Gladiator advice Before I buy?

[Carnage]

Hello everyone, new but excited!

I’ve been waiting for Jeep to come out with it for so long, it’s here now And I’m going for it but I’d like to weight the pros and cons of the Gladiator before I drive from the dealer.

I will of course be gathering my own information But would like anyone and everyone’s input of who has one from break downs, how difficult fixes can be, What it can do, how I can customize, and to wether it is definitely worth it or not, etc.

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[tweak89]

Well, why not tell us why you want one and what you plan to do? The JT itself hasn't been around long enough to determine what ongoing problems might be (you can look at JL history, but it's not all quite the same).

I can answer a few questions based on my experience:

Was it worth it? From a "am I happy with my purchase" standpoint, absolutely. From a purely monetary standpoint, of course not...it's a Jeep and overpriced compared to other trucks in it's class. If you want a pure TRUCK, you can get far more for your money looking elsewhere. But, you won't be taking off that top and doors and getting the "feel" that only a Jeep can give you.

From a mechanical standpoint, I've had zero issues. How easy it is to fix depends entirely on your ability as a shade tree mechanic. In that respect it's no different than any other car/truck.

Customization? It's a Jeep, so the sky is pretty much the limit.

I've personally wanted a Jeep for some time, but I also need something that had some real towing capability (and Wrangler's aren't known for that lol ). Now, I have what I want. That Jeep feeling of being topless and doorless while easily towing my 19' RV!

 

[hjdca]

Hello everyone, new but excited!

I’ve been waiting for Jeep to come out with it for so long, it’s here now And I’m going for it but I’d like to weight the pros and cons of the Gladiator before I drive from the dealer.

I will of course be gathering my own information But would like anyone and everyone’s input of who has one from break downs, how difficult fixes can be, What it can do, how I can customize, and to wether it is definitely worth it or not, etc.

I have 8K miles on mine and we love it. It has been used a lot during this Virus lockdown to get out into the forest next to us. I have not had any problems and I would buy it again in a heartbeat.

One thing to check during your test drive is "steering wheel play". Some forum members have reported excessive steering wheel play. While moving at fwy speed, the steering wheel should only have to move 1/2" to 1" before starting to move the truck out of the lane... If you have more play than that during your test drive, test another truck to make sure there is no issue.

 

[AJ-MJ]

I’ve been waiting for Jeep to come out with it for so long, it’s here now And I’m going for it but I’d like to weight the pros and cons of the Gladiator before I drive from the dealer.

Go to YouTube and search Jeep Gladiator...……. You will learn a lot !
THEN READ everything that interests you on this FORUM.

 

[Mr._Bill]

Hello everyone, new but excited!

I’ve been waiting for Jeep to come out with it for so long, it’s here now And I’m going for it but I’d like to weight the pros and cons of the Gladiator before I drive from the dealer.

I will of course be gathering my own information But would like anyone and everyone’s input of who has one from break downs, how difficult fixes can be, What it can do, how I can customize, and to wether it is definitely worth it or not, etc.

There are very few Gladiator owners that would tell you not to buy. This is a decision only you can make. Determine your needs, then go test drive one and see if it will work for you. Use the builder tool on the Jeep web site to help determine what model and options you want, then let it search the dealer inventory and see if there is one close by to purchase. If not, go back to the dealer and order what you want. Search the threads, and come back and ask questions before you buy. There are many options that can only be added when built, and cannot be added by the dealer later.

 

[granpappygd]

One thing to check during your test drive is "steering wheel play". Some forum members have reported excessive steering wheel play. While moving at fwy speed, the steering wheel should only have to move 1/2" to 1" before starting to move the truck out of the lane... If you have more play than that during your test drive, test another truck to make sure there is no issue.

1. I wish i knew THIS 2 DAYS AGO...BEFORE I bought. I thought -- she sways a bit -- maybe it is windy, I'm not used to driving a JEEP, etc....but I guess the 'sway' is an issue.... ugh. Say it ain't so!!!

2. That dang inside 'door hinge' is a HASSLE!

 

[Carnage]

Well, why not tell us why you want one and what you plan to do? The JT itself hasn't been around long enough to determine what ongoing problems might be (you can look at JL history, but it's not all quite the same).

I can answer a few questions based on my experience:

What it worth it? From a "am I happy with my purchase" standpoint, absolutely. From a purely monetary standpoint, of course not...it's a Jeep and overpriced compared to other trucks in it's class. If you want a pure TRUCK, you can get far more for your money looking elsewhere. But, you won't be taking off that top and doors and getting the "feel" that only a Jeep can give you.

