The New Car Hauler

[keflaman]

After losing my '99 TJ to a rollover, I spent hours a day for over six weeks researching a replacement vehicle. Eventually came full circle and ended up where I started from...


Brand spanking new 2012 with Freedom Hard Top, 3.6VVT w/6 speed manual, Power/Convenience group, LSD and tow package. The last new vehicle I bought (for me to drive) was a 1982 S-10 Sport pickup and my wife encouraged me to treat myself to a new Jeep. (I buy a new vehicle every thirty years whether I need one or not!:D)

I was pretty impressed with the new 3.6VVT motor and really wanted an automatic, but it just seemed like the tranny was constantly shifting or hunting for the right gear around town. I didn't want a manual, but the saleslady convinced me to try it and I came back grinning from ear to ear!

There isn't much price dickering when it comes to 2 door Wranglers, but I did get $1032 off as a USAA member and another $500 for military discount; I walked out of the dealership paying ~$500 less than sticker and that felt pretty good!

[tfrain]

that looks awesome!  They are quite proud of those new Wranglers, aren't they?  What did you end up paying for it?
 
Supposedly the new Pentastar engine is night and day to the old motor.  I do wonder when they will get that ZF 8-speed into the jeeps, if ever

[keflaman]

I paid just a tick over $27K out the door. That was more than I wanted to spend and I really wanted an Unlimited TJ (2004-2006), however, when I found a nice example with lower mileage the price was usually $20K+! For a few thousand more I was in new vehicle territory with warranty.

Jeep Wranglers hold their resale pretty good and that worked for, and, against me. I paid $13K eight years ago for my TJ; my insurance pay out was $10K with 88K miles and better than average condition. Now try and find another TJ with that kind of mileage and not beat to crap for $10K.:mad:

I take my dogs with me almost everywhere and the small cargo space meant the TJ never had the back seat installed. The primary reason for seeking an Unlimited TJ was the extra space and longer wheel base for towing heavier loads. The new JK looks to have more cargo room with the seat folded than I had in the TJ sans seat. The JK's wheel base is 2" longer than the TJ and has a 500lb increased towing capacity...1500 vs 2000. I see on U-Haul's site that I can use the JK to pull a 318is on a car dolly, whereas I couldn't with the TJ.

It didn't hurt to consider the Unlimited TJ's mileage rating of 13/16 compared to the JK's 19/21. Heck, I normally never, ever, saw above 14-15mpg with the TJ.:eek:

At the end of the day I'm pretty happy with my decision and relieved that I'm not bringing home another "project".









We'll see.

[tfrain]

I don't think that's a bad price at all.  When my wife and I had a Honda Pilot, we ended up buying a brand new one, because the used ones (that had the curtain airbags I wanted) were the same or MORE than a new one, with warranty, good financing, and new car smell.  So no brainer!

I really think you will enjoy the Pentastar, and the mileage.  15 or 16 mpg just hurts my feelings nowadays.  Heck, I was getting 13 in my 304 V8 Jeep!

Now why didn't you get the four door?

[keflaman]

I initially wanted a four door and the one I test drove was a 2011 with the 3.8L/6-spd. I thought it was grossly underpowered, but even if it had sub-ten quarter mile times I realized it was just too big. My wife drives an X3 and it's just the two of us, so another 4-door wasn't needed and beyond the budget to get one with a Pentastar. Or at least one with more options than just A/C.

[tfrain]

I still like the two doors better myself anyway

[ak96ss]

I just bought this one in April; a little more expensive, and four doors, but it's pretty handy for hauling stuff.

Thus the plate.

[keflaman]

Wow, that's nice! It's a short bed?

[ak96ss]

Can't get the Mega Cab with a long bed, for whatever reason. It's still longer than most parking spots are!

[tfrain]

That thing is a hoss.  I can't believe they don't offer the long bed.  I guess it is one less frame length they have to manuf.  Man, if you could get one of these with the Cummins AND an Allison transmission it would never die!

[keflaman]

I thought it was because aircraft carriers are so expensive to build.

[ak96ss]

I'll have to get the 318is out of the garage and take comparison pics...

[keflaman]

That'd be cool. I'll bet the E30 is dwarfed by that behemoth!

Well, it looks like the deal fell through. The Jeep pictured in the first post was representative of what the dealership was having shipped in for me. Same exact Jeep, except "mine" was a six-speed and the one pictured was an automatic.

I discovered an error when I called the dealership and asked for the VIN in order to update my insurance policy with the new vehicle. I went online and punched in the VIN to see if I could pull up the window sticker. Lo and behold, there's a picture of the actual vehicle...with a soft top!:confused:
 
Wait-a-minute-here, Lucy!:mad:

So after a few texts, emails and a phone call I told the dealership to cancel everything and I would order a 2013 with the options and packages I want and need. It seems every Jeep comes with Sirius and the Connectivity group with Bluetooth and hands-free features. After thinking about it, I only put ~5K miles a year on my DD so what's the sense in that? I'd rather put the money in front seat side airbags, 3.73 gears, and an LSD.

In the end I buy a new car every 30 years whether I need it or not, so at my age it's safe to assume this is the last one and I deserve to order exactly what I want!:D