Talk to me about Jeep Wranglers...

[Hanslow]

With Wranglers been less plentiful round my way, I've not got much choice in getting out to look over one locally. Before people tell me to get a Defender instead, I've had a look over one, but found the cabin that little bit too cramped for my liking(, and looks wise, I'd love a 110 with the rear overhang of a 90, which they don't do). Is the Wrangler the same or does it afford the driver a little more lateral and vertical room?

All the post 2009 models seem to be automatic only too, yet I see reference to facts and figures for a manual. Was the manual available and people just didn't buy them, or was it not actually offered?

Anyone with experience of one day to day, the 2.8 diesel model? Anything in particular to look out for?

[Hanslow]

Thanks all, interesting opinions. Ayahuasca, we have the luxury(?!) of a diesel engine over here in the UK (checked your profile which indicates you're not here), so a decent amount of torque and reasonable economy. I'll keep my eye out and see if something crops up locally for me to have a proper nose over, but would ideally like to try out a manual over an automatic. I recognise the benefits of an auto for control over extremely tricky terrain, but my intention wouldn't be to hit such boulder outcrops, a bit more milder offroading for me, with the hope of it also being a practical daily driver. I just fancy something a little different from the standard design cars that litter the road these days, and got interested in the off roader side of things after seeing many Defenders around our way.

It's all an idea at the moment, maybe a bit midlife crisis, but just want to experience something a little different, and not a vehicle that could be a number of others. I need a car with character.

All good food for thought, thanks. I'll take a look at what Wrangler forums are available and see what people's experiences are.

[Hanslow]

Thanks 300bhp for the very informative post!

I was looking at JKs, certainly not new but possibly up to, or around, the 20k mark. It'll be my daily runner, I currently drive a 61 plate MX5, not the most spacious of cars but fun. So this would be a world apart, but entertaining in a different way. All being well, the missus would have my MX5 to replace her current one, and then funds on top for whatever I end up with.

I didn't realise manual gearbox and air con were an either/or option I also didn't realise the 4 door JKs were longer than a 110 Defender. To my eyes it carries the length better than the 110, maybe due then to the longer wheelbase and slightly shorter overhangs (I'm guessing, I've not looked that closely!).

There's not a lot on the market that floats my boat style wise, hence why I find it so difficult whenever I change cars, and am looking for something that's special in its own way. Doesn't have to be an out and out performance vehicle by any means, I'd just like one that makes me smile to see it or drive it. This is completely outside my normal sphere of vehicle types, I've oft overlooked cars of this ilk for being too heavy and us not needing the practicality. I wouldn't want this to be a project car, I have a 7 for that, so it would need to be generally reliable, hence me considering newer more expensive vehicles.

I recall seeing at most three Wranglers this year, and each made me turn and look, so I've started to see what they offer...

[Hanslow]

Sawman, I'm still looking and considering what to go for next. I always drag these things out and swing from one decision to another. I still keep looking to see what's on the market, but am erring towards petrol rather than diesel for my next set of wheels, so looking into overall costs of running a petrol variant of one of these, amongst a myriad of other completely different vehicles.

I love the bright green one just above though!