Getting a JT, Anything To Look For?

[Sazabi19]

Hello all,

New to the forums and to Jeep in general, if all works out. I'm working with a dealer right now to lease (please don't beat me) a new Gladiator Sport S. YES I have reasons to lease it and I'll explain that below, if anyone cares. But for now I would like to know if there is anything I should look out for.

I will be going to the dealership on Monday to pick it up and will keep it with me for a day of driving like normal. This drive will include about 45+ miles on the highway (70ish mph) as well as some suburban driving at 40mph with stop lights and stop signs. I'm aware that something I need to look for is numb/loose steering between 10 o'clock and 2 o'clock on the steering wheel, but is there anything else that I should be looking for specifically on the Gladiator?

Anything below here has nothing to do with my question

---------Reasoning------------

Just in case someone wants to beat me for saying I'm going to lease a Jeep, let me explain (if you care). I've never owned a Jeep and realize there are sacrafices in owning one that the average person may not like, such as wind noise, possible ride comfort, and other things that come with the Jeep ownership territory. I've been reading about this for years and am finally wanting to take the plunge. I'd like to lease for 3 years to see if it's something that I'd like or will not want to keep doing long term.

I wanted to lease because the payments are much lower than a loan. I'm in a position to where I want to give my current car to my parents so they have something reliable and under warranty and have a year left to pay on it. Getting this lease gets me into a fantastic (I hope) new truck that I've had my eyes on for a while now. I went to the Chicago auto show in 2019 just to see it when it debuted, loved it instantly.

A reason I chose the Gladiator is because I wanted several things that don't necessarily go together. I wanted a convertible, something with a bed, and I wanted it to have 4WD. Those things aren't easy to combine usually, luckily the Gladiator came onto the scene :D As I work in the public safety sector with first responders I have a growing need to be able to get into work if/when I'm called after hours and during inclement weather (snow/ice storms here).

I honestly don't plan on doing too much offroading, though I wouldn't mind going on some easy trails sometimes to have fun with a group. I've never been before and would only go to easy places my Sport S could handle. A Rubicon is a bit much for me as I would never use it to it's potential and it would be a waste.

I think that's about all for now. If anyone has any tips or anything to watch out for please let me know! I really look forwrad to being part of the community.

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[Sazabi19]

I forgot to add, it is a Sport S with max tow, cold weather, 8.4 premium audio, 3-piece hard top, tech group, and convenience. It also has the spray in bedliner, Mopar slush mats, Mopar tubular sidesteps, and (unforunately) the blutooth speaker... I'll need to get some headliners it appears. Suggestions for aftermarkets?

 

[Digger70]

I forgot to add, it is a Sport S with max tow, cold weather, 8.4 premium audio, 3-piece hard top, tech group, and convenience. It also has the spray in bedliner, Mopar slush mats, Mopar tubular sidesteps, and (unforunately) the blutooth speaker... I'll need to get some headliners it appears. Suggestions for aftermarkets?

Congrats on your purchase and welcome to the forums. I've never really had a use for the headliners so I don't have them. I did lease my first Wrangler in 2014 and ended up buying it after the lease ended so do what you think is best.

 

[Sazabi19]

Thanks for the welcome @Digger70 , I've not gotten it yet, still waiting to pick it up for the test drive and everything on Monday 4/13/20. I've just been excitedly looking at the truck and small mods (LEDs, seat covers, etc...) and was hoping to get more insight on what I should look for during that day I have it before possible purchase.

 

[Hootbro]

Nobody cares you are leasing it.

Have fun and enjoy it.

 

[Gatorized]

I will be going to the dealership on Monday to pick it up and will keep it with me for a day of driving like normal. This drive will include about 45+ miles on the highway (70ish mph) as well as some suburban driving at 40mph with stop lights and stop signs. I'm aware that something I need to look for is numb/loose steering between 10 o'clock and 2 o'clock on the steering wheel, but is there anything else that I should be looking for specifically on the Gladiator?

Do the driving BEFORE you sign the papers. Get it out on the highway for a decent test drive to verify the steering is tight. No sense taking it home to find out it has an issue.
Sounds like the build is a wise choice on your part. No need to rush into adding items like headliners. I thought I would need them too, but have not felt the need so far. Good luck with your lease!

 

[whiteglad]

I have a max tow soft top and am happy with the ride and lack of wind noise.

