Why do owners never take doors/tops off or go off-road?

[LidLess07X]

Been in love with Jeeps my whole life. These 3 have never (and will never as long as own them) been off road. Actually they’ve never seen salty roads or snow either and neither have my previous ones. Tops and doors are off a lot though LOL

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[Rocksalt]

I'm up in Wisconsin, while I don't go "off road" as a hobby I do periodically find my self off pavement for one reason or another. I have a 4 wheel truck now and could do that no problem. Why a Gladiator instead of the standard truck? Because I like the idea of a convertible that I can drive year round, that is gonna get me through the snow in winter and I can take the top off in summer. I know of no other reason to buy a Wrangler or gladiator if you don't take the top off.. I have had 3 other jeeps in my life - 1947 CJ2, 1985 CJ7 and 2000 Sahara. I loved them - top and windshield down with no doors is the way to go (motorcycle would be good to but they have tried to kill be multiple times.), but the CJ/Wranglers just weren't practical for me, I needed hauling and towing ability. Then BLAM! Gladiator, like manna from heaven!

THIS!

 

[Rocksalt]

Can someone please explain to me why so many people have Wranglers (and I'm sure it'll be the same with the Gladiators) that never, ever take the tops or doors off or leave the pavement? Maybe because I see so many left and right here in the DC metro area, most of them being Rubicons no less, and the biggest obstacles their vehicles ever see is accidentally tagging a curb.

Seriously, it really has me dumbfounded.

What exactly is the draw for people who have no desire to leave suburbia and urban areas to own these vehicles?

Just curious from a psychological perspective...

DUDE.. BECAUSE ITS A JEEP! TO EACH HIS/HER OWN

 

[Rocksalt]

Why does it matter? It's their money. If it weren't for a diverse group of customers buying Wranglers then the Gladiator wouldn't exist. The sales volume generates profit and that generates R&D and new models.

Why can't people buy what they want, use it the way they prefer, and get enjoyment from it? And why do so many people get bent out of shape at what other people do? And why judge the person for not pursuing your use, or worse yet, make assumptions about them?

And this argument that it isn't being used for what it is meant for... What it's "meant for" is up to the buyer.

THIS!

 

[Pazzo]

Maybe some people just want to have fun? What a concept huh?
Why would I care of someone want to buy a vehicle, paint it pink and dress it up like a Barbie doll?

The philosopher Epictetus once said
"There is only one way to happiness and that is to cease worrying about things which are beyond the power or our will"
Typically people who ask these types of questions are unhappy, "from a psychological perspective"

 

[DenverGladiator]

Can someone please explain to me why so many people have Wranglers (and I'm sure it'll be the same with the Gladiators) that never, ever take the tops or doors off or leave the pavement?

Despite the responses here, some of us agree with you. I’ve seen around 10 Gladiators now, not a single one had top off or even windows down. I don’t get it either. I’ve had mine 6 weeks now and I bet the top has been closed 1 week. I bought a soft top because hard tops are a pain in the butt. I put a shade on it to keep my forehead from getting burnt, and put the soft top under my tonneau for when weather gets bad. I had a TJ for 14 years and had the top down May - Oct every year. I’m lucky to have a garage at home and work and live in a relatively dry climate.

I also drive a Sport, and my TJ was a Sport, and I still take them off road. I took my TJ all over Colorado, and am hoping to get the JT out on more trails once my calendar clears up. I have a hard time justifying a $45k price on a vehicle, otherwise I would have gotten a Rubicon. My $36k Sport is capable enough and will see more trails than 90% of these Rubicons.

 

[smlobx]

DUDE.. BECAUSE ITS A JEEP! TO EACH HIS/HER OWN

I think DUDETTE might be more appropriate!

 

[Blown7]

In my young days it was not uncommon to take the top off in Minus -10 degree F weather and ride around in snowmobile suits ...just to be cool..


Or in the summer to never put up the top in New England from May to October...

Now Im 60 I ride around in the Trackhawk with the A/C on on 70 degree days and turn the seat heater on when it's 60 degrees out.

In the "7" I still take the doors off.. but damn the top...its too much work.. and those topless days are far behind me......

 

[kwiklot]

Despite the responses here, some of us agree with you. I’ve seen around 10 Gladiators now, not a single one had top off or even windows down. I don’t get it either. I’ve had mine 6 weeks now and I bet the top has been closed 1 week. I bought a soft top because hard tops are a pain in the butt. I put a shade on it to keep my forehead from getting burnt, and put the soft top under my tonneau for when weather gets bad. I had a TJ for 14 years and had the top down May - Oct every year. I’m lucky to have a garage at home and work and live in a relatively dry climate.

I also drive a Sport, and my TJ was a Sport, and I still take them off road. I took my TJ all over Colorado, and am hoping to get the JT out on more trails once my calendar clears up. I have a hard time justifying a $45k price on a vehicle, otherwise I would have gotten a Rubicon. My $36k Sport is capable enough and will see more trails than 90% of these Rubicons.

While I agree in theory, some also pointed out that just because you dont see doors off por the top back or any speck of mud doesnt mean said vehicle owner hasnt ripped it up at some point, a lot of people are very meticulous with their vehicles, in the end it's their money.

 

[Hootbro]

While I agree in theory, some also pointed out that just because you dont see doors off por the top back or any speck of mud doesnt mean said vehicle owner hasnt ripped it up at some point, a lot of people are very meticulous with their vehicles, in the end it's their money.

Pretty much this. I daily drive mine and it is my commuter vehicle 90% of the time so I am not in full top and doors off mode for the majority of that time.

I am sure it was not the OP's intent, but her post does read a little snobbish and comes off as who is the better Jeeper and if not like me, you are not. Other truck brand forums already have the sword fights over engine size and other such nonsense. I would hope this board would not devolve into who is the better Jeeper and deserving of the vehicle nonsense talk.

 

[Bekah]

I certainly didn't mean to ruffle any feathers, I thought I was pretty clear in my initial post that I was really just curious why some individuals purchased these types of vehicles and interesting to hear how people use theirs. How some love to drive open air, how others prefer the creature comforts, etc. And if I had already passed judgments, I never would have posed the question in the first place.

Thanks to many for the thoughtful and interesting responses.

For those I seemed to have offended, my apologies...certainly didn't mean to. Those who know me well personally know that I'm the epitome of not giving a flying f@#$ about what others think about how I live my life or spend my money. I wouldn't expect my opinions of others to bear any weight even if I cared enough to make them. So don't be so quick to pass judgement on me please.

 

[Trauma PA]

I buy Jeeps because chicks dig Jeeps. Simple as that.

 

[LongTimeListener]

If I didn’t take my Jeep off road, I wouldn't own one. Cars are just too good these days. A GTI would be much cheaper and way more fun to drive. But then the pavement ends...

 

[Oilburner]

Can someone please explain to me why so many people have Wranglers (and I'm sure it'll be the same with the Gladiators) that never, ever take the tops or doors off or leave the pavement?

Because it's better to "have it & not need it, than to need it & not have it"

 

[Gobi Wan K]

I buy Jeeps because chicks dig Jeeps. Simple as that.

Lol, I have the one chick who tolerates my Jeep at best. But probably about the only conflict so I will keep her I suppose

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