Four Door Jeep Wrangler Question

[nwoods]

I recommend a used 2006 or 2007 Land Rover LR3. Will go anywhere the Jeep can (stock) and is as plushy and nice on the inside as a Volvo V70, and is cheaper than the 4 door Wrangler.

LR3 purchasing tips: http://blog.nextstepdesigns.com/?p=78

 

[Root Moose]

To counterpoint...

Personally, I think you'd have to be nuts to consider a Land Rover. Between the horror stories of high maintenance and crappy service centres I'd stay well clear.

In my mind there are only three 4x4 vendors worth talking about (in no particular order): Jeep, Toyota and Nissan (depending on vintage). I'd consider a couple of American full size trucks too if that is the type of machine you need.

I have a love/hate relationship with the new Wrangler. Love the utility, hate the build quality. The hate is not that bad, just a taste of disappointment on how it is built and the thoughtlessness of the design given the year posted on the calendar.

Have you considered 4Runners or Land Cruisers? Jeep Grand Cherokees (WJ)? Jeep Commanders? Nissan Patrols or Pathfinders?

$0.02

 

[4Rescue]

My .02: ...Skip the Disco... Sorry lads, I know they can be great trucks adn they're penty capable out on the trail, but honestly unless it's been gone over and is practicaly restored to new I sterr clear.

Again my vote would go to the V8 4Runner. Best of all worlds and it'll feel similar to your passports just more "solid" feeling and will have a higher tow capacity.

The Jeep Comander somes to mind as well. V8 power, and they're fairly compotent off-road if built correctly.

Cheers

Dave

 

[ChuckB]

Just my opinion but I also think you should consider Toyotas. Land Cruiser, Taco, 4Runner, FJC take your pick.

 

[Spenser]

David-was in the same position you are. Work in the environmental industry, have dogs, boats, junk, crap, camping debris, fishing etc and have to schlep clients and elderly mother and grandmother places. Wife had a 2 door wrangler, very hard to get in and out back if moving clients. Ended up with Commander. Good like Grand Cherokee, little more room, but not super huge, more head room, easy ingress and egress, but aftermarket is kind of lacking. was able to get OME HD springs, Bilsteins, bull bar, rock sliders and related protection for mine, but still have to watch plastick fender flares and bumper covers, which is typical with most newer SUVs. Have seen wicked low prices on used commanders, with Hemi, which I would recommend as you only lose about 1 mpg versus 4.7.

 

[Colorado David]

When the Jeep Commanders were first introduced, I went to a dealer to look at them. I haven't looked again in subsequent years, but at first, the rear seats did not fold flat. From the outside I thought they would be perfect, but the inside didn't look like it would have as much room as I thought it would. I don't need third row seats and frankly, they would just get in the way. If the third row seats are easikly removed for a flat cargo area and I could get a lift for better tires, I might be interested.

 

[JIMBO]

:sombrero: Well I've had

1) 4 Dodge 4wd RAMCHARGERS
2) 2 FORD 4WD F150
3) 3 FORD 4WD RANGERS
4) 1 INTERNATIONAL HARVESTER 4WD
5) 1 NISSAN XTERRA OR
6) 1 JEEP JK UNLIMITED 4WD

The best ALLAROUND, was the Xterra, very quiet inside at 75 mph, handled VERY well, off road with 6-spd/locker/clutch bypass, you could drive it for 20 hrs straight without fatigue, sleep two (I'm 6'4"), comfortably-But, lousy warranty coverage and differentials are fragile-so

Now I have the Jeep and after quite a few mods, it's very close to the the X on the hiway and extremely superior off-road and I tow my trailer with it, I use the same Truckbedz Queen size mattress, that I used in the X, you just give up a little foot space

You've got a BIG decision to make and no matter which one you pick, you'll end up with some regrets, just try to keep the regrets minimal

Good luck

:coffeedrink::safari-rig::safari-rig: JIMBO

 

[Cole]

I have had 10 Jeeps.

I don't know where this "unreliable" stuff comes from. I put 220,000 on my first YJ with nothing but regular maint. Second one went to 280,000 before I sold it and the new owner now has over 400,000 on it. TJ had over 165K on it when I sold it and it runs like a dream. I only sold it to move on to the 4 door JK.

LOVE my 4 door JK. Best Jeep yet. Great daily driver, super versitile....and CONVERTABLE....none of the other options offer that!!! (since you said you liked the D90).

Couple of pics.

TOTALLY STOCK. Had not even made the first oil change yet. (For those of you saying he does not "need" a Rubicon, you don't live in Colorado and know what our trails can offer. I would rather have it and not need it than need it and not have it.

...They can be a very nice rig too. Leather, heated seats etc. Those rentals you guys are getting are the bottom of the barrel.

