Base -Sport- manual Gladiator?

[zznalg]

I'm looking at new as well as a JT with 700 miles (used) Gladiators. They are base versions with nothing added other than spray-in bed-liners. Does anyone have experience with the base soft-top version of the JT with all-season (road) tires? I'm talking about Sport, not Sport S. I'm looking to keep purchase price below 30K.

Is having roll-up windows a problem, especially in the summer?
Can the base 5 inch head unit be exchanged for the 7 inch unit or something aftermarket that's decent?
I do like to off-road and my last Jeep was a 2016 Wily's two door that was lots of fun in the dirt. I know a base JT will not be ideal off-road. But, it's bones are great and could be built up over time.

Or, is such a vehicle a dog that should be avoided?
Thanks much for your thoughts.

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[whiteglad]

Only you can decide if you are willing to put up with the hassle of manual windows and locks. AT least on the JK, it was not possible to add both aftermarket; idk about JL/JT. I don't think the tires will make you happy; at a minimum I would get the Sport S AT tires. However, I have seen sets for as little as $300 on forums and craigslist, so the tires may not be major, even if you won't want to go to bigger tires. I have read a few reviews on soft tops and it seems the premium soft top is far better than the standard soft top. I have the premium and it is very nice.
Hope you find a suitable JT within your budget.

 

[jebiruph]

I'm looking at new as well as a JT with 700 miles (used) Gladiators. They are base versions with nothing added other than spray-in bed-liners. Does anyone have experience with the base soft-top version of the JT with all-season (road) tires? I'm talking about Sport, not Sport S. I'm looking to keep purchase price below 30K.

Is having roll-up windows a problem, especially in the summer?
Can the base 5 inch head unit be exchanged for the 7 inch unit or something aftermarket that's decent?
I do like to off-road and my last Jeep was a 2016 Wily's two door that was lots of fun in the dirt. I know a base JT will not be ideal off-road. But, it's bones are great and could be built up over time.

Or, is such a vehicle a dog that should be avoided?
Thanks much for your thoughts.

I had my base sport JL for two years before I bought a base sport JT, I like the manual windows, the lack of power locks is a bigger issue, especially if you have little kids. The 5 inch radio is ok after you swap all the 3.5 speakers.

 

[zznalg]

Good to know about the speakers and tires...

 

[hoodyhoo]

I have a base Sport manual, you don’t have to worry about the lack of power windows/locks if you remove the doors!

 

[zznalg]

I have a base Sport manual, you don’t have to worry about the lack of power windows/locks if you remove the doors!

Looks awesome. Are those the stock wheels? Which tires do you have?

 

[hoodyhoo]

Looks awesome. Are those the stock wheels? Which tires do you have?

Rubicon Launch Edition rims
315/70 17 Michelin Wrangler Duratrac tires
1.5 inch spacers in front

 

[zznalg]

Any opinions about the manual on a base JT?

 

[-miko-]

I have a base Sport manual, you don’t have to worry about the lack of power windows/locks if you remove the doors!

I've had the same truck on order since mid-April (finger's crossed it will be here by the end of June) - looks great. A big factor in choosing the Base was the ease of removing the doors which I want to do quite a bit.

From what I understand, the transmission as well as all the other drivetrain is the same as all other trim levels. So Rubicon, Overland, Sport S or Sport all have the same transmission. The only difference being that the Rubicon has the lower gearing which would be nice.

Have you test drove one? I'd suggest doing that - it helped me decide that I definitely wanted the manual.

 

[Fawkes]

Agreed. Took a while for me to find a manual transmission, I live in Texas and wanted the premium soft top with the safety package. Found two in the US. Got it shipped from NC and took delivery two weeks ago. Putting 17x9" wheels with 315x11" tires next week. 2 1/2 lift. LOVE the six-speed but its preference. What makes you happy?

 

[mikepatrisso]

I'm looking at new as well as a JT with 700 miles (used) Gladiators. They are base versions with nothing added other than spray-in bed-liners. Does anyone have experience with the base soft-top version of the JT with all-season (road) tires? I'm talking about Sport, not Sport S. I'm looking to keep purchase price below 30K.

Is having roll-up windows a problem, especially in the summer?
Can the base 5 inch head unit be exchanged for the 7 inch unit or something aftermarket that's decent?
I do like to off-road and my last Jeep was a 2016 Wily's two door that was lots of fun in the dirt. I know a base JT will not be ideal off-road. But, it's bones are great and could be built up over time.

Or, is such a vehicle a dog that should be avoided?
Thanks much for your thoughts.

Hello,
I have the Gladiator you’re describing. Base sport, manual trans, bed liner, AT tires with limited slip diff. Yes obviously power everything is easier but with the money I saved I added a rubicon steel bumper, premium Alea leather, rubicon sliders, and I even upgraded the stereo to the 7” with apple car play. Here is the link for the stereo:

https://www.infotainment.com/produc...ect-uaq-4c-nav-upgrade?variant=11676176908324

I installed the stereo myself and I am not super handy.

As for lack of power doors/windows I’m rocking bestop soft doors at the moment so moot point. I also got to thinking that with the manual doors I could be more likely to lock myself out. I got one of those magnetic cases and put an extra key in there. It is now under the Jeep should I ever lock myself out (removed key from fob so theives can’t start vehicle). I even threw some small cash in there for emergencies.

if it were me I’d take advantage of the pandemic. Meaning...they’re offering deep discounts on new models. Or...find someone looking to dump theirs bc they lost their job, etc. I bought mine in the fall. Best I could do here in NJ then was affiliate pricing for 1% below invoice. Boy do I wish I knew then what discounts we’d be seeing come Covid.
Its hard to find manual trans so you could be looking at custom build. Even harder to find base model sport. Like “near impossible” hard.

I love the truck by the way. Pound for pound most fun and useful vehicle for the money. I had a Tacoma previously. I prefer the Jeep styling. And the convertible of course.

 

[Bunchahoopla]

I am loving my base sport with manual. Mine is a hardtop with Bedliner and tow hitch. I am more cognitive on where my keys are with locking the doors...I haven’t had manual windows or doors since the 90s but it is something you can adapt to as well. I love the simplicity of it all. Also, it is easy finding a lot of Rubi take off parts. My first week I got a full Rubi suspension and rock rails. Added 3 piece bumper and LED taillights and swapped in an insane audio 9” radio. Personally I was looking at doing the factory 7 but loved the price and features of the insane unit.
I have done some moderate trails and the manual transmission does fine. It ghost crawls well. Keep us posted what you decide!

 

[basicGlad]

I wanted a base sport but I went sport s manual no tow package because it was the only way to get 1650lbs of payload. The sport no s only had 1100

 

[Darrin NC]

when you changed the radio to that 9 insane unit did u change speakers too? How does it sound? DO u have a pic of it on lit up?

 

[basicGlad]

@Bunchahoopla how is living with the manual locks? Show us your key fob? Do you have to use the brick to unlock your door Everytime?

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