Starting my quest for a new Jeep Wrangler Unlimited

Topic: Starting my quest for a new Jeep Wrangler Unlimited (Read 834 times) previous topic - next topic

Starting my quest for a new Jeep Wrangler Unlimited

November 18, 2015, 12:39:50 pm

We'd like to have a vehicle we can flat tow. I don't want to own 3 vehicles...don't want the extra tax and insurance expense.

Unfortunately neither our F150 or Subaru Forester can be flat towed. The newer F150's can but it makes more sense to sell my truck and get something else. Having a truck has been awesome, but I don't really 'need' one. I originally bought the truck in 2011 to tow a camper but we bought a FT instead.

The Jeep Wrangler Unlimited seems to fit the bill perfectly. Four wheel drive, 4 doors and automatic transmission. I want a hard top. My wife's only requirement is an automatic transmission otherwise she won't drive it.

The jeep flat tows well, is rugged, holds it's value pretty well and will go anywhere I need to go. I can also get it serviced anywhere, a plus with the traveling we will be doing.

I know the ride is rough with a much shorter wheelbase than I am use to, especially compared to the boat like feel of my F150. I'm okay with that trade off.

$30,000 is my limit. I think I can get between 25-28,000 for my truck. I'm not going to be able to get one locally. Our small town dealership only has a few on the lot at any time and they are usually the more expensive, loaded models.

I'm fine traveling to find what I want. The inventory in Charlotte is better, multiple dealerships with lots of inventory.

I know the sky is the limit regarding the ability to customize these things. I want it stock, no lift kit...just a great stereo, a hard top, four doors and an automatic transmission. I do want a light/bright color so it's easy for others to see when I'm towing it.

I hope to get this done in December, towards the end of the month/year.

If you own one, how do you like it?

Re: Starting my quest for a new Jeep Wrangler Unlimited

Reply #1 – November 18, 2015, 01:10:58 pm

We have a 2013 Wrangler Unlimited. The ride is much improved over previous model years. Just remember is is a solid axled vehicle. The handling will not be the same as your F150. The V6 engine is a delight as is the A/T. Not a toad yet as we still use Henry for that.

Re: Starting my quest for a new Jeep Wrangler Unlimited

Reply #2 – November 18, 2015, 01:24:24 pm

Jeff,

Go to FMCA's website for a list of vehicles their manufacturer has deemed towable 4 wheels down for more than the last decade:

Towing Guides - towing four wheels down

Re: Starting my quest for a new Jeep Wrangler Unlimited

Reply #3 – November 18, 2015, 02:35:20 pm

We tow a 2000 jeep wrangler 4 down and love it. It tows easily-- can't tell it's back there. Just put the transfer case in neutral and go. We have a simple "old school" a frame ($79) tow bar that hinges up vertical when not in use. We hold it in place with bungie cords when hinged up. 2 minute hook up and disconnect.

Re: Starting my quest for a new Jeep Wrangler Unlimited

Reply #4 – November 18, 2015, 04:12:42 pm

Fortunately the coach came with a tow bar. I'll just need brakes and hitch plate for the jeep.

Re: Starting my quest for a new Jeep Wrangler Unlimited

Reply #5 – November 18, 2015, 04:43:12 pm

Quote from: Kemahjohn – November 18, 2015, 02:35:20 pm

Just put the transfer case in neutral and go.

The newer Jeeps, and I'd bet all, are different than the Land Rover we towed for twenty years. I'd put the transfer case in neutral and gearbox in 2nd. I just remembered, ours was a non-synchronized straight stick. I double-clutched, (when not needed) for years after moving the LR to another good home.