 

[Sazabi19]

@Gatorized I've made it very clear to the dealer that no papers will be signed until after Monday and the test drive. I've taken every vehicle I've had home for a night BEFORE I've ever signed for them. That lets me see how they deal at night as well and during peak times of heat/cool of the day/night. Is it necessary? Probably not, but it lets me put it through the paces that I want and gives me time with it that I don't have to feel some sort of perceived pressure from a dealer and let's the others in my household look at it and maybe see/notice something I didn't. I'm very excited for Monday

Also @Gatorized it seems we may have the same color as well. I wanted the gator color, no real compromise on that. It's the closest thing I could ever get to a real Humvee, my father is a retired marine of 20 years and the Humvee was always my favorite vehicle. Can't get them in my state unless it's used as a farm vehicle and there's no way in hell I'm paying $80k+ for an Alpha from 2003.

 

[Sazabi19]

Nobody cares you are leasing it.

Have fun and enjoy it.

I know that nobody would really care but I know a lot of people like to deeply customize their Jeeps and I've read a lot of posts about how financing is the only way to go. I just wanted them to know it was a thought out, reasoned decision

 

[Jeepnoob34]

I know that nobody would really care but I know a lot of people like to deeply customize their Jeeps and I've read a lot of posts about how financing is the only way to go. I just wanted them to know it was a thought out, reasoned decision

I would ask them about adding a Mopar lift and including it in your lease agreement. Worth a shot. That’s if your interested in lifting it.

 

[Jay Gatsby]

The one thing you should look for is...

HAVING A GREAT TIME DRIVING A JEEP!

Anyway, proper breaking in of the engine/drivetrain is important. Try to follow Jeep's recommendation:

"Drive moderately during the first 300 miles (500 km). After the initial 60 miles (100 km), speeds up to 50 or 55 mph (80 or 90 km/h) are desirable.
While cruising, brief full-throttle acceleration within the limits of local traffic laws contributes to a good break-in.
Wide-open throttle acceleration in low gear can be detrimental and should be avoided."

 

[Sazabi19]

The one thing you should look for is...

HAVING A GREAT TIME DRIVING A JEEP!

Anyway, proper breaking in of the engine/drivetrain is important. Try to follow Jeep's recommendation:

"Drive moderately during the first 300 miles (500 km). After the initial 60 miles (100 km), speeds up to 50 or 55 mph (80 or 90 km/h) are desirable.
While cruising, brief full-throttle acceleration within the limits of local traffic laws contributes to a good break-in.
Wide-open throttle acceleration in low gear can be detrimental and should be avoided."

I did see that in another thread arguing about this. I may try to find roads off the highway that will allow me to drive under 60. My fear is that I will become a hazard on a 2-lane highway with speed limits of 70/75+

Most certainly, thank you for the heads up This is good info.

 

[Sazabi19]

I would ask them about adding a Mopar lift and including it in your lease agreement. Worth a shot. That’s if your interested in lifting it.

I'd be more apt to widen the tire base slightly rather than jack it up. I would like MORE stability, coming from driving cars. I don't really plan on offroading much so other than that, what is the advantage of jacking up the ride other than being up higher? I'd love to ask them for steel bumpers over ride height, I'd love those.

 

[Jeepnoob34]

I'd be more apt to widen the tire base slightly rather than jack it up. I would like MORE stability, coming from driving cars. I don't really plan on offroading much so other than that, what is the advantage of jacking up the ride other than being up higher? I'd love to ask them for steel bumpers over ride height, I'd love those.

I think it just looks better. More like a truck. I don’t off road either, but it’s nice to know I can, if needed. That being said, I haven’t lifted mine because the Mopar lift is around 2k installed. That’s a hard pill to swallow for a couple inches higher.

 

[Sazabi19]

I think it just looks better. More like a truck. I don’t off road either, but it’s nice to know I can, if needed. That being said, I haven’t lifted mine because the Mopar lift is around 2k installed. That’s a hard pill to swallow for a couple inches higher.

I gotcha. I like the stock height of the Gladiator, I think it's very appropriate for a midsize truck. Now I wish I didn't tell the dealer to come meet me on Sunday to deliver it to me LOL. I didn't want to mess with his Easter Sunday (which he said he forgot about), it's also not legal to sell cars on Sunday, stupid relic laws.

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