Jeep Gladiator

It cracks me up when people talk about how incapable the jk is with its “car motor”. I bought my wife an 07 Rubicon back in 06. Stuck a 2” budget boost and 35’s on it and listened to all the smack talk from people with purpose built buggies. The thing is this though, it was hard to hear them from so far in front of them.
 
Not true. I bought a 2009 drove it 5 trouble free years. 0 issues. Sold it for exactly what I paid for it 5 years after buying. I then bought a 14,15,16,17, 2 18s, and just ordered a 2020. I'd say that gives me some paid for personal insight to modern Jeeps. They are great everyday vehicles. Never had a single warranty issue with Any of them. Also, they lead the industry in resale. They return 71% of retail 5 years out. The 09 I bought and drove for 5 years brought exactly what I paid for it new.
I have had Jeeps from the 1948 model I got in 1970 through Levi Edition and Golden Eagle Edition in the late 70s. None of those was close to the Jeep product being built today.
I do vehicles just like I do guns. I buy them and try to wear them out. I don't rely on the printed literature or other folks tales of what they have read. I buy with my earned money and give em Hell. The above is My Personal experience with Jeeps. There's a lot of Crap with Jeep written on it to make Fiat-Chrysler some money but there is only one Jeep. I love for people to say they got a Jeep and then show up with some little crap box or oversize barge. Get the real thing and you won't be disappointed. BUT, you better hurry FCA is trying to kill the brand by putting Fiat running gear in them in the future. They won't rest til they kill the only money maker they have.

How many miles did you put on the 09 in that 5 years?
 
I've never been a "mudder". The closest I ever came to that was racing motocross as a youth. Some of my vehicle purchases are purpose-driven, some are "just because", and a lot of them get put to hard-use on the Aardvark personal-ponderosa. I bought this one new in 2006 after having an under-hood fire on my 1973 Landcruiser FJ40 (which was one beat-up beast). I sold that FJ40 to a guy I knew that restores them because, well, he wanted to tackle it and I didn't. At my wife's suggestion. I replaced it with this, and I just never could bring myself to take it out in the mud. Or snow. Or rain. I had plenty of other stuff to do that with. So. Ladies and gentlemen, I present the automotive version of a safe queen:

Jeep in Barn.JPG

2006 Jeep Wrangler Sport. Six speed manual, the last year of the 4.0L straight-six. Garage-kept, dealer-serviced annually at inspection-time, the only thing ever replaced would be the OEM tires because one perished to a sidewall cut, and the battery, replaced, of course, with Mopar. It has just under 10,000 miles on it. Crazy, huh?
 
Yeah, my buddy has 2 Jeeps, a truck and 3 motorcycles. He doesn't have more than 20k on any of them. Most don't have more than 10k on them. They all look badass though. He has the latest and greatest of all the goodies that go with them too. He would rather wax and polish than ride or 4 wheel.
 
Yeah, my buddy has 2 Jeeps, a truck and 3 motorcycles. He doesn't have more than 20k on any of them. Most don't have more than 10k on them. They all look badass though. He has the latest and greatest of all the goodies that go with them too. He would rather wax and polish than ride or 4 wheel.
Now that's what I'm talking 'bout. You buy them with Your money for You and then treat them any way You want to. I'll soon be selling a 2018 JK with 7,000 miles on it and a 2018 F150 with 2,800 miles on it. So, selling and Jeep and a Truck to buy a Jeep Truck.
 
