Hi everyone...I'm new here! I am getting ready to buy my first Jeep and was wondering if anyone has advice for me. Things to look out for, things to avoid, trim levels, options to buy/not buy, etc.

I'm planning to buy a new one....but on the fence for 2010 vs. 2011 model.

I need a 4-door, 4WD, hard top. I plan to add a lift kit and larger tires because I like how it looks. (I think it's okay to admit some vanity here.) At some point I will probably go aftermarket with the stereo and speakers, and I'm planning to use the waterproof Garmin I already own for navigation purposes.

Duties for the Jeep will include:
- Driving to/from work on occasion (I normally take a train)
- Weekend camping
- Shooting tournaments
- Taking the dog to the dog beach/dog park
- Hauling bicycles (2)
- Towing the occasional motorcycle (may use a hitch-mounted hauler I already own...but may buy a trailer)

As you can see, nothing very taxing. I think everyone should own a Jeep once in their lives...and now it's my time!

Thanks in advance for any tips.

 

The only advice I could give someone brand new....

IS TO GO BIG OR GO HOME!

Welcome to the addiction bro.


-Edit for real advice-

The real thing to remember with your Jeep is to make it how YOU want it. If you like how something works, do it. (Although big wheels and tiny rubberband tires will get you scoffed at here). If you like Chrome, get chrome, if you like X wheels with Y Tires and on an Z sized lift. Get it!

As far as buying... I would aim for what suits you best financially. 2010's will have some great instant rebates however you may like the new look to the 2011 models with the revamped interior. The thing to remember here is that if you're looking to do mods to your interior, the 07-10 year aftermarket items may not fit or whatever and you may have to wait a lil while until 2011 aftermarket things are designed and produced.

If you're planning on upgrading it right away when you buy it. I would recommend getting a pretty basic stripped down version. If you are planning within weeks to put big tires and new wheels on it, then getting the 16 pizza cutter tires stock may be best as it will save you money. For the most part however, the only "waste of money" most people gripe about is that over the top chrome package you can buy for your Jeep.

Its your Jeep. Do as you please.

Also, as a final note. Be SUPERDUPER careful that you NEVER call your Jeep a "Car" Either on the forums or in person. Such as "honey, can you help me get the groceries out of the car?" This is bad. Not only did God Kill a kitten, but then you're also promoting the use of your JEEP to go mall crawling. Don't.

 

Attend Roktoberfest 2010, you'll want to do more with it and there will be all kinds of Jeep and peeps with info.

https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/show...toberfest-2010

Hopefully we'll see you there.

 

If u get a manual make sure u get 3.73s

 

When you remove your doors for the first time be careful not to let them swing open ... the mirror will put an ugly dent in you hood ... do a search here and you'll get a better explanation of what I'm talking about

 

The only difference between a new and a used is $. Make sure you get the one with features you like, such as stick vs. auto, if it's a stick make sure it has the gears you want (some come with 3:21's, which means you can hardly tow and sticks can get far better mpg's but sticks can't go as deep in water, etc.

Used or new, they're potential death wobblers, the engine's weak and inefficient, the soft top will fall apart in a year, etc.... which is fine, it's still a good vehicle. My point is that you don't need to buy it new, especially since the lifetime warranty is a thing of the past.

If you're buying new, wait until they upgrade the engine. The current engine typically idles rough and like I said is weak and inefficient.

 

Dont forget to WAVE....
It's a Jeep thing, soon you would understand....

 

I wish I knew about this. I have a nice little dent on the side now.

 

I'd say go with 2011, just because going with the newer model year makes more sense for resale. I'd recommend a Sport with the S Package. Four doors with no power locks or windows is a bitch. Since you're going aftermarket with the sound system, definitely avoid the premium sound group. You'd be paying $400 for paper cones and an underpowered amplifier, as well as a bass that takes up hauling space. When you lift and add bigger tires, it'd be a good idea to get a tuner and regear. This is all based on what I've read on this site and conversations I've had with my sales guy at a local dealership.

I don't know what you're planning with the speakers, but I'm shooting for Polk Audio db6501 components up front and db551s full range speakers in the sound bar. They're supposed to be durable in the elements and produce really good sound quality.

 

I really have to agree with this quote, I looked at a Rubi and purchased an X because I was going to add mods; only 1/2 way there and still under a Rubi's cost - but as others have said "do YOUR thing with it!" - and welcome, remember JEEP = Just Empty Every Pocket