Considering selling my Gladiator Launch Edition

[lucky7t]

If more than badging, what is it then? I have seen nothing on the LE's that cannot be spec and built by a custom order sans the badging.

Not going to argue here in a public forum but will explain why I feel it is different .

You are 100 percent correct that’s it’s only aesthetics . In the long run or future it’s common that a limited run of a certain vehicle equates to value . Is the le going to appreciate like my GT350R ? Probably not but I feel it won’t drop as hard as others . It’s not just a badge . I don’t understand why those comments are made . It’s the launch edition , the one that was a bit weird to order, and has some options along with the leather wrapped dash panels , wheels etc.. and is 1 of 4190 . It doesn’t mean it’s for everybody or better than another model but it is different .

Sponsored

 

[lucky7t]

"LAUNCH EDITION UPGRADES
Launch Edition Tailgate Badge (one of 4190) / 17x7.5-Inch Mid-Gloss Black Aluminum Wheels / Leather-Wrapped Instrument Panel with Rubicon Red Stitching"

https://www.jeep.com/gladiator/launch-edition.html

We already KNOW they made more than 4190 of them. Even after the close date my dealer called me and asked if I wanted to order one, I said no, nothing special there.

Today or tomorrow or next year the LE is not going to bring any additional money except at some car lot by a sales guy trying to convince some rube it's rare and worth more money...my '67 L88 Corvette was RARE, they only made 26 of them of course I did not know that at the time, I got one of the very first ones, got it in Sept IIRC of '66.

You want rare, here is RARE. First Rubicon delivered to Texas Aug '02, inside of the hood signed by Jeep marketing, mfg and the engineers that developed the Rubicon. THink it's worth more $$. NO, cool, neat but not worth more money!

Sounds like you read a lot . Maybe you need to read a bit more of what is different about the launch other than a badge . And I disagree they made more than 4190 of the launch . Read a bit more and you will see that many cancelled of which enabled others to order one . Owned over 10 jeeps over my lifetime . I dig your enthusiasm and your knowledge , used your tire inflation post the other day . But opinions are like assholes , everyone has one and the launch is not just a badge .

 

[ClawSS]

I was going to buy a Rubicon as my daily which is about 33k / year. Now I guess that is not what I should do because I should have "thought of that before I buy". I have driven a v-8 premium gas guzzler in my last 6 cars....each on the same mileage schedule.

I am not sure of why a v-6 with double digit fuel mileage isn't a good daily?

 

[Ole Cowboy]

Sounds like you read a lot . Maybe you need to read a bit more of what is different about the launch other than a badge . And I disagree they made more than 4190 of the launch . Read a bit more and you will see that many cancelled of which enabled others to order one . Owned over 10 jeeps over my lifetime . I dig your enthusiasm and your knowledge , used your tire inflation post the other day . But opinions are like assholes , everyone has one and the launch is not just a badge .

Did you read my post, I QUOTED Jeep and what the difference is and I gave you the link to the page where its quoted. My dealer called and asked if I wanted a LE saying: "they have extended the ordering window 2 additional weeks for the LE due to demand".

Then this, your reply in post 31:

"Hootbro: If more than badging, what is it then? I have seen nothing on the LE's that cannot be spec and built by a custom order sans the badging.


lucky7t: Not going to argue here in a public forum but will explain why I feel it is different .

You are 100 percent correct that’s it’s only aesthetics . "


Can aesthetics make a car worth more, YES! In some cases, it can. BUT I would not bank on it happening with the LE. Corvette division bought back my Z06 paying $2000 over what I paid for the car. I was told it was the COLOR combination. It was 1 of 2 made in that color combo with the Z06 package. This is not unusual in the world collectible cars. BUT had it not been a Z06 I doubt it would have made any difference at all.

 

[Hootbro]

Not going to argue here in a public forum but will explain why I feel it is different .

You are 100 percent correct that’s it’s only aesthetics . In the long run or future it’s common that a limited run of a certain vehicle equates to value . Is the le going to appreciate like my GT350R ? Probably not but I feel it won’t drop as hard as others . It’s not just a badge . I don’t understand why those comments are made . It’s the launch edition , the one that was a bit weird to order, and has some options along with the leather wrapped dash panels , wheels etc.. and is 1 of 4190 . It doesn’t mean it’s for everybody or better than another model but it is different .

I am not taking it as an argument, just a spirited discussion. It is not a win/lose proposition either.

Like anything in the collector or unique automotive markets, perception can be everything even if the actual stats do not back it up. The LE Gladiator has a lot more going against it for future collector value than for it in my Opinion. It is not a sequential VIN or serialized released. Nor was it the first 4190 built. If fact, there is rumblings in another thread they may even be building more than 4190 stated numbers. With no unique features other than badging, future value is going to ride on the if the marketing perception of uniqueness rather than statistical facts showing it to be unique.

20 years down the road, the only one going to make bank on a LE Gladiator is the kook that throws new one in a shipping van container and forgets about it. Even then, there is better rates of return on someones money elsewhere.

