The Jeep isn't as good of a convertible car as I hoped
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 398
Likes: 1
From: Winnipeg, MB
I bought my 2012 base model 2-door mainly because it was the cheapest new convertible vehicle I could find plus it has a good resale value. I don't plan on hard core off road stuff and there's not enough snow around here to justify 4WD in street driving. I might have even bought a 2WD if they made them. I traded in an old Porsche Boxster, which was good at the convertible vehicle role but lousy from a cost of ownership point of view.
Anyway the recent warm weather let me try out the full top down, doors off experience and I really like the doors off because of the way it makes you feel like you're driving an invisible car and can see the scenery. But I didn't realize how bad the buffeting was going to be with the vertical windshield. The air really sweeps forward from behind and upward from the lower door opening to the point it makes the drive less enjoyable than I expected. Kind of bummed about it but maybe the summertime warmth will make it more comfortable. And half doors might help too but the stock ones are so expensive.
Can anyone with half doors comment about them vs no doors?
Anyway the recent warm weather let me try out the full top down, doors off experience and I really like the doors off because of the way it makes you feel like you're driving an invisible car and can see the scenery. But I didn't realize how bad the buffeting was going to be with the vertical windshield. The air really sweeps forward from behind and upward from the lower door opening to the point it makes the drive less enjoyable than I expected. Kind of bummed about it but maybe the summertime warmth will make it more comfortable. And half doors might help too but the stock ones are so expensive.
Can anyone with half doors comment about them vs no doors?
edit: P.S. It's a Jeep, not a car. Think of the kittens!
Last edited by CdnJeepDan; Jan 31, 2012 at 07:54 AM.
JK Super Freak
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,297
Likes: 0
From: Tampa/Lutz, FL
I drove by a convertable Mercedes this weekend and this guy and his female passenger looked like they were actually getting beat by her hair becuase of the wind coming in over the windshield. I looked over, my top off, and I was enjoying my drive much more than they were for sure.
My suggestion would be to try a bikini or safari top as this will cut down on some of the wind coming over the top of the windshield. The wind coming in from the sides without the doors, well thats what is supposed to happen embrace it or you will never enjoy the Jeep.
My $.02
My suggestion would be to try a bikini or safari top as this will cut down on some of the wind coming over the top of the windshield. The wind coming in from the sides without the doors, well thats what is supposed to happen embrace it or you will never enjoy the Jeep.
My $.02
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 183
Likes: 1
From: A place where everybody knows your name.
I bought my 2012 base model 2-door mainly because it was the cheapest new convertible vehicle I could find plus it has a good resale value. I don't plan on hard core off road stuff and there's not enough snow around here to justify 4WD in street driving. I might have even bought a 2WD if they made them. I traded in an old Porsche Boxster, which was good at the convertible vehicle role but lousy from a cost of ownership point of view.
Anyway the recent warm weather let me try out the full top down, doors off experience and I really like the doors off because of the way it makes you feel like you're driving an invisible car and can see the scenery. But I didn't realize how bad the buffeting was going to be with the vertical windshield. The air really sweeps forward from behind and upward from the lower door opening to the point it makes the drive less enjoyable than I expected. Kind of bummed about it but maybe the summertime warmth will make it more comfortable. And half doors might help too but the stock ones are so expensive.
Can anyone with half doors comment about them vs no doors?
Anyway the recent warm weather let me try out the full top down, doors off experience and I really like the doors off because of the way it makes you feel like you're driving an invisible car and can see the scenery. But I didn't realize how bad the buffeting was going to be with the vertical windshield. The air really sweeps forward from behind and upward from the lower door opening to the point it makes the drive less enjoyable than I expected. Kind of bummed about it but maybe the summertime warmth will make it more comfortable. And half doors might help too but the stock ones are so expensive.
Can anyone with half doors comment about them vs no doors?
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 499
Likes: 0
From: Savannah, GA
Maybe one of those mesh tops would help?
My old Audi TT could go topless up above 90 and the wind would never even bother me.
It's just a different class of vehicle, designed for comfort and luxury... which is not a Jeep thing.
I never really gave it much thought in the Jeep. It's just part of the "experience".
My old Audi TT could go topless up above 90 and the wind would never even bother me.
It's just a different class of vehicle, designed for comfort and luxury... which is not a Jeep thing.
I never really gave it much thought in the Jeep. It's just part of the "experience".
Last edited by MagnumD69; Jan 31, 2012 at 12:05 PM.
JK Freak
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 598
Likes: 1
From: Little Rock
Its like comparing a .45 to a .380
I've seen so many guys want to get a handgun, buy a .45, and act surprised when they limp wrist it and it bout flies out of their hand - they were expecting it to shoot like a 12 year olds .22 . Then they take it back to the gun store and say it sucks and shot like shit.
That's why research is important to smart shopping.
I've seen so many guys want to get a handgun, buy a .45, and act surprised when they limp wrist it and it bout flies out of their hand - they were expecting it to shoot like a 12 year olds .22 . Then they take it back to the gun store and say it sucks and shot like shit.
That's why research is important to smart shopping.
JK Freak
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 955
Likes: 0
From: mccalla alabama
Wade makes a wind deflector that mounts to the top of the windshield that I think deflects a lot of the wind. They are pretty cheap I think so no major cost to try.
Quadratecs link
http://www.quadratec.com/products/11162_1000_07.htm
Quadratecs link
http://www.quadratec.com/products/11162_1000_07.htm
Last edited by jjntj2003; Jan 31, 2012 at 12:36 PM.
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 437
Likes: 0
From: Corning, NY
The thing is your far from invisible with the doors off. Everyone is going to rubberneck to hell when you coast by. Its great when they do too!