Not true. I bought a 2009 drove it 5 trouble free years. 0 issues. Sold it for exactly what I paid for it 5 years after buying. I then bought a 14,15,16,17, 2 18s, and just ordered a 2020. I'd say that gives me some paid for personal insight to modern Jeeps. They are great everyday vehicles. Never had a single warranty issue with Any of them. Also, they lead the industry in resale. They return 71% of retail 5 years out. The 09 I bought and drove for 5 years brought exactly what I paid for it new.
I have had Jeeps from the 1948 model I got in 1970 through Levi Edition and Golden Eagle Edition in the late 70s. None of those was close to the Jeep product being built today.
I do vehicles just like I do guns. I buy them and try to wear them out. I don't rely on the printed literature or other folks tales of what they have read. I buy with my earned money and give em Hell. The above is My Personal experience with Jeeps. There's a lot of Crap with Jeep written on it to make Fiat-Chrysler some money but there is only one Jeep. I love for people to say they got a Jeep and then show up with some little crap box or oversize barge. Get the real thing and you won't be disappointed. BUT, you better hurry FCA is trying to kill the brand by putting Fiat running gear in them in the future. They won't rest til they kill the only money maker they have.
Happy you like them. My point was, put 250,000 or 300k on them like I do mine and then report back on how much you spend to keep them running.There IS a difference.
 
Last edited:
Happy you like them. My point was, put 250,00 or 300k on them like I do mine and then report back on how much you spend to keep them running.There IS a difference.


It would take me 25 years to do that. I ain't marrying the thing!! Also, I don't have That long left. Honestly...300K on a Wrangler..really now.
Geezer likes to tell the tale of the Corvette salesman asking if I wanted an Extended warranty on a new Corvette..I said, Mister by the time it has that many miles on it I will have forgotten what Color it was. I want to hear about ANYTHING with 300K on it that hasn't had some Major work done to it.
 
It would take me 25 years to do that. I ain't marrying the thing!! Also, I don't have That long left. Honestly...300K on a Wrangler..really now.
Geezer likes to tell the tale of the Corvette salesman asking if I wanted an Extended warranty on a new Corvette..I said, Mister by the time it has that many miles on it I will have forgotten what Color it was. I want to hear about ANYTHING with 300K on it that hasn't had some Major work done to it.

I have a 99 Accord that I bought new. It has 250k on it now. Still has the original clutch! Although I have replaced the clutch master cylinder and the slave cylinder. It has had 2 timing belt services. I have replaced an alternator, a starter, and one CV axle, brakes and regular maintenance. That's it. I still drive it everyday for work since they pay mileage!
 
Or maybe this one:

0adb9844cfe77d1dfef41bf4c68ecca7.jpg
Holy molly I haven’t seen one of those in years!
 
I have a 99 Accord that I bought new. It has 250k on it now.
I would think that is quite normal. Averages about 12K a year for 20 years ownership. Not many Wranglers get that kind of 20 year average. I can't imagine any vehicle doing 300K that doesn't need normal replacement of wear out parts. I have a man that works for me that in 33 years has driven 3 Explorers over 500K on each with only the expected Normal maintenance.
I wouldn't compare a Wrangler to either of the above mentioned vehicles insofar as Normal accumulated miles. Had a lot of Jeeps, the new ones are the best.
 
Last edited:
I've never been a "mudder". The closest I ever came to that was racing motocross as a youth. Some of my vehicle purchases are purpose-driven, some are "just because", and a lot of them get put to hard-use on the Aardvark personal-ponderosa. I bought this one new in 2006 after having an under-hood fire on my 1973 Landcruiser FJ40 (which was one beat-up beast). I sold that FJ40 to a guy I knew that restores them because, well, he wanted to tackle it and I didn't. At my wife's suggestion. I replaced it with this, and I just never could bring myself to take it out in the mud. Or snow. Or rain. I had plenty of other stuff to do that with. So. Ladies and gentlemen, I present the automotive version of a safe queen:

View attachment 126023

2006 Jeep Wrangler Sport. Six speed manual, the last year of the 4.0L straight-six. Garage-kept, dealer-serviced annually at inspection-time, the only thing ever replaced would be the OEM tires because one perished to a sidewall cut, and the battery, replaced, of course, with Mopar. It has just under 10,000 miles on it. Crazy, huh?
I claim dibs in your will on this one!
 