Re: Starting my quest for a new Jeep Wrangler Unlimited

Reply #6 – November 18, 2015, 05:12:10 pm

We bought our Wrangler Unlimited new almost 2 years ago and were looking for about a year before that every place we went- Montana, Arizona, Utah, Texas, New Mexico, Louisiana, Mississippi, Idaho, Washington and other states. We finally went to the Jeep sales website and designed our jeep since we could not find anything on a lot for less than $30K or used in good shape. It was an exercise that paid off for us. So we knew how much it would cost if we ordered it from the factory. Ours happens to the the least expensive available that is 4 doors. We chose the Sport with a rag top, 4 wheel drive, manual trans., with A/C, radio, cruise and the smallest stock tires available. No power windows or anything else. The web price was like $27,900+/- and we paid about $1.5k under that. Once I knew what I wanted I had the web site do a search of existing inventory in a given area and there were two within 250 miles or so. We went to a local dealer with our request and "guided" him to the two that were available. He ultimately traded the other dealer one of his Jeeps for our Jeep and we took delivery about a week later. I do not know how one can be purchased new for less. Jeep does not offer many discounts on the 4 door Wrangler and they appear to be quite popular.

We had the Sport 3 piece Hard Top on our previous 2 door Jeep and it leaked and cost us a couple of thousand dollars in damage that Jeep said they would not be liable for and did not want to claim on our vehicle insurance so we decided - no hard top this time. I know many who have a hard top and are happy with it. Upon reading threads on the jeep forums the 3 piece Sport top seem to be notorious for leaking so this time we opted for the rag top. No leaks yet and it is nice to put the top down on occasion when we are in the mountains and other neat places. Ours rides well and it has taken us almost anywhere we wanted to go. We did have to turn around on a couple of trails in Moab last year as there were some very BIG rocks in the way.

I was having wheel envy for over a year and would salivate when seeing other Jeeps with good wheels and tires on them. Well I still do on occasion. Last year we found 5 Rubicon/Sahara rims with good rubber and running boards for $400.00 and promptly bought them. We traded balancing and mounting of the "new" wheels for the 5 OEMs and I mounted the running boards my self. That was a good deal.

I some times think that it would be nice to have a diesel pickup with a cap but then it would just get full of stuff.

Hopefully the wind will be blowing in the right direction and you will find the Jeep that will work for you. Good luck.

We also looked at Xtera, Hondas and Subarus.

Re: Starting my quest for a new Jeep Wrangler Unlimited

Reply #7 – November 18, 2015, 05:27:53 pm

We've towed a 2012 Wrangler Unlimited , 4 door, automatic, hardtop for 40,000 + miles and driven it 24,000 miles untowed. Love it. Never had any problems. In 2012 they changed stuff including a bigger more powerful engine. We think it rides great ... but it is a Jeep not a car.
Our other car is a Subaru Outback. We're in the SC mountains. If they still made manual transmission Subaru Outbacks I'd tow one of those and be in hogs' heaven. But they don't and I'm not. But you might find a used one.
We use an M&G braking system.
Good luck.

Re: Starting my quest for a new Jeep Wrangler Unlimited

Reply #8 – November 18, 2015, 06:06:28 pm

Jeff,
If you're considering buying new like Carol and Scott mentioned above and you have Costco membership I highly recommend you check out their process/price. We shopped 6 dealerships for ordering a new Cherokee exactly like we wanted and the Costco deal beat them all by $1500+. There may be different results in different markets as you mentioned in your original post but I was amazed at the deal we got with zero hassle.

Re: Starting my quest for a new Jeep Wrangler Unlimited

Reply #9 – November 18, 2015, 07:36:41 pm

We just bought a 2015 Sahara in August. It is fun to drive but I would not take it on a long trip. We have a Mercedes diesel sedan we use around town. If I had to go to a single vehicle I would buy a Grand Cherokee due to the comfort factor. The Wrangler engine tends to surge a lot and is kind of wimpy in my opinion. It is easy to tow and setup for towing though.

Mark

Re: Starting my quest for a new Jeep Wrangler Unlimited

Reply #10 – November 18, 2015, 07:53:53 pm

We have a 2012 Wrangler Unlimited, 50 K on it plus tow miles. Only 2 problems cam sensor and d/s cylinder head. Some of the 2012 V6s had a casting issue with the left cylinder head. Symptoms are valve tick and or misfire. I have heard Chrysler will fix them out to 150k.

