I've Driven My Affordable Jeep Wrangler For Exactly 1 Year: Here Are The Things I Love & Hate
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 30 มิ.ย. 2022
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In this video we discuss my Jeep Wrangler Willys Sport and discuss the things I love & hate!
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Tommy, you have quickly launched yourself to the top of my list of favorite auto journalists. Your reviews are articulate, well thought out and exceptionally well presented. You are very natural in front of the camera and come off as a very genuine person. Your integrity is very refreshing. Keep up the excellent work.
He talks about the same shit we all think about. Not stuck on 0-60times and G forces on the track. Genuine real world things!
Thanks for the very kind words! I still have a lot to learn -Tommy
@@TFLcar
I HAVE A 392 WRANGLER TO REVIEW JUST LET ME KNOW WHEN WORKS GOOD FOR YOU GUYS
We’ll said! I agree 100% excellent presentation!
He's also the cutest. Just sayin. 🤷♂️
We just got 26 average MPG with our 2023 Jeep Wrangler Sport 2-door 3.6 e-torque with 8-speed auto from Monterey, CA to Sacramento, CA averaging 68 MPH. It was loaded with three passengers and luggage. Acceleration is outstanding too. Very happy and it's a blast to drive.
I had a ‘99 4.0, manual, Sahara, soft top. Gave it come KC’s, way to much stereo, and some mud terrains. Decades later, I still think about the simple joy of driving that around on sunny days, rowing gears, and smiling the whole way.
‘98 TJ Sahara, manual, 76,000 miles, hard top, soft top, bikini top. The prior owner put at least $20k into it in suspension and wheels and tires and the Warn, jacks, etc. etc. sold it to me for $10k so his soon-to-be ex-wife wouldn’t have it. I was out three nights a week and at least one full day on the weekends. So many great memories.Taught me a lot then, and I’ve learned ton since.
The first vehicle I bought with my own money was a 2000 TJ and I kept it for six years before selling it. I regretted it and immediately hated driving. Fast forward and I got rid of my car after nearly 6 years and got back into a Wrangler and began enjoying driving again--especially in snow. I don't think I'll own anything else, hopefully.
True 2 door enthusiasts take out their back seat and never look back.
Love seeing the updates on the 2 door wrangler. I recently bought a 2 door as well and absolutely love it and anytime a video of Tommy’s wrangler is always welcomed!!
One of the things I like about Tommy's reviews is that they don't appear biased. Tommy doesn't just bag a car or brand based on preconceptions but rather takes each one on their own merits and experiences. Rather rare in auto journalism today I think.
Keep up the great work Tommy.
Oh no. They are comped nicely by Jeep.
Have the exact same spec (2 door Willys Sport, V6 manual, soft top in Sarge Green which was factory ordered) and love it. Have had absolutely no problems. Could have bought pretty much any Wrangler offered. LOVE the lack of tech and gadgets. Wanted something that looked and felt like a real Jeep. Currently 7k miles and all is good. If I had it to do again, I would order the exact same JL again.
Let me guess, you have no kids / wife
I agree 💯 percent.
My wife bought a 21 Sahara with cloth seats, V6 manual and unpainted top. Otherwise she bought all the options. 26,000 trouble free miles. Sixth gear is tall but usable at sea level. Gas mileage is really good and we average 18-24 depending on temp and city/highway balance of use. Your 7k miles isn't really broken in yet.
No problems 7k miles in?? I would hope so lol
@@Jay-rg5mt 7k trouble free miles? I guess that's pretty good for a Chrysler product. 1st and 2nd gen Toyota Tacoma owners: 😆🤣😂🤣🤣😂. Yes I know, but in 2019 the new frame was FREE, took less than three days to install and at the same time I purchased a bunch of new OEM parts for my 2010 TRD Offroad and Toyota installed them at no or greatly reduced labor cost because almost everything was apart anyway. Toyota had me covered and I'm a very happy camper.
I have a 2018 JL Rubicon that I put the Mopar 2” lift and 35’s and I love it! I usually change cars every 12-18 months but I’ve had this one for just over 4 years and don’t see it going anywhere. Thanks for the non-stop great videos TFL!
Great review. Hands down my favorite auto reviewer. Inspired me to purchase a Jeep again and so far I love my 2018 JLU Rubicon. I will say being older and having had a brand new YJ and TJ smaller models, I ‘m loving the extra room and of course the pampering options are great. Keep up the awesome job.
Great review Tommy! I have a 21 JL 2 door Sport S, first thing I did was remove the backseat as it's just me & my wife and dog. I however am spoiled with the bigger radio, power windows and heated seats/steering wheel. I'm over 65 so I like a few creature comforts. Had a 4 door JL Sport, and though it was more comfortable due to its longer wheelbase, I don't miss it. The 2 door is much more fun and nimble off-road. Enjoy your ride and be safe.