Consumer reports does a pretty good job of detailing car reliability and maintenance costs. Not really any secrets out there. If you don’t mind the costs drive whatever floats your boat. Just like guns there is no law you have to be rational. They can be fun as well as tools.
 
Late yesterday evening a good friend came by with his 10th anniverseey Jeep Rubicon. One of 157 in black with red leather. He rented a car to Michigan to buy it and drove it back with no tag. He is some pictures. This vehicle is flawless and amazing.

upload_2019-5-20_9-18-5.jpeg
upload_2019-5-20_9-18-46.jpeg

Bumper removal system so the suspension can be unlocked for rock climbing by pressing a buton.
upload_2019-5-20_9-21-2.jpeg

Interior
upload_2019-5-20_9-21-59.jpeg

Bumper section
upload_2019-5-20_9-23-21.jpeg

Mirror location system when doors are off. He got pulled in Virginia by a state trooper for mirrors but showed him the mirror locations.


upload_2019-5-20_9-26-8.jpeg

Suspension and custom lift.

upload_2019-5-20_9-27-0.jpeg

Without half top.
upload_2019-5-20_9-28-17.jpeg

upload_2019-5-20_9-28-51.jpeg

Jack size due to lift.
 

Attachments

  • upload_2019-5-20_9-16-46.jpeg
    upload_2019-5-20_9-16-46.jpeg
    122.9 KB · Views: 22
Last edited:
JEEP isn't a name it is an acronym. It stands for Just Empty Every Pocket. Lots of repairs on the newer ones. Older ones were much better.
Actually that stems from the never ending urge to upgrade parts. Then there is the Jeep owners motto. Equipment Failure is an excuse for upgrade.
I had a 1993 YJ. Bought it for $5500. Over the next 9 years that I owned it, I spent another $16K+ on upgrades and repairs. Uwharrie cost me a few thousand. Steering box, drive shafts, rear differential......
Had over 195K miles on it when I sold it.
 
Last edited:
Late yesterday evening a good friend came by with his 10th anniverseey Jeep Rubicon. One of 157 in black with red leather. He rented a car to Michigan to buy it and drove it back with no tag. He is some pictures. This vehicle is flawless and amazing.

View attachment 126381
View attachment 126382

Bumper removal system so the suspension can be unlocked for rock climbing by pressing a buton.
View attachment 126385

Interior
View attachment 126387

Bumper section
View attachment 126388

Mirror location system when doors are off. He got pulled in Virginia by a state trooper for mirrors but showed him the mirror locations.


View attachment 126389

Suspension and custom lift.

View attachment 126390

Without half top.
View attachment 126391

View attachment 126392

Jack size due to lift.
Regarding bumpers, my preference is always stubby bumpers. Makes for a very aggressive approach angle at the tire.
 
That jeeps front bumper section comes off to allow the suspension to break down for rock crawling. Press a button inside and watch wheels do crazy circus maneuvers.
 
That jeeps front bumper section comes off to allow the suspension to break down for rock crawling. Press a button inside and watch wheels do crazy circus maneuvers.
Sway bar disconnect is an awesome feature. Had a 2010 Rubicon that I built.
2.5" lift, Poison Spyder bumpers, high clearance flares and rock brawlers.
Gave me room for 37x12.5 TRXUS MT.

Sent from my SM-G970U using Tapatalk
 
Late yesterday evening a good friend came by with his 10th anniverseey Jeep Rubicon. One of 157 in black with red leather. He rented a car to Michigan to buy it and drove it back with no tag. He is some pictures. This vehicle is flawless and amazing.

View attachment 126381
View attachment 126382

Bumper removal system so the suspension can be unlocked for rock climbing by pressing a buton.
View attachment 126385

Interior
View attachment 126387

Bumper section
View attachment 126388

Mirror location system when doors are off. He got pulled in Virginia by a state trooper for mirrors but showed him the mirror locations.


View attachment 126389

Suspension and custom lift.

