Is pricing good enough to jump early?

[Macbrun]

First post! Hi there, I'm still shopping and not an owner yet.
Some great deals out there, but my question is: are they good enough to buy earlier than I'd planned? I didn't plan to buy something for at least another year, and the Gladiator wasn't choice #1 (but it IS in my top 5 - don't ask what the others are I don't want to start a war). Wondering what you all think. I have no particular needs per se, just need transportation and I know, buy what I want thisch is what I'm doing. Just wanted to hear others' opinions. Thanks!

Sponsored

 

[Volt0]

Welcome to the forum. I hate to say it, but your question/post is fairly open ended. We have 2 of them, and enjoy the heck out of them ( more than we would a boat or something ), with about 45k on each. There is some give and take of course, these things aren’t very aerodynamic, but if you like doors-off/top-off/mods and/or generally exploring away from pavement, then you’ll enjoy the gladiator. You may or may not like a solid front axle, and it easier to park than a full sized truck. Do your research to find out which build suits your needs best and go from there.

Essentially, think of it as a Lego on wheels. Lookup Sema, Jeep Beach, and Smokey Mountain Invasion for some ideas and inspiration.

 

[Macbrun]

Welcome to the forum. I hate to say it, but your question/post is fairly open ended. We have 2 of them, and enjoy the heck out of them ( more than we would a boat or something ), with about 45k on each. There is some give and take of course, these things aren’t very aerodynamic, but if you like doors-off/top-off/mods and/or generally exploring away from pavement, then you’ll enjoy the gladiator. You may or may not like a solid front axle, and it easier to park than a full sized truck. Do your research to find out which build suits your needs best and go from there.

Essentially, think of it as a Lego on wheels. Lookup Sema, Jeep Beach, and Smokey Mountain Invasion for some ideas and inspiration.

Thank you for the reply. I realize it's open-ended and as you saw clearly I'm still in the research phase. But 15% off MSRP is kind of amazing right now. Hmmm, maybe I'm answering my own question.

 

[bwmarksbmcs]

The 15% off MSRP on the Sport S was enough for me to pull the trigger. There was one on the lot that was outfitted to 99% of what I wanted so we came to a deal. Final sale price was about 21% off MSRP. I was going to wait until Spring but I figured with the strike, annual MSRP increase etc, I should just do it now. No regrets but only 350 miles on it so far

 

[Uparms]

If you want to buy basic fun, functional transportation, buy now, Sport S. Auto.

If you want half battery, you will have to wait and you may end up sorry and poor.

 

[HannahWCU]

If you are wanting one, there is no better time to buy a 2023. If you can find one the way you want it. I just bought early for that exact reason. Sticker on my 2023 Rubicon was just over $63k. Got mine for just over $54k out the door. I would say that was worth it.

 

[Pedal Metal]

Thank you for the reply. I realize it's open-ended and as you saw clearly I'm still in the research phase. But 15% off MSRP is kind of amazing right now. Hmmm, maybe I'm answering my own question.

Welcome. Since you're still in the research phase, you'll no doubt keep digging into posts on this forum, but if you hadn't already spent time on YouTube, then dig in there too. Try searching for trims (Sport, Overland, Rubicon, Mojave, etc) and 1 year review or comparison, etc. There is certainly no right or wrong Jeep on its face, but if value is import to you (uh, it is for me) then you might be money ahead if you begin with the end of your future modifications and desired use in mind before you make your selection. For Instance, if you want a 'Sport S Max Tow Package', 'Rubicon', 'Mojave, etc. you'll likely find it a tremendous value picking the trim closest to your use case in terms of modification costs, warranty and a more objective 'book' resale value. However, if you're looking to ultimately building you own off roader with 37" or > tires you're already likely looking at a re-gear and suspension mods, so you might be money ahead to start with a Sport / Sport S and just build it your way.