Another great video. As others have said, you are a favorite among automotive journalists. I picked up the 2-door, manual, soft top, Sport S. So it did come with power locks and windows and the 7” stereo with CarPlay. Comfortable to drive. I have 12K miles in the first 6 months and zero complaints. The only mods have been a receiver hitch and LED headlights.
Insane to me that a 2 door manual everything Wrangler is pushing $34k... Crazyness.
more insane people pay twice that for a rubicon
37 over in my area…
Jeep. Just Empty Every Pocket.
26k MAX. This is Silly Overpriced.
in EU used ones are 50k
14:22 Hey Tommy, those straps on the back of the rear seat...those are retention straps for when it's flipped forward. See the metal loops on the back of the B-pillars? They're for those straps. ;) It's also covered in the owner's manual. :D Enjoy!
Roman I must say you raised a great level headed young man. Doesn't have to have all the fancy crap to enjoy life!
I have a bare bones 2015 JK 2 door with a manual trans, and just like yours, no power windows, door locks or anything. I love it for how basic it is. I took the back seat out (really easy to do actually though it is heavy) and stored it. My dogs have a ton of space in the back now. Love this car for what it is, daily drive it, been through some terrible flooding and it saved me, take it for light off roading every weekend, really fun and engaging car, zero problems at all
Love the feed back in this update. Thanks a mill. I second the below comments on your good work. Wish this version was available in South Africa.
Tommy, regarding securing the rear seat when folded up: there are two velcro straps on the back of the rear seat with two corresponding brackets. You just thread the strap through the loops and that keeps it in place. You can see the straps and loops at 14:22
Jeep should make a daily driver, long distance travel, reliable version of the wrangler.
This Jeep reminds me of my grandpa’s 1970 Willys and how I learned driving! The gear shifts and the soft roof is nostalgic!
Loved the update. 😂I literally bought my 2 door 2018 JK around the same time and love it a year later glad you’re still loving yours.
I loved your Jeep so much that I ordered a 23’ model with the exact same equipment, but in Sting Gray. It took 7 weeks to get it and it’s awesome!
Ours is Sting Gray too. Awesome color.
Use the velcro straps on the backseats to loop it through the metal rings on the pillars to keep the backseat from flopping around when it's folded up.
Great review. Thanks for being honest - no vehicle is perfect … you helped by pointing out things to think about. Love that Jeep!
Great review. I bought a Wrangler JK Sport new in 2016 with just A/C cruise control and Automatic. 6 years later I still love my Jeep. I think of it this way, in 1985 when I was in High School and longed for a Jeep with those options would have been a CJ7 Laredo.
Great one year summary Tommy. Have been following this Jeep from day 1. Have never owned a Wrangler but when I do, it'll be fairly close to this spec except may the soft top. Out here in Alberta hard top is a must in my opinion to protect oneself from the elements. Keep up the good work!
Bad thing about a wrangler, is once you actually own one. Then there is no going back to anything else. I've tried. Just bought a 2022 unlimited sport auto ,hard top of course, and everything but 4 goats and a servant. slip differential, turbo diesel, you name it it's got it. Butt opposite of his plain jane. Peace.
Interesting comment about the tall gearing on the manual. In addition to my JLU, I have a 2015 Cherokee Trailhawk and it also has an issue with tall gearing. The vehicle has a 9-speed transmission, but never goes above 7th gear, even at 70 MPH. I would like to see the gearing brought down a little so we can take advantage of all the gears at US speeds.
I currently have a ‘22 2 door willys and I’m getting around 25-28 mpg with a set of all seasons with the 2.0 turbo. It rides great and it makes a great ride for a commuter.
Congrats with 1st year, been following this since the beginning!
Tommy, you can easily have the [off] road rash repaired on your LR wheel without any issues.
My friend’s wife scrubbed both right wheels on his BMW 750iL against a curb. After the reconditioning was done you couldn’t tell them apart from new.
Who cares.. go bash the other ones.
Or just replace it with the spare and then use the scrapped up one as your spare.
Or just get on Craigslist and buy all 5 stock wheels never used for $250 like I did. Stock jeep wheels are cheap because everyone gets aftermarket wheels.
The rear seat has velcro straps on it that loop through tie-down points on either side of the Jeep by the doors (interior, behind the driver and passenger front seats) This keeps the rear seat from flopping back and forth.
Thank you for pointing that out, the loose folded rear seat thing was bugging me lol.
I have a barebones 2020 JL Wrangler exactly like this one and have driven it for 6 months and was wondering how he didn't know about those straps. I used bungee cords after I first bought it until I found out about the velcro straps. As long as you securely strap the back seat, no more annoying noises. Like a lot of things on this Jeep, it's a little time consuming and manual, but as he said at the beginning about the manual windows, it's actually nice to have a simple, primitive vehicle in today's highly automated world. I don't mind the extra work and it gives me something to delegate to my son, daughter, or wife when they ride with me.
