DallasJKU
Adventurer
Definitely. I ran an awesome lift, but now that I have driven my GC for a week I'm not sure if I could go back to a Wrangler. Still love them, but I like comfort more now.
SUV Purchase
- Thread starter MontanaAggie
- Start date
Definitely. I ran an awesome lift, but now that I have driven my GC for a week I'm not sure if I could go back to a Wrangler. Still love them, but I like comfort more now.
Comanche Scott
Expedition Leader
Are you an indoor or outdoor type?
First Welcome to the forum!
Next, I wouldn't catagorize the JK as an SUV. it doesn't ride or drive like an SUV, and none of the SUVs have a removable top.
So in comparing the JK to the SUVs on your list, think about the convertible top. Will you use it? Are you willing to put up with a leak here or there, and the extra road noise.
With that out of the way, if you decided you'd like the security quietness and dryness of an SUV, I'd go Grand Cherokee, 4Runner, or Nissan Pathfinder (in that order).
All three are great off road.
If you've decided you don't mind the weather gods peeing on you now and then, a bit of road noise is OK, and driving naked is a beautiful thing, then don't buy an SUV.
Get the Wrangler. :beer:
First Welcome to the forum!
Next, I wouldn't catagorize the JK as an SUV. it doesn't ride or drive like an SUV, and none of the SUVs have a removable top.
So in comparing the JK to the SUVs on your list, think about the convertible top. Will you use it? Are you willing to put up with a leak here or there, and the extra road noise.
With that out of the way, if you decided you'd like the security quietness and dryness of an SUV, I'd go Grand Cherokee, 4Runner, or Nissan Pathfinder (in that order).
All three are great off road.
If you've decided you don't mind the weather gods peeing on you now and then, a bit of road noise is OK, and driving naked is a beautiful thing, then don't buy an SUV.
Get the Wrangler. :beer:
Can you cite anywhere that says the Willys Wheeler has a locker available? I've seen a few people say it in forums, but I don't think it's an option and definitely isn't standard. If it's the limited slip you're referring to that's obviously nowhere near as robust as a locker as I'm sure you know.
AFBronco235
Crew Chief
Just wanted to break up the jeep party with some ford blue.
Have you considered an old Ford Bronco? Can be had for relatively cheap, cleaned up well and with a minimum of modifications, can go anywhere a jeep can for half the price. Spend a couple grand on a solid frame, then have a shop go over then engine and drive train and you'll have yourself a solid, reliable vehicle that will last well beyond your 10 year mark. Only suspension modifications I had to make was some 2" lift springs ($800) to fit the slightly larger 33" tires, ($1100) as apposed to the stock 31"s. Scrap the sway bar and do a tie rod flip ($20) and you'll have a top notch suspension that will take you just about anywhere you'd want to go, on or off road. Now you're up to $4K or $5K. Engine rebuild with transmission, about another $3K, new diff gears, $500, with the install kits, and you'll be all set. Throw in a decent paint job from your painter of choice and you'll end up investing around $10K.
If you want to get fancy now and add a winch, throw it behind the stock bumper to keep it secure and lines clean. Add some tow loops from an expedition for some front tow points, a custom rear bumper ($500-$1000), a roof rack on the fiberglass shell, a few extra lights and you'll be all set.
Best part is, parts are VERY cheap and available just about anywhere since the bronco shared 90% of the parts from the F-series trucks manufactured the same years and we all know how many of THOSE are out there.
Have you considered an old Ford Bronco? Can be had for relatively cheap, cleaned up well and with a minimum of modifications, can go anywhere a jeep can for half the price. Spend a couple grand on a solid frame, then have a shop go over then engine and drive train and you'll have yourself a solid, reliable vehicle that will last well beyond your 10 year mark. Only suspension modifications I had to make was some 2" lift springs ($800) to fit the slightly larger 33" tires, ($1100) as apposed to the stock 31"s. Scrap the sway bar and do a tie rod flip ($20) and you'll have a top notch suspension that will take you just about anywhere you'd want to go, on or off road. Now you're up to $4K or $5K. Engine rebuild with transmission, about another $3K, new diff gears, $500, with the install kits, and you'll be all set. Throw in a decent paint job from your painter of choice and you'll end up investing around $10K.
If you want to get fancy now and add a winch, throw it behind the stock bumper to keep it secure and lines clean. Add some tow loops from an expedition for some front tow points, a custom rear bumper ($500-$1000), a roof rack on the fiberglass shell, a few extra lights and you'll be all set.
Best part is, parts are VERY cheap and available just about anywhere since the bronco shared 90% of the parts from the F-series trucks manufactured the same years and we all know how many of THOSE are out there.
shays4me
Willing Wanderer
You must be correct. I thought it said Tru-lock on the window sticker but it was probably trac-lock.
onemanarmy
Explorer
Get a 200 series Land cruise, a new 4 door Tacoma, a GX470 or 460, a Tahoe/Yukon, something more substantial than a JK for DD status and ride quality (or a 4 door truck) for versatility.
