With my schedule and the true 4 seasons up here we don’t use the camper much at all. It’s basically hemorrhaging money from storage since we live in the city and don’t have the room here to store it.

I’m selling it and whether I buy another little tear drop for occasional camping or not, I no longer need the 12 MPG daily driver F350. I’ll also make quite a bit selling it so I’m thinking I should go one of two directions. Either a compact car or 2 door jeep as an every day driver.

I understand the jeep isn’t much better for MPG but damn it’s better than 12, especially if I get the 4 cylinder.

I just feel weird getting a small car. I don’t know why. Part of it is hauling the dog, which I can still do in her second kennel with the seats removed from the jeep.

I’ve thought about a Prius, wish I had grabbed one a few months back before gas prices went to hell but it seems a lot of people had the same idea.

Been looking at a little teardrop with a rooftop tent (under 1800#) to pull behind the jeep around Wisconsin.

A Jeep isn’t the most logical choice but someone who has always driven trucks, I need something off the ground. I THINK. I also need to go sit in one a 2-dr and 4-dr to see if one wins me over.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: OttoSig,

I bought one a couple months ago, a 2026 Jeep Wrangler Sport S 4 door hard top - brand new, from Carvana. I have the 6 cylinder in mine, it has some pep and gets 17-18 mpg in the city. Not great but not bad gas mileage. I chose the Sport S as I didn't want leather or other things I wouldn't use in the higher packages and it is an automatic. It came pretty well loaded for my needs. I was able to order it from Carvana, who gave me the best offer on my trade hands down and it came a few days later. Their financing rates are not bad and the best part is, no pressure to buy at the dealership and then try to fight for any rebates you are entitled to.

Ya know what hauls people and dogs really, really well and gets decent mileage and can tow almost 3,000 pounds?

A minivan!

Ours is in Idaho at the moment as my son drove it from Florida with 2 friends and all of their camping gear. They stopped at a couple national parks on the way and just finished week 1 of their 6 week, 6 credit Geology Field Camp course.

It's a 2012 we bought new in 2013. I know they aren't cool, but with all the money we've saved not chasing the next greatest vehicle ever, we've purchased 3 jetskis and a boat. And I put a killer stereo in my son's GLI Autobahn.

While camping in the Keys with our 5th wheel, I bought a hitch for the minivan, had it delivered to the campground, and bolted it on at the campsite so I wouldn't have to make a second trip with the truck to get the boat home. Snall boat, but I have towed two of the jetskis back and forth to and from Michigan several times. They're probably over 2,500 pounds with the trailer.

quote:

Originally posted by trapper189:
Ya know what hauls people and dogs really, really well and gets decent mileage and can tow almost 3,000 pounds?

A minivan!

While this is funny, it is also true.
We bought a '99 Ford Windstar while I was stationed at Great Lakes and it may be the most practical vehicle I ever owned.

With the front wheel drive it was great in snow. I drove from Pittsburgh back to Great Lakes in the aftermath of a hugh ice storm. Cars were spun off the interstate every quarter mile and I never slipped or slide once.

Pulling the seats, I camped in it in the Smokies while in school at Little Creek, sleeping in the back with a sleeping bag and air mattress.

While in Fl teaching NavLead for the navy, I would load up my mountain bike, dive gear, fishing gear, course material, and clothing and uniforms for a 2 week class in Key West and still be able to seat 5 in the van.

Towing my boat is the deal breaker, but other then that, I might still have one.

Get a Toyota or Honda SUV. Decent mileage, roomy, comfortable and they last forever and most have very good resale.
You couldn’t give me a Jeep product. I know one person that loves theirs and several others that hates them.

If you like to diddle with vehicles Jeep will stand for Just Empty Every Pocket. There is a HUGE accessory market. I’ve owned two Jeeps. Two family members have them. A couple of friends also. No one has had significant issues but my then twenty year old TJ stranded me on vacation with a failed crank sensor. It’s a nice change of pace to drive around doorless. They are easy to maneuver and park. Few other vehicles have the following of a wrangler.

4Runner

quote:

Originally posted by trapper189:
Ya know what hauls people and dogs really, really well and gets decent mileage and can tow almost 3,000 pounds?

A minivan!

Stickman will tell ya that it’s possible to haul a motorcycle in a minivan, too!

- - - -

I don’t have any Jeep experience, aside from riding in Jeeps that friends own. In that class, though, I’d offer up the 5th-generation 4Runner for consideration.

Having owned (3) 2-door Wranglers, were I in your shoes I'd buy one of the mid-size trucks. They'll be more practical, comfortable, and deliver a little better mpg to boot.