View attachment 126390

Without half top.
View attachment 126391

View attachment 126392

Jack size due to lift.

That’s pretty cool. I’m too cheap with vehicles to buy that, but I like it. Maybe when the kiddo’s are gone.
 
Damn dude. The worst that happens to me from this forum is buying yet another pair of boots or some more ammo. You’ve got control issues if it pushes you to buying a car!!! ;)
 
I just be getting old and grumpy like my Dad. I keep telling my Jeep loving buddy that those 4 door thingy’s are NOT Jeeps. They don’t like right at all. Next thing you know people are going to start making 9mm 1911’s! :eek:
Meh...for that matter, the two door things with all the modern doohickeys aren’t original Jeeps either!

Don’t forget why Jeeps became popular: they could get through a lot of crap and they were just cool looking to the GI’s. I think pretty much all flavors of the Jeep brand meet those two requirements. All of them get high marks for coolness; differing scores for terrain ability. But still far better than most other brands.

Therefore, I say let them be Jeeps!
 
I've never been a "mudder". The closest I ever came to that was racing motocross as a youth. Some of my vehicle purchases are purpose-driven, some are "just because", and a lot of them get put to hard-use on the Aardvark personal-ponderosa. I bought this one new in 2006 after having an under-hood fire on my 1973 Landcruiser FJ40 (which was one beat-up beast). I sold that FJ40 to a guy I knew that restores them because, well, he wanted to tackle it and I didn't. At my wife's suggestion. I replaced it with this, and I just never could bring myself to take it out in the mud. Or snow. Or rain. I had plenty of other stuff to do that with. So. Ladies and gentlemen, I present the automotive version of a safe queen:

View attachment 126023

2006 Jeep Wrangler Sport. Six speed manual, the last year of the 4.0L straight-six. Garage-kept, dealer-serviced annually at inspection-time, the only thing ever replaced would be the OEM tires because one perished to a sidewall cut, and the battery, replaced, of course, with Mopar. It has just under 10,000 miles on it. Crazy, huh?
Sweet! I’ve got a 1999 TJ Sport with. 187k and still going strong! I’ve also got a 2017 JK 2door Willy’s package and I’ve got an 18 JK Unlimited coming Monday. I love the things!
 
I've never been a "mudder". The closest I ever came to that was racing motocross as a youth. Some of my vehicle purchases are purpose-driven, some are "just because", and a lot of them get put to hard-use on the Aardvark personal-ponderosa. I bought this one new in 2006 after having an under-hood fire on my 1973 Landcruiser FJ40 (which was one beat-up beast). I sold that FJ40 to a guy I knew that restores them because, well, he wanted to tackle it and I didn't. At my wife's suggestion. I replaced it with this, and I just never could bring myself to take it out in the mud. Or snow. Or rain. I had plenty of other stuff to do that with. So. Ladies and gentlemen, I present the automotive version of a safe queen:

View attachment 126023

2006 Jeep Wrangler Sport. Six speed manual, the last year of the 4.0L straight-six. Garage-kept, dealer-serviced annually at inspection-time, the only thing ever replaced would be the OEM tires because one perished to a sidewall cut, and the battery, replaced, of course, with Mopar. It has just under 10,000 miles on it. Crazy, huh?
That baby will bring every bit of the sticker price that was on it new and then some! Damn nice Jeep!
 
@BatteryOaksBilly your timing of buying a new Gladiator and selling it (if you stick to your typicall ownership schedule) will likely jive with my window being in the market for one. I've got to wait til the wife’s new Grand Cherokee is paid off in about 3 years. Depending upon the trim and your price, I’m throwing my name out there now as a potential buyer for you!

I’m starting to see Gladiators in the wild. Someone has a red one around my town, and Hendrick has one displayed out front on Concord Mills Blvd...taunting me. The good thing is my boys spotted that one when we drove by yesterday and gave it a unanimous approval.
 
Back
Top Bottom