Mr. Indecisive - Part 2

[Jeep24MA]

Let the counseling session begin. I’m a 40 year old Dad of two young kids just living the normal life in the Northeast - house, job, wife, dad bod, etc. I had a Gladiator last summer (a 2020) and ended up selling it because I convinced myself we didn’t need a second car (pandemic, wife and I worked from home and we weren’t going anywhere) and I just wasn’t in love with that model. Fast forward to now and we’ve been a one car family since back in August of last year and it’s finally time to get a second car. Wife is going back to work in-person, kids going back to school, etc. Mr. Indecisive, me, has a very tough time deciding on vehicles. Bought a Ram Laramie before the Gladiator, wasn’t crazy about it. Too big and too fancy for me. Now I keep going back to the Gladiator in my mind. It’s the only vehicle that speaks to me. Yes, it’s a bit small on the inside, not much storage, it may make some funny noises and my left leg may be pressed up against the door when I’m driving, but it’s just so fun. Last time I got a Sport S, which is maybe why I didn’t love it, but this time if I do it, I may go with the color I really wanted and an Overland with leather. I’m not really sure what this post is about now that I’m at the end, maybe I need a nudge to do it because I’m talking myself out of it for no reason or maybe like a 16 year on prom night I’m just not ready. Cheers!

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[Hootbro]

If the financials work, go for it. Take it slow and get what you want even if it means having to order one built.

My Gladiator is therapy from the mundane rat race.

 

[Oilburner]

If you are color-sensitive, be aware that Jeep will be dropping a couple color choices very soon & adding some different colors for the 2022 model.

 

[Jeep24MA]

If you are color-sensitive, be aware that Jeep will be dropping a couple color choices very soon & adding some different colors for the 2022 model.

Love the firecracker red. Always have.

 

[JCHGlad]

Love the firecracker red. Always have.

Such a classic Jeep color, my JTR is granite crystal, but my wife’s JLUR is FC red, it gets constant compliments, I would have ordered it that way as well we just didn’t want two red vehicles.

 

[Silvertruck]

Jeeps are fun. But make sure you fit and the inside works for you before you go round 2. Lots of ways to spend $50k, make sure its a good buy for your worst day not just the most fun day.

 

[Jeep24MA]

Jeeps are fun. But make sure you fit and the inside works for you before you go round 2. Lots of ways to spend $50k, make sure its a good buy for your worst day not just the most fun day.

Thanks! Very true. I’m only 5’7”. Wife is 5’3”. Small genes. Wife has a grand Cherokee.

 

[XJADDICTION]

I understand you Dad! I am one too with a 16 y/o that just went to prom.

My 2 pennies (and the crowd that doesn’t have the Max Tow will give me grief for my recommendation, but I still love them all)

The changes being made with the 2021 models you have more options than 2020 especially early 2020.

If you are going rock crawling, or desert bombing, or just love the smell of diesel.... then pay the extra cash $5-10G add 4G for Diesel( yes people will tell their one off great deal on an a loaded Rubicon they got for $25G... that’s my exaggeration)

Knowing Dad’s, I am one with two girls, but only guessing at your use based on post, here is my recommendation.

The 2021 JT Sport S Max Tow with matched colored fenders, cold weather package, dual top package ( hard and soft top, won’t get either for less later), LED package, top stereo level and dealer can add catskin leather if you have to have leather. Also add the safety group if you want auto cruise and cross path protection with side mirror indicators. The cloth seats I have warm up better than my leather rubicon’s ever did and so far very durable. Plus if you are over 6’ leather puts your head closer to the roll bar (I am 6’1” non problem fitting).

As is your Max Tow can do all of the Dad stuff, Tow 7650 lbs, 1650lb pay load and with the wider HD axles and 4:10 gears it has plenty of power with the gas V-6.

You can always add an2” lift, up to 35’s with the 4:10’s (IMOP, unless you want to get on this forum with your 37’s and 40’s and complain about the lack of power your gas V-6 has with 4:10’s).

I have owned about 20 Jeeps, full sized Ford gas and diesel trucks. They are great but they are huge. With a bed rack, hard bed cover and One Yakima load bar (Slide up to freedom panels and back when not using) on the hard top, I can carry any length lumber from the hardware store, most of it isn’t over 16’. I can lock all my gear in the bed with the hard cover, stand on the hard cover, carry 4 kayaks and 4 bikes, or 2 kayaks and 4 bikes with a Yakima 7’ skybox for a trip.

The JT is nimble and easy to park and on every day commutes, I avg 19-20MPG.

