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idgiehkt Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Feb-26-07 06:05 PM
Original message
ever had a Jeep?
I want one. I have a wanna-be Jeep (Geo Tracker), but I want a real one. Has anyone here had one and would you recommend them? I've heard alot of people say they are very impractical. What about the noise when you are driving? Also what about roll-over? I had to get used to my Tracker because I had a Honda civic hatchback at first and I took a few curves a little too fast before I got the hang of it. I mean one of those two door Jeeps with a vinyl roof, not an SUV. Any feedback?
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rug Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Feb-26-07 06:22 PM
Response to Original message
1. I drive a 99 Wrangler.
My biggest complaint is gas mileage, 15 mpg, although I'm told regular tuneups will boost that.

It's always gotten me out of snow and mud.

It does ride high and is bumpy and noisy but I like that.

I don't take any care of it and it keeps running. I just changed the oil after 7,000 miles (not recommended) but it didn't fail.

My favorite feature is a hole in the floorbard so you can hose it down from the inside.

So far, it's got 119,000 miles and I'm hoping to double that.

You'd probably be fine with a used one too.
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idgiehkt Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Feb-26-07 06:30 PM
Response to Reply #1
3. definitely used
My tracker has drains in the floor too. I use the hose in the inside because I took out the back seat and the upholstery years ago. In fact, I think I lost some of the upholstery, it's been out for at least 5 or 6 years. Wow, I didn't know the mileage was so low. :(
That is a definite disadvantage.
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CatholicEdHead Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Feb-26-07 06:26 PM
Response to Original message
2. Used to have a 98 Cherokee
It was OK, a bit rough on the drive. I have a 01 CRV now and it feels much more refined and better for road trips.

The Wrangler is the best off-road SUV, but really rough on-road.
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idgiehkt Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Feb-26-07 06:31 PM
Response to Reply #2
4. What is your mileage?
I like the Cherokee, it is a bit more like an SUV but also cute. I also really like those old Jimmy's from the 80's, I think they were Chevrolets but I can't remember. I'd love to have one of those if I could find one that was still in decent shape.
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wildhorses Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Feb-27-07 12:17 AM
Response to Reply #4
19. gmc made the jimmy
i have had a jeep and so has my brother. my best friend has a jeep liberty. they are great off road vehicles but, gas mileage sux.

her liberty rides fine on the highway...takes some getting used to the high profile
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NashVegas Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Feb-26-07 06:38 PM
Response to Original message
5. 97 Cherokee
There is a little shake, a little noise (needs work on the differential, I'm told). Gets about 17 mpg with city driving.
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idgiehkt Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Feb-26-07 07:31 PM
Response to Reply #5
11. The mileage thing is a sticking point
I think my tracker gets about 25 mpg although I am not sure. I am spoiled.
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DrDan Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Feb-26-07 06:38 PM
Response to Original message
6. I have had 5
3 wrangler-types, and 2 cherokee types

I now have an '88 YJ with 70K miles.

Yes they are loud.

Yes they are impractical if it is your only means of transportation.

But I love 'em . . . take off the top . . . go almost anywhere . . . don't worry about them . . . let them get wet and just let the sun dry them out. Just enjoy them.

If you get one - do NOT get a 4 cylinder. They are real dogs. I think the 6-cylinder is a solid engine. Not the greatest gas mileage - but I do not put on a lot a miles anyway.
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idgiehkt Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Feb-26-07 06:59 PM
Response to Reply #6
9. what does "they are real dogs" mean?
6 cylinder uses more gas right?
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DrDan Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Feb-27-07 10:05 AM
Response to Reply #9
20. the 4's have no power at all
I had one in a wrangler - and I could not tell any difference in gas mileage between it and 6's I have owned.

I think that 4.0 6 is a very good, reliable engine
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jimquilty Donating Member (54 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Feb-26-07 06:40 PM
Response to Original message
7. i have a 2002 Jeep
wrangler sport package with 40,000 miles. Black with a sound bar. Lot of fun but I need to sell ... anyone interested. Located in Midwest.
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idgiehkt Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Feb-26-07 07:04 PM
Response to Reply #7
10. mine will have to be a lot older
I can't afford anything that new. I wonder if there is a DU trading post or something where people list items they have to sell. :shrug:
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Nicole Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Feb-26-07 09:59 PM
Response to Reply #10
13. There is a DU Marketplace Forum
If you don't find what you want already listed for sell, place a "wanted" thread. Might work.

:hi:
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idgiehkt Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Feb-26-07 10:00 PM
Response to Reply #13
14. thanks Nicole!
good to see you!

