Hey guys,
Really thinking about trading in my '13 unlimited for a '16 two door. I was wondering if any of you custom ordered your JK though the dealership or just online and how that process is. With this trade i'm trying to keep my end payment about the same as it is now and that is possible to do if i drop some stuff that i have now like electric windows/locks and stuff like that. I would get the 3.73's instead of the 3.21's i have now. Another thing i have been considering is a soft top instead of the hardtop and a standard instead of auto.

Do you all think ill regret any of this or will it be some things to get used to? First world problems, i know, but they matter when you have had them for 3 years. I dont want to seem like im downgrading.

Im keeping my bumper, tires and small stuff, letting the lift go and maybe using the stock unlimited springs for the two door's lift.

 

I can't tell you what to do, but I have a 2014 Willys JK with crank windows and manual locks as well as the soft top. I don't miss the power stuff. I do have UConnect system base radio with BT phone and steering wheel controls for phone and radio, so I have all the "Techie" stuff in that I need. I also get the advanced digital gages in the Willys package that has trans temp in degrees, separate tire PSI readings and some other stuff that my buddies Sport does not get. I honestly do not miss the power amenities at all.

 

I've only had one Wrangler and it's a 6 spd with a soft top. Only option I have is U-connect and AC, both of which are pretty useful. Bluetooth is useless with the soft top IMO. I would get better gears if I had to do it all again but again that's me. Every power window I've ever had has crapped out. So now I hand crank em. (Only when the doors are on) PS- don't skip AC. Must have for resale and those hot summer top up days. I couldn't be happier.

 

Oh yeah, the separate tire pressure monitor would be something to miss for the convenience. I'm excited for the soft top for the ease of dropping but ill miss the security of the hard top. I wish i would have known about gearing before if bought my current jeep but it was my first jeep. Mostly thanks to this forum i'm being really picky about the new jeep based on things that could be better than whats in my current jeep.

 

Yea, I have AC as well, and could never be without it. If my AC broke, I would starve my kids if that's what it took to get the AC fixed. I'm a sweat hog in the summer... yuck.

 

Its funny that you guys bring up the need for AC. My '13 JKU recently just got a pinhole leak in the condenser (in front of radiator) and everywhere i have called quoted me close to $900. Im thinking i might just use it as an opportunity to start over with a 2 door as my payments would be similar and the taxes for the new one would be less than the AC repair. My jeep is also a constant struggle with the hard top leaking when it rains. Its been fixed like 9-10 times now under warranty which ended 10,000 miles ago but is a reoccurring issue (it has never not leaked). Its still my first jeep and like a child to me but its kind of problem child haha.

 

What is your issue with the power windows? half your reasons I would say are not a good reason to change vehicles, half your reasons are good reasons to change.

You can buy a BestTop top or a used one for less than you will lose by doing the trade in.
You can regear to get 3.73 or other gear ratio which again will save you money from trade in.

The Manual vs Auto would be a good reason to change vehicles, as is the 2door vs 4door, but make sure you are good with the storage ability of the 2door. 2 door and a dog can eat up all your camping storage space.

I ordered my current Jeep. I figured out what I wanted, and then found a dealer that would negotiate with me. Ordering is great and jeep is used to it. I got my jeep in about 6weeks. If you're going to do this I would recommend joining tread lightly and use their 1% below factory discount to negotiate from there. I live in an area that is just shy of 10% tax, and I got my wrangler configured exactly how I wanted with an AEV dualsport RS lift, aev wheels-tires and installed with tax (out the door price) for less than the build price on jeep's website using the Build your own. If you are going to order a jeep, tread lightly and shopping around and being patient to get what you want will pay off tenfold.

 

I've used my AC once since I bought it. Hot summer day and going somewhere nice with wifey, she didn't want her hair messed up.

BTW softtops are noisy, aren't as good at heat retention and not secure - easy to break into. I love my softtop (I have both tops) and if I had to pick one or the other I would probably pick softtop because I love running with the top down and for a couple months a year doors off too.

Don't forget that your payment might be the same per month, but you have 3 years of principle payments already paid. If you get a new jeep you will be starting over from scratch and lose all that equity. Soon you won't have a payment on your JKU, but if you get 2016 you will have payments for 5years (I am assuming).

 

No issues with electronics or the hardtop(other than my current water leak issue which i wouldnt care except for the smelly carpet). Its mostly the opportunity to get something new and different and the anxiety that comes with my AC leaking and and trying to find someone to fix that combined with the ridiculous price associated with anything to do with a wedding. I couldn't afford a new top or re-gearing out pocket either or i would already have them and tons of other mods(blame that on the wedding too). Thank you spicoli for replying to this. I kind of needed a different perspective on some of the changes that would come with the new vehicle and i knew there would be small details i would be overlooking. My fiance, for example, just thinks its cool that im considering getting a white Jeep instead of black.

I did get approved for 5% off a new Jeep, Dodge or Chrysler because of the hardtop leak. I will look into the tread lightly deal. Looks like i have quite a bit more research to do. Planned on contacting my local dealer some time this week.

 

With wedding, etc I would highly recommend trying to not take more debt on... debt will keep you from having money to spend. It seems like a good idea, its only so and so a month... but you are obligated to pay that... now if you didn't pay that a month that is a LOT of extra money a month to save and spend when you need, eg fixing AC issue. I'm assuming your jeep is not under warranty. Plus the extra you pay with interest... 5 year loan at 4% for 20,000 = $2000 extra you pay (that's 10%). Not too rough but longer loan, higher loan value, higher interest and it grows exponentially.

- Where are your hardtop leaks? Could they be fixed with replacing seals? I have a 2015, and my softtop leaks more than the hardtop does. Nothing bad but heavy rains or a carwash and I'm getting drips. Dealer told me if you remove the freedom panels then you will get leaks sometimes.
- Shop around, spending time to find someone that will do the work reasonably or researching how to do it yourself will save you lots of money. Also, you don't have to buy new parts, find an AC unit from a junked JK that you can unbolt and replace yours. There are lots of Jeep shops that have junkyards, maybe there is one near you or one online you can find to buy from who will ship to you.

Often the easy out route (buying a new vehicle) is not always the best route. To me your problems with your jeep sound easy to fix, but I don't know it could just be my interpretation of what you have said. Good luck and debt sucks. There is a shop here in Washington, Olympic 4x4 that has a junk yard and a guy there named Dana who might be able to help you if you can't find any place in Missouri. I have bought some take offs from them for some customizing projects I have done.
Olympic 4x4 Supply - Jeep and Offroad Supply