My old TJ came with a strap that looped around the sport-bar and held the seat when folded. Simple and easy.
Why would it flop back and forth. Wow
@@DarylRagland-ds1op because with the seat folded forward the way they designed it, that can happen. I've had it happen. That's why they put the velcro straps in it.
In January of 2021 I bought a 2dr Rubicon in Snazzberry full loaded. I have 23K hard off road miles and it’s been absolutely flawless! I love it! I’m getting 21 mpg here in AZ.
I drove one of these in Maui the whole Hana road, and I love it. It was very maneuverable and fun to drive in those curves and tight spaces.
You have become my favorite vehicle reviewer. So smooth, honest, and factual about how daily use works. Vehicle wise at 33k hard to wrap my head around. I know it has a great following, convertible and off-road second to none but as a built GX470 owner with similar money in a vehicle, it is almost hard to take seriously unless you are a hardcore offroader.
@Toasty 13.5 on the commute
@Toasty Highway mileage is basically the same. Full-size spare, winch bumper, mud terrains, roof rack with 7-gallon water tank, and a solar panel. This thing is about as aerodynamic as a barn door. The price I must pay however to drive my dream wagon. I actually don't drive that much, I fill up 2-3 times a month which is less than $200. I have had it for years and still doesn't have 100k on it.
@Toasty Ok that is a lot of driving. I daily mine but my work and kids' schools are close by. I had my land lease expire and I live in Texas so there are basically zero public offroad lands. I try to go to Colorado once or twice a year to get in some wheeling. Having a twin gas can basket is really nice. I don't necessarily use it for me, the peace of mind is great, however, but I have bailed out quite a few stranded folks with it. I run 5 gal gas and 5 gal water. Wish when I lived in Colorado I had made it over to Utah but there was just so much to do close by that I never made the trip.
Tommy, if you ever wanted power lock/power windows I expect it would be as easy as swapping the doors, which is extremely easy on a Wrangler. For remote locking/unlocking you would still need new key fobs and whether or not the remote locking/unlocking module is installed is still questionable, but I would expect it is built into another module for manufacturing streamlining.
I expect doors with those features could be picked up at a scrap yard at some point. Someone who is capable might be able to open the doors up and add the parts they want.
I won a competition and Jeep gave me a two door jeep to play with for the weekend absolutely loved it. In the Jeep I had there was a velcro strap that you looped through the chair to hold it up so the dog didn't get squashed when you braked or moved.
Love it. You absolutely convinced me. Just ordered a 2023 Willy’s myself. Did opt for the larger screen/Apple Car Play but other than that just went standard. Can’t wait to get it.
I actually really like this build... the power locks and power windows are totally cool. That manual is interesting, I know the throws are super long and the gears are super tall... but your entire build is so interesting. I absolutely loved your 1 year review Tommy! Great job!
I bought my Sport to do difficult trails with and it does that very well. I shouldn't complain about any other aspect of it so these are minor complaints.
The steering could be better, it should be better. I've owned older Jeep models with solid front axle and they had much better steering.
I agree with the gearing- I have the 8-speed automatic and when driving on the highway if you need to change speed a little bit the transmission has to downshift. If the final drive ratio was lower this would likely affect the fuel mileage so I'm not sure if that's an option.
The radio system is pretty horrible. I don't think any normal adult can operate the radio, couldn't they give us an easy way to change between FM and Satellite?
I'm happy with the comfort on long trips. I've done many all day trips and have no complaints with that.
Because of your videos on the Jeep, it reinforced us to get our own JL 2dr Willys. Enjoying it very much as well.
I couldn't agree more with your comments on the fact that you don't need all the options. People get so caught up with options that they don't really use all that much. My current vehicle has way less options than my last 3 cars and at first I thought it was going to be a big deal but honestly I could care less and it saved me allot of money and the vehicle ended up bieng way lighter and gets better gas mileage and is better on brakes tires and has higher payload. Great video Tommy. You are the best TFL person. You are very thorough and practical. Keep up the great work. 👍
One of my favorite videos is Tommy talking about and driving his Jeep Willys. Showing so many folks that you don’t have to spend a lot to have something special off road. And roughly 20 mpg a mile or more up and a soft too that has handled some of the snow fall. That works for me! Lol, It gives me hope of trading in my older TJ and go for Willys Sport or the like. Thanks guys for continuing to do these.
