JeepGuy82
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I'm new to the forum and have really enjoyed perusing the threads while awaiting the delivery of my EcoDiesel Gladiator Rubicon. I ordered mine from Champion of Decatur, Alabama on July 9 and took delivery this past Thursday, October 8. Kevin Allison, the GM at Champion, is a family friend and I have known him for years. He's a stand up guy, honest, and takes care of his customers. For any of you considering ordering a new Gladiator, you should check with him first at 256-351-8787. I doubt he will give you the unthinkable deal he gave me (I have been sworn to secrecy), but even if he gets close it will be one of the best - if not the best - in the country. There's my plug for him! By the way, the sticker on mine was over $66k. I have everything available at the time of ordering except the front windshield tie-downs, the removable bluetooth speaker, and the trail rail system.
Now, on to the good stuff. I just spent several hours driving almost 500 miles in my new EcoDiesel Gladiator Rubicon. And, let me tell you.... PHENOMENAL! This new EcoDiesel is one of the coolest combos for the Gladiator and I think will provide more enjoyment (provided quality is longterm) than the upcoming V8. There is just enough diesel clatter to let you know you're in something special. The engine/transmission combination is SPOT ON. I'm talking perfect upshifts and downshifts, great cruising at interstate speeds (was getting 31 mpg at 70 on a straightaway with Mud Terrains), and just as at home climbing through the North Carolina mountains. Not once did I experience any hiccups here. Now, there is an annoying buzzing noise when you turn off the engine. This lasts a minute or two and goes away. I have been told by a senior tech this is normal and has to do with the turbo break-in and will subside after about 1,000 miles. I guess I'll find out in the next couple of days. I think everyone with the diesel is experiencing this so no concerns and it's not so bad that if it never goes away I'll be upset.
Back to the engine. WOW. Torque and torque and MORE torque. Pulls like crazy and is killer. I'm smiling as a write this thinking about it! Windows up and you can hear the diesel at idle/parking lot speeds... just enough to think out loud I can't believe Jeep built this! Once you're cruising the cabin is quiet (Jeep quiet), and easy to jam out to the Alpine stereo (excellent system and worth it), handles bluetooth phone calls, etc. Windows down... I can't quit smiling. Summer time with freedom tops out and doors off will be an experience.
Speaking of freedom tops, one of the first issues I noticed was a rather vast and super annoying water leak around the passenger side. Water comes in right above the passenger side seat belt. I dove through a monsoon with no issues, but when I had to back up or stop at a red light, it came pouring in. For now I have some shop towels keeping the interior dry but will be back at the dealer with this next week. Also, noticed a defect on the corner of this freedom top so that might have something to do with it. I'll post a picture below.
Another issue I experienced was with the electronic stability control. This is the most concerning of all the little things so far. On three separate occasions the warning light flickered on and off for no apparent reason. The first time it turned off my adaptive cruise control (which works great by the way). This morning I checked all the fuses and most weren't fully seated. So, I pushed those on down and hope that takes care of the problem. I'll report back once I know if this fixes the issues.
Also, my Apple CarPlay disconnected and reconnected twice for no apparent reason. There was something on the Uconnect screen about unpairing or something but I couldn't catch the wording fast enough. Going to keep on eye on this as well.
All in all - absolutely love my new Gladiator. For any of you sitting on the fence, DO IT. Get the EcoDiesel. By my scientific seat-of-my-pants and smiles-per-miles calculations, I'd buy the EcoDiesel again tomorrow with a HUGE smile on my face!
So, quick update. Just hit 1,000 miles on the odometer and loving the truck! Dealer has taken care of the freedom top issues with two brand new freedom tops! After I pushed the fuses down, I have had no other electronic stability control or CarPlay issues so holding my breath on that one. All in all, having an absolute blast with this new truck and I am so grateful that I picked the diesel! I think FCA should do a commercial spot and instead of saying that thing got a hemi, it should be that thing got a diesel? That’s the one thing I keep hearing over and over...
Now, on to the good stuff. I just spent several hours driving almost 500 miles in my new EcoDiesel Gladiator Rubicon. And, let me tell you.... PHENOMENAL! This new EcoDiesel is one of the coolest combos for the Gladiator and I think will provide more enjoyment (provided quality is longterm) than the upcoming V8. There is just enough diesel clatter to let you know you're in something special. The engine/transmission combination is SPOT ON. I'm talking perfect upshifts and downshifts, great cruising at interstate speeds (was getting 31 mpg at 70 on a straightaway with Mud Terrains), and just as at home climbing through the North Carolina mountains. Not once did I experience any hiccups here. Now, there is an annoying buzzing noise when you turn off the engine. This lasts a minute or two and goes away. I have been told by a senior tech this is normal and has to do with the turbo break-in and will subside after about 1,000 miles. I guess I'll find out in the next couple of days. I think everyone with the diesel is experiencing this so no concerns and it's not so bad that if it never goes away I'll be upset.
Back to the engine. WOW. Torque and torque and MORE torque. Pulls like crazy and is killer. I'm smiling as a write this thinking about it! Windows up and you can hear the diesel at idle/parking lot speeds... just enough to think out loud I can't believe Jeep built this! Once you're cruising the cabin is quiet (Jeep quiet), and easy to jam out to the Alpine stereo (excellent system and worth it), handles bluetooth phone calls, etc. Windows down... I can't quit smiling. Summer time with freedom tops out and doors off will be an experience.
Speaking of freedom tops, one of the first issues I noticed was a rather vast and super annoying water leak around the passenger side. Water comes in right above the passenger side seat belt. I dove through a monsoon with no issues, but when I had to back up or stop at a red light, it came pouring in. For now I have some shop towels keeping the interior dry but will be back at the dealer with this next week. Also, noticed a defect on the corner of this freedom top so that might have something to do with it. I'll post a picture below.
Another issue I experienced was with the electronic stability control. This is the most concerning of all the little things so far. On three separate occasions the warning light flickered on and off for no apparent reason. The first time it turned off my adaptive cruise control (which works great by the way). This morning I checked all the fuses and most weren't fully seated. So, I pushed those on down and hope that takes care of the problem. I'll report back once I know if this fixes the issues.
Also, my Apple CarPlay disconnected and reconnected twice for no apparent reason. There was something on the Uconnect screen about unpairing or something but I couldn't catch the wording fast enough. Going to keep on eye on this as well.
All in all - absolutely love my new Gladiator. For any of you sitting on the fence, DO IT. Get the EcoDiesel. By my scientific seat-of-my-pants and smiles-per-miles calculations, I'd buy the EcoDiesel again tomorrow with a HUGE smile on my face!
So, quick update. Just hit 1,000 miles on the odometer and loving the truck! Dealer has taken care of the freedom top issues with two brand new freedom tops! After I pushed the fuses down, I have had no other electronic stability control or CarPlay issues so holding my breath on that one. All in all, having an absolute blast with this new truck and I am so grateful that I picked the diesel! I think FCA should do a commercial spot and instead of saying that thing got a hemi, it should be that thing got a diesel? That’s the one thing I keep hearing over and over...
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