rubicon vs. sport/x and modification

[muphasta]

I've been wanting a Jeep for a while now, and was wondering if it would be worth getting a Rubicon, or just going w/a Sport or an X and making the changes to it.

I do not plan on rock crawling, or even going on the rubicon trial, but I would take it off road.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks.

[fredjacksonsan]

Rubicon is hard core, and you may not ever need the locking front and rear differentials, based on your description of what you plan to do.

If you're planning on occasionally doing some mild off roading, Sport is the way to go. Get the larger tires, 3.73 axle ratio and rear limited slip differential. You'll save a few grand from the Rubicon.

Of course, if you've got the cash....

[fredjacksonsan]

So what did you end up getting?

[muphasta]

Nothing yet. This is one tough sell on the wife. We have a 14 month old, and she doesn't think it is practicle.

I think he'd love riding in it w/the top off in the summer!

Thanks for asking, I'll let you know when (and if) I get one!

[fredjacksonsan]

I hear you. I can say from experience that if you get a baby, wife, and some stuff in a Wrangler you are as full as can be, unless you have some outside storage. Not the most comfortable long distance ride either, and loading and unloading "the child" isn't too easy until they can climb in themselves. But my daughter loved having the top down (but the wind was "too loud" for her).

Good luck on the hard sell. Maybe she'd go for a Grand Cherokee, they're giving away the '04 models...if there are any left.

[muphasta]

Three major problems w/the Grand Cherokee...

1. Can't drop the top
2. I want a Wrangler
3. It wouldn't tick off the wife!

I figure I can outwait her. It may take a while, but by the time he is 3, I hope to get one. uhg, that is a long time to wait.

[fredjacksonsan]

Imagine all the $$ you could save by then, if you make "payments" into an account. AND the little guy will be able to get in by himself by then......

Just had a thought.....have you thought of the Unlimited? It's a bit longer so more storage space. Top probably flaps alot though.

[fredjacksonsan]

Oh yeah, and get the side steps if you want him to get in by himself, without them he'll be struggling.

[muphasta]

I have thought about the Unlimited. A lot. I am just not sure I like the look of it. I need to go drive one. I'll probably take the top off of whatever I get. I live in SoCal, so it isn't like I'll be fighting snow! So the flapping top isn't really an issue to me.

Do they have 4-door unlimiteds? I swear I saw one a few weeks ago in Orange County. I looked at the website, and haven't seen anything about 4-doors. Oh well.

[fredjacksonsan]

I'm pretty sure the 4door was a custom job. I didn't like the looks of the Unlimited when I first saw it either, but it's grown on me, especially after I had a look at the room inside. Haven't driven one yet though.

[muphasta]

I haven't driven one either. I am not worried about the performance of the longer wheelbase or anything either. If I was going to do rock crawling, it may be a problem, but since I'll do the occasional off-road thing, it shouldn't effect me.

Hey, how are jeeps as daily drivers anyway? I drive 52 miles round trip with the return trip sometimes taking close to an hour. (wonderful socal traffic!!!)

I drive a stick now so I am used to it, I am just curious about the ride quality every day.

[fredjacksonsan]

Well, it's not a sports or luxury car and doesn't ride like either. The ride is a little choppy due to the short wheelbase, but you get used to it after a day or so. I think the reviewers say the ride is "busy". Personally I like it better than being bored in a plushmobile. Jeeps feel light and maneuverable; and when the cars are backed up at a red light and you have to jump a curb to turn right on red, it's nice. Ever want to explore that dirt road just off the highway? Now you can. OK now waxing poetic but you get the idea. Dang, I should work for Jeep.

[muphasta]

Funny thing last night, sitting in the parking lot of where I go to school was an Unlimited. I think I could get used to it. I am wondering if the longer wheelbase would make the highway commute more pleasant.

I am also wondering if there is more leg room in it. I was not impressed w/the amount of legroom in the wrangler. I am 6', but really like to stretch out. My Sentra does not allow that either. I need to test drive an unlimited soon!

[fredjacksonsan]

Longer wb does make the ride better, I'm heard. Front legroom is the same, but rear legroom is increased. I'm 6'4", and I can stretch my legs out all the way (around the pedals of course) with the seat all the way back. It IS a little tight from l-r in the foot box, but it's not too bad.

Yeah, go for a test drive. 6 speed manual and 4.0 liter......

[muphasta]

Man, this is gonna be a tougher sale than I thought!!! I told the wife that I was going to go for a test drive on Sat while she was visiting her parents. Anyway, she started giving me a hard time again, so I dropped it. I intended to go anyway, but after class on Sat, I realized I had 2 papers to write by Thurs. Man, I'm never gonna get my Jeep. Oh well, a good woman is harder to find, and as much as I like to complain about her, she is a great wife.

Oh well.