magicmike
Member
- Thread starter
- #1
Hey All, not one that is very active in posting, but lurked a ton in here.
Wanted to give a rundown on my 2020 Gladiator that I purchased in 2019.
2020 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon, White, Hardtop, Black Fenders and Roof, Premium Audio and Cold Weather Packages.
The Good:
-Probably the most fun vehicle I've ever owned, it never really shined in any one aspect, but it was extremely solid at dang near everything
-Reliable, nearly 4 and a half years, and 92,000 miles, on and off road use, and only upkeep was, fluids, filters, wiper blades, one new set of tires, and two tail light bulbs, and two insurance cover windshields. Otherwise not a single other issue that required any parts, it did benefit greatly from 5k oil changes, and I did a transmission and diff fluid change at 60k miles.
-Looked rad, the stock rubicons alone look distinctive and I regularly got comments asking if it was lifted, or otherwise modded, because it looked mean despite me keeping it stock throughout it's ownership. The difference next to a stock sport makes them almost look like different models with just the fender cut's being higher, the shocks, and the factory tires (which the falken wildpeaks did me well, got 60k miles out of the first set, and replacement set were in great shape at 92,000 miles)
-Handled all seasons in Illinois great, summer topless, awesome, winter and dealing with snow drifts because I live out in the boonies, no issues there either.
The Bad:
-Typical Jeep things, they are loud, incredible amounts of wind noise, but it's expected
-Roof leaking at the top of the rear window in heavy rains and in the car wash
-Ride quality, it's a jeep, this was a given and expected, but when you put 20k+ miles on a year, and it's something you can immediately hit a trail and benefit on, it got a bit harsh as daily logging miles
-Bluetooth mic was absolutely pointless, dead stopped at a stop light, couldn't ever have a conversation on it, I can understand wind noise and cruising, but woof, it never worked well
-Towing was rough, probably expected with the stock rubicon suspension, but even a small trailer and pulling a lawn mower was less than good, got it there, but while I hoped small towing jobs would be easy, the one time I towed closer to the limit it was rated at was sketchy, 0/7, not recommending
And what came next:
Last week I came on a deal while looking and traded in my Rubi on a 2024 Sierra SLT Crew Cab, 5.3L. Apples to Oranges as i've given up the fun factor that doorless and topless jeep life offers, but i'll likely scratch that itch with an older Wrangler for a Summer only vehicle. I had a blast with my Rubi, and I regret absolutely nothing on the ownership time, it served me so well. FWIW Sticker on mine was $50,9xx, I was able to trade it in for $36,500 without too much back and forth with the dealer, given the rebates, and mark down on the truck I got, I'm guessing they are desperately trying to get trucks off the lot as inventory everywhere seems to be picking up. The combo of what felt to me as a real good trade in number, and getting out of the Gladiator before the high mileage began to show signs on it seemed like a good move, and i'd definitely recommend the Gladiators to others, but for me it was time to move on.
If anyone has some questions let me know, bit emotional trading it in, but we had a good run.
Wanted to give a rundown on my 2020 Gladiator that I purchased in 2019.
2020 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon, White, Hardtop, Black Fenders and Roof, Premium Audio and Cold Weather Packages.
The Good:
-Probably the most fun vehicle I've ever owned, it never really shined in any one aspect, but it was extremely solid at dang near everything
-Reliable, nearly 4 and a half years, and 92,000 miles, on and off road use, and only upkeep was, fluids, filters, wiper blades, one new set of tires, and two tail light bulbs, and two insurance cover windshields. Otherwise not a single other issue that required any parts, it did benefit greatly from 5k oil changes, and I did a transmission and diff fluid change at 60k miles.
-Looked rad, the stock rubicons alone look distinctive and I regularly got comments asking if it was lifted, or otherwise modded, because it looked mean despite me keeping it stock throughout it's ownership. The difference next to a stock sport makes them almost look like different models with just the fender cut's being higher, the shocks, and the factory tires (which the falken wildpeaks did me well, got 60k miles out of the first set, and replacement set were in great shape at 92,000 miles)
-Handled all seasons in Illinois great, summer topless, awesome, winter and dealing with snow drifts because I live out in the boonies, no issues there either.
The Bad:
-Typical Jeep things, they are loud, incredible amounts of wind noise, but it's expected
-Roof leaking at the top of the rear window in heavy rains and in the car wash
-Ride quality, it's a jeep, this was a given and expected, but when you put 20k+ miles on a year, and it's something you can immediately hit a trail and benefit on, it got a bit harsh as daily logging miles
-Bluetooth mic was absolutely pointless, dead stopped at a stop light, couldn't ever have a conversation on it, I can understand wind noise and cruising, but woof, it never worked well
-Towing was rough, probably expected with the stock rubicon suspension, but even a small trailer and pulling a lawn mower was less than good, got it there, but while I hoped small towing jobs would be easy, the one time I towed closer to the limit it was rated at was sketchy, 0/7, not recommending
And what came next:
Last week I came on a deal while looking and traded in my Rubi on a 2024 Sierra SLT Crew Cab, 5.3L. Apples to Oranges as i've given up the fun factor that doorless and topless jeep life offers, but i'll likely scratch that itch with an older Wrangler for a Summer only vehicle. I had a blast with my Rubi, and I regret absolutely nothing on the ownership time, it served me so well. FWIW Sticker on mine was $50,9xx, I was able to trade it in for $36,500 without too much back and forth with the dealer, given the rebates, and mark down on the truck I got, I'm guessing they are desperately trying to get trucks off the lot as inventory everywhere seems to be picking up. The combo of what felt to me as a real good trade in number, and getting out of the Gladiator before the high mileage began to show signs on it seemed like a good move, and i'd definitely recommend the Gladiators to others, but for me it was time to move on.
If anyone has some questions let me know, bit emotional trading it in, but we had a good run.
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