Jeep Wrangler Rubicon
Discussion
I have a new Jeep 
After five happy years in a Discovery 4 https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=16... it was time to move on. I have always had a hankering after a Jeep Wrangler and the latest JL version in particular and decided that now was the time. It seems that buying a new Wrangler in the UK is not particularly straightforward. Despite being able to spec and build a car on the Jeep website, in reality this is not possible. A small number of Wranglers are brought to the UK in batches and the customer is at the mercy of what Jeep chooses to send. I really wanted a 4 door Rubicon and I had the choice of either yellow or green, that was it! Fortunately the Rubicon is very well specced so there are few options available. The only significant option is the sky one-touch roof which really appealed to me. I would have never chosen green but actually really like the colour now I have it, it really comes alive in the sunshine.
The Rubicon is effectively the top spec option named after the Rubicon Trail. It has some enhanced off road ability compared to other Wranglers with slightly raised suspension, uprated axels, locking differentials and electrically detachable sway bar. Totally over the top for what I need but hey. The only UK engine option is a 2.0 turbo petrol with 272 hp.
So, first impressions after a week: I love it! Such a fun car that puts a smile on my face whenever I drive it. Yes, with a separate chassis and mud terrain tyres it is not particularly refined but it's very comfortable and happy enough on the motorway. Quality seems really good with some fun design touches. The sky roof is amazing and if this doesn't let enough fresh air in the whole hard top and even doors are removable and the windscreen folds flat. It even comes with a small tool kit to do just this! Here's some photos:
After five happy years in a Discovery 4 https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=16... it was time to move on. I have always had a hankering after a Jeep Wrangler and the latest JL version in particular and decided that now was the time. It seems that buying a new Wrangler in the UK is not particularly straightforward. Despite being able to spec and build a car on the Jeep website, in reality this is not possible. A small number of Wranglers are brought to the UK in batches and the customer is at the mercy of what Jeep chooses to send. I really wanted a 4 door Rubicon and I had the choice of either yellow or green, that was it! Fortunately the Rubicon is very well specced so there are few options available. The only significant option is the sky one-touch roof which really appealed to me. I would have never chosen green but actually really like the colour now I have it, it really comes alive in the sunshine.
The Rubicon is effectively the top spec option named after the Rubicon Trail. It has some enhanced off road ability compared to other Wranglers with slightly raised suspension, uprated axels, locking differentials and electrically detachable sway bar. Totally over the top for what I need but hey. The only UK engine option is a 2.0 turbo petrol with 272 hp.
So, first impressions after a week: I love it! Such a fun car that puts a smile on my face whenever I drive it. Yes, with a separate chassis and mud terrain tyres it is not particularly refined but it's very comfortable and happy enough on the motorway. Quality seems really good with some fun design touches. The sky roof is amazing and if this doesn't let enough fresh air in the whole hard top and even doors are removable and the windscreen folds flat. It even comes with a small tool kit to do just this! Here's some photos:
renmure said:
Another Jeep owner here 
Mine is an 2004 TJ with a 4.0 straight 6 engine. As you say, they are a lot of fun. I wanted to have one that could be modified a fair bit without being overly extreme. Handling can be "entertaining" at times but it makes a great growl.
Your TJ looks great. The 4.0 was a great engine, I had one in an XJ years ago. Only the Americans could manage to get a 4.0 to produce such little power though Mine is an 2004 TJ with a 4.0 straight 6 engine. As you say, they are a lot of fun. I wanted to have one that could be modified a fair bit without being overly extreme. Handling can be "entertaining" at times but it makes a great growl.
anomaly said:
Your TJ looks great. The 4.0 was a great engine, I had one in an XJ years ago. Only the Americans could manage to get a 4.0 to produce such little power though
That is SO true. Mine was a mostly impulse purchase so I didn't give much thought to the actual power output, I just thought, wow, decent sized engine. To be fair, it was pretty unstoppable in the snow over winter and I'm not sure it bounced about any less over the snow drifts as it does over the tarmac but Wranglers are a pretty cool way to travel (as long as it's not too far and you're not in a great hurry) 
I've got a Sahara 2 door 2.0 that I got on a whim because SEAT were messing me around with build dates for a cupra leon about 2 years ago
Test drove one of these and fell in love (always loved american cars & trucks)
Sure the MPG is hilariously bad but the smiles per gallon make up for it
great car much more appealing than a land rover although the new bronco also tickles my fancy if they ever bring it to the UK
only issue I had is my water pump went kaboom at 10000 miles for no reason at all, all covered under warranty but still slightly concerning on a new car
Test drove one of these and fell in love (always loved american cars & trucks)
Sure the MPG is hilariously bad but the smiles per gallon make up for it
great car much more appealing than a land rover although the new bronco also tickles my fancy if they ever bring it to the UK
only issue I had is my water pump went kaboom at 10000 miles for no reason at all, all covered under warranty but still slightly concerning on a new car
Nice Jeep! It's so funny how you never see these in the UK but here in BC they are literally everywhere. These cars are crazy capable even stock, you won't be getting stuck any time soon! I'd love one but my old grand cherokee will have to do (she gets everywhere I need to go). Mine has been crazy unreliable but something about jeeps gets them under your skin...
Your new Jeep looks great fun! Love the roof.
I am also and ex-and soon to be future owner. I had this lovely TJ when I lived abroad, using it all year around without the roof on it. (it was the 4.0l straight 6), and now I soon to own a YJ of 1988 vintage that needs some TLC. Only the 2.5l 4 cylinder I am afraid, but maybe there will be a conversion in a few years.
Enjoy yours!
I am also and ex-and soon to be future owner. I had this lovely TJ when I lived abroad, using it all year around without the roof on it. (it was the 4.0l straight 6), and now I soon to own a YJ of 1988 vintage that needs some TLC. Only the 2.5l 4 cylinder I am afraid, but maybe there will be a conversion in a few years.
Enjoy yours!
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