Jeep Wrangler - 4 door version

Jeep Wrangler - 4 door version

Author
Discussion

Croutons

Original Poster:

9,875 posts

166 months

Friday 25th May 2018
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Can I assume that the 4/ 5 door versions of these, which seem to only be available with the 2.8CRD are going to be lethargic, noisy, thirsty and unrefined?

And as 07- 09's even with north of 120k on are still 5 figures, there is some mystique behind this that is not obvious? Cult following?

I am strangely tempted, but can't work out why they're expensive or if that will last.

alorotom

11,939 posts

187 months

Friday 25th May 2018
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I bought a brand new one in 08, Jeep Wrangler Sahara Unlimited

It was thirsty and aerodynamically it was awful as it’s so boxy so it made mway journeys very abundant with wind noise

They’re spacious and very capable and I did like it but the build quality was shocking and the paint peeled of the doors with a basic pressure washer after only 8k miles / 6mths

They aren’t worth the money though compared to other SUVs in fairness and I wouldn’t dream of having another

LarsG

991 posts

75 months

Friday 25th May 2018
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Croutons said:
Can I assume that the 4/ 5 door versions of these, which seem to only be available with the 2.8CRD are going to be lethargic, noisy, thirsty and unrefined?

And as 07- 09's even with north of 120k on are still 5 figures, there is some mystique behind this that is not obvious? Cult following?

I am strangely tempted, but can't work out why they're expensive or if that will last.
The only reviews on that car where they say it is any good are those that are paid for by the manufacturer.

You want a money pit? Then buy it.

Croutons

Original Poster:

9,875 posts

166 months

Saturday 26th May 2018
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Hmm, not really a lot of love then,

On to the next silly idea it is!

cailean

917 posts

173 months

Saturday 26th May 2018
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2 replies isn't much of a sample. The V6 is available in the 4 door version but I'm not sure how far back they go. Most owners love them but it does depend on what you want it for. Do you plan to go offroad/greenlaning? For newer ones now that Land Rover has given up on this end of the market there is no real competition. Also the new Wrangler coming here soon (JL) is very highly regarded. I'm also tempted but also apprehensive...

LarsG

991 posts

75 months

Saturday 26th May 2018
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cailean said:
2 replies isn't much of a sample. The V6 is available in the 4 door version but I'm not sure how far back they go. Most owners love them but it does depend on what you want it for. Do you plan to go offroad/greenlaning? For newer ones now that Land Rover has given up on this end of the market there is no real competition. Also the new Wrangler coming here soon (JL) is very highly regarded. I'm also tempted but also apprehensive...
So you don't have one then?

alorotom

11,939 posts

187 months

Saturday 26th May 2018
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The v6 is a petrol and extremely thirsty even compared to the crd. It’s comically rare in the unlimited 4dr version but was available from 08/09 onwards

They aren’t bad cars as such, just typical Americana being thirsty and noisy and very expensive for what they are compared to others ... the premium that uk buyers have for them just isn’t justified at all in my eyes.

The hard top rear roof can be a nightmare to remove as well as it weighs so much, it’s easily a 2 person job. I rigged up a support in my parents garage to remove it single handed and then in the summer replaced it with a full length soft top with slant back and for open top use it was ace, I can’t deny that

Croutons

Original Poster:

9,875 posts

166 months

Sunday 27th May 2018
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The price premium is strange, I guess if owners love them it is the limited supply here. Same with a lot of US stuff though, I had a Toyota FJ Cruiser in Maryland for a few years. Should have brought it back, could have added a zero to what I sold it for!

Back to the Jeep, I do fancy the full, proper 4 seat cab experience you see, had assumed the hard top was awkward, but not that awkward!


alorotom

11,939 posts

187 months

Sunday 27th May 2018
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It’s ludicrously awkward, and arguable unnecessarily so!

The 2 front panels clip and slide which is easy but they’re awkward shapes and aren’t light but easy enough for one person, although they don’t have a place for storage so they essentially float free in the boot area. Still to remove both and stow them is about a 10min job.

The rear section is bolted on plus a couple of wiring harness connectors etc... then has to be lifted squarely upwards due to the roll back configuration across the rear, this is where a rope jig is really useful as you can essentially undo the bolts and connectors, hook the ropes onto it and drive away from it

Agreed on the Toyota FJ, I saw one for sale recently in the UK and they’re still commanding big money (comparatively)

RDMcG

19,142 posts

207 months

Sunday 27th May 2018
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I keep one in Arizona and have had it from new. Now five years old.

It’s like a penguin. Out of its element. (Off road) it is slow and awkward with vague steering. Rear seat is torture for passengers. Headlights laughably dim.

In the other hand, for crawling over rocks it’s just unbeatable. Best I have ever had.

Even in the US resale prices are huge. One of the lowest depreciating vehicles on the market. Part of this is that old ones look like new ones. They are also cheap to fix and easy to work on.

As a road only vehicle it’s ok for short distances.

I am getting a JL to keep in Canada so the bug bit me.

cailean

917 posts

173 months

Sunday 27th May 2018
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LarsG said:
cailean said:
2 replies isn't much of a sample. The V6 is available in the 4 door version but I'm not sure how far back they go. Most owners love them but it does depend on what you want it for. Do you plan to go offroad/greenlaning? For newer ones now that Land Rover has given up on this end of the market there is no real competition. Also the new Wrangler coming here soon (JL) is very highly regarded. I'm also tempted but also apprehensive...
So you don't have one then?
Er, no, so? As I said, I am also tempted but also apprehensive., and it depends on what buyers want it for. I can see the attraction and how the bug can bite. I was at a pay and play site today and they are certainly very capable, but that's no surprise.