:hug: :loveya:
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Rob H. Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Feb-26-07 06:50 PM
Response to Original message
8. I had a '91 Wrangler
Edited on Mon Feb-26-07 06:51 PM by Rob H.
It was the first year with the 4.0 liter six-cylinder. Gets roughly 18-19 MPG highway, soft top, vinyl seats, sound bar, offroad suspension package, full-size spare. Was in three accidents in it (none of which were my fault) and it held up. It's built like a tank. Loud as all get-out at highway speeds and rides rougher than the newer ones, since it has a stiffer suspension with leaf springs. The new ones are like luxury cars compared to the previous iteration.

My parents have it right now and it has about 186,000 miles or so on it and is still running strong--the AC has never needed to be recharged, even, much to my surprise. I'll probably be getting it back from them later this year since they're moving and are trying to get rid of some vehicles. I'm planning on getting it repainted and keeping it, since it was my first-ever brand new vehicle.
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idgiehkt Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Feb-26-07 07:32 PM
Response to Reply #8
12. what is a 'sound bar'?
That's great it's a 91 and shows no signs of stopping. I tend to drive my cars until they fall apart. :hi:
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Rob H. Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Feb-27-07 12:10 AM
Response to Reply #12
17. Sorry, I should've been more descriptive
:blush:

It's a fabric-covered, rectangular bit that has two speakers and a dome light integrated into it; it spans the width of the rollbar and is mounted above and slightly behind the driver and passenger. It's the only way a person driving a soft-top would be able to hear the radio at highway speeds without turning the volume up to a deafening level (in the '91 there are just two stock speakers and they're mounted in the dash).
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idgiehkt Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Feb-27-07 12:11 AM
Response to Reply #17
18. thanks
I've probably damaged my hearing from turning mine up so high, my speakers are almost blown.

:hi:
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johnnie Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Feb-26-07 10:12 PM
Response to Original message
15. I have a 2003 Wrangler
Not the greatest on gas, but I don't drive a hell of a lot. I like it. I've never been one to really give a shit what vehicle I have, but I really like this one. I enjoy taking the top down in the summer and cruising around.


*Disclaimer - I know it doesn't make me as liberal as some, but it is the vehicle I drive. :)
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idgiehkt Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Mon Feb-26-07 10:14 PM
Response to Reply #15
16. hi Johnnie
:hi:

there is no way I can afford a hybrid...the best I could do would be to buy a diesel something and convert the engine so it will run on fryer oil. Could be done. I wonder if they make diesel Jeeps. I just really like the way the jeeps look, but I didn't know the mileage was so low. I wonder if the higher up they are the worse mileage they get... :shrug:
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DrDan Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Feb-27-07 10:09 AM
Response to Original message
21. if you are in the market, lots of good info here
http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/index.php

there is also a buy/sell so you can get a feel for pricing

lots of stuff under $4K
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MorningGlow Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Tue Feb-27-07 10:57 AM
Response to Original message
22. I love my Jeep!
Edited on Tue Feb-27-07 10:59 AM by MorningGlow
2000 Wrangler, purchased new when I had a decent-paying job (harumph!) It's got 143,000 miles on it and it's still going strong. I don't notice the noise other folks have mentioned, but maybe that's because it's all I've been driving for seven years--my hearing may be shot! :D

No worries about rollover or anything, as long as you don't drive stupid, although the boxy shape takes the wind hard (doesn't help the shitty mileage, that's for sure). Folks who ride with me and are used to being closer to the ground in a sedan seem a bit uncomfortable with the height of the Jeep and the wind-shaking wobble, but they get used to it in no time--and then they get addicted to the thing too. It's just so much FUN.

I don't think it's impractical--and I've toted a kid in it for three years--hand-held car seat to booster seat. (He loves it, BTW.) The only thing I've had to cut back on is taking the top down because he usually rides with me--but I still do it whenever he's not on the commuting schedule.

The only problem I can see at this point is some rust on the doors and some corrosion on the back window hinges of my hard top. (I bought both tops--wouldn't bother doing that again--the soft top keeps the Jeep plenty warm in the winter.)

If you live in a place that gets a lot of snow and you drive roads that can be icy or slushy often, I'd recommend getting studded snow tires. Really helps with the traction, which is better than a lot of cars, but not infallible. With those puppies and the occasional 4WD, I feel immensely safe driving the Jeep in winter weather.

Hope that helps! :hi:

On edit: I forgot the best part--the fellow-Wrangler-driver wave! What other car has the special club where you wave to other drivers? It's just a happy vehicle! :)
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