MontanaAggie
New member
Thanks everyone for the input. I should have added that my wife will be driving the car sometimes on trips, hers in the shop, etc.. She didn't like my old rover since she said it didn't baby (i.e. we now have a 6 month old and she thought lack of AC or the gas fumes not be so good). So while the JK would be great, she doesn't seem that interested in them. Should go at least test drive them and see if she likes it. Also same goes for older SUVs like the Bronco. I know those things can be a tank and I like the lines on the old ones, but the car will serve family purposes. I'll research a used Land Cruiser, I know they are reliable, but maybe a bit too big for our garage. My rover was too tall and the neighbors weren't a fan of seeing it on the street every day (legal, yes, but annoyed still the same). Glad to hear people that have the JGC seem to be happy with their purchase.
Hopefully someday I will be able to own a DD and a toy again.
Hopefully someday I will be able to own a DD and a toy again.
Comanche Scott
Expedition Leader
yeah, if it was my wife and baby, the criteria would be a new vehicle with exceptional safety, reliability and warranty care reputation.
After I was assured of all that, the "wants" would be looked at.
Probably end up with a Lexus SUV, with extended warranty coverage. Probably the NX200T AWD.
Then she'd be driving it, and I'd drive whatever the other vehicle is.
After I was assured of all that, the "wants" would be looked at.
Probably end up with a Lexus SUV, with extended warranty coverage. Probably the NX200T AWD.
Then she'd be driving it, and I'd drive whatever the other vehicle is.
Jeep or Tacoma
Explorer
lexus suv $$$$$
a tahoe/yukon sounds like a good compromise. body on frame, 4x4 and very nice on the highway. a gx460 is also a good option, but quite a bit smaller. It really sounds like you need to reinvent your transportation on both sides? and, "driving once in a while" should not dictate the purchase. My wife does not enjoy driving my pickup, she loves her Volt, she still uses it if need be.
Comanche Scott
Expedition Leader
Not really, especially when looking over the life of the vehicle, and resale. $36K for AWD is a reasonable MSRP.
I bought my folks an RX350 years ago, because I didn't want "that call" in the middle of the night. It has been rock solid reliable, and the dealership takes excellent care of them, for a very reasonable cost.
That peace of mind is priceless.
http://www.lexus.com/models/NX
MontanaAggie
New member
She drives an Acura MDX that she loves, so my new(er) car won't be hers. She just never wanted to drive the RRC or ride anywhere in it further than dinner. My other car is a manual, which she hates because she's a constant worrier and plays the what if scenario if something happened to me and she was in the car she wouldn't be able to drive. So yes the vehicle will primarily be mine, and not become hers. No crossover for me. She's fine with 4Runner, JGC, etc., but she worries a JKU would become a rig. I'm pretty much whipped, but I like to think I still have some freedom.
Comanche Scott
Expedition Leader
That's awesome! I have heard Acura has an excellent service reputation as well.
So with her and the young-un taken care of, you have some great choices. :beer:
So with her and the young-un taken care of, you have some great choices. :beer:
twiisted71
Adventurer
Get a Tahoe, Take the "extra" money from your budget and put in some lockers, real sliders/step bars, and possibly aftermarket bumpers/winch. There are some very nicely built bumpers out that will blend into modern vehicle's body lines so that they are unnoticeable to all but the 'normal' people! A small lift if you so desire and some aggressive all terrains and you'll be set on all fronts.
Easy for the Missus and tot to use (have to be careful she doesn't commandeer it though...larger version of her MDX!)
Room, room, and did I mention space?
Can be had as plush or stripped as you want inside and no one will be the wiser looking at the exterior (It could be an oilfield crew truck or presidential limo)
Sledgehammer reliable. (200K miles with nothing more than standard maintenance expected, if you don't treat it like a rented mule)
Powerful with massive aftermarket for the LS line of engines if you want more
Superb ride
Done correctly the neighbors will give a thumbs up...provided you wash it before bringing it home after a weekend of fun
OnStar for the nanny in you
Capable enough to allow you to get into trouble
Affordable
Check, Check, and done.
Easy for the Missus and tot to use (have to be careful she doesn't commandeer it though...larger version of her MDX!)
Room, room, and did I mention space?
Can be had as plush or stripped as you want inside and no one will be the wiser looking at the exterior (It could be an oilfield crew truck or presidential limo)
Sledgehammer reliable. (200K miles with nothing more than standard maintenance expected, if you don't treat it like a rented mule)
Powerful with massive aftermarket for the LS line of engines if you want more
Superb ride
Done correctly the neighbors will give a thumbs up...provided you wash it before bringing it home after a weekend of fun
OnStar for the nanny in you
Capable enough to allow you to get into trouble
Affordable
Check, Check, and done.