Re: Starting my quest for a new Jeep Wrangler Unlimited

Reply #11 – November 18, 2015, 09:45:41 pm

Thanks all, appreciate the comments. We can buy a new jeep at 1% under invoice through a retirement benefit from IBM.

Re: Starting my quest for a new Jeep Wrangler Unlimited

Reply #12 – November 18, 2015, 10:14:06 pm

We have a 2014 Jeep Wrangler (Sahara) Unlimited. We have 14K+ driving miles and about 20K towing miles including Alaska and Maritime. It is a V-6 automatic with 3:21 differential.

Does everything we wanted thus far. We are not big off roaders but like to take the mountain roads etc. that normal toad would not be suitable. 4 wheel drive is a good asset as well as ground clearance.

Travels and rides good for a Jeep.

jack

Re: Starting my quest for a new Jeep Wrangler Unlimited

Reply #13 – November 19, 2015, 05:55:38 am

Charlotte area carmax
CarMax - Browse used cars and new cars online

Re: Starting my quest for a new Jeep Wrangler Unlimited

Reply #14 – November 19, 2015, 08:59:17 pm

We have towed our 2012 Jeep Liberty Limited for almost two years now. It tows just fine. The ride is okay. Fuel mileage is only so-so. I've kept records of every drop of gas that went into it since we bought it. Overall mpg is just over 20 mpg. The Jeep Cherokee is about the same size as our Liberty but does far better on gas, or so Jeep says. You might also want to check Consumer Reports for any vehicle you are considering.

The two sites I check for cars are:
autotrader.com
cargurus.com

Use the advanced search to get it just right.

Re: Starting my quest for a new Jeep Wrangler Unlimited

Reply #15 – November 19, 2015, 11:06:50 pm

We bought a 2012 Jeep Wrangler Sport Unlimited brand new ... because with the low financing at that time it didn't make sense to look for a used one. We were full-timing and it also served as our "garage", so I really was not interested in a soft top because of security reasons. We kept too much stuff in it!. The 3-piece hard top has not leaked at all ... and we pop the front off from time to time for sight seeing. It has been a great vehicle for us. It is a 6 cyl automatic, 4-door, equipped with many of the Safari options, but with the black bumpers and fenders. It now has more than 40K miles. We were able to get the tow plates through E-trailer.com, as they buy stuff like that in bulk and had availability when the Jeep dealer did not!! Our AirForce-1 braking system transferred nicely from our previous vehicle, although space was tight. The mechanic ran extra wiring to the tail lights to provide braking and signal connections when being towed. (I don't know how that works ... I just know that he did it). The vehicle came equipped with Michelin tires, which were really great and VERY quiet ... a bonus for Jeff, who is hearing impaired. We could actually have a conversation in the car! We took it on long road trips of 500+ miles and found it to be perfectly comfortable ... not always the case for us, with Jeff's bad back and our various other ailments! We are certainly NOT hard core off-roaders, but we have certainly had a lot of fun with this car. It has been easy maintenance and really reliable. We got a Thule bike rack that fits thru the spare tire on the rear ... easy install. We also have a Thule roof rack that Jeff used to carry his floaty-boat frame when assembled. I have no problem using it to do the grocery grabbing or bumbling around in the desert. It is very easy to drive and does not feel "trucky". The back seat is not what I would call comfortable, but Jeff has found an aftermarket hinge that allows for a little bit more of a recline in the rear seat back ... YES!!

Re: Starting my quest for a new Jeep Wrangler Unlimited

Reply #16 – November 20, 2015, 12:30:34 am

We have a 06 two door Unlimited with 4 more extra inches stretched rear axle and lifted to accommodate 42 tires but currently running with 35s. Anyway BUY one you will love it & if you don't you will sell it fast. IMO stay a way from 07-2011 models if you can. not that much is wrong with them but engine is heavy and inefficient. New 6 cylinder Pentastar engine is great and with few after market tricks it is even better. A good friend of mine owns a Jeep shop for the last 20+ years or so ... he always say "7 year old or 70 year young girls & boy they all wants one and they all love it.
A base 4 door sport model with after market stereo would be very satisfactory from what i can tell from your writing.
We love our 06. I also hope to get a diesel wrangler just as soon as they take it of to delivery truck in 2017 ... if the rumor come true.
Good luck.