Get the Max Tow Dad!

 

[jeepin48]

A second car should be something that puts a smile on your face. I will leave it at that.

 

[flatboycms]

I had an Overland and after it being bought back I jumped into a Mojave. You owe it to yourself to test drive an overland and then a Mojave. It may be all in my mind but the Mojave handles way better. Shocks are a bit firmer but when I was in the overland on a freeway on ramp, it felt like it was pushing through the turn. Could have been the factory tires etc. Since the Mojave has a significantly different suspension and tires, I would contribute the better handling to the Mojave package. I did not drive a Rubi but I would gamble on a similar difference to the Overland.

 

[HooliganActual]

not much storage

I know this is a Gladiator forum but why not a Wrangler. I have both. You may have a need for the bed but you never really called that out. The Wrangler gives you basically the same vehicle but you swap the interior storage for exterior storage. The Wrangler is nice for throwing things into the back and not having to worry about security, wetness, etc. of your cargo.

They are just as fun...

 

[Jeep24MA]

I understand you Dad! I am one too with a 16 y/o that just went to prom.

My 2 pennies (and the crowd that doesn’t have the Max Tow will give me grief for my recommendation, but I still love them all)

The changes being made with the 2021 models you have more options than 2020 especially early 2020.

If you are going rock crawling, or desert bombing, or just love the smell of diesel.... then pay the extra cash $5-10G add 4G for Diesel( yes people will tell their one off great deal on an a loaded Rubicon they got for $25G... that’s my exaggeration)

Knowing Dad’s, I am one with two girls, but only guessing at your use based on post, here is my recommendation.

The 2021 JT Sport S Max Tow with matched colored fenders, cold weather package, dual top package ( hard and soft top, won’t get either for less later), LED package, top stereo level and dealer can add catskin leather if you have to have leather. Also add the safety group if you want auto cruise and cross path protection with side mirror indicators. The cloth seats I have warm up better than my leather rubicon’s ever did and so far very durable. Plus if you are over 6’ leather puts your head closer to the roll bar (I am 6’1” non problem fitting).

As is your Max Tow can do all of the Dad stuff, Tow 7650 lbs, 1650lb pay load and with the wider HD axles and 4:10 gears it has plenty of power with the gas V-6.

You can always add an2” lift, up to 35’s with the 4:10’s (IMOP, unless you want to get on this forum with your 37’s and 40’s and complain about the lack of power your gas V-6 has with 4:10’s).

I have owned about 20 Jeeps, full sized Ford gas and diesel trucks. They are great but they are huge. With a bed rack, hard bed cover and One Yakima load bar (Slide up to freedom panels and back when not using) on the hard top, I can carry any length lumber from the hardware store, most of it isn’t over 16’. I can lock all my gear in the bed with the hard cover, stand on the hard cover, carry 4 kayaks and 4 bikes, or 2 kayaks and 4 bikes with a Yakima 7’ skybox for a trip.

The JT is nimble and easy to park and on every day commutes, I avg 19-20MPG.

Get the Max Tow Dad!

Thanks for the great write-up!

 

[Jeep24MA]

I know this is a Gladiator forum but why not a Wrangler. I have both. You may have a need for the bed but you never really called that out. The Wrangler gives you basically the same vehicle but you swap the interior storage for exterior storage. The Wrangler is nice for throwing things into the back and not having to worry about security, wetness, etc. of your cargo.

They are just as fun...

Thanks for the suggestion! The bed is great for all the homeowner chores and we’ve had a Durango and now a grand so it will be nice to have both options. Cheaper too!

 

[Jeep24MA]

I had an Overland and after it being bought back I jumped into a Mojave. You owe it to yourself to test drive an overland and then a Mojave. It may be all in my mind but the Mojave handles way better. Shocks are a bit firmer but when I was in the overland on a freeway on ramp, it felt like it was pushing through the turn. Could have been the factory tires etc. Since the Mojave has a significantly different suspension and tires, I would contribute the better handling to the Mojave package. I did not drive a Rubi but I would gamble on a similar difference to the Overland.

I wish! Too expensive. Thanks for the suggestion though!

 

[bsteg7]

Our Gladiator is a second car. We have had it about a month. It took 3 months to research all the options and find the perfect truck with all the options I wanted and not the ones I didn't want. Splurged on the diesel and the Rubicon because that's what I wanted.

Anyway, just last night my son and I were in the garage admiring what a cool car it was and how in love we are with it. I agree with you that they are fun. Do what makes you happy, life is short and you cant take money with you when you go!

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