Gladiator or Wrangler??

[Yolobaggins]

I know this is a Gladiator forum...

But I need a new vehicle and am looking at used Mojave's and used Wranglers.

I had a 19 Sahara a couple years ago but sold it and not sure if the Gladiator would be better in the long run and was wondering if anyone has had experience with both. I won't do any off-roading, just daily driving with the kids, errands, etc.

The main reason I like the Wrangler is for the Sky One Touch. Removing my old hard top was such a pain, I hated it and the gladiator doesn't have that option. Kids would love having that open air feeling

However, having the Mojave comforts, shocks, and bed would be better on a day to day basis (at least I think)

Any opinions would be great

Thanks!

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[Phishs]

Mojave soft top

 

[Sweetums]

I had an SUV that was replaced by the JT. Absolutely zero regrets about getting a truck, I find myself using the bed constantly for things that I would have needed to rent a trailer to haul before. It's really nice to just toss all the camping gear in the back and not have to listen to the parts of my stove rattle at every bump for days at a time. The dogs get a full back seat because everything fits in the bed, so they are more comfortable than before (and having to share space with gear).

If you want an SUV, then you should get a Wrangler. If you want a truck you should get a Gladiator. No one can tell you what your desires are.

 

[Alpine Warthog]

Well, I went from an 07 JKU to Gladiator sport. I can't speak to the mojave suspension, I've only test driven one on the highway, but I can say:

Going from Wrangler to Gladiator feels way smaller (because the interior is well, smaller) Even though shoulder room and legroom are very much the same, having all that air in there and then not, takes a little getting used to. I owned a single cab Ranger for a few years, it's not nearly as claustrophobic as that.

The bed is useful. Way more useful than a wrangler. But the main point of a MOJAVE is for offroading. If you've got Mojave money but no use for Mojave offroading, why not go for a high altitude? The hard part about the used car market is you're stuck with what's out there. The scary thing about USED mojave's is you don't know if if it's been thrashed or not. Kinda like buying a Ferrari and hoping the last owner was an 80 year old grandma who never drove it. A used mojave has likley been rode hard and put away wet.

 

[Sweetums]

Ironically, you want a Ferrari that's been redlined; those engines do not like trundling along at low RPM.

Gotta give them the old "Italian tuneup" once in a while. My Ducati is the same way, the correct break-in procedure is to put it together out of the crate, take it out, and hoik a massive wheelie all the way to redline through 3rd gear - that should take you up to about 100 mph or so. Do that a bunch for about 2 weeks and your valves will always be in-spec. ?

 

[AmosMoses]

I had a couple 2 door jk's before I bought a gladiator. I loved them, even with a toddler and a car seat I didn't mind having to move the passenger seat forward to access the car seat in the back. The jt is more practical because it has 4 doors and a bed and I love it but I would have preferred an extended cab with half doors in the back or no doors. It's just a really long truck that barely fits in my garage but I love it.

 

[Yolobaggins]

Well, I went from an 07 JKU to Gladiator sport. I can't speak to the mojave suspension, I've only test driven one on the highway, but I can say:

Going from Wrangler to Gladiator feels way smaller (because the interior is well, smaller) Even though shoulder room and legroom are very much the same, having all that air in there and then not, takes a little getting used to. I owned a single cab Ranger for a few years, it's not nearly as claustrophobic as that.

The bed is useful. Way more useful than a wrangler. But the main point of a MOJAVE is for offroading. If you've got Mojave money but no use for Mojave offroading, why not go for a high altitude? The hard part about the used car market is you're stuck with what's out there. The scary thing about USED mojave's is you don't know if if it's been thrashed or not. Kinda like buying a Ferrari and hoping the last owner was an 80 year old grandma who never drove it. A used mojave has likley been rode hard and put away wet.

Good point on the Mojave. However, how many people like me haven't and won't beat the hell out of it off road? How many actually do?

I haven't thought about the High Altitude. Isn't the Mojave the most comfortable riding though out of all of them? Plus it looks the best LOL

 

[Reddout99]

I had a 2.5" lifted 2010 JKU on 35s prior to getting my JTS, both used as daily drivers The JT is a far better vehicle IMO. Just the technology advances in 11 years is remarkable. I suspect I'll be in this JT for a long time.
If you're getting a newer Wrangler than technology is a non-issue. Other thing, IMO, is there are a ton of Wranglers on the road, but not as many Gladiators. Let alone, nice ones that have been modded with lifts and are running bigger tires.

 

[Alpine Warthog]

Good point on the Mojave. However, how many people like me haven't and won't beat the hell out of it off road? How many actually do?

I haven't thought about the High Altitude. Isn't the Mojave the most comfortable riding though out of all of them? Plus it looks the best LOL

ON looks, you're 100% correct, it does look better in stock form.

I'd say the chances of getting a MOJAVE that's got all highway miles and that upgraded suspension wasn't pushed is maybe 60/40? You just never know. We all have reasons for wanting what we want. LOL

I can't judge

 

[Deleted member 57233]

The scary thing about USED mojave's is you don't know if if it's been thrashed or not. Kinda like buying a Ferrari and hoping the last owner was an 80 year old grandma who never drove it. A used mojave has likley been rode hard and put away wet.

Most of the ones I see around here are bone stock and mall parking lot clean, the Rubicons look beat to hell lol. And I 'm starting to see a lot of low miles, "oh shit I can't afford this" used vehicle sales.

 

[Alpine Warthog]

Seeing you're in Virginia, is there any wheeling near you? I guess maybe test drive it and take it to a car wash. FLush the frame and see if any mud starts flowing!

Most of the ones I see around here are bone stock and mall parking lot clean, the Rubicons look beat to hell lol. And I 'm starting to see a lot of low miles, "oh shit I can't afford this" used vehicle sales.

That's a great point.

 

[Yolobaggins]

Most of the ones I see around here are bone stock and mall parking lot clean, the Rubicons look beat to hell lol. And I 'm starting to see a lot of low miles, "oh shit I can't afford this" used vehicle sales.

Yeah that is why I am looking at used. New prices are absurd right now. You can get a decent packaged Mojave with 20k or Miles for $45k around here

 

[jcarbs]

If you get the Mojave, you could get the sunrider top to replace the freedom panels. Opens in seconds and provides a great open air feel. Once we installed the sunrider top, I just put the freedom panels in their bag and stored it in the closet.

 

[Wheelin98TJ]

Good point on the Mojave. However, how many people like me haven't and won't beat the hell out of it off road? How many actually do?

I haven't thought about the High Altitude. Isn't the Mojave the most comfortable riding though out of all of them? Plus it looks the best LOL

Sounds like you are keeping it stock? No plans to lift it?

 

[Yolobaggins]

Sounds like you are keeping it stock? No plans to lift it?

I was planning lifting, 2.5 spacer lift from AEV if I go Mojave

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