I will be using this Wrangler only on road not on any rocks or stuff like that.I will use it just like any regular car. What options should I go for? Hard or soft top? Navigation system or not? Half metal doors or full? And most importantly, STANDARD or AUTO trans? How much would all of this cost?
I want a used Jeep Wrangler, Sahara or Rubicon?
28
Mar
carter_lansford
March 28, 2010 at 10:30 pm
If it is strictly a road Jeep – you do not need a Rubicon, so go with a Sahara, dual top group if you like the open air, full doors (standard, anyway) Navigation is not really needed IMO and just adds more $$$, you can always buy a portable unit. And if you are in a lot of stop and go traffic go for an Auto trans, otherwise a manual is more fun. A used one with low mileage will probably hover around the $20,000 mark.
timothy p
March 28, 2010 at 11:08 pm
If not riding off road, you will not need the heavy duty gear of the rubicon. I would either go for the X or sahara. I prefer a manual over an automatic but that is a personal preference. I like the full metal doors. You can take them off and get a set of tube doors if you want a more open air experience. Navigation system also depends on the type of driving you will be doing. Local driving you will probably never get your moneys worth out of it. If you decide you want one later, there are several aftermarket that are a lot less expensive. Go to jeep.com and select build your own option for pricing information. For used prices go to edmunds.com or kbb.com and price it with the options you would want.
Mike
March 28, 2010 at 11:39 pm
Great questions. You are very smart to ask before you buy.
I just went through this with my daughter. We just helped her buy a used jeep. We went looking for a wrangler but bought a different jeep. Which one? I will tell you at the end of this reply.
Are you buying new or used?
We bought used. The Rubicon option is named after the famous Lake Tahoe off road trail.It is an expensive upgrade meant to allow a jeep to negotiate this very rugged off road trail. This upgrade is not necessary if you are staying on the paved roads.
A Hard top is more secure, more quiet, and warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. You can always remove it for the summer and buy a soft bikini top. Navigation is subjective. Half or full doors to me are also subjective which just means these two options are more about your personal preference. An automatic transmission is better for driving in traffic. If you have the luxury of driving on traffic free roads the manual transmission is more fun and will give you a little better gas mileage if you drive it correctly.
After all of this my daughter drove several jeeps. She found them to be somewhat “rickety”. She saw a 4 wheel drive jeep Liberty drove it, fell in love with it, and bought it. I have to say the liberty is just a little more refined than the wrangler. I love wranglers she loves libertys.