more Wranglers than any other car. Crazy popular over the last few years.

I never really considered one, but the new one is improved and more livable on pavement from what I read. Plus the two cars I’d otherwise consider, 4Runner Limited and Lexus GX460 cost as much or more and are also somewhat outdated.

New Bronco will have a detachable roof. It will also almost certainly be cheaper and better on pavement than a Wrangler. Seems like what I want.

 

[Chin Diesel]

Even here in the Boston suburbs I see more Wranglers than any other car. Crazy popular over the last few years.

I never really considered one, but the new one is improved and more livable on pavement from what I read. Plus the two cars I’d otherwise consider, 4Runner Limited and Lexus GX460 cost as much or more and are also somewhat outdated.

New Bronco will have a detachable roof. It will also almost certainly be cheaper and better on pavement than a Wrangler. Seems like what I want.

The thing with Wrangler's is regardless of what Consumer Reports says about them, they have crazy good resale value. With proper care you can easily keep one 20 years.

 

[HuskyHawk]

The thing with Wrangler's is regardless of what Consumer Reports says about them, they have crazy good resale value. With proper care you can easily keep one 20 years.

Yes, resale is very good. Mostly because real off-roaders buy old ones and mod them. I’m certainly not keeping any car that long. 4Runners have great resale too. Seems like all body on frame vehicles do.

 

[UconnFanNVa]

I’ve been eyeballing the new (finally updated) Wrangler. The really annoying aspect is that even the Sahara comes with less standard equipment than a base model Corolla. The prices for them well equipped get crazy.

I’d never take off-road beyond driving on a beach or dirt road, but I like the idea of a four door, 4wd convertible. If I had a four car garage and lots of money I’d simply get a convertible and an suv separately.

Maybe I will wait for the new Bronco and hope. Considered a 4Runne4 Limited but as @Hoophound says, it’s an aging platform that needs an update. But the rear window goes down, for a semi convertible experience.

The 4 runner all equipped is just as expensive as a jl Rubicon without the front lockers and with less modern convieniences. I do like how you can lower that rear window and with a lift and bigger rims and tires it looks solid, but I can't even begin to compare it to the wrangler, especially with the premium soft top. I can't wait to get into a wrangler! That's not even getting into the aftermarket difference between the two.

Bronco It's definetely intruiging though.

 

[Hoophound]

I guess I’ll mention, I had a 2016 4Runner with every option. We now have a 2018 Wrangler Rubicon. My wife loves it and it’s pretty cool, but I’d take my 4Runner anyday. It’s quieter, smoother, more reliable and still ridiculously capable. Yes, the Jeep is cool for the convertible factor, but the slide down rear glass in the 4Runner creates a ton of wind and my dogs loved it back there. I just can’t see passing up a 4Runner for Wrangler for most people.

 

[HuskyHawk]

I guess I’ll mention, I had a 2016 4Runner with every option. We now have a 2018 Wrangler Rubicon. My wife loves it and it’s pretty cool, but I’d take my 4Runner anyday. It’s quieter, smoother, more reliable and still ridiculously capable. Yes, the Jeep is cool for the convertible factor, but the slide down rear glass in the 4Runner creates a ton of wind and my dogs loved it back there. I just can’t see passing up a 4Runner for Wrangler for most people.

That’s the trade off really. And used I could get a Lexus GX460, which is quieter and nicer still on road, and probably more capable than a Limited 4R (but with worse departure and approach angles). I just wish they both came with LED lights and blind spot monitoring and stuff. My little Mazda has all of that. Both are going to be much more reliable than any Jeep. The 8 speed Auto in the JL has been a repair issue in the Grand Cherokee.

 

[UconnFanNVa]

I guess I’ll mention, I had a 2016 4Runner with every option. We now have a 2018 Wrangler Rubicon. My wife loves it and it’s pretty cool, but I’d take my 4Runner anyday. It’s quieter, smoother, more reliable and still ridiculously capable. Yes, the Jeep is cool for the convertible factor, but the slide down rear glass in the 4Runner creates a ton of wind and my dogs loved it back there. I just can’t see passing up a 4Runner for Wrangler for most people.

Just curious do you have a 2018 jk or jl? Although I can easily believe that the 4 runner is better on road than even the jl.

 

[HuskyHawk]

Just curious do you have a 2018 jk or jl? Although I can easily believe that the 4 runner is better on road than even the jl.

I did read that the new JL is a huge upgrade on road. Skidpad went up a full tenth. I’ll go drive one before any decision.

 

[uconndoit]

My car was delivered day before yesterday!

 

[Hoophound]

JL. 4Runner is still much better around town. I can’t remember what ride quality/noise dampening the Limited has over SR5, but I’d definitely pay attention to that.

Honestly, in terms of the ride, I don’t think the JL is that much better than the JK. The big thing is the transmission is better for highway driving.

 

[UconnFanNVa]

JL. 4Runner is still much better around town. I can’t remember what ride quality/noise dampening the Limited has over SR5, but I’d definitely pay attention to that.

Honestly, in terms of the ride, I don’t think the JL is that much better than the JK. The big thing is the transmission is better for highway driving.

I know this thread is old but I've had my JLU for about a month now, couldn't be happier! And with the soft top if you want to leave the top up and just take out the back window out you can achieve the same effect as the 4 runner with the beck window down. Obviously it's easier to just push a button but the window comes out manually in seconds. You can also take all 3 back windows out and leave the top up and ride around safari style. There is the sunrider position and lastly top all the way down. Not to mention the doors come off easily if you are into that. The ride is great much smoother than the Jk imo, easy to mod and lots of options already oin the aftermarket! Absolutely love it

 

[J187Money]

I’d never take off-road beyond driving on a beach or dirt road, but I like the idea of a four door, 4wd convertible. If I had a four car garage and lots of money I’d simply get a convertible and an suv separately.

I've always done that (conv and SUV) - put a cover on the convertible during the winter. Not cheap, but best of both worlds and allows you to get what you want in both cars.

 

[Hoophound]

I know this thread is old but I've had my JLU for about a month now, couldn't be happier! And with the soft top if you want to leave the top up and just take out the back window out you can achieve the same effect as the 4 runner with the beck window down. Obviously it's easier to just push a button but the window comes out manually in seconds. You can also take all 3 back windows out and leave the top up and ride around safari style. There is the sunrider position and lastly top all the way down. Not to mention the doors come off easily if you are into that. The ride is great much smoother than the Jk imo, easy to mod and lots of options already oin the aftermarket! Absolutely love it

Yes, I’ve come to appreciate the JL more. My initial comparison between JL and JK ride quality may have been off due to the model and tires on the ones I drove. The JL’s highway ride is really quite good and we have a Rubicon with all terrain tires. It was still pleasant on a 3600 mile summer trip. My only wish is that the seats were a little softer. They are a bit hard for long drives. Then again, probably as comfortable as most non-luxury brand seats.

 

[UconnFanNVa]

Yes, I’ve come to appreciate the JL more. My initial comparison between JL and JK ride quality may have been off due to the model and tires on the ones I drove. The JL’s highway ride is really quite good and we have a Rubicon with all terrain tires. It was still pleasant on a 3600 mile summer trip. My only wish is that the seats were a little softer. They are a bit hard for long drives. Then again, probably as comfortable as most non-luxury brand seats.

I wish the was a dead pedal, but I can add one wherever. Sounds funny but my biggest gripe is how the water funnels into the cabin when you open the front doors while it's raining. I'm sure there will be a fix for it though. Love the jeep though. Wish I had the rubi!