This thing's interior is hideous.. I paid a little over 20k for my 2015 jk rubicon hard rock and I would never downgrade from those features. There's no justifying paying more than 20k for this jeep but to each their own 😅
@@marcelocruz9047 so you're comparing the cost of your 7-8 year old used jeep to a jeep someone bought new a year ago 🤔 and you may have more features but the JL interior is way nicer than your JK everything you touch is nicer in the JL and it's significantly more quiet and comfortable than a JK
@@ChrisH421 I guess it's an objective observation. If compared to the top trim rubicon jl to the top trim jk you would have something to compare, but you don't. Rubicons are all leather so. My point though is that paying anything over 20k for this jeep brand new is highway robbery
@@marcelocruz9047 what are you talking about? You are comparing what you paid for a used car to a new car msrp. A Rubicon hardrock cost 41k plus in 2015 about 47k in 2021 money. Your car was about 15k more to buy new than his it should have more features. You can always get more features buying used vs new, but the point still stands JLs have nicer interiors than JK and the price you paid for a used car has nothing to do with the price of a new one.
I'm getting 26mpg with my Wrangler. 6th gear is the most fuel efficient gear. However though any mole hill or slight incline, go in 5th. Quite impressed with economy for a manual transmission jeep. 360 miles per tank for me is very easy to get.
My wife's 2 door sport with the 2.0 gets 26 MPG highway also. Hers is an automatic.
@@rlovell383 11 year truck driver and been thoroughly trained to keep rpms low when driving. Diesels operate between 1100 rpm and 1500 tops. Low rpms = more money in my pocket.
Keep in mind, this guy lives in CO at near 6k feet. I also live in CO and being at high altitude, you lose at least 20%.
@@mikekenner9218 You don't lose anything with a turbocharger :)
WTF! How do u get 26? My 2018 Moab averages 10
Tommy, well done. I can agree with some of your points, I am now almost 3yrs into owning my Jeep Gladiator, with the one exception, I swapped my first with the 3.6 to the diesel and have zero complaints for the cost upgrade... well, now that fuel is over $5 here in Tx where i am at, but averaging 22+ for city and got about 26 highway doing 75-80mph the whole way, so pretty impressed so far. I wish Jeep mounted the mirrors on the a-pillar like the new Bronco, but aside from that, I love it and will likely keep it maintained and pass to my kids when they're old enough to drive in another 4-5yrs. Keep up the great work and honest reviews!
I bought. A 4 door JK Wrangler a month ago and totally agree with your comments. My first Jeep
After many years of Land Rover. So far so good.
Love this Jeep! I daily drive a 2018 Miata GT, which I paid $21,500 including tax, tag, and everything two years ago, which was a great deal. Still, it’s like the Jeep in that it’s a car you buy more for fun than practicality. I would have equipped my Jeep pretty much the same, except for the painted wheels.
Miata, BRZ, or Mustang were my cross shopping vehicles 😂
Great review. Tommy is very level-headed and sensible, unlike some other video reviewers who will remain nameless.
I just purchased my first Wrangler. 2022 Sport with the 3.6 Auto. I too was completely surprised how well it does on fuel. 26 mpg on long hwy trips and 20-21 on average for my work commutes.
Great review Tommy! I recently test drove a JK just like yours, the seats are far more comfortable than my Colorado.
HAVE A GOOD DAY EVERYONE
Aside from the manual locks, the lack of CarPlay/Android Auto is really what would keep me from getting one of these. I know it seems like a relatively minor feature but I got to drive a car with it for a few months a while back, and going back to my own car with its basic bluetooth and crappy factory nav was tough. It's not just about convenience either, being able to do things like changing Spotify playlists on the car's screen is a lot safer and less distracting than having to dick around with my phone, and I'm in a state where I could get a ticket for doing the latter as well.
I installed an Apple CarPlay enabled head-unit in my 20 year old Toyota and I totally agree. It’s really one of those features that’s hard to live without once you’re used to it
My back seats been out of my jk for at least 6yrs and I don't miss it I've hauled flat screen TVs back there I love it
Liked the truck feel of the manual i had with my 2012 JK, took a little while to get used to my 21's manual but all in all they both worked for me.
Great review. I have the 2.0T JL 80AE & absolutely love it. Agree on all your points. It runs like a top. It handles much better than I thought. Much better than even my old JK! My only complaint are the somewhat uncomfortable seats. Wish they had more side bolstering & longer seat cushions. I removed the rear seat, so no issues with storage. Relatively good OEM Alpine stereo. Outside of the seats, this is the best Wrangler ever, & I’ve owned all of ‘em since the YJ…
During this upcoming 2022 Christmas sale season, you just need to goto your local Best Buy and get a Pioneer or Panasonic Car Multimedia Centre which can be had with a screen or use the in-car one with an adapter. Pioneer AND Panasonic have been doing GREAT things with in-car multimedia plus navigation systems for older cars and trucks. For less than $200 with installation, you can get a sweet high end system with decent AM/FM/Sirius Radio plus good speakers, Android and Apple carplay connectivity and multiple USB-3 Type A/C inputs/charging which will do WONDERS for your driving experience!