Re: Starting my quest for a new Jeep Wrangler Unlimited

Reply #17 – November 20, 2015, 05:23:20 am

What Propmsn said above is right on. I researched for about 3 months and 07-11 had lots of complaints about the engines. 12 and up had good reviews. New was out for me and further research led me to a 2003-2006 Rubicon
These came from factory with Dana44 axles front and rear with lockers and the 4.0 L inline 6.
03-04 had a 5 speed 95-06 a 6 speed manual,snd automatics were offered too.
I was pretty much set on looking for one of these,when my neighbour and I were having beers and Tequila ,and he said he had a jeep I could have if I can get it running, needless to say I now have a 94 Cherokee

Re: Starting my quest for a new Jeep Wrangler Unlimited

Reply #18 – November 20, 2015, 09:46:01 am

Jeff,

We bought a 1998 Jeep Wrangler Sport (2 door) because it was a very inexpensive option. We thought about selling one car and getting a Subaru or a 4 door Jeep but with an out of pocket cost on the 98 of just $6000 it was hard to pass up. Maintenance is easy. Insurance is 1/2 what our other cars are. Tags are $35 / year. We put a new top and a new starter on it, less that $1K. I can pay for a lot of third car insurance and tags for the lower initial cost. And I can drive it in the desert or the woods and not be all worried about what it looks like. And up here after four years this Jeep would quickly sell for what I paid for it. Now I could sell two cars and still have $15-$20K out of pocket.

If we just wanted a sight seeing tow car then it would be something different. Get a tow car that will let you do what you want to do with it. A 4 door Wangler would be nice though.

Re: Starting my quest for a new Jeep Wrangler Unlimited

Reply #19 – November 20, 2015, 01:57:41 pm

In 2012 I found a 1999 Jeep Sport (the 4-cylinder engine) advertised in Craigslist for $4,000!!! I practically broke my arm grabbing the cell phone to call him. I was second... the owner told me another person was coming to see it. Since the seller was 2 hours away from me I figured I could never beat them to it and resigned myself to finding another one. About 2 hours later I got a phone call. The other guy said that it was "too rough" for him... I grabbed the DW and we headed to Walla Walla, WA toot-sweet.

The TJ was soft top, soft doors, with a custom roll bar setup, custom rock sliders (the bars under the doors that keep you from crunching the frame), a custom front push bumper set up for a winch, and a custom rear bumper set up for pulling. It was lifted and had 33" sand tires. It had been hit in the rear and straightened in a frame shop but did not have a "rebuilt" or "salvage" title.

I drove it up and down the road and handed him $4,000 in cash. No use haggling with a guy who is selling exactly what you want for less than you expected to pay. Drove it home with the DW following.

Sales tax people wanted me to pay them on a $7500 price (they no longer take "bills of sale" - guess they figured that one out) but I managed to find a web site that priced it at $4500. So I had to pay sales tax on a vehicle valued at $500 more than I paid for it.

Now it has a winch from Harbor Freight. We also welded the tangs for the $80 HF tow bar onto the front bumper (remember, it's a custom install and pretty skookum) for $10, installed a Brake Buddy and breakaway ($300 from Craigslist) and we've towed that TJ at least 3,000 miles behind our U225 and still get 10.5mpg.

A year later I found (again, on Craigslist) two door-tops that had been knifed through (and replaced by insurance) for $100. I duct taped where they'd been cut.

That Jeep has taken me places I was pretty sure they'd have to send a helicopter to lift us out of... but its always come through. Barely makes a trail in loose sand (it's a blast in sand) and has been to mines, old homesteads, and on Jeep trails all over the west.

Someone was looking after me that day.

Craig

Affiliate Notice