Don't listen to the Jeep haters, buy the Jeep. I have had several and all of them were spectacular vehicles (except one Patriot, but even that wasn't too bad). I love every second of driving mine. I currently have a '21 Gladiator and there is nothing better than taking the top and doors of and driving around. Off road, snow, ice, it handles it all. Fuel economy is hovering just above 18mpg. Not bad for a truck with solid axles and the aerodynamics of a cinder block.

Alternate: buy a nice, efficient, location appropriate car. Bank the profit. When you do camp; rent a truck/trailer/motorhome. (FWIW I’ve DD a Tacoma 25 years. They aren’t what they used to be and cost of entry now, I will not be getting another when this one bites it)

A) How far do you drive? A used Tesla/especially a used Leaf, can be had very very cheaply.

Might make a good pairing with a jeep etc

B) I rented a Chrysler Pacifica, and we are probably getting it for our next car. I might keep my Tesla/get a long wheelbase Y as well but one road trip in a minivan, and it wins out over an Escalade 600 etc.

I don’t know why they were abandoned.

If you’re under 6’ then a Toyota sienna might be a better choice. Really nice car but not enough head room.

I have a 4 door jeep, 2018 JKU.

In your case I’d recommend a 4 door.

I would also recommend either buying a trim level with lower gears, or planning to re-gear if you buy a sport. The 3.21 is anemic and I’d not want to try to pull anything with it. And if you go older and get a 4 cylinder, you’ll probably be sorely disappointed compared to what you are used to.

2 door jeeps are fun but if you’re trying to take the dogs anywhere you will quickly be short on room.

My 2015 Cherokee Trailhawk would be awesome if it weren’t for the fact that it’s the biggest POS I’ve ever owned. Total garbage for reliability.

I’ll never own another Chrysler/Stellantis product again, which is a shame since I’d really like a Pacifica if it weren’t for the reliability issue. So I just rent one when I need it instead. Nothing better for a long road trip.

-Rob

I'll second the mini van. IMO the most versatile vehicle on the road today. I haul myself my two grandsons and our bikes to various bike trails on a regular basis. Or I can haul 4X8 sheets of drywall. Have done that. I recently replaced five pre-hung interior doors in my home. Brought them all home in my Sienna. At the same time. Last year all five of us drove to DC for Police Week. In a Sienna. With luggage and all the other stuff kids bring. I know it's not a cool guy car or a chick magnet but who cares. It works.

I have been daily driving Wranglers since about 1989. Newest is a 26 base sport 2 door soft top. Bought just for me and my German Shepherd. Pulled back seat out (comes in and out easy) put a weathertech liner in back with a blanket over it. Thats all I need and would probably be all you need too. Tried the turbo 4 in the new one, last 6 had the V6. Plenty of power. Will put a hitch on for short tows of a small Boston Whaler. No options, no fancy bells and whistles.

Personal opinion, stay away from the 4 cylinder Jeep, they require Premium fuel. I test drove one and while it wasn’t bad my concern is the power and, it seemed peaky to me, I’d rather have torque than HP in that scenario.

I have a 2012 Wrangler Sport two door, should have gotten a 4 door. Mine has 3.21 gears, even with that ratio it still will off road but I’m not into rock climbing either.

My 160k 2102 has had a oil cooler replaced. Looking at having to replace a front axle seal this fall. I thought about upgrading to a JL 4 door this year but with the corrosion issues and aluminum body panels I decided to keep my JK and put 1k into rust and paint repair instead. Think I’m on my third set of brakes all around. Replaced one radio at about 90k, lost terrestrial radio but Sirius still worked. Replaced the upholstery with a Katzskin kit, finally wore the base cloth driver cushion at 120k, shop wanted 400 to replace the cloth at the bolster, got the kit for 900 front and rear seats and put it on one afternoon. Windshields, well let’s just say several have been replaced, casualty of war.

I’m aiming for 200k, at that point I’ll retire it from DD status and make it my trail rig.

We have a 24' 4runer. Well made for sure. Rock solid. But damn it is a dog. Wife's rig. I don't drive often. But when I do I just hate it. It is so under powered, boarder line ridiculous.
Being a truck guy maybe think about a 1/2 ton. Good mileage and decent towing. A Tacoma would be a no go.
I would stay away from a towable rv myself.

I owned two Wranglers for 20 years, both built up Rubicons. Great for my purpose which included some rock crawling but that diminished as I aged. Last year I bought a 4dr Bronco with the 2.7, I love it. It drives better on the road and gets 18/20 mpg. I'm guessing it prices similar to a Wrangler, mine is equipped similar to a Rubicon, lockers, 35" tires etc.

Definitely consider 4 dr if you go Jeep, the extra space is terrific, drives better.

I wouldn’t buy a 2 door 4 cyl wrangler. If you want a jeep get the 4 door and 6 cylinder. Waaaay more room. That or an suv or truck with shell for storage and a roof top tent for camping. Done.