Back in 1993 when I bought my first one - a stripper with steel wheels and luxurious options like heat and power steering (I affectionately called it the postmaster special) - I never would have guessed I would wind up making this many repeat purchases. But they just keep getting better and better. Back in my 20's when I had the postmaster special the option list was small. They were only built to be capable, not necessarily comfortable. Now near 50, I still want capability but I also need comfort. To that end I suppose Jeep is doing a good job of developing and maturing their designs at the same rate those of us who keep buying them are aging. This one is worlds ahead of my '09 Rubicon, which was worlds ahead of my TJ's, which were worlds ahead of that first YJ I purchased in 1993. I've never had a 4 door, and while I can already tell it isn't as agile as my previous 2 door models (which I'm sure I'll notice more when I'm in the woods) I'll really enjoy having the extra room. The only negative - Damn, these things have gotten expensive. The only saving grace is the awesome resale value, which significantly reduces the overall cost of ownership. I've never gotten hurt financially on any of them. I'm not a fan of winter, but I'm looking forward to a little snow!
Maybe for another owner. I've never had any steering or suspension component fail on one of mine except a leaky steering damper replaced under warranty. Though I have read about the issue. If it does happen to me it will either be under warranty or something I casually knock out on a weekend. As a former tech a ball joint is no big deal.
I am on my 3rd Jeep and I have never needed a ball joint on any of my Jeeps. But they are very easy to change Bueller, Congrats on the new Jeep, So how much better is the new engine ?
I've always been intrigued by Jeeps; the price of admission has always kept me away. I'll have to live vicariously through you for now. Looking forward to reading more.
Definitely more power, but going from a JK to a longer, heavier JKU I can't make an apples to apples comparison. And oddly enough, that's not one of the things I care about. I was in the camp the felt the old 3.8 did a fine job with a 6 speed manual and the right gearing. It was fine in my rubicon, but had trouble pulling any hill in overdrive in the '07 Sahara with a 4 speed auto I owned before the rubicon. It was a simple engine with plenty of access room. The new Pentastar is more complex and definitely is a tighter squeeze into the engine compartment. Too bad I can't go back to Moab again next year. I need to find some good off road stuff within a day's drive of Ohio.
I always like the way Jeeps would mark the trail with their own fluids so you knew how to get home. Had a couple company Jeeps in the past. They just loved springing random fluid leaks.
Congrats Bueller. I imagine that is similar to what my #6 will look like, but #5 (2003 TJ) is still going strong.
I would love to have a rig like yours! I am still on my first one as well, though it has gone through a few different forms. including the 256 wearing out and getting replaced by a SBC.
Very nice, love the burnt orange. Unfortunately, I could never drive one, as I am compensating as well.
If you're not a member of www.jkfreaks.com, you might want to check in there. There are several members from that area and they seem pretty active. I think the site owner is even from Ohio. Nice Rubi.
