Getting a Jeep

[kendrafitz]

Ok, so this is in the off topic section...and it is REALLY off topic.

I have decided to trade in my Mommy Mobile (minivan) and get a Jeep in the spring. There are a few reasons - I always wanted one, I don't need the extra space since I don't sell at flea markets anymore, I think it will end up eventually going to my kids (nice & big) & I like to drive on the beach.

The beach driving thing is fairly new. We drove on the OBX 4x4 beach to get to our house rental a few years ago and I fell in love. That was in our old Honda Pilot. It was fine. Jef got a new Pilot 4wd and we got stuck this past summer in OBX. I was really bummed bc I had planned to go to that beach our entire trip, but it didn't pan out. (It is a super quiet beach where wild horses roam, swim and play). Anyway, Jef promised we could get one for this summer. Plus, we have a 4x4 beach here and I thought it might be a fun, less crowded beach for us to utilize. Our beaches get unbearably crowded and I just don't go anymore. My mil lives at the beach and I still won't go in the summer. For me there is nothing worse than sitting 3 feet away from strangers (having to hear their music, conversations and possibly inhale their smoke...ick).

So, I have narrowed it down to a Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, either the Sport or Sahara. We went to get info and test drive yesterday and it seems either of those will work. If I go with the Sport, I will have to make modifications possibly after market. I need the all terrain tires as well as a back up camera & a couple other things.

So my question is, does anyone here know about the two model Jeeps I mentioned? Any input would be appreciated.

[spiritbird]

I do not know those models but did at one time drive a Jeep while I lived in Wisconsin. I had no problems getting around in the deep snow. When I came home to Md. and got an inspection had to fix about $1,500 worth of mechanical issues.

[kendrafitz]

Ugh that is rough!

[Lady]

Not a clue~ sorry. But it sure sounds exciting!

[2birds]

Never owned one but have always liked them. A friend of mine has one and she can't part with it. Congratulations!! :)

[kendrafitz]

Thanks, it will be a little while yet. I think I will see if there is a Jeep Wrangler Forum online. Hopefully the conversation has come up there. :)

[Mare]

I just spoke to Tim about your dilemma and he is adamant, with his thoughts, that you not purchase a Jeep, they aren't very well made. We've owned a few Jeeps and do beach runs in Baja,, Toyotas are definitely better made and more comfortable. Our 4Runner is amazing in not only longevity but performance.

[spiritbird]

I agree with you Mare.

[Mare]

Tim is 68 yrs. old and has been THE machanic on our cars since I've known him, going on 36 years. His dad taught him on old volkswagons in the 50's and 60's. He's changed out many engines on our vehicles and has always done better work than the shops. I'm pretty sure he knows what he's saying :). I trust him!

[kendrafitz]

Thanks Mare & Tim! I have always heard that about Jeeps too. I had heard that they have improved, but am not sure.

I was actually looking at a Toyota first. I wanted a pick up truck with the double cab. But Jef was adamant that he did not want a truck. So then I fell in love with the Toyota FJ Cruiser. It is really cute with its white marshmallow top and looks like it would be good off road. Jef was against that bc they stopped making them in 2014.

Connor really likes the idea of the convertible and honestly, so do I. But now you have me thinking...

I don't want another SUV. I have had them forever, all the way back to my 20s. The mommy mobile was my first non SUV since...and we still have one - a Honda Pilot. I would like something fun for a change. Ugh, decisions, decisions.

[Mare]

My thoughts on SUV's is they hold a LOT of humans/animals/luggage :)

[Lady]

Fun, like a little red corvette :D :th_hehe::th_hehe::th_hehe::th_hehe::th_hehe: surely not a mommy mobile!

[Mare]

Yeah but a 4Runner is an SUV while being totally, acceptably cute and also, functional!

[kendrafitz]

True to all 3 points!!

Just don't know what to do.

[Mare]

Follow your heart, Kendra, I didn't mean to confuse you :)

[Casper's 2nd best friend]

I don't have any experience of Jeeps or Toyota SUVs but there is a saying going around "After the apocalypse there will be cockroaches and Toyota LandCruisers"
The UK TV program TopGear had many goes at destroying the Toyota without much success.
Margaret and I both drive 1970's Citroens. Reliability is overrated.

[kendrafitz]

I know Mare! I appreciate you looking out for me!!!

LOL Jean-Pierre!! :)

[Casper's 2nd best friend]

If you get a 4runner, have a red one - Rosie will appreciate the thought of matching car and parrot, like matching shoes and handbag. Black and silver cars are sooo overdone.
Here is what we roll, just in case you thought we were tin snail type people. Nope, we like our comfort too - just not with modern electronics tacked on.
2714
We get smiles wherever we go!

[kendrafitz]

AWESOME! Pretty cars!

[Mare]

Lovely cars, Jean-Pierre! Not types we see often in the U.S.! I spent some time in Japan, around 6yrs. ago and was amazed at the creations, so different from ours, that I saw. I know European cars are coveted here, though. Especially ones like yours :)