Also, consider this board a great source for insider information that you'll likely not get at the dealership. For instance, the '23 Gladiator was recently available to order in Punk'n Metallic Clear Coat which was a limited availability release at the end of the '23 Glad. model year. So, if you had cared to know about it or wanted to order one you'd likely have found that information here first before your dealership or sales rep would have known to tell you if you hadn't known to ask them what colors were available to order. Now, the upside is that if you're interested in that color, there may be some final '23's working their way through the supply chain as Jeep employees return to the plants. Here is a link to a Punk'n Metallic thread which was brought back to life on Aug 14, 2023: https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/forum/threads/punkn-gladiator-jt-club.8493/page-70

As well, one additional tidbit I can share is this. Factory incentives tend to run for a fiscal month (if the month ends on a weekend, then the end of the fiscal month is held open until the following Monday to complete all the sales paperwork for the prior month's last weekend). However, when a month closes I've often seen the first business day of the following month has many or all of the incentives walked back to zero. Then, depending on the what the manufacturer has to move through the zone, supply lines, factory, etc. the mfg will either re-post the prior month's incentives or make changes as they see fit to lower or increase incentives across various trims. Keep in mind, this is all done through the factory reps based on how much money they're allowed to move inventory with incentives. Also, keep in mind, it also seem that it can take as long as a couple weeks for them to add or increase incentives and they usually get better towards the end of the month and not worse. Btw, I've never worked at a dealership, I've just paid really close attention for years and had some insider feedback say that I was on the right track.

As for your timing, I think you're in good shape with a few caveats. 1.) There has been a lot of data out there that suggest there are a lot of '23 gladiators that need to clear the supply line. 2.) As well, consider that the '24 Glad is being refreshed, but my money is on a big price increase coming with that and it seems that there is a good percentage of people who are underwhelmed with the updates to the '24. For instance, the full float rear axle wasn't added and I think many ( me included) would have thought that would have been a nice to have. Also, there is only ONE engine choice in '24 as the diesel is no longer available and no new options are on the table. Now, I'm fine with the 3.6, but if I had a choice for a 5.7, I'd have ordered 5.7 just because. However, all that to say that I think there are a lot of people that will be real happy with a '23 vs. '24 in spite of a mild refresh given what may be a considerable difference in price for just a few new perks that many aren't that enamored with. Don't get me wrong, I'm not hating on the '24, especially if it would be for the same money, but it won't. So, by my way of thinking, a discounted '23 vs a price increased '24 with a modest refresh speaks volumes to me!

So, if you don't close your deal tomorrow, don't be surprised if the "FACTORY INCENTIVE" available tomorrow disappears on November 1st. However, if it does, my guess is that chances are good that some incentives will be back if you consider that they ran incentives while the plant was actually closed down. That's gotta mean that there was a lot of product they needed to clear. However, eventually they will clear it, so just make sure you find a seat before the music stops.

Cheers!

 

[Deleted member 57233]

I'm gonna wait. Values keep dropping, interest rates keep climbing, and people are tightening wallets. Pretty soon automakers will be begging people to buy cars. I got my last new vehicle in 2018 for 30% off msrp because they were having such a hard time moving them.

 

[Badunit]

First post! Hi there, I'm still shopping and not an owner yet.
...Gladiator wasn't choice #1 (but it IS in my top 5 - don't ask what the others are I don't want to start a war)

If you want opinions on your other choices, a good source is forums that are NOT about those vehicles. You'll hear more of the bad stuff vs fanboy talk. I'm sure everyone here will be happy to bash the competition and also give honest comparisons. The general consensus, and you can prove that to yourself with a highway test drive on a gusty day, is that Jeeps are not the best handling on-road vehicles. You need to know that going in.

 

[Idlethunder]

First post! Hi there, I'm still shopping and not an owner yet.
Some great deals out there, but my question is: are they good enough to buy earlier than I'd planned? I didn't plan to buy something for at least another year, and the Gladiator wasn't choice #1 (but it IS in my top 5 - don't ask what the others are I don't want to start a war). Wondering what you all think. I have no particular needs per se, just need transportation and I know, buy what I want thisch is what I'm doing. Just wanted to hear others' opinions. Thanks!

Hearing about the deals that are out there now on Gladiators stings a little because when I bought my 22 Rubicon early last year, I paid full retail. But I will also say that pain goes away as soon as I even look at my Jeep. It does not drive or ride as well as some of the other trucks I've had in my 56 years, but it makes me happier than anything else I've ever driven. I have spent a few thousand on upgrades, but I have done all the work myself which goes into why I am so happy with my Gladiator. Unless something happens, I will have it the rest of my life. Two weekends ago I installed a 2.5" lift alone in my driveway with a floor jack and jack stands. Up until this Jeep, replacing brake pads and a few alternators was the most I'd ever done to one of my own vehicles. If you are just looking for a vehicle to get you from point A to B on pavement, there are better options out there, but they won’t be as much fun. If you happen to be like me and are looking for something you can work on yourself and be proud of, the Jeep Gladiator is an excellent choice.

