Want a Jeep

[wrigley123]

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

[myjeepsux420]

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

[wrigley123]

Originally Posted by myjeepsux420

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

[fredjacksonsan]

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

[wrigley123]

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

[fredjacksonsan]

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.

[JeeperRich]

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.

[wrigley123]

Originally Posted by JeeperRich

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

[fredjacksonsan]

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

[wrigley123]

Originally Posted by fredjacksonsan

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

[fredjacksonsan]

Originally Posted by wrigley123

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......

[wrigley123]

Originally Posted by fredjacksonsan

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

[fredjacksonsan]

Sure thing.

[wrigley123]

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

[fredjacksonsan]

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

www.Jeep.com