Jael

Hi! I am new at this site and have enjoyed reading and learning about Jeeps. I have a few questions and have no doubt that you guys have the answers or at least an opinion.
Call it my mid-life crisis but after many years of wanting a Jeep, I am very seriously considering buying a 2012 base Wrangler.
My concerns are, gaz consumption (my wife drives a SUV already), stiff ride and soft top in winter.
Please help, I am looking at new and trying to keep it affordable, any specific options I should consider?

Thanks, to the pleasure of waving at you on the road.

Bashman

Welcome to the site! For gas consumption, my 09 Sahara when in stock form would get 13-14L/100km (16-18 mpg) city and 11-12L/100km (19-21 mpg) hwy. With current mods its a solid 14L/100km city and 12-13L/100km (18-20 mpg). The 3.6L is supposed to have a little better fuel economy than my 3.8L.
I have not found the ride in the 4 dr wrangler that stiff, haven't been in a 2 dr and they are definately not the kidney punchers of previous years.
There are lots of people that run the soft top year round, I opted for the dual top option and switch between. I like having the rear wiper in the winter. The heaters are greatly improved in the jk models and if you get it, the ac works fantastic.

adrenalin

I am averaging 18-20 MPG but then again I am running 305/65R18 tires so that isn't going to help my fuel economy much :)

The ride is a little stiffer than one might expect but as Bashman stated, they are not the kidney punchers they use to be.

I'm sure the soft top might be ok in the winter however I got the hard top. In the grand scheme of things, the hard top option doesn't add much to the final price (unless you want it body coloured). Given the option I wouldn't even think about having the soft top on in the winter (rear defroster and wiper sure helps a lot).

Jeepminded

Welcome!
Bone stock 08 JKU Sahara, auto 3:73's, do 90% of my driving on the 401...average 21MPH (like above posts) and that's top up or down, with or without AC, even doors off. Biggest thing for any vehcial that helps MPG is the skinny pedeal. GO EASY!

I wondered the same when we looked, my wife was the one who wanted one. Don't what if yourself...do your homework, test drive, ask lost of questions, then do what's right for you.

Go for the dual top group, best of both worlds...soft would be just fine for winter, the heaters in these JKs' are a small inferno. However, the real wiper / washer is kinda nice to have.

Only thing I don't like is that I didn't buy one sooner!!! Will buy another and another...there will ALWAYS be a Jeep Wrangler in my driveway.

Long live Jeep!

Jael

Thanks guys, The jury is still out, I am planning a test drive to see about the ride. I still like the jeep, I agree about the roofs, my biggest beef with hard top is storing the thing in the summer, as far as the rear wiper and defroster I sure would apreciate.

Thanks again, will keep you posted.

wavedatya

get it!

the feeling of wanting one will never go away. trust me.

new jeeps ride smooth
new 3.6 pentastar is way better on gas. even my 2010 is good 11.6 to 12.9 L/100K is great
get dual tops though

and you only live once!!!!!!

disconnect

I have to agree, I've wanted a jeep since I was a teenager, but for whatever reason I've always bought other things... Nothing else out there will satisfy the jeep craving, now that I have one, the only question I ask myself about it is why did I wait so damn long.

Also, every person will envy you for getting one hehe. :P

Airdale

I have had 9 Jeeps! Almost always had a Jeep in the driveway.
Started with an 84' Cherokee. Had an 83' CJ7, 85' CJ7, 89' YJ, 91' YJ, 93' Grand Cherokee, 96' Cherokee, 97' TJ, 2011 JK Wrangler Sport..
All the CJ's, YJ's and TJ were soft top and I used them year round'. Only 85' CJ7 also had a hard top. CJ's were brutal in winter. Soft tops were very windy!
TJ and new JK are both good in winter.
Snow and Ice do not stick to the plastic window much and side mirrors are big enough you can see pretty good. Heaters are excellent.
There is nothing to compare to a Jeep in all weather. Snow, rain, sleet, sun. you cover them all!
Buy one, drive it and live the dream!
Remember;
'Jeep! The original 4 letter word!'

VillageBoy

Hi, I own a 2010 Wrangler Sahara. I love it!!! It has performed excellent all seasons, all conditions.
For sure get both tops. You won't regret it.
Something else is make sure that your rear end has limited slip diferential. It was a listed option when I purchased my Jeep. Not sure if any come without it but it is a must have. Otherwise one side in a mud hole and you are stuck!

TheBeast

I bought a used 2008 JKU last fall. I LOVE HIM! It's unconditional love, too, since he's turned out to be expensive, not just for gas and assorted little repairs, but also for all those Quadratech orders, the trek & bikini tops, the swing out tire/jerry can holder, the duratracs and black rims, and the windsurfer I had to buy once I started having fun! :) The reality is, you will always itch for a Wrangler, and it's an itch that needs to be scratched, in spite of the costs. The 2012s have a lot of new colours, so making a decision on that alone will be difficult! Take a look at the after market online catalogues before you buy a stock soft top - there are a lot of other options out there (pink bikini top? camo trek top? black mesh?)

I suggest you test drive a lot of them until you find one that works for you. I found that every single Jeep drove differently, and for me The Beast is super-smooth - he sounds like a hybrid, and I have to blast the radio to warn pedestrians. Generally, the Unlimiteds drive smoother than the Sport, but what about Sahara vs Rubi? I bought the JKU because I can use it as a tent when camping/off-roading - fold down the seats, roll out mat and bag, put on the party mode, and voila! I can go anywhere, do anything. It's a Jeep thing... ;)

Looking forward to officially welcoming you to the club! (PS, if you want to off-road, check out EOTB and OVO - they have off-roading 101 seminars coming up that you might enjoy)