 

[Tyandpi]

First post! Hi there, I'm still shopping and not an owner yet.
Some great deals out there, but my question is: are they good enough to buy earlier than I'd planned? I didn't plan to buy something for at least another year, and the Gladiator wasn't choice #1 (but it IS in my top 5 - don't ask what the others are I don't want to start a war). Wondering what you all think. I have no particular needs per se, just need transportation and I know, buy what I want thisch is what I'm doing. Just wanted to hear others' opinions. Thanks!

I am brand new to this forum as well. My wife needed a vehicle last year and just went searching. She ended up with a Ford Ranger Tremor, which was lemon lawed, then found a Gladiator Willy's in Firecracker Red. She absolutely LOVES it!!! So for the past year, I watched.... with a bit of envy...... So this year, with all the sales, I finally dropped my F150 for a Sport Freedom package....and have not looked back. Way easier to park than the F150....and just plain fun! Brings me back to the days when I had a 1968 Landcruiser..... We live in the mtns so the outdoors is in our backyard. If you are really looking, the incentives out there today are really hard to beat.

 

[Tom C]

Just bought a 2023 High Altitude diesel for my wife on Monday and drove it 4 hours home. 253 miles on a half tank of diesel (first full tank, should get better after break-in). She loves the retro look and really likes the way it drives. She keeps going out to the garage this morning to look at it.

Sticker Price $66,400
Jeep 10% Discount - $ 6,640
Negotiated off an additional - $5,501
Final Price Plus TTL $54,259
18.28% below sticker

 

[Bobbyfanman17]

In the St. Louis area Gladiators (2023) are drastically reduced in price. $57K, $58K Gladiators are going for $11K, $12K even $13K off. There are unbelievable deals out there. I would love to trade in my '21 JT but I would take such a hit on the trade it wouldn't be worth it. I would need to sell it outright which is such a pain when the vehicle is your DD and you don't have another car to drive. Just remember the gas mileage isn't great (I get 19 mpg combined-which I don't think is bad, same mpg as I got with both of my Colorado's) and they are a tad noisy, but I love mine. I have the top back, doors off when ever I get a chance. And with the Bestop Sunrider for Hardtops installed, I have my sunroof open almost every day year round, best mod ever for the Gladiator (or Wrangler). Take a good long test drive with a JT and see if you can live with the noise, that's one of the main things you will notice different with a JT or JL over a regular car or truck. I use the bed all the time on my JT, it's great for camping, I love taking the doors and top off, and I actually love the look of the JT. I don't off road like so many others do, but I love it for what I want it for. Good luck.

 

[bucolic]

I always wanted a Jeep but would never buy one due to the cost vs what you get. I am fortunate to have a 1/2 ton diesel Full-size GMC Denali pickup also that I bought for towing the camper, but I wanted a fun open-air vehicle. I'd look at Jeeps that were $55K with crank windows, rubber floors, and barely any options and just couldn't do it.

I bought a Used Mustang convertible last summer and realized my sports car days are over (I'm 60). Plus, in upstate NY, it sat in the garage all winter, basically undrivable. I sold it this spring.

Then I saw the 10% off MSRP on Gladiators and always thought they were a cool and handy-looking vehicle but again, I would never pay the price VS what you got. I stopped into a couple of dealers and one had the Black Rubicon I ended up buying with the 10% off plus another $1500 off in dealer incentives. I know it's not as great a deal as others have got, but it was enough for me to rationalize finally owning one. Even though I bought the Rubicon, it will probably never see rock crawling and be basically a pavement princess or some dirt roads in the state forest of PA not far from me.

Fast forward a month. I have only driven the full-size GMC a couple of times since then and then just to run it a bit as nothing is worse for those diesels than sitting. I really enjoy driving the Gladiator. It reminds me a bit of old school trucks I had in the past but with a bit of modern conveniences and without all the issues. I had to take a 5-hour trip and a 3-hour trip and both times ended up in the Gladiator!

I was surprised by how well it drove and rode! Plus being in upstate NY, it's a good year-round fun vehicle. It can be a convertible in the summer but driven in the inevitable upstate NY snows. Really the best of both worlds especially for where I live.

I say go for it! I could definitely live with the Gladiator as my only vehicle.

Sponsored