Community Forums

ChileRick · 04-17-2014, 11:55 AM

....aside from the RV? We tow a TJ, and love it, but we have a couple occasions when we sure could have used a vehicle that could seat 5 people and their stuff. Also, we had to drive the Jeep for a couple of 10 hr fwy drives, and that was miserable! We just checked out the 2014 JKU's, and to do that we would have to sell both the TJ and the DW's Solara. We know it would be fine on the road, but how are the as an only vehicle back at home? Is it refined enough for taking folks out for dinner, and such?

al2ride · 04-17-2014, 01:20 PM

I've had CJs, TJs, and JKs, but like you said they are not great for the long haul. When we bought DW's 2012 Grand Cherokee we looked at the 4 door wranglers and DW said it was too sporty. We are very impressed with the new GCs. Very comfortable and the AWD is awesome especially in snow and ice. The only problem we've had is that our model can't be flat towed. We bough it before our motorhome.

1ciderdog · 04-17-2014, 03:26 PM

I gived up what is a:
JKU as only vehicle.....

BobGed · 04-17-2014, 03:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1ciderdog

I gived up what is a:
JKU as only vehicle.....

It's a four door Wrangler.

1ciderdog · 04-17-2014, 03:32 PM

Thank you - That should be able to carry the 4 or 5 people he wants to take but I guess it would be personal opinion to suggest it is refined enough. I've not seen one up close but suspect the longer wheel base should improve ride quality a bit.

PDR John · 04-18-2014, 08:06 AM

We kept our TJ and bought a Grand Cherokee. We liked it so much we upgraded to the new diesel.

We had 250,000 miles on the 05 model.

exgman · 04-18-2014, 08:08 AM

I've had a JKU as a DD since 2007 when they came out. My 07 wasn't very comfortable on long trips but it did fine around town. My '12 is a lot better. The front seats are heated and leather. Well, probably fake leather. It has navigation and a great stereo system like the fancy cars. The Pentastar engine with the 5 speed auto is far better than the '07. However, I wouldn't want to have to sit in the back seat on a long trip. With that said, I don't like riding in the back seat of my friends '09 GC either. Just remember , it's a Jeep, not a Cadillac.

al2ride · 04-18-2014, 08:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by exgman

I've had a JKU as a DD since 2007 when they came out. My 07 wasn't very comfortable on long trips but it did fine around town. My '12 is a lot better. The front seats are heated and leather. Well, probably fake leather. It has navigation and a great stereo system like the fancy cars. The Pentastar engine with the 5 speed auto is far better than the '07. However, I wouldn't want to have to sit in the back seat on a long trip. With that said, I don't like riding in the back seat of my friends '09 GC either. Just remember , it's a Jeep, not a Cadillac.

Not sure which year they changed, but the back seats of DW's 12 GC have a lot of room, they recline, and are very comfortable. I was told that they also copied the suspension from Mercedes Benz and why it's so comfortable. I know that they cost a little more than the 4 door Wrangler, but well worth it. The only downside is that you can't remove the roof, doors, etc. All you get is a sunroof.

al2ride · 04-18-2014, 08:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PDR John

We kept our TJ and bought a Grand Cherokee. We liked it so much we upgraded to the new diesel.

We had 250,000 miles on the 05 model.

How do you like that new diesel engine? What's the biggest difference from the gas?

JMonroe · 04-18-2014, 08:26 AM

Our Wrangler has not only carpeting, power windows, locks, a multi speaker satellite radio, but leather seats for crying out loud! It's a long way from our old '46 CJ!!! That said, it'll still let me explore many back country areas not accessible to most other unmodified vehicles.

While it's no Cadillac, I don't find the ride of the longer wheel based Unlimited the least bit objectionable. I used our now deceased '07 Rubicon as a long distance commuter for a couple of years. That solid boxed in frame sure offered me a lot of protection when that idiot woman rear ended me doing something like 50 mph.

PDR John · 04-18-2014, 08:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by al2ride

How do you like that new diesel engine? What's the biggest difference from the gas?

We love it, got it in Jan. and almost 4000 miles on it so far.

We moved over from a Hemi powered GC. So the biggest difference is fuel mileage. In town for the Hemi 14-15, diesel 21-24. Fuel price is higher, though. 5-30 cents a gallon.

The diesel also has a 10,000 miles oil change interval, and air ride suspension.

We've also flat towed 2,000 miles so far. From SD to TX and from TX to northern IL, no problems/issues or concerns.

al2ride · 04-18-2014, 08:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PDR John

We love it, got it in Jan. and almost 4000 miles on it so far.

We moved over from a Hemi powered GC. So the biggest difference is fuel mileage. In town for the Hemi 14-15, diesel 21-24. Fuel price is higher, though. 5-30 cents a gallon.

The diesel also has a 10,000 miles oil change interval, and air ride suspension.

We've also flat towed 2,000 miles so far. From SD to TX and from TX to northern IL, no problems/issues or concerns.

It sounds like it's the way to go. Does the engine make the tick tick sound like the older diesels? I read that you can do something like 700+ miles on a tank full and towing capacity is over 7k. We have the 6 banger in our GC, but I have the Hemi in my Longhorn and love that engine.

PDR John · 04-18-2014, 10:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by al2ride

It sounds like it's the way to go. Does the engine make the tick tick sound like the older diesels? I read that you can do something like 700+ miles on a tank full and towing capacity is over 7k. We have the 6 banger in our GC, but I have the Hemi in my Longhorn and love that engine.

It has a slight tick, not loud at all. You have to listen for it.

We haven't had it on any long road trips to see how high the mileage will get up. I'm guessing 27-28, but can't say for sure.

corvettec3 · 04-18-2014, 05:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JMonroe

Our Wrangler has not only carpeting, power windows, locks, a multi speaker satellite radio, but leather seats for crying out loud! It's a long way from our old '46 CJ!!! That said, it'll still let me explore many back country areas not accessible to most other unmodified vehicles.

While it's no Cadillac, I don't find the ride of the longer wheel based Unlimited the least bit objectionable. I used our now deceased '07 Rubicon as a long distance commuter for a couple of years. That solid boxed in frame sure offered me a lot of protection when that idiot woman rear ended me doing something like 50 mph.