Highly recommended!
V
I have a four door Rubicon with manual everything: That’s five locks to check every time you want to make sure it’s secure! Also, I have to remind my passengers to lock the doors because nobody expects that today. So while I like the simplicity, power locks are one luxury I miss.
Great review Tommy. In my experience, and I got my JL about three months after you….stock headlights are terrible, and although stereo is great…the sound bar vibrates against the structure, and it is INCREDIBLY annoying. Otherwise, incredible vehicle. Much better than my ‘84 CJ I used to own!
About the same time you got yours I got a 2021 JLU willys with the etorque 3.6 and 8spd auto. By far the best car I have ever owned. Also, I'm 6'2" and the seats are just fine - evidenced by 9hour road trips. Now has 15,000 miles, Highly recommend
Back when he bought this thing, it was nearly impossible to find one for anywhere near msrp, nowadays forget about it.
If you order a vehicle to be built online, make sure you have the price negotiation in writing with the dealer before the vehicle arrives, because they're not obligated to sell it to you at the manufacturer price, even if it's a custom order.
You can order a vehicle for $32,000 online, they build it for you, and then the stealership charges you an extra 10 grand just for the hell of it.
Just picked mine up this week. Below invoice, no paperwork, no deposit, sold for the promised price. No haggling, no intimidation, no upsale attempts. Smoothest process ever.
@@JoshuaTootell Yeah there are still decent dealerships out there but the vast majority of them are ripping people off.
Honestly it's the peoples fault though.
The dealerships wouldn't be charging ridiculous markups if idiots weren't paying it...
Great review! I think going with the 6spd was a great choice. As far as the damage to the rim...that certainly looks repairable. I'm not at all an expert, but I think you could get that repaired at $150-$175? As long as it doesn't effect the drivability, I'd leave it. I think you've got the perfect machine!
Probably just a powdercoat, right, Jeff?
Love the 6 speed 👌
@@auduffer That I don't know...but I know there is bound to be wheel repair specialists in that area that can machine & refinish a wheel like that.
@@jefweb5043 For sure; they all looked so superficial, but you're right about refinishing especially because they don't look bad at all.
Mine are black and the shop i take it to charges 100$ to fix and repaint and they look better that factory hell they charge 200$ to change 4 silver rims to black so its super cheap and a really well done job like i got black with red pearls.
Well stated on all levels. That is exactly the model and options I would choose.
Thanks for the update and a great video. I have a 2021 Gladiator JT Willy's Sport - same color, same build - 6-speed manual, no PW/PL/PM and no Apple CarPlay. I love it, looks great, fantastic value, albeit with similar nitpicks - don't miss power windows/mirrors, but power locks would be nice, and I liked the manual in my JKU Wrangler a little better (I seem to stall the JT at least once a week - never had a problem in the JK). The Gladiator is also an excellent road trip vehicle compared to my JK - longer wheelbase gives a much better ride and better manners with cross winds. I drove the Gladiator from NY to CO about a month ago - comfortable trip - just needed to turn up the radio because of those KM2s are a little loud at 70+ MPH - got to do some off roading in Buena Vista too.
Really enjoying the TFL videos. I recently bought a 2 Dr Wrangler Sport with 6 cylinder engine and auto trans. I can live with not having power doors, windows and mirrors, but wish they had put a lock switch inside the rear gate. So far I am enjoying it and looking forward to taking it off road. Thanks again for all the great videos.
I totally agree about the gearing! I have a ‘18 JLU V6/6M with the 3.45s. It’s like all the low-end power of the engine has been taken away by this gearing. If you wind it out, it does ok, but I really want usable low-end torque in a Jeep.
I have a 2021 JLU Sport S with the 3.6. Yeah, you really don't get power in it unless you're at 3500 rpm or higher. Trying to go up a steep hill in 4th gear at less than 50 mph and the transmission starts complaining. It'll do it. But it won't like it.
@@backwoodstherapy I totally concur! I tow a 2,000lb pop-up, too, and that makes things even more interesting. Wish we had the 4.10s like in the Rubicon.
My coworker shares the same sentiment as you all, very lucky to have found a 2022 JLUR with the 6 speed and the factory 4.88 option and that is a totally different vehicle from the 3.45 equipped sport.
@@chriscon8463 4:10s would be a game changer but I'm tryina do a "budget build" with this jeep. I got tired of seeing all these channels buying $60k+ Rubicon's and then putting another $40k in mods on them. I wanna show that you can have fun without breaking the bank. A Sport S with a mild lift, some bigger tires, and maybe a winch and some steel bumpers can be hella fun if you're not doing extreme rock crawling.
