There is more to a Jeep than the interior materials.
In fact, for a Wrangler - most buyers have NO interest in expensive materials and fancy options in the interior. Why? Because Wranglers, above all other Jeeps but certainly not exclusive, are vehicles made to be abused.
I realize that. I know you have to make compromises at any given price point. The Jeep obviously sacrifices a good ride and luxurious amenities in order to offer a tough package that's meant to go where crossovers can't. Just like an Acura will give you lots of bells and whistles and gadgets but isn't meant to stray far from paved roads.
I realize sacrifices have to be made, and the Jeep certainly has strengths, but it still seems like they should cost less than they do.
destrekor said:
If you aren't going to do anything with your vehicle other than drive it on pavement, don't get a Wrangler. They are the among the most versatile, useful, and capable vehicles out there, but are not exactly designed for apparently what you want.
I likely wouldn't be taking it off-road, so some of its abilities would be going to waste, but they are visually appealing and one of the few vehicles that offer 4WD to get me through the winter while also allowing me to ride with an open top when the weather's nice.
destrekor said:
The fact that you are comparing an open-top Wrangler to a convertible coupe is extremely comical.
I'm glad you were able to find humor where none was intended, but here's the thing...unlike a lot of car buyers, I'm not really looking for a certain type of vehicle.
I've typically been a car guy, as I rarely need to go off road or haul anything and I like the better fuel economy and acceleration that the cars I like afford. I owned a supercharged Miata 9 years ago, and impractical as it was, it was an absolute blast to drive. It was quick, handled like a go-kart, and the freedom I felt when dropping the top on a warm summer day (or night) was incredible. Being able to hear the whine of the supercharger and feel the wind blowing through my hair made all my worries disappear (ok, that's borderline cheesy, but you convertible owners know what I'm talking about). For this reason, I considered keeping my car and buying a motorcycle but after thinking on it for a year or so I've almost talked myself out of it. With the prevalence of cell phones, there are just too many idiots texting while driving and the adrenaline rush just isn't worth getting killed or seriously injured for.
So I considered getting another convertible for my next car. Options that appeal to me:
S2000 - Hold their value really well, decent fuel economy. But just about as impractical as my Miata and rather docile on the bottom end.
350Z Roadster - Torquier than the S2000, many say it's a better DD. Still somewhat impractical and the coupe version is IMO more attractive. The 370Z is more appealing and reportedly a structurally better-built convertible, but much better deals can be had on the older model.
Mustang GT - Most powerful engine of them all, and damn do I love the sound of an American V8 (the convertible aspect makes this even better). Rear seats are a plus and it has more trunk room than the S2000 or 350Z. Interior quality OK but not up to par with Honda's...though significantly improved over the 1994 GT coupe I had prior to the Maxima. Fuel economy decent but not great (not a huge priority for me as my commute to work is about 5 miles). The new GT with the 412HP 5.0L is amazing, and the new V6 makes about as much power as the old V8 did, but again I do not want to buy a new car.
All of the above are RWD. The Jeep would give me a compromise; a more practical vehicle with rear seats combined with 4WD and the ability to remove the top. To add to the hilarity, in addition to the sporty coupes and utilitarian Jeep, I'm also considering the TL and IS 250 as mentioned in the OP. I realize it's all about sacrifice and no one vehicle excels in
all aspects. But should I decide that I can live without a convertible, I certainly wouldn't mind driving something with a bit of class and luxury. Front wheel drive is enough to get me through most snows, but I far prefer the feel of RWD. So there is much to think about, and I realize I'll have to make sacrifices and decide what I really want.
But this thread wasn't intended to help me pick a new car, I am just trying to explain why I'm considering vastly different vehicles for my next purchase.
destrekor said:
If it wasn't nearly 40k, the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee would be at the top of my list. Always was a terrific vehicle, extremely capable like the Wrangler, but it's a lot more of a "complete" vehicle. But the new ownership, Pentastar engine, and redesign look amazing.
Agreed. Just for S&Gs, what do you think about the Commander? The Liberty and Compass are just a joke IMO, but they obviously appeal to some buyers.