Want a Jeep

Hello,

I have been interested in purchasing a Jeep for years. I am at that point that I have started looking seriously. I have never owned a Jeep and would like to know if someone can fill me in on the DO's and DON'Ts of buying a Jeep. I live in Florida, and can't think of a more perfect climate to own a Jeep. I would not be doing any offroading. My preference would be an automatic. Any info would be appreciated.

Mike

Buy a 1991 or newer Jeep. The older YJ jeeps wern't fuel injected. 1997 and up have the best suspension. Look under interior carpets for rust on the floor boards. Have a qualified mechanic check the ball joints, they're checked different than most vehicles. Good luck, happy jeeping

Buy a 1991 or newer Jeep. The older YJ jeeps wern't fuel injected. 1997 and up have the best suspension. Look under interior carpets for rust on the floor boards. Have a qualified mechanic check the ball joints, they're checked different than most vehicles. Good luck, happy jeeping

I appreciate the feedback. If I do decide to purchase a Jeep, it will be a new one.

Mike

If buying new, you'll be happier with the 6 cyl, especially if you plan on getting automatic transmission.

I'm actually looking for some input on hardtop over softtop or vice versa for the following reasons: Softtop tends to leak more, cloth over vynal seats for what reason, SPORT over X model for what reason etc........

Mike

I've had both tops. Soft didn't leak (except in the brushless carwash, that was fun LOL). The hardtop had a leak that we never found.

Soft top is louder, but you can put it down. Hard top better during tough winter/snow and less drafty. YOu can get the dual top option, where you get both tops.

Vinyl seats miserable in summer, go with the cloth. But... vinyl seats can be hosed off and sat on quickly, and seat covers available. Vinyl may not come with sport or X versions.

Sport/X choice depends on the level of options you want. Go check them out on www.Jeep.com; you can "build" your Jeep numerous different ways and find out what you want.

I've had my Wrangler in Florida for 5 years, with hard top, soft top, and bikini. I use the hard top in the winter, mainly 'cause I drive it north for the holidays -- otherwise, I wouldn't use it much. The soft top is great in Florida, especially in the summer with the short afternoon rains (you don't have to put the top up, though -- that's what the drains are for...). The bikini top is nice, but a little slower to put up for the rain.

I've had my Wrangler in Florida for 5 years, with hard top, soft top, and bikini. I use the hard top in the winter, mainly 'cause I drive it north for the holidays -- otherwise, I wouldn't use it much. The soft top is great in Florida, especially in the summer with the short afternoon rains (you don't have to put the top up, though -- that's what the drains are for...). The bikini top is nice, but a little slower to put up for the rain.


Bikini top? I'm going to assume this is different from a softop.

Mike

Yeah; bikini goes from the windshield back to the rollbar, and doesn't cover anything on the sides.

Yeah; bikini goes from the windshield back to the rollbar, and doesn't cover anything on the sides.

Thanks!


What about the horror stories I hear concerning the softops. They ALWAYS leak, they discolor (yellow) rapidly making it hard to see out of. Most people have told me to get a hardtop. I would think a hardtop would be a bigger pain in the A#$ than a softop......especially living in Florida where I would want the top to be off most of the time when the weather is nice???????

Mike

Thanks!


What about the horror stories I hear concerning the softops. They ALWAYS leak, they discolor (yellow) rapidly making it hard to see out of. Most people have told me to get a hardtop. I would think a hardtop would be a bigger pain in the A#$ than a softop......especially living in Florida where I would want the top to be off most of the time when the weather is nice???????

Mike

ALWAYS leak? I've had two on two different vehicles, and neither leaked.

DISCOLOR? The windows get dirty, and alot of people scratch them. Over time, since they're plastic, sure they'll age. But use the care tips that are in the instructions (use soft, wet cloth only, and side to side motion rather than up and down, no harsh chemicals) and they'll be fine.

Only advantage in having a hard top is that your AC will work better, as the soft top has a few air leaks. But that's greatly outweighed IMO by having the top down on good days......

ALWAYS leak? I've had two on two different vehicles, and neither leaked.

DISCOLOR? The windows get dirty, and alot of people scratch them. Over time, since they're plastic, sure they'll age. But use the care tips that are in the instructions (use soft, wet cloth only, and side to side motion rather than up and down, no harsh chemicals) and they'll be fine.

Only advantage in having a hard top is that your AC will work better, as the soft top has a few air leaks. But that's greatly outweighed IMO by having the top down on good days......


That's what I thought. :) Thanks for the info.

Mike

Sure thing.

How about a little info on the Jeep Wrangler model that is longer than the normal Jeep. Is this the "Unlimited" model or the "Rubicon" model. Is it sligtly longer for comfort reasons, or for drivability reasons (longer wheelbase means smoother ride) I never realized Jeep made a longer Wrangler. Thanks


Mike

The Unlimited model came out this year. It's longer, with more leg and cargo room.

www.Jeep.com

Tell me what you think........I found a 2004 UNLIMITED 4.0L, air, cruise, automatic, 55 miles on it, on ebay for $19,500.00. It's in Florida where I live. Good deal....yes/no...Thanks

Mike

Sounds pretty decent; check blue book on it and get a CARFAX to make sure it wasn't flooded in the hurricanes last year.

Sounds pretty decent; check blue book on it and get a CARFAX to make sure it wasn't flooded in the hurricanes last year.

The owner told me she bought it 10 days ago for her son. The only time the Jeep has been driven is to bring it home from the dealership. Her son wanted a manual tranny, not an automatic. This is the only reason she is selling it.

Mike

yea get a 2003 and newer jeep wrangler.. Those things are a blast even with a auto.. The 4.0 has some balls for Inline 6 LOL.. I recommend the Rubicons tho

Shoot, if she's willing to take the loss on it, your gain!

:thumbsup:

Shoot, if she's willing to take the loss on it, your gain!

:thumbsup:


Blue book is $19,250.00. It's just one of those deals that's "too good to be true". I asked her why she just didn't take it back to dealership and basically trade it out for the one she wanted. Any reputable dealership would have done that within a reasonable amount of time. Hell, here in Florida you can renig on a contract within the first 72 hours...it's a law. She knows she won't get more than blue book, but why is she so content on losing around $5000. Somethings fishy! :sly:

Get the CARFAX report, and take it for a test drive, to the dealer where she said she got it. They should be able to verify that it was purchased there.

IMO either she's loaded and doesn't care, or it's buyer beware.

Get the CARFAX report, and take it for a test drive, to the dealer where she said she got it. They should be able to verify that it was purchased there.

IMO either she's loaded and doesn't care, or it's buyer beware.


Latest e-mail from seller.

Why don’t you call me XXX-XXX-XXXX

"To answer why I did not take it back: the next day I took it back to the dealership and asked if they would take it back or exchange it, they told me a big NO, they where very rood, after talking to the manager they agreed to exchange it but for a higher price than I paid so I am going to buy from another dealership where they are nice to deal with. This car will be a VERY good deal for someone, if you think it is too good to be true you will miss out. You are welcome to come and inspect the Jeep anytime you want".


MIke

I'd jump in it, take a test drive - right down to the dealer where she bought it, and verify her story.

Wouldn't hurt to have it looked at by a competent mechanic.

Of course, with only 55 miles, you're still under factory warranty, make sure you are with the dealer when you go down there.

No probs w/vehicle = pretty darn good deal.