@@backwoodstherapy That’s cool! Good luck! My JLU Sport is essentially stock; a limited slip-diff, AT tires, & hard top came with it, but that’s about it.
It’s definitely a cool jeep- I had a GC and the same engine. Auto trans got the same mileage…🥴 But your Jeep is sweet! Thanks for sharing your experience! 😎
14:20 - I use small bungee cord to hold folded backseat - I just hook around passenger seat headrest. Same thing for keeping it flat on the bottom - you can hook it to the latch.
I'd like to see if a limited slip in the front makes a big difference. Maybe a before and after test on the pond course.
i’m not really a fan on limited slips but there cheaper than lockers if you don’t have the money
@@landon5990 my Sport S has the LSD and it does really well off road. Don't have to worry about engaging lockers before an obstacle. I had thought about putting a Detroit in the front but decided against it for two reasons. One, the auto locking hubs on the JL cause the front axle to spin even in 2wd, and it would be annoying as hell to have that thing locking and unlocking on the highway. And two, it's hard to find a Detroit locker for the Dana 30 with the 3.45 gears, if not impossible.
@@backwoodstherapy oh, we have custom axles with ARBs and it’s nice to have the control and precision with front and rear lockers while rock crawling but i bet they still do good, i was a little harsh in my previous comment😂
I have a Sport S. Soft top windows are easily scratched. I found that out the hard way. And yes, gearing is way too tall. Going 60 on the highway I'm in 4th gear. Fifth gear is, like Tommy said, 70+ mph. Sixth gear is almost never. And I'm about to get 35s on it so that'll exacerbate the problem. Sixth gear will be a distant dream. I expect to be in 4th gear on the freeway going 70. Ha.
What is the axle gear ratio on your Jeep? I think the problem with Tommy’s Jeep and 6th gear is the axles probably having the 3.45 gear ratio.
You should be regearing. I'd probably put in some 4.56's before adding the 35's.
I’d force it to run in 6th gear at 1000 rpm at 70 mph. I’m cheap and don’t like buying gas.
I agree with your insights about the radio and electronics! To me that is almost perfect! A map that doesn't require a subscription would be my only upgrade.
I've got a 2019 4 door sport base model only option was the 8 speed. I've been pretty happy with it friends love it and plenty of space. With mostly city driving with Rubicon take offs I get about 17mpg. Funnily enough flame red like Tommy's, but my 5in unconnect is often laggy, and a pain to sometimes reconnect to my phone after either a long day or 5 mins in a store. If I could do one thing it would be to upgrade theunconnected. But I do love the soft top as well.
I like power windows and locks, but I don't require them either.
I would have put a winch and anti-swaybar disconnects on straight away. Multi-mount winch if necessary.
I would have foregone the rear LSD too, and installed a selectable locker like an Ox.
My next Wrangler will probably be a very basic Unlimited Sport or Sport S, for the 3500lb towing capacity.
I think its awesome that you can get an LSD. I've had lockers, which are useful but if I had a choice I would choose an LSD everytime.
You’ll be paying 40k for that.
@@CarnutMM Nope. I buy used.
@@MidwestFarmToys I have a multi-mount winch. When it's not on my vehicle, it doesn't have much effect.
8000-9000lb Winches are also generally under 100lb, especially with rope instead of cable, and hawse instead of roller fairleads.
Anti-swaybar? What are you even getting at about that? All Wranglers have come with anti-swaybars. Even my '78 CJ and '95 YJ had front bars.
The barebones Sport Unlimited with max towing pkg tows the same 3500lb as a loaded Rubicon Unlimited or Sahara Unlimited with the max towing pkg. 100lb of winch doesn't change that. What CAN change is payload or combined weight.
@@MidwestFarmToys Have you ever even OWNED a convertible Jeep? Have you bought a winch in the last decade? Winch rope has now gotten more popular than cable in some places. It's generally safer and more user-friendly. Anti-swaybar disconnects were also around long before JK Rubicons, and they don't weigh much more than the factory endlinks that they replace. I had disconnects on my YJ.
3500lb is the towing capacity of a Wrangler Unlimited with the towing pkg. It doesn't matter what trim level. The GAWR and CVWR aren't even close by adding just a 100lb winch up front and some factory options. Given a towing pkg, an Unlimited Sport can tow 3500lb, as can a Sport S, a Sahara, Rubicon, and even 392. The Wrangler Unlimited is probably more limited in towing capacity by the wheelbase, cooling capacity, and the trackbar-dependent, untriangulated, upper suspension linkage more than any other factors, seeing as how XJs and KJs could be equipped to tow 5000lb with Wrangler-similar Dana30 front axles, Wrangler-similar Dana44 or Chrysler rear axles, and Wrangler-similar coil, or indy, front suspension. Base Gladiators use the same powertrain/drivetrain as Wranglers, with better cooling, and similar suspension, to tow 4000lb. Rubicon and Max Tow Gladiators can tow 7000lb or more.
