Buying your very own vehicle is no laughing matter. There exists a whole list of problems that if not considered thoroughly, will surely blow up in your face after. Jeeps are no exception; its price, fuel consumption and versatility are all must-know factors before you pour your heart and dollars into this machine. This article will prepare you with all the possible pros and cons that comes with the famous Jeep Wrangler.
Pros of Buying a Jeep Wrangler
The Off-Road Champion
Let’s just say that Wranglers have become an undying pillar of off-roading. The Jeep Wrangler is widely considered an all-season champion, capable of taking on piles of mud, giant hills, and deep snow alike. Its off-road performance is unmatched by many SUVs in the same price range. It comes equipped with the Command-Trac 4x4 System, Dana axles, and resilient skid plates. Even the most basic Wrangler can tackle the trails trouble-free.
Open-Air Experiences
You remember that Disney song about love being an open door? Well, Wranglers even have a removable door! Please note that not many SUVs are capable of that, and it might just make the key difference. Any Jeep enthusiast would agree that the true joy of off-roading is the thrill, the sensation of connecting with your surroundings. Jeep relates with this desire well enough to keep the open-air capability of the Wrangler, allowing you to truly become one with nature.
Good Resale Value
When it comes to automobiles, the depreciation part is not much appreciated. As soon as you drive off in your new vehicle, the clock starts ticking and the value starts ebbing away. However with Jeep Wranglers, you can put your mind a little more at ease. These beasts experience a 30.75% depreciation rate after five years, compared to a 50% depreciation rate for your average Joe car. This means that a Wrangler will keep its value better over time. Rest assured that Wranglers are consistently in high demand and their repair costs are also reasonable.
Four-Wheel Drive Capability
A good four-wheel drive (4WD) system is always desired when it comes to off-roading. In terms of the Wrangler, Jeep offers up to three 4WD options. First, there’s the Command-Trac 4x4 System, which switches easily from 2WD to 4WD at speeds up to 45 mph.
Next, the Selec-Trac Full-Time 4x4 System features an active 4WD transfer case. This smart system will analyze the road conditions and send torque to the wheels that are producing the most grip. The continual traction allows you to breeze through snow, mud or rocks unscathed. Smart Lock capabilities ensure your 4WD stays intact during challenging terrains.
Finally, there’s the Rock-Trac 4x4 System, the most extreme system yet. A 4:1 low-gear ratio grants an incredible amount of torque and will help you maintain control when crawling over rocks at a lower speed. It is often paired with the Rubicon, the most competent version of the Wrangler.
Easily Personalized
If what you seek is a car that brings out the “you” factor, look no further! The Jeep Wrangler comes fully equipped with tons of aftermarket parts. Suspension components, LED lights, front bumpers, door entry guards, you name it. Even the nerdiest of hobbies can also apply to this canvas of a car, as many drivers have redesigned it Star-Wars-style. Take one good look at this Stormtrooper Jeep and you will believe.
Colors are also fun to discover. The year 2023 has witnessed the birth and return of many color codes for the Wrangler, such as Reign (purple), Granite Crystal, Hydro Blue, Sting-Gray, Firecracker Red and more. This radiant Hydro Blue, for instance, can surely bring out your eyes.
Cons of Buying a Jeep Wrangler
Lackluster Fuel Economy
It is a fact that Wranglers’ fuel consumption is frustrating, to say the least. Due to its heavy and box-like design, you burn more gas faster at high speeds. Their fluttering hood latches and lifted body also makes your vehicle work harder, burning more fuel in the process. As such, poor gas mileage is a common issue that Wrangler drivers face.
High-Priced
Despite maintaining their value for a longer period of time, Jeep Wranglers don’t come cheap. In 2023, the average Wrangler starts at $32,000, and the only way for these numbers to go is up, as vehicles add more modern technology and design features. Bluetooth connectivity, Wi-Fi applications, real-time alerts, navigation systems, large touch screens, premium audio, and LED lights are just a few factors that inflate the prices even further. Consider your personal finances very carefully before owning one of these bad boys.
Lack of Cargo Space
One of the Wrangler’s “biggest” issues, ironically, is the “small” cargo space. The two-door, of course, has much less cargo space than the four-door Wrangler. The JL Wrangler - the fourth generation of the Wranglers - offers the best cargo specs in its family. Previous generations will have even less cargo space.
The two-door JL Wrangler has 12.9 cubic feet of cargo space with the seats up and 46.9 cubic feet with the seats down. The four-door JL offers a much larger amount of cargo space at 31.7 cubic feet with the seats up and 72.4 cubic feet with the seats down. If you know you’ll need the extra cargo space, the Wrangler Unlimited is the way to go.
Discomfort on the Road
Despite all of the Wrangler’s popularity and strong points, a smooth trip is NOT one of them. This is because the Jeep Wrangler is clearly not designed for long-distance rides on the highway, but preferably off-road. The shorter wheelbase results in less time between the front and rear wheels hitting bumps in the road, causing an overall clunkier ride.
The type of tires you’re running also play a role in ride comfort. A good pair of tires that are suited for both on- and off-road use can make a huge difference.
Road Noise
You can say that Jeep Wranglers are the soul of concerts and parties, because they took “make some noise” a bit too seriously. Road noise is a major pet peeve for Jeep owners, due to their lack of insulation and boxy design. Over the years, Jeep Wranglers have received many noise complaints from drivers and civilians alike. Wind noise is especially loud because of the lack of aerodynamics. However, you can usually tackle this issue by installing headliners along with window and door insulation.
Should you buy a Jeep Wrangler?
After all that fact-spewing and analyzing, you might still be wondering: is buying a Jeep Wrangler worth it? Well, at the end of the day, the choice is yours and yours alone. There are plenty of Jeep owner communities online for you to ask around and do research, furthermore, test drives are always available. Should you decide to buy a Wrangler, however, you will see the benefits coming your way with open arms.