 

[relapsekg]

I hit 500 miles today and I love this vehicle!
I haven’t pursued the sale idea any further than mentioning it here & ruffling some feathers in the process.
Like the guy in Sorbs’ video, I don’t care much for the crash avoidance. It has slowed way down when I was paying attention and felt I was far enough behind the car in front of me. It overruled my judgement, causing the car behind me to have to hit his brakes. I also don’t care much for the engine shutoff at traffic lights; I wish I didn’t have to push the button to turn it off every time I start the engine.
I’m not a fan of technology when it comes to Jeeps. My 2006 LJ has, in my opinion, the perfect amount of technology: 6-disc CD player, cruise control, and air conditioning.

There is a sensitivity setting for the crash avoidance in the settings in the radio...

 

[lucky7t]

I am not taking it as an argument, just a spirited discussion. It is not a win/lose proposition either.

Like anything in the collector or unique automotive markets, perception can be everything even if the actual stats do not back it up. The LE Gladiator has a lot more going against it for future collector value than for it in my Opinion. It is not a sequential VIN or serialized released. Nor was it the first 4190 built. If fact, there is rumblings in another thread they may even be building more than 4190 stated numbers. With no unique features other than badging, future value is going to ride on the if the marketing perception of uniqueness rather than statistical facts showing it to be unique.

20 years down the road, the only one going to make bank on a LE Gladiator is the kook that throws new one in a shipping van container and forgets about it. Even then, there is better rates of return on someones money elsewhere.

Spirited discussion? Lol. Your literal statements are bullshit and we both know it . I’m done here . This is really getting stupid .

 

[Hootbro]

Spirited discussion? Lol. Your literal statements are bullshit and we both know it . I’m done here . This is really getting stupid .

I have no idea where your angst over this is coming from..but whatever.

 

[ThirtyOne]

The only truly limited Jeep in recent memory was the Red Rock. Only 50 built and a 2 inch lift and 35s among other things.

Anyone know whether these have appreciated or not?

 

[Jeepers!]

The only truly limited Jeep in recent memory was the Red Rock. Only 50 built and a 2 inch lift and 35s among other things.

Anyone know whether these have appreciated or not?

Yeah, big time

 

[5JeepsAz]

Special editions don't make a car worth more UNLESS there is performance upgrade such as dual exhaust, 4 sp trans, engine upgrade etc. Throwing some plastic badging on it and some other doo-dah rarely adds value. L88 engine in a Corvette, Pre '65 fuel injection in Corvette or Chevy sedan, Oldsmobile 442, 4 bbl carb, 4 spd trans and dual exhaust etc. Decals don't make a car worth more money!

You are hinting at $70k for an LE you paid MSRP or better for...what you have for sale is a USED JEEP and LE adds NOTHING to it's resale value today or tomorrow. You do KNOW that I can buy the same exact decals etc you have on the LE.

In 2002 I stopped off at a Jeep dealer to order a new Sahara and I remember telling the guy I have been buying Sahara Jeeps since '89 how about a color other than green or the gold thing, maybe yellow or red? No can't get even under special order. So I ordered a thing called a Rubicon, whatever the hell that was but it had D 44 axles, lockers and a 4:1 low transfer case. Turns out I was one of the first 50 individuals that ordered a Rubicon in the US...I got a call from a dealer in Houston, offered me $5000 over what I paid for it ( Family and Friends Invoice), I turned him down, even my own dealer offered me $3k over what I paid. It was the very first RUbicon delivered to the state of Texas. Dealers were getting MSRP++, today Rubicons bring a premium over other Jeeps, not for the decal, but for the performance enhancements they have. The LE adds nothing to its value, all the people that thought the LE was worth more have already bought one. When I ordered my Rubicon my dealer said you want an LE? No!

Sorry buddy, you got sucked in thinking you were special to get an LE. Reality is, Jeep would have made as many LE's as were ordered in the mfg window timeframe.

Not sure on all that ... that you had the first thus and such in Texas shows it still holds worth in mentionables, it being LE. LE has value as the first special nameplate. Worth money? No. But I want an LE used in a couple years because nameplate cache. Foolish? Yes. I like a truck because it has a cool name plate. So, did you like your first Rubi better than your saharas? I loved the Sahara, never had a Rubi... Always wondered if it was an upgrade or just newer.

 

[billyjk7]

How much?

 

[Ole Cowboy]

Not sure on all that ... that you had the first thus and such in Texas shows it still holds worth in mentionables, it being LE. LE has value as the first special nameplate. Worth money? No. But I want an LE used in a couple years because nameplate cache. Foolish? Yes. I like a truck because it has a cool name plate. So, did you like your first Rubi better than your saharas? I loved the Sahara, never had a Rubi... Always wondered if it was an upgrade or just newer.