The payload capacity is affected by having a winch mounted, but using a multi-mount is a way of avoiding that too. It also unblocks the airflow through the grille. Have you never seen a front receiver on a 4WD? A multi-mount winch?
Show us a JLU 4x2. AFAIK, the JKU was the last Unlimited produced without 4WD. Even the narrower LJ was rated for 3500lb towing, Rubicon or not.
We have a 2021 two door Rubicon and it has been flawlessly reliable. I wasn’t expecting to say such things about a Jeep.
Most any new vehicle will make it a year, or even 50-100 thousand miles. It’s what happens after that that determines real reliability.
If you put 35s and puts average quality lift kits your wrangler will wear out pretty fast
I have a 2009 2 door Rubicon with 125k miles and have had 0 issues.
@@phild9813 Try 150k - 300k miles.
@@CarnutMM Sure you have 😏 with that 3.8 mini van engine.
Your reviews are accurate and entertaining. Thank you
I got my 2022 in March- identical to yours except 4dr & Sting Gray (even the tan seats- I'm going to Scotch Guard them soon) and I love it (last one was a 1993 YJ Sport in Navaho Turquoise). You are correct about the gears- 3rd goes to 45, 4th is for 45-65, and with 5th or 6th above that lol. 5th gear and with a hill at 62 miles per hour slows ya down- stay in 4th if hilly at all, lol. One thing nice in 2022 is they added UConnect 4 & the 7" screen on the Willy's package! 😁 I only got the 4 door for the extra storage, ease of getting in back seat and for resale. The soft top is amazing and incredibly easy to use compared to past generations- also completely fine in cold weather and noise is not bad either.
When you have a soft topper, does it really matter if you lock the doors? 😆
Which is why I never leave anything of value in my '05 TJ Rocky Mtn.
Love: Giving all the Wranglers a sarcastic, thumbs up from my Bronco.
Hate: "Wrangler bro's" that cover their Wrangler in American flag stickers (we get it - "Merica"), excessive amount of gas canisters, terrible exhaust and grills that give the front end the "angry look".
I find your comments about the gearing really interesting. In my JK Rubicon I'm in 6th almost all the time for maintaining speed on flat ground.
Great review and thank you for sharing your experiences with your Jeep. Hopefully someday I will be able to get one again.
sorry to criticize, but nowadays it is unacceptable to not have central locking... even the cheapest chinese and korean econoboxes have central locking!
Don't see the need. Three doors, passenger side & rear stay locked, only the driver's door needs to be locked on a regular basis. Cheaper and simpler than having central locking. Has worked great for 20 years and 200,000 miles.
I love your reviews of this thing. I've been debating on trading in my Audi for a Jeep because I miss it so much. I'm curious though to see if you have tested your gas mileage with the top up versus top down and if there is any noticeable difference whatsoever.
Great review Tommy, we can tell you love your Wrangler and I must say it looks pretty cool!
My dad and grandfathers drove military Jeeps in WWII and Vietnam. They proclaimed and I found it true with my '19 JL Sport S, that a Jeep is for 2 people and "light gear." Meaning 2 people, fishing and hunting gear, moderately that is. Other than that they are fun, I repeat fun vehicles..
I feel like it should come with LED headlights, as far as safety goes
The LED's come standard on the Willys, but not the Willys Sport as it's the budget model. You can order them as an option for about $1,000.
I can't do new cars with incandescent headlights. Too dim plus they make any vehicle look old and obsolete.
I'm taking inspiration from Tommy and going with a base Bronco 2dr MT with sasquatch package. Gets me down to around $41-$42k OTD.
It's the best bang for your buck capability wise, IMO.
You can order a 2 door rubicon for just a bit more than that
You might want to add about $5K to $10K to that price for the "market adjustment" dealer price gouge.
@@mattbrew11 You can, but you better like how it comes. It's a soft top, incandescent lights ($1500 for LEDs), and the Extreme Recon Package is only available for the 4dr. Jeep's full time 4WD requires you to get the automatic which is a $2k option.
Basesquatch gets you 2dr, MT, hardtop, LEDs, 35in tires, both lockers, full time 4WD, and a lift. $41k OTD.
To get a 2dr Rubicon with hardtop, LEDs, full-time 4WD, plus automatic transmission. $51k OTD. Cut the LEDs, $49.5k. We don't get 35in tires or a lift.
@@TheCapn23 35s fit perfectly fine on a stock rubicon. You can order a rubicon from certain dealers for 13-14% below msrp so thats about $44k
@@TheCapn23 also fwiw im not some ford hater I have ordered a whole bunch of F series for my business over time.
