Just traded up to a Wrangler for a 'DD'...

[The_Greg]

For the first two and half years with the Viper, I was DD'ing my 2003 Neon SRT-4. In September, it would have marked 10 years with that car. But it was getting old and worn, and I saw that they still commanded a decent price used so I decided it was time to trade up. My SO and I have shaked up for over a year now and we work at the same place, so I had the luxury of choosing something not as cheap and economical as the SRT-4 for it's replacement. She just got her 2013 Focus ST last year (awesome car, quick, a little luxurious, and all the bells and whistles) so we usually drive that to work. But every now and then we need to haul or tow something, and of course neither the Viper, SRT-4, or ST is really equipped for that. Enter the 2014 Wrangler Unlimited Altitude Edition.



The Altitude is based off of a Sahara, and adds body colored hard top and fenders, leather seats, alpine audio, heated seats & mirrors, black accents all over, and some other little stuff. This one also has the 430N Garmin navigation radio unit, additional soft top, towing package, and the Trac-loc differential, and some other options I'm forgetting.

Pros:
* It's my first truck or truck-like vehicle, and first Jeep. Lots of new experiences regarding the driving position and view.
* It's the first vehicle I've ever owned where I'm even remotely almost possibly looking the tiniest bit forward to winter. Heated seats, mirrors, remote start, and 4 wheel low should take care of most challenges.
* Of course its convertible. It will be awesome for hauling friends and family on summer days to the beach or on adventure.
* It can tow up to 2,000 lbs as equipped (not a lot, I know, but more than I will need anytime soon)
* I can sleep in it. I'm 6'1" and with the back seat down and the front seat slid forward, I don't even need to bend my knees. Camping will be a breeze.
* Its a Wrangler. Depreciation? What depreciation?
* The company I work for supplies the oil cooler for the Pentastar V6. There is a little pride under the hood.
* 293 hp.

Cons:
* Well, averaging 18.8 mpg on my first 500 miles isn't 'awesome' but also not too bad. Its my first vehicle that doesn't take premium gasoline.
* It does not encourage you to go fast. I find myself going the speed limit or only 5 over often.
* As far as wranglers go, I probably picked the most 'mall crawler' one. I know I'll be upset at the first dent or scratch, yet its made for off roading which isn't powder-puff business.
* 4400some pounds.





We only have a 2 car garage... It was easy picking the Neon to sit outside, but now that it's replaced by a really nice Wrangler, it's my worst 'first world problem'. I can't wait to get the soft top on for the remainder of summer and have our first doors off, top off experience!