From a mechanical standpoint, I've had zero issues. How easy it is to fix depends entirely on your ability as a shade tree mechanic. In that respect it's no different than any other car/truck.

Customization? It's a Jeep, so the sky is pretty much the limit.

I've personally wanted a Jeep for some time, but I also need something that had some real towing capability (and Wrangler's aren't known for that lol ). Now, I have what I want. That Jeep feeling of being topless and doorless while easily towing my 19' RV!

Well, why not tell us why you want one and what you plan to do? The JT itself hasn't been around long enough to determine what ongoing problems might be (you can look at JL history, but it's not all quite the same).

I can answer a few questions based on my experience:

What it worth it? From a "am I happy with my purchase" standpoint, absolutely. From a purely monetary standpoint, of course not...it's a Jeep and overpriced compared to other trucks in it's class. If you want a pure TRUCK, you can get far more for your money looking elsewhere. But, you won't be taking off that top and doors and getting the "feel" that only a Jeep can give you.

From a mechanical standpoint, I've had zero issues. How easy it is to fix depends entirely on your ability as a shade tree mechanic. In that respect it's no different than any other car/truck.

Customization? It's a Jeep, so the sky is pretty much the limit.

I've personally wanted a Jeep for some time, but I also need something that had some real towing capability (and Wrangler's aren't known for that lol ). Now, I have what I want. That Jeep feeling of being topless and doorless while easily towing my 19' RV!

I think me and you are the same guy buddy! Awesome input, read my mind!

 

[Carnage]

I have 8K miles on mine and we love it. It has been used a lot during this Virus lockdown to get out into the forest next to us. I have not had any problems and I would buy it again in a heartbeat.

One thing to check during your test drive is "steering wheel play". Some forum members have reported excessive steering wheel play. While moving at fwy speed, the steering wheel should only have to move 1/2" to 1" before starting to move the truck out of the lane... If you have more play than that during your test drive, test another truck to make sure there is no issue.

Thanks for the tip! Will do.

 

[Carnage]

There are very few Gladiator owners that would tell you not to buy. This is a decision only you can make. Determine your needs, then go test drive one and see if it will work for you. Use the builder tool on the Jeep web site to help determine what model and options you want, then let it search the dealer inventory and see if there is one close by to purchase. If not, go back to the dealer and order what you want. Search the threads, and come back and ask questions before you buy. There are many options that can only be added when built, and cannot be added by the dealer later.

Looks like they got a little incentive rn

 

[Carnage]

1. I wish i knew THIS 2 DAYS AGO...BEFORE I bought. I thought -- she sways a bit -- maybe it is windy, I'm not used to driving a JEEP, etc....but I guess the 'sway' is an issue.... ugh. Say it ain't so!!!

2. That dang inside 'door hinge' is a HASSLE!

Whatcha mean? So I know what to check out during test drive

 

[Mr._Bill]

Whatcha mean? So I know what to check out during test drive

Test drive the actual truck you're planning to buy before you sign the paperwork. Make sure it drives straight with no play in the steering. If you can't control it going straight at 65mph with just one finger on the wheel, you don't want it. My Overland drives great. It is the one I tested. I assumed they all drove that good, until I started reading otherwise here.

 

[machstell]

Agree with most of whats been replied. Notice this is an old post. All I can say is:
I love being back in a Jeep after 10 years. Had a YJ while stationed in San Diego and Hawaii.

Now I have a brand new Gladiator overland - and I absolutely feel at home. The fit, finish and performance is great. Its great to be back on the road in a stylish, capable and comfortable vehicle.

2020 Gladiator Overland

 

[Carnage]

Test drive the actual truck you're planning to buy before you sign the paperwork. Make sure it drives straight with no play in the steering. If you can't control it going straight at 65mph with just one finger on the wheel, you don't want it. My Overland drives great. It is the one I tested. I assumed they all drove that good, until I started reading otherwise here.

Thanks for the tip! If the dealer doesn’t let me test drive on freeway I ain’t buying now

 

[whiteglad]

Mine drives and steers fine. There is a thread on this forum about upgrading the steering stabilizer (like a shock absorber) if it seems "loose." In the past, I had a Wrangler and a Ram; replaced the Wrangler with the Gladiator. There are times when I want both a Jeep and a Truck, for example towing a small trailer to the hunting area, then taking the trails with a Jeep.

 

[Grumpygy]

Looking to get the Mojave, just wondering when jeep will start shipping again.

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