I don’t understand why the vinyl seats and rubber floor aren’t on the base. Can they be added?
I have the same exact rims on my Willys. That rear rim was scratched in the deep mud in one of your earlier videos. As I watched I was thinking 'he's gonna scratch the hell out of those rims. I got mine stuck in some deep mud, spun the tires and I now have the same scratches on all 4 of my rims. Nice vids Tommy
I think it’s great you are keeping it stock. No lifts etc.
Value is in the eye of the beholder. Stellantis is making a ton on $$$ on Jeeps due to the ala cart build feature and the demand. IMHO they are not a good value, have never been a good value, and will never be a good value. But I still want one.
The way things are currently you get much better value with the Bronco across all trims, imo.
Base Bronco has way more features included versus this base Jeep
Unfortunately, this vehicle got a marginal safety rating from the IIHS. Their website says: "In the Institute's test, the vehicle tipped onto its passenger side after striking the barrier. The partial rollover presents an additional injury risk beyond what the standard criteria are intended to measure in small overlap frontal crash tests. A vehicle tipping onto its side is not an acceptable outcome for a frontal crash and, as a result, the Wrangler's overall rating was downgraded to marginal". Bummer.
I've had several Jeeps. I also ride motorcycles.
Safety rating?
BWAAAAAAAHAHAHAHA!
I've never understood why people get hung up on the safety rating on these things. They're built for a purpose. If you have need of or want for a vehicle that can go almost anywhere, then buy one. If your main concern is safety, then go buy a Subaru. Safety seems to be Subaru's only focus any more. Their vehicles are increasingly less capable and uninspiring to drive, but goddammit are they ever safe.
I wouldn’t bother much with safety ratings unless passengers are regularly with me.
@@thenotsoguitarguy9429 Its pretty easy to understand: one day, the life of your kids (and you) might depend on it. That's why it's worth considering.
@@dekkerlundquist5938 Right. I never said that safety should never be a concern. There is, however, a certain amount of risk involved in doing the kinds of activities that these particular vehicles are designed for. If safety is a bigger concern for you (and your kids) than the capability of performing particular risky activities, then, again, don't buy one. Generally speaking, the safer a vehicle is on the road, the less likely it will be to climb a 30° rock face.
The perfect Jeep. This video was right on point.
This is a Jeep you keep long term and inherit to your future kids.
I bought a 2012 2 dr Rubicon brand new for 41k fully loaded. Anyway I'm still in love with it !!!!! Great Jeep review!!!
This should be like $25k not $35k
In LA they are marked up above 42.
Get a TJ, CJ or YJ for $8k - $15k and build it up. Today's heeps suck. Get a real Jeep and save a kings ransom.
Must be a generational thing. I grew up when very few cars had power windows. When I finally got them I love them. I detest manual windows and never want to see them again. Likewise manual locks, mirrors that aren't power operated, and seats that don't have heat.
Everybody gangsta until the 30s, 40s, and beyond hit. Then those power features are a must have! 😂
@Kevin Barry
I have an '05 TJ Rocky, manual windows and locks. A true utilitarian rugged Jeep. Today heep is targeting a very soft pansy demographic. All these bells and whistles never meant for a pre Wrangler or Wrangler. I just don't see anything made after '06 as a true Jeep.
It’s a great looking, capable Jeep! I like the tire size. It gives it a military look a bit.
I just bought a 2023 Wrangler Wyllis 4 door base trim. You are right about the key fob. The Wrangler's is about twice the size of my Charger Scatpack's fob where I have: remote start, panic alarm, and remote trunk.
2 Dr Wranglers Rock .I've had My 21 2 dr Sport S 6speed in Sarge Green for a year also, Love it 🇺🇲💪💟
I always liked Tommy he does a nice thorough job reviewing vehicles... If I were in the market for a Wrangler I would go the same setup only 4 door. I would get manual with the 3.6 pentastar and the Willys package. Slap after market stuff on after...
Lean the front seats forward when securing it and those Velcro straps work fine. Our backseat is literally never down and it never moves.
Nice review, I agree that lockers aren't totally necessary. I have a TJ and JKU rubicon and take both out rock crawling on blue and black trails at Rausch Creek. Really don't use the lockers, but good to have I guess should I need them.
Thanks for sharing your experience. 👍🏻
Good job tommy, really love your honesty keep up the good work
Awesome video and fantastic review or your Wrangler. SO many good memories of my first few vehicles with ZERO power options lol! But yet everything will work for eternity. I’d have to get the hardtop because of my Canadian climate and yes would prob struggle with the seat comfort and lack of storage. Love a manual in anything I can get it in (save for trucks). This is a niche configuration but I think it’ll be more appreciated than you think when it comes time to move it along.
Great user review! For storage in a rather compact car, almost nothing beats the Honda Element.