It was never in ANY shows, but pure fate only I was one of the first individuals that ordered a Rubicon, I just happened to stop by a dealer to buy a new Jeep hoping to get a deal at the end of the year. They had nothing I liked. The sales guy said we can order you a new one as of today. As it was me and a Doctor ordered a new Rubicon that morning.

Had I not been contacted by Jeep telling me I was one of the first 50 I would have never known. But you got to remember, every year many, many people order up cars, trucks you name it, they order for the same reason I do, I get what I want! So every year there are always 50 first folks that ordered. This makes no one and no auto special other than to the person who placed the order for THEIR car.

I loved my '03 Rubicon the most, but I was at a time in my life that I could afford to do what I had always wondered. Where is the point on an X Y graph did extreme off-road meet daily driver? My metric was Pritchett Canyon Moab, do it forward and back no strap, no winch by myself. I did it and in fact, did it several times and even did it in the summer with the AC on. Then I 'retired' from the game, I had nothing else to prove and I had been offroading since the early '60s and I had climbed my Mt Everest.

I still love my Jeeps as much as ever, but I am leaving the builds and trails to you guys, go have fun, I did!

This may beg the question, what the hell does the old man do? Well this past weekend found me atop my 40 ft windmill replacing the wooden platform. Then I ran into town and picked up 3 tons of rocks and 1500 lbs of concrete mix. I did ALL the loading and unloading, I have a Stone Mason building some rock walls for me and I am HIS HELPER!

Me at the top of the windmill bolting down the 4 wooden planks and me taking a coffee break from unloading 3 tons of rocks.

 

[5JeepsAz]

It was never in ANY shows, but pure fate only I was one of the first individuals that ordered a Rubicon, I just happened to stop by a dealer to buy a new Jeep hoping to get a deal at the end of the year. They had nothing I liked. The sales guy said we can order you a new one as of today. As it was me and a Doctor ordered a new Rubicon that morning.

Had I not been contacted by Jeep telling me I was one of the first 50 I would have never known. But you got to remember, every year many, many people order up cars, trucks you name it, they order for the same reason I do, I get what I want! So every year there are always 50 first folks that ordered. This makes no one and no auto special other than to the person who placed the order for THEIR car.

I loved my '03 Rubicon the most, but I was at a time in my life that I could afford to do what I had always wondered. Where is the point on an X Y graph did extreme off-road meet daily driver? My metric was Pritchett Canyon Moab, do it forward and back no strap, no winch by myself. I did it and in fact, did it several times and even did it in the summer with the AC on. Then I 'retired' from the game, I had nothing else to prove and I had been offroading since the early '60s and I had climbed my Mt Everest.

I still love my Jeeps as much as ever, but I am leaving the builds and trails to you guys, go have fun, I did!

This may beg the question, what the hell does the old man do? Well this past weekend found me atop my 40 ft windmill replacing the wooden platform. Then I ran into town and picked up 3 tons of rocks and 1500 lbs of concrete mix. I did ALL the loading and unloading, I have a Stone Mason building some rock walls for me and I am HIS HELPER!

Me at the top of the windmill bolting down the 4 wooden planks and me taking a coffee break from unloading 3 tons of rocks.

Awesome. Nothing like sitting on a tractor sipping something cool after a day like that. Love the go it alone tale about Moab. Which was better? The first time or subsequent? Probably each better in its own way. I'm also wondering how many can say they did that? I'm watching these guys doing little trails through there in their early Willy's thinking that would be cool. I'm also a solo trip guy. Want to be up where eagles dare etc. Okay or vultures. Right now I'm metro so can't wait to get my 64 back so I can go get stuck, break down, and find my way home from way the hell out there.

 

[Ole Cowboy]

Awesome. Nothing like sitting on a tractor sipping something cool after a day like that. Love the go it alone tale about Moab. Which was better? The first time or subsequent? Probably each better in its own way. I'm also wondering how many can say they did that? I'm watching these guys doing little trails through there in their early Willy's thinking that would be cool. I'm also a solo trip guy. Want to be up where eagles dare etc. Okay or vultures. Right now I'm metro so can't wait to get my 64 back so I can go get stuck, break down, and find my way home from way the hell out there.

I love Moab and miss going. Easter Jeep Safari, well not so much, I went to 2 and that was enough that said like the Indy 500 it's a bucket list thing, you got to do it...once!

My other fav spot NOT for the challenges, but for the exploration and fun is Death Valley. Another fun one is Anza Borrego down in the Imperial Valley of SoCal: http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=638 . Spent a week there, really enjoyed it.

Do Moab at different times of the year. I have done it in the snow and summer and of course some of the best Pizza you will ever eat at Zack's. Moab as a town if a fun place, but you will never see it at EJS, too many Jeepers there, go in off-season and you will always find a few Jeepers there to hook up with.

So in the past 2 weeks, I have loaded and unloaded 8000 lbs of rocks, 4000 lbs of concrete mixes, when my stone mason finishes then I will fire up my 2 chainsaws and 20 chains to go clear some land...this is retirement!

Sponsored