Originally Posted by TheBeast

Just a couple of other thoughts - I like to check out edmunds to get a sense of pricing and options before I buy a car. That might help you get a real sense of what you can seriously negotiate price-wise. You will also need to get familiar with quadratec and the other Jeep gear/parts companies.

Also, from my 3 months as a Jeep owner, I'd have to say that if you want to do serious off-roading, you will want to lift it - I would go to 44". If you lift it, there is no point in getting a new vehicle since I think that voids the warranty. Personally, I would rather try out an already lifted Jeep than do it myself and find out I don't like it. Lifting is not an option for me since my garages at home and work both have 6'2" clearances and my Jeep is 5'11" on stock 32s.

If you want to seriously off road, get something you're willing to lose - not a brand new rubi. The first time I took my hubby offroading, he had visions of $$$ in his head every time we hit something. He says there is a big difference between driving an army Jeep and your own Jeep - the Queen can afford to pay the repair bills! Remember that whether you are buying new or used, it's a Dodge product, not a Toyota, so find a garage that has free loaners... Again, good luck and have fun! :)