pmcmvp

Hello All,

So who owns a 4 door jeep and have a family with 2 kids? Is there enough room for your daily grind with family activities etc?

I have 2 kids currently under <5 and just want to see how the jeep has held up with kids that age to teenagers range.

Reason Im asking is because I currently have a van and their are obvious some benefits ie. 7 seater, lots of room to move stuff, spacious, long drives to Seattle, but at the end of the day, its a van. =P

I dont know if i should trade it in so i can have bigger downpayment or keep it so I have it just in case if needed. (not sure if I want to pay extra car insurance thou or extra car in driveway).

I rather use it as downpayment but I have to convince myself (and the wife! most important) that the Jeep can handle lifes activities with 2 kids.

Anyone? =P

thanks in advance

JeepTechOlllllO

"Pro's"
I have a JKU with two kids under 6. It has lots of room for the whole family. The trunk is big and can hold a day out shopping with all of us. they fold down and can carry "van" cargo to a limit. I did just take the whole family and my brother on a trip to visit family in TO. I had to bring my trailer (Picking up a larger gift) We were all comfortable inside.
"Con's"
Wow did it cost me gas money for that trip. My 08 Town and Country in the city get poor gas mileage 450-500km a tank but over 800km a tank on the highway. I kind was hoping I would get some good gas mileage on the JKU on the highway. not true. I got a little better dropping from 20.2L/100km to 17L/100km.
The other problem I had was heating and defrost. It was a pain with 5 people inside, the windows frost up and I'm constantly playing with the heating controls.

Still I wouldn't give mine up in for anything.
Cheers
Don't forget to wave!

Jeepminded

Hi There,

08' JK Unlimited with two kids...one almost a teen (sigh). We LOVE it! There's plenty of room for the daily drive, the 4 of us, or even 5. Cargo space is never been an issue for the 4 of us. (we have not driven down to say Walt Disney, but have take some average family trips) We opted for the tow package as well.

The third row seating in mist vans is so small, and cramped, great if you are 4 foot nothing...and I question the safety of this extra row of seating.

We were never a 'mini-van' familly (no disrespect to anyone) it just wan't our thing.

Go for the JK Unllimited, best of both words, for most of your trips you will be fine, you won't have any issues on crapy weather days, and enjoy the words only 4-door convertable.

I won't lie, it does use more fuel then a VAN, but we just cut out other things in the budget to help with that. (and I'm NOT complaning)

Your kids will soon learn when they see another Wranger they will wave, its great fun! Then when you take them for a spin top down doors off....it will take a long time to wipe the smile of your faces (including yours)

There will be a second JK in our driveway sooner then later

Good luck and hope you join the Jeep Family....

JTPhoto JK

So True. Bought the Unlimited almost 3 years ago. I have 4 older children, but seldom have more then 4 people in the Jeep at one time. As it stands to date, 2 of my four children have bought 2 dr JKs within the last year and 1/2. The other 2 have RAM pickups.
There is simply nothing that compares to roof and windows down on a beautiful summer day. It is addicting (as is modding the Jeep).

zrs

Hi
We had a similar delema when purchasing a new vehicle back in the summer. We've got 3 kids, all under 9,
and traded a Grand Caravan for a Wrangler Unlimited. We were jeep owners back before the kids, so we new what to expect. This is my wife's daily driver, but we have a riot when we use it for the family on the weekend. It blows away the trunk space of the caravan, and the kids have a blast waving at all the jeeps going by. If your not a jeeper, rent one first. Its a whole lot cheaper than making the wrong decision. If you're experienced with them, the new jk is the smoothest, most refined jeep yet....You'll be pleasantly surprised.

pmcmvp

Just want to say thanks for taking the time to respond everyone.I hope to get one really soon. If anyone else can share their story, would be great but ive already decided. Bye bye van!

Jeepminded

Great New Years resolution.....you won't be sorry. I'm sure the folks here on the forum will help answer your questions as you get closer to your decision. Good luck!

JPPhoto JK....WOW a family who drives JK's LOVE IT!!

jlau76

I have 2 kids under the age of 5 and I have the 2 door JK. One is still in a 3 in 1 child seat and we get by. We use the JK now for everything, although it was just suppose to be my toy. But that all changed when the kids went out for a ride in it. We now use it for weekend get aways and shopping (but it feels like we do less shopping and more driving). With the JKU, you'll have pleanty of room.

Good luck with the deciding!