I like renting riding ATVs UTVs (although I haven't done it a whole lot). I've never even been off-roading in a street vehicle. I don't have any friends with off-road vehicles. I'm looking for something fun to do with my kids (12 & 10 years) on weekends.

Can I rent off-road ready Jeeps anywhere for my first trip with an off-road group? (To see if I'm into it and if the kids have fun)

Used Jeeps don't seem like a great deal so I'm thinking new (do you disagree?) Should I start with a basic Jeep and upgrade components or should I start with one of the higher end Jeeps?

I'm in Southern California.

Thanks!

 

The Sport S level of trim is very capable without the need to upgrade anything, unless you are a hardcore off roader. If you buy used, I highly recommend not getting one that has had its suspension altered, because you never know if it was done properly. If it is in your budget, I'd go for 2012 or newer so you get the more modern engine (3.6) with more HP. Also, try to get one with 3.73 gearing instead of 3.21. That is hard to do, but worth it in my opinion. If you find a Willy's trim model it will have the 3.73. Some others will as well, but probably 90% of the wranglers will have 3.21.

 

Places like Moab have built jeep rentals and I know there is a place on the Rubicon but most rental places will have a basic model which is more than capable for you off road the tires and gears will be set up for pavement and mileage. I would not start on the Rubicon or Moab if you don't know how to drive off road. You can still do mild stuff on a sport tire just make sure you are on a stocker friendly trail. Good luck.

 

I have a stock sport s with rear LSD, the trails around herea deer lease and duck hunting roads, this little jeep gets through the woods better than any of my 4 WD trucks ever did.
you don't have to go big to start with, a stock jeep is capable of many trails