 

[4Rescue]

When the Jeep Commanders were first introduced, I went to a dealer to look at them. I haven't looked again in subsequent years, but at first, the rear seats did not fold flat. From the outside I thought they would be perfect, but the inside didn't look like it would have as much room as I thought it would. I don't need third row seats and frankly, they would just get in the way. If the third row seats are easikly removed for a flat cargo area and I could get a lift for better tires, I might be interested.

That's alot like my XJ's: the outside dimensions belie an oddly small interior. I felt the same way about the Comander. But, can't you get like dual sun-roof's or something? As for the non-flat seats, just do a drawer system and a dummy floor with the rears folded down to make it flat when you want to and take out the sections and flip up the rear seats when you want them.

There is a really neat Comander here on the boards, maybe even two of them. While I'm not into Unit-body, For what you're needing I think it'd suit you just fine. Again, 4.7l V8 is not to bad an engine but I don't know MPG figures.

Or since were talking about Jeeps... Howe about THIS monster... I think you could get a Diesel in these couldn't you??? Such a SWEET TRUCK. Just plain amazing except for the IFS maybe, but still...

The 4 Runner I think though is a really good platform. The V8 is a good motor and really makes the smaller truck punchy from my limited driving experieince. THe looks are really growing on me lately seeing them around on the street.

Also a third Gen like this with an S/C on the 3.4 would be a great option as well. I like the lines of these alot too.

Cheers

Dave

 

[nwoods]

That's alot like my XJ's: the outside dimensions belie an oddly small interior. I felt the same way about the Comander. But, can't you get like dual sun-roof's or something? As for the non-flat seats, just do a drawer system and a dummy floor with the rears folded down to make it flat when you want to and take out the sections and flip up the rear seats when you want them.

Again, the LR3 has full flat folding rear and center seats (seats 7 is equipped), easily allowing a large inflatable matress in the back.

Again, the step from a Passport to an LR3 is going to be a very smooth transition. It's cheaper than a new Jeep, more nimble, much better turning radius, significantly more comfortable and refined on the interior, and quite frankly, significantly more capable off road in stock configuration than any of the other vehicles listed.

Small exterior, massive interior, major cargo capacity, ultra refined interior and driving experience, class leading off road capabilities, and if buying used (certified Pre-Owned) fairly inexpensive and with a 100,000 mile warranty.

I'm not ruling out any of the other vehicles cited above, but do yourself a favor, and test drive an LR3 before you commit one way or another. It will surprise you. For a few thousand photos of LR3's doing their thing, go here: http://nwoods.smugmug.com/Land Rover/198186

 

[Totenkopf]

I liked Commanders after I saw this one...

...but after I rented one while one a trip, I just could not stand how small the interior felt.


I would consider a Jeep Grand Cherokee CRD or a JK. The JK is nice because it is basic and has a removeable top and solid axles, and the Grand Cherokee is nice because you can get a 3.0L V6 CRD or a V8.

 

[Spenser]

Dave-the rear seats now fold fully flat into the floor. Mine stay down all the time. You can also remove them, making a really cool subfloor storage compartment. Plans and specs for that are on the Commander Forum.

The Old Man Emu springs give you about 2 inch solid lift, and the bilstein shocks really firm up the ride. In stock condition is very soft vehicle. It does has stadium seating like LR in back seat, with dual sunroofs that now open in back, mine do not. I have the 4.7 and average 16 mpg in winter, 18-20 on highway, with the lift and related junk on top.

The LR3 is also not a bad choice, the only reason I stayed away is that there is only one LR dealer up here, the rest are few and far between in something goes bad in the middle of no where. But they ride great, and do nothing bad.

 

[Cole]

I'm calling BS on the LR3 being more capable than a Rubicon.

 

[nwoods]

I'm calling BS on the LR3 being more capable than a Rubicon.

Who said more capable? What I said was that it can go anywhere a stock Wrangler can go, even a Rubicon. I own both, I know what I am talking about. I wheel both of my rigs quite a bit.

The difference is that you can spend a few thousand more in upgrading the JK (or any rig except the LR3) and significantly extend its capabilities. With the LR3, you don't really need to, which is good because you really cant do much more to extend its capabilities, as the platform doesn't really allow bolt on modifications.

Also, when you say capable, you are really only talking in rock gardens. The LR3 is vastly superior in a more general sense, in that it can do the rock garden (but not as easily, granted), but it can hold more gear, and travel in infinitely more comfort getting there.

 

[Fulltimer]

I guess I'm partial to Jeeps! I have a 2005 Jeep Liberty (KJ) Limited Edition 4X4. It is a true 4X4 with a low range transfer case. I picked the Liberty because of the ride quality (have medical conditions) and inside room. It's my only vehicle and I do play off road a lot. I added a 3.5" lift and 32" tires for off road use. One of the other things I did was to remove the back seat and extended the rear deck up to the front seats. LOTS of room back there and some storage room under the deck extension. Under the extension is where I keep my High Lift Jack and a shovel etc.

This setup works great for me and something for you to consider.

Terry

BTW: I have gone through water that was 1/2 way up the doors...no problems.