Four Door Jeep Wrangler Question

[haven]

Let's not overlook the OP's original statement of need:

"I need a vehicle that can support my work in the outdoor industry without drawing too much attention from corporate clients."

In other words, he needs an all-around vehicle. A truck with 37 inch tires and a welder on board will be right at home in the parking area for the "King of the Hammers" competition, but may not be the right choice for business use.

That's why a 4Runner or Grand Cherokee or Discovery could be a better choice. Sure, a Rubicon will make it up a 4+ trail with less body damage, but that's not the point. We're talking compromise here.

Chip Haven

 

[Cole]

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.

First of all you don't own both. Your signature is a 2005 Rubi which is vastly different than a 2007+. The JK has better approach and departure angles, larger tires, etc etc etc stock. (Nothing wrong with your 2005 Rubi, but it is not what we are comparing here.)

I just looked up all the specs on the LR3 and it is NOT going to be able to go ALL the places a Rubicon can. Flat out impossible.


LR3 2:93:1 low Rubicon 4:1 low.
LR3 1 locker, Rubicon 2 lockers.

LR3 has independent suspension on all 4 corners. This is no where near as usefull on tough terrain as solid axles.

LR3 approach angle 32-37 degrees depending on package, JK Rubicon is 44.4 degrees.

LR3 departure angle is 29.6 JK Rubicon is 40.5 degrees.

I could go on and on. The LR3 may be as capable as "YOU" are willing to take it compared to your 2005 Rubicon, but they are NOT going to go all the same places.

You are right the LR3 has 90cf interior vs the JK 82 cf. So you can fit more gear inside.

I would imagine tha tin general the LR3 is quieter and has a few more creature comforts inside.

My JKUR has heated leather seats, MYgig nav, 30g harddrive, DVD, A/C, Cruise, power everything, TPMS, etc. So I don't know what you are "really" missing out on for a daily driver "business" vehicle.


....and FWIW here in Colorado you are more likely to find someone with spare parts, tires etc to fit your Jeep on the trail than your Land Rover.

 

[jeepmedic46]

I'm on my fourth jeep which is a 04 Kj sport. It is a good base for a Overland vehicle.

 

[4Rescue]

I'm sorry, but even this die-hard Toyota guy is now having visions of that AEV CRD powered Grand... So sweet adn so much potential... too bad it doesn't have a frame eh.

The other really STRONG contender would be the UZJ100 Landcruiser... It's a Landcruiser, nuff said. Once you own adn wheel a Toyota you'll wonder what took you so long.

Cheers

Dave

 

[nwoods]

I just looked up all the specs on the LR3 and it is NOT going to be able to go ALL the places a Rubicon can. Flat out impossible.
....and FWIW here in Colorado you are more likely to find someone with spare parts, tires etc to fit your Jeep on the trail than your Land Rover.

Look, I really don't want to get into a pissing match with you. You clearly do not know what the LR3 can do, and are missing big big big aspects of what it does to compensate for the numbers game. Like the cross-linked suspension that pushes one wheel down when the other goes up, just like a solid axled vehicle, and the worlds best traction control that INVALIDATES traditional trail difficulty ratings, and that one of the most active Land Rover clubs in the country is the Solihul Society...in Colorado. Also, lots of great dealers in the region.

The whole point I am really trying to make is this: If you are stepping up from a Passport, into a part time off road vehicle that can be used in a corporate setting, and be more comfortable than a Volvo and offer true go anywhere capability, with ample storage room, the LR3 fits those criteria really well. So do other vehicles. This is not about what is the best off road vehicle on the planet. It's about what makes the most sense for the criteria the original poster listed. I'm done.

 

[6Pins]

I've got an 08 Wrangler JK Rubi Unlimited that I drive on a daily basis. I love the thing, and I've had a ton of Jeeps and its the most "civilized" of them. .

That said, I couldn't imagine a less friendly vehicle to haul customers around it. It's LOUD, talking on a cell phone, even with a noise canceling head set is tough, and if its at all windy, its impossible. It's bumpy, its kinda of cheap on the inside, and the back seat isn't that great for adults. It's a basic, ABC vehicle. When I have to take clients somewhere I take either the Sequoia or the Cherokee. If I'm driving a long distance, I'm taking the Sequoia b/c the seats in a Cherokee are miserable for longer than 2 hours.

Another aspect that's being left out is the image factor. The Jeep image is that of a fun car, a toy, not a serious car. The LR3, or a Grand Cherokee, of Cruiser all have a better image, they are like rugby players in nice suits.

 

[Cole]

I disagree on the image piece. My Jk is full leather and very nice inside. I say that coming from my Audi S4.

There could definately be a geographic difference in opinion here. I am in Colorado where Jeeps are EVERYWHERE.

The OP is also in Colorado and in the Outdoor industry. So I can't imagine anyone complaining about a new Jeep.

He is also asking a out a 20-35K vehicle and people are suggesting vehicles starting at $49K. HUGE difference there.

 

[nwoods]

He is also asking a out a 20-35K vehicle and people are suggesting vehicles starting at $49K. HUGE difference there.

That's a good point, but I was not even thinking new anywhere in my thought process. Right now, the used LR3 is a bargin, at around $20k for a clean used one with about 30,000 miles and loaded. I only reccommend buying one Certified Pre Owned so that you get the extended warranty.

 

[6Pins]

Image is just part of it, Jeeps are everywhere here on the East Coast. Heck there are at least 4 JK's other than mine on my street alone. Leather, etc. is nice, but unless they add a layer of sound insulation in the hard top, its loud. Its not as loud as my old CJs and the YJ's, but its a loud, bumpy ride and not one I'd be comfortable taking clients out in.

 

[Cole]

I'm personnally a bit mifted by the superficial image piece.

I actually feel a bit more comfortable driving my Jeep to client meetings than my Audi. Got tired of the statement the S4 made to me. (and I'm a financial advisor)

 

[Root Moose]

I'm personnally a bit mifted by the superficial image piece.

I actually feel a bit more comfortable driving my Jeep to client meetings than my Audi. Got tired of the statement the S4 made to me. (and I'm a financial advisor)

Agreed.

Around here a JK is not some kind of an inverted status piece. they are as common as Camrys and surprisingly seem to be driven by the same types of people.

A Land Rover IS a status piece around here. You know the type, metrosexuals with high lights in their hair and wearing really big watches.

 

[6Pins]

Sorry if I offended you both, but that's my opinion. Remember, I own one, so its not like I'm picking on something that I don't own, and I love the thing. Its just not something I'd buy to carry clients around in if it was my primary means of transportation. It has a fiberglass roof, doors held on by straps, and regardless of what kind of interior it has, its still a basic simple vehicle.

 

[nwoods]

A Land Rover IS a status piece around here. You know the type, metrosexuals with high lights in their hair and wearing really big watches.

LOL, that made me laugh good. Too true in some circles. Sorta like the backcover photo of this months 2009 OJ Gear Guide? LOL

 

[Hilldweller]

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

Triple ditto.
On our local terrain, the only thing I've seen wheel better than a stock Rubi is a Unimog...
But you need larger than stock wheels on the 4-door to achieve this compared to the 2-door; breakover angle is sacrificed a bit with the longer wheelbase.

but he doesn't want/need a wheeler. If I were this dude I'd either get a 4-door X and build it a little (33's, gears, & locker with OME springs), 4-runner, or a diesel Grand Cherokee.

 

[JIMBO]

:wings: Some people collect Matchbook cars

We're all different

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