Yesterday I decided to go for a drive and check out Jeep Wranglers again. I took a stroll through the lots at both Ed Schmidt Jeep over in Perrysburg and Yark Jeep over on Central Avenue. Both had several 2-door models to look at. There were 4 of them in Perrysburg, all of which were base models with steel wheels and no fog lights...basically they were bare-bones vehicles. There were 2 over at Yark, which is not far from where I live...they had a red one and a silver one, both of which were base models that were loaded with options...the red was automatic while the silver was a 6-speed.
I took my camera with me and took lots of pictures. I'm still concerned over the size of the vehicle compared to the Liberty, and also the comfort level of the Wrangler over long distances. I'm also undecided on color if I was to go ahead with it. So the pictures help, if for no other reason than there aren't many pictures out there of these relatively new vehicles.
Today I went over to Yark to take that red JK for a spin. I decided to go into this test drive with no preconceived notions, and this time, fully awake. I tumbled forward the back seat prior to driving, so the rear headrests didn't block my rear vision. I took great care before leaving to set my mirrors properly. I also took great care to get my seating position set to my liking. I wanted everything that could be adjusted to be adjusted correctly so my driving experience wouldn't be ruined by something that wasn't truly a problem.
This test drive went very, very well. I didn't want to park it. My visibility was very good in all areas, even out the maligned rear-view mirror...having the rear seat tumbled forward helped tremendously (actually taking the time to set my mirrors correctly was obviously also a big plus). The accelerator pedal, which I was very disappointed in my first test drive, became like second nature after getting used to it. It felt very smooth. The Jeep had a little shakiness upon braking, but the thing only had one mile on it when I started it up...so it's probably a break-in thing.
The ride was smooth for a Wrangler, but rough when compared to anything else. It was, in my opinion, tolerable...it's a Jeep, after all. On recently paved roads, it rode very smooth. I purposely took the JK on notoriously rough Dorr Street, and it was, correspondingly, a very rough ride. Overall, the ride is a little rougher than the Liberty, because of the shorter wheelbase and live front axle. It would be unreasonable to expect otherwise. It's not a disqualifying problem.
The JK is too quiet. Yeah, you read right...too quiet. The thing had a soft top, and it only had marginally more wind noise than my Liberty. That's cool. The problem is you can't hear the engine. The Liberty has a nice throaty rumble too it, and the Wrangler, being what it is, I expect even more engine noise...and it ain't there. So that's an unexpected disappointment.
The cockpit is my biggest area of concern. Tight and tiny, the driver's compartment is definitely not for someone who likes to spread out while driving. Luckily that's not me, but it is a tighter fit than the Liberty...especially in terms of distance to the dash and steering wheel. I know, if you want ergonomics buy a Honda...but I'm somewhat concerned about where to place my iPod/XM suite. I'm sure I can figure it out. I'm also somewhat concerned about distance driving...my dream is to drive a Wrangler to the beach...and I'm not sure if I can maintain a reasonable level of comfort and sanity in one for a 2000 mile round trip. We'll see...I might have to *gasp* rent a Taurus!! [/anguish]
Nah, that won't happen.
So to make a long story longer, I really enjoyed my 10 miles in the 2007 Wrangler today, and if I didn't like the Liberty so much, it would be an easy call. As of right now, it's a "probably". The Wrangler is way more fun to drive...the Liberty is way more comfy. I'll have to decide if fun > comfy. I think it probably is.
EDIT:
Notice I didn't say anything above about power. Despite what the reviews say, I don't find the JK underpowered at all. Now, granted I'm driving the 2-door and not the much-reviewed 4-door, but still...the Jeep is quick enough to get out of it's own way, and that's good enough for me. There was plenty of go for everyday driving. I can tell it doesn't have the low-end torque of past models, but it is overall no less powerful than it's predecessors.
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2 comments:
OKAY Now I think you're trying to sift through all the reasons NOT to buy one to find that ONE reason to go with it. It's not worth it. The Wrangler is a rough rider, made for off-road, and if you want something to drive, with an occasional off-road experience, stick on the KJ. If you want an off-road with an occasional on-road experience, go with the JK.
I'm not so sure about that. I think my debating back and forth is more of a function of me not needing a new vehicle than anything. There are pros and cons to every vehicle out there, and the JK Wrangler is no different. I'm not sure that, for my purposes, the JK has any more cons than any other vehicle out there...especially if it's to be my one-and-only daily driver.
I do believe the on-road vs. off-road thing is way overrated, at least as far as the JK is concerned. I'll cede the fact that the CJs, YJs, and even TJs were not at home on the road, but the JK strikes a really good balance. Like I said, it's only a slightly rougher ride than the KJ, and with it's traction control and electronic stability suite, it is just as stable on the highway...likely more so under evasive maneuvers.
Like I was telling the folks back in my hometown last weekend, it's not the drawbacks of the JK that has me holding off on buying one, it's the fact that a.) I don't have a real need for a new vehicle just yet, and b.) I still really like my KJ for most purposes.
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