Let me tell you my recent experience - Dealers are all over the place

[BlckJT]

First local dealer I went to, salesman was a Jeep guy and owned a 2016 JK. He immediately printed out a custom order sheet, said its a $500 dollar deposit, circled the invoice line and said "Best I can do is about 2-3% below this price". Straight shooter. He grabbed an Overland and drove with me for about 20 minutes. Told me to hit the gas, take it on the highway, run and get gas (with a dealer slip). He talked about Overlanding that he does and how he will purchase a JT Rubicon next year. I will return to him soon for an order.

Second local dealer I went to. Salesman said $1000 non-refundable deposit, only printed the custom order sheet showing the MSRP, said FCA is not letting them take any discounts, and told me the only way to get a deposit back is if it was incorrectly built after dealer delivered. LOL. I thought he was playing harsh and he seemed kind of annoyed I was asking about the Gladiator. So I test drove their Rubicon by myself, took the freedom tops off (see pic), spent 25 minutes cruising, went to Starbucks, through a small mud hole at a new business construction area and raced a JK at the stop light on the way back. Returned it and said I'll reach out to you later. LOL.

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[steffen707]

First local dealer I went to, salesman was a Jeep guy and owned a 2016 JK. He immediately printed out a custom order sheet, said its a $500 dollar deposit, circled the invoice line and said "Best I can do is about 2-3% below this price". Straight shooter. He grabbed an Overland and drove with me for about 20 minutes. Told me to hit the gas, take it on the highway, run and get gas (with a dealer slip). He talked about Overlanding that he does and how he will purchase a JT Rubicon next year. I will return to him soon for an order.

Second local dealer I went to. Salesman said $1000 non-refundable deposit, only printed the custom order sheet showing the MSRP, said FCA is not letting them take any discounts, and told me the only way to get a deposit back is if it was incorrectly built after dealer delivered. LOL. I thought he was playing harsh and he seemed kind of annoyed I was asking about the Gladiator. So I test drove their Rubicon by myself, took the freedom tops off (see pic), spent 25 minutes cruising, went to Starbucks, through a small mud hole at a new business construction area and raced a JK at the stop light on the way back. Returned it and said I'll reach out to you later. LOL.

Which was better, Rubicon or overland?

 

[BlckJT]

Which was better, Rubicon or overland?

Good question! This is only my opinion and coming off driving a 14' JGC. The Overland felt a lot more smoother and controlled on the road and highway. Driving the Rubicon, I instantly noticed a difference as the steering felt a little squirrely. For me, I don't plan to get a Rubicon and will move with a Sport S - Max Tow package and other options. The Overland price point didn't convince me to give up my initial budget (unless the wife likes it and says to pull the band-aide).

Needless to say they both got me pumped up and I won't wait long to get mine in my driveway.

 

[steffen707]

Good question! This is only my opinion and coming off driving a 14' JGC. The Overland felt a lot more smoother and controlled on the road and highway. Driving the Rubicon, I instantly noticed a difference as the steering felt a little squirrely. For me, I don't plan to get a Rubicon and will move with a Sport S - Max Tow package and other options. The Overland price point didn't convince me to give up my initial budget (unless the wife likes it and says to pull the band-aide).

Needless to say they both got me pumped up and I won't wait long to get mine in my driveway.

lets win the lottery and get at least 1 of each.

 

[russross]

Good question! This is only my opinion and coming off driving a 14' JGC. The Overland felt a lot more smoother and controlled on the road and highway. Driving the Rubicon, I instantly noticed a difference as the steering felt a little squirrely. For me, I don't plan to get a Rubicon and will move with a Sport S - Max Tow package and other options. The Overland price point didn't convince me to give up my initial budget (unless the wife likes it and says to pull the band-aide).

Needless to say they both got me pumped up and I won't wait long to get mine in my driveway.

Do you think the difference between the Overland and the Rubicon was mainly the tires? I'd really like to hear how a Sport S with max tow compares. I'm guessing it will ride somewhere between the Overland and the Rubicon since it will have all-terrain tires, but not as big as the Rubicon.

 

[Sorbs]

Do you think the difference between the Overland and the Rubicon was mainly the tires? I'd really like to hear how a Sport S with max tow compares. I'm guessing it will ride somewhere between the Overland and the Rubicon since it will have all-terrain tires, but not as big as the Rubicon.

Check tire pressure when you drive one. When I picked up our JLR the dealer prep had them at 45 psi. It drove like cr@p. I now run at 36 psi and it’s as smooth as a Barbi doll. When we test drove at Easter Jeep Safari they had the Rubi JT at 26 psi. and that drove as smooth as a Ken doll.

 

[alwyslpy]

Check tire pressure when you drive one. When I picked up our JLR the dealer prep had them at 45 psi. It drove like cr@p. I now run at 36 psi and it’s as smooth as a Barbi doll. When we test drove at Easter Jeep Safari they had the Rubi JT at 26 psi. and that drove as smooth as a Ken doll.

So barbi dolls are Jeeps designated measurement system?

 

[Carlton]

Probably feels squirrely because they add an 1.5-2" of height with the springs and keep the control arms the same length. Lose caster.

 

[BlckJT]

Do you think the difference between the Overland and the Rubicon was mainly the tires? I'd really like to hear how a Sport S with max tow compares. I'm guessing it will ride somewhere between the Overland and the Rubicon since it will have all-terrain tires, but not as big as the Rubicon.

I do think the tires contributed to the ride difference and the Rubicon is lifted. The Sport S with max tow will ride good though. I'm looking to find a dealer with one but that might not be for awhile.

Check tire pressure when you drive one. When I picked up our JLR the dealer prep had them at 45 psi. It drove like cr@p. I now run at 36 psi and it’s as smooth as a Barbi doll. When we test drove at Easter Jeep Safari they had the Rubi JT at 26 psi. and that drove as smooth as a Ken doll.

This makes total sense! I am certain the dealer had the tires filled way to high!

 

[Charlie]

I drove an Overland Gladiator here in Colorado Springs and it felt very washy on the road. Couldn’t keep it in a straight line. I believe it has more to do with something else and not the trim level. It could be tire pressure as some people have pointed out.

 

[Tortooga Custom Works]

I test drove a rubicon friday - and squirrely was definitely how I would describe the steering. Not as bad as my 2005 Suburban back in the day, but definitely noticeable vs my wife's 2017 grand cherokee.
That's not steering me away from the car (pun intended). Just something to figure out or get used to...

 

[Casique]

Same here, test drove Rubi JT last night, awesome ride over ruts and bumps, and just overall! Very loose steering, my only complaint...

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