To buy or not to buy?

I have been stalking this forum for a couple of years now and recently signed up. I have always wanted a jeep.

When I got married and a family was on the horizon, buying a 2-door jeep was just not an option anymore. I’ve been driving a 4-door dodge Dakota now for about 8 years and it’s been good to me. It’s great for car camping here in the mountains, hauling stuff for the yard and house and I use it for work as well. It’s even done some trip to Moab, but just for biking.

My wife hates the Dodge and has test driven an Unlimited with me about 2 years ago and has found it to be ”satisfactory.” So the door is open to a purchase, which we are ready for now.

However, when I read posts about how someone’s jeep has let them down mechanically, or there is a recall, or especially about the DW, I get a little discouraged about buying any of the current model production years. It’s discouraging in two ways; I don’t want to pay a lot for something that I already know has some problems and the family would never let me forget about a “bad” purchase. As it is, any time something goes wrong with the Dodge, it is instantly labeled by the family as lemon.

We are ready to start looking seriously at a used or 2010 jeep since buying used or getting a good deal on a 2010 would be the best family decision upfront financially, but, I think I would much rather hold out a couple months and get a brand new 2011 because now many bugs would have been sorted out (right?)

So, used or 2011? And, how can I convince the family a new 2011 is the best choice?

By the way, I’m just looking for the least expensive automatic Unlimited with a hard top.

ps This forum is a great resource. Sorry for the long post.

 

I think that for the most part folks dont have problems with their Jeeps. I cant attest for the long run of my 2010 since I only bought it in March but have no issues. When I first bought my 2000 Jeep w/o talking to the wife first (YIKES!!!) all I had to do is drive her in it with the top/doors off and all was forgiven.

The thing that seems to anger most owners lately (myself included) is the warranty. Lift it = void warranty. Your call, but for me, any vehicle that I own now will be a Jeep Wrangler (unless I save enough to own both a truck and a Jeep). And thats my two cents.

 

The only thing I find unacceptable is the Wrangler tops. My soft top is EXTREMELY loud over the rear view mirror and leaks at the doors. My hardtop make an annoying whistle and leaks over the dash board.

Another minor complaint is the quality of the transfer case link clip under the jeep. Be extremely careful going from 2wd to 4wd or you will brake off the link clip. When you get your Jeep ask for a few spares and search for the thread regarding this.

Other that that I LOVE my jeep and can't see myself ever owning another vehicle.

 

I wouldn't give Chrysler a frigging dime of my money again. Buy a used one. It's the most fun you can have on four wheels. That said, if you can't take the heat from the family for it being less than reliable, look elsewhere.

 

go to a Dodge forum and read people complain about their vehicles. Go to a Ford site, a Honda site, etc. That's part of what a forum is for, to vent about issues. There is no perfect vehicle.

But I'm sure you've seen the passion that guys here have for their Jeeps. I've had mine only a little over a year, and it's my first, but I wouldn't trade it for anything (well, maybe an Aston Martin ). If you're a follow-the-crowd kinda guy, a Jeep probably won't be for you. But you sound like a guy that like to have fun with the family, so a Jeep is the way to go.

Next thing you know you'll be giving people advice on lift kits, solving DW problems, and having the time of you life exploring trails as a family.

 

I traded a black 4 door dakota for my 2007 rubi.
best trade I ever made.

I love being back in a Jeep.

 

Don't get a 2011, here in about a month or two you'll be able to get a great deal on a 2010 as Dealers are going to be trying to clear out there 10 inventory. For every person that has a problem with their Jeep, there are 10,000 that are problem-less. People don't post up when they're Jeep is fine and don't have any problems, so of course what you read is going to be of issues. A Jeep is a Jeep, as long as you understand that go for it. No sense in buying the 2011 though as there are so few changes, and you'll be able to get an awesome deal on a 2010 in about two months. Also, they've had this same model since 07, so most all of the bugs are already worked out.

 

Asking about a jeep in a jeep forum, your going to get great feed back. On that same note, go onto any other car forum and ask if they have problems or if they think it was a good decision. They will for the most part say they made the best choice. All vehicles have problems no matter what make. IMO, Jeeps are just flat out cool!

 

As tonyjeep75 said, I don't think most owners have many problems. I have an 09 with ZERO problems and about to celebrate its first birthday. I have dual tops. Soft in the summer and hard in the winter. No leaks or unusual noises for either top. I'm not saying people haven't had problems, just sharing my own experience. Ridiculously good aftermarket allows you to customize for YOUR needs. I have a blast every time I drive it.

 

I have not had one problem with my '10 Rubicon. I drive it every chance I get.
The only problem I have with it is I can't keep this $hit-eatin' grin off my face!