It’s brand new, I’d absolutely claim it, get a new one, see how much they want for the old one...you may be able to make back your deductible by buying it and selling it.
I’ve purchased hotheads in the past and loved them, this round I ordered the mopar ones because it was easy...you probably can’t go wrong either way, but if you don’t order it with them I’d probably opt for the hot heads again to support the smaller business
I ordered a 2021, I’m between 6-8% off invoice...OP just put the whole package together then barter price....if it’s a lot vehicle barter price and then you may be able to get bed liner, side steps, or slush mats thrown in if they aren’t in the vehicle already.
I’m a jeep guy, I’ve owned a ton of them...The Grand Cherokee is a very nice long distance cruiser, the wrangler/JT is a fun cruiser but if I was constantly covering long distances as you’ve described I’d look for something more suited imho.
I don’t know, we have found pickup trucks to be the best kid hauler short of a minivan, a considerable amount more convenient then our JLUR that we also have.
Perhaps they had more JLs or no JTs...there also could be an incentive, lots of reasons to steer the consumer... it is also entirely possible that the salesperson was genuinely mistaken or expressing opinion.
I own both a JT and a JLUR, for the family I prefer the JT, room is the same inside, however the ability to load up the bed with all the luggage, stroller etc with a tonneau covering it makes packing the car much nicer and it hold a heck of a lot more.
I’m coming from a Ram rebel, it was a fine truck but I didn’t need everything it offered including the size, this seems perfect for me, plus I can go top down driving....this is certainly less fatiguing for DD’ing around town and parking, not as good on the highway but I’m a jeep guy and it...
I rolled from my 2019 Rebel to a 2021 Gladiator, my rebel is a beautiful big truck but it’s been problematic and I don’t use it to full capability...the Gladiator is so much better for DD, less fatiguing.