Gladiator Q4 2019 sales numbers out - thoughts?

[lrtexasman]

Well, I was pretty excited about the new Ranger, but when I (yawn...) saw it my (yawn...) reaction was... Was... Zzzzzzzzzzzz…

So I'm wondering if it will be the same for the new Bronco; so much potential just not realized. I'm envisioning a 2-door Ranger with a removable cap.

the Ranger you see now is the global Ranger, it’s simply a placeholder fot the all new Ranger which will be built next to the Bronco. It will be significantly better than the one that is out now pertaining to interior design and functionality. The Powertrain is already pretty solid.

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[ShadowsPapa]

Ford Ranger . . . James Bond said it best . . . Phoo Yuk! dating myself with that reference.

My father bought one new in 2010 - it was a very first new vehicle for my parents. They had never had any sort of new car or truck so I wondered how it would turn out.
As it turned out - no issues until 2018 with some yodel who fell asleep and crossed the entire highway, killing Dad and crushing his first - and last - new vehicle. (actually it was a poor kid believing he was invincible - falling asleep doesn't happen to me - driving his pop's car)
That truck performed well - no major issues for several years - the the issues were more like oil leaks and such after about 7 years. The local dealership fixed it fine.

 

[lrtexasman]

Comparing the Gladiator to other mid-size trucks is a bit of a dilemma when factoring the Rubicon into the equation. The Rubicon really does offer off-roaders more capability off the production line than anyone else. Once you take the Rubicon out of the equation though the JT quickly becomes less of a value. Really the selling points over competitors is being a convertible, several more inches of leg room for rear passengers, iconic Jeep styling, and availability of modifications. The reasons I think why the 2020 Tacoma OffRoad 4x4 crew long bed is as a better value than the JT Sport are as follows (it was redesigned in 2016 and has an all new Powertrain, exterior ,interior and safety changes.
1. More Reliable and excellent resale (previous transmission shifting and howling diffs complains have dropped off a cliff with 2020 changes)
2. Power Drivers Seat (JT does not offer)
3. Standard 8 monitor with Apple car play/android auto and trail terrain monitor ( upgrade to technology package in JT to get monitor but can’t terrain monitor in sport s)
4. Electronic rear locking diff (Rubi only)
5. Higher standard towing 6800 lbs and payload 1440 (JT needs max tow)
6. 6’ bed option (JT does not have)
7. Standard safety (Front Collision, ACC, Lane Sense, and auto high beams) BSM and rear collision is cheap option
8. No up charge for Auto transmission.
9. Drives straight as an arrow on highway at 80 MPH without trying to dial tire pressure to exact poundage, AC blows hot and cold for how long you want it to and at what temperature you tell it.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

Comparing the Gladiator to other mid-size trucks is a bit of a dilemma when factoring the Rubicon into the equation. The Rubicon really does offer off-roaders more capability off the production line than anyone else. Once you take the Rubicon out of the equation though the JT quickly becomes less of a value. Really the selling points over competitors is being a convertible, several more inches of leg room for rear passengers, iconic Jeep styling, and availability of modifications. The reasons I think why the 2020 Tacoma OffRoad 4x4 crew long bed is as a better value than the JT Sport are as follows (it was redesigned in 2016 and has an all new Powertrain, exterior ,interior and safety changes.
1. More Reliable and excellent resale (previous transmission shifting and howling diffs complains have dropped off a cliff with 2020 changes)
2. Power Drivers Seat (JT does not offer)
3. Standard 8 monitor with Apple car play/android auto and trail terrain monitor ( upgrade to technology package in JT to get monitor but can’t terrain monitor in sport s)
4. Electronic rear locking diff (Rubi only)
5. Higher standard towing 6800 lbs and payload 1440 (JT needs max tow)
6. 6’ bed option (JT does not have)
7. Standard safety (Front Collision, ACC, Lane Sense, and auto high beams) BSM and rear collision is cheap option
8. No up charge for Auto transmission.
9. Drives straight as an arrow on highway at 80 MPH without trying to dial tire pressure to exact poundage, AC blows hot and cold for how
long you want it to and at what temperature you tell it.

You can't at all include #9 because that's a problem with a few - not many or a majority. Not by a long shot.
I am running factory tire pressure (38) on my Overland and was hitting 85 with no fear, no problem. My HVAC works.
In fact my poll shows a big majority of JT people here do NOT have any steering issues at all. And in 4 or 5 months it's possible those that do - won't have any longer.
My bet is that if you talk about HVAC issues - consider that only SOME, a small minority of JT owners, are forum members, and of those - how many have the HVAC issue - or believe they do (yet to be determined - a lot of info mixed in there) so with HVAC, as with other issues, when you have it, it's critical, it's major, it's really bad - but that doesn't mean you are in the majority.

As far as #1 - resale is yet to be determined on JT - it's WAAAY too early to even attempt to judge that no matter how the people who want to trade or sell in the first 6 months gripe about it. IF the JT follows the other Jeeps - resale will be as good if not better than many other vehicles out there.

To be fair, you can really only include 2 through 8 - and those I'll give ya and say "yup"

 

[BK_Yeti]

Comparing the Gladiator to other mid-size trucks is a bit of a dilemma when factoring the Rubicon into the equation. The Rubicon really does offer off-roaders more capability off the production line than anyone else. Once you take the Rubicon out of the equation though the JT quickly becomes less of a value. Really the selling points over competitors is being a convertible, several more inches of leg room for rear passengers, iconic Jeep styling, and availability of modifications. The reasons I think why the 2020 Tacoma OffRoad 4x4 crew long bed is as a better value than the JT Sport are as follows (it was redesigned in 2016 and has an all new Powertrain, exterior ,interior and safety changes.
1. More Reliable and excellent resale (previous transmission shifting and howling diffs complains have dropped off a cliff with 2020 changes)
2. Power Drivers Seat (JT does not offer)
3. Standard 8 monitor with Apple car play/android auto and trail terrain monitor ( upgrade to technology package in JT to get monitor but can’t terrain monitor in sport s)
4. Electronic rear locking diff (Rubi only)
5. Higher standard towing 6800 lbs and payload 1440 (JT needs max tow)
6. 6’ bed option (JT does not have)
7. Standard safety (Front Collision, ACC, Lane Sense, and auto high beams) BSM and rear collision is cheap option
8. No up charge for Auto transmission.
9. Drives straight as an arrow on highway at 80 MPH without trying to dial tire pressure to exact poundage, AC blows hot and cold for how long you want it to and at what temperature you tell it.

Counter point: I had one (2017 Double Cab Long Bed TRD Off Road). It had an f'ing minivan engine that only made modest power, and you had to rev it past 4k to really get anything out of it. Even worse, the transmission was the most schizophrenic piece of shit to ever curse a vehicle. Interior fit and finish was DOGSHIT compared to the JT. Honestly - i haven't regretted the decision to move to the JT for one second, as in my opinion, the JT is a far superior vehicle.

 

[Klutch]

You can't at all include #9 because that's a problem with a few - not many or a majority. Not by a long shot.
I am running factory tire pressure (38) on my Overland and was hitting 85 with no fear, no problem. My HVAC works.
In fact my poll shows a big majority of JT people here do NOT have any steering issues at all. And in 4 or 5 months it's possible those that do - won't have any longer.
My bet is that if you talk about HVAC issues - consider that only SOME, a small minority of JT owners, are forum members, and of those - how many have the HVAC issue - or believe they do (yet to be determined - a lot of info mixed in there) so with HVAC, as with other issues, when you have it, it's critical, it's major, it's really bad - but that doesn't mean you are in the majority.

As far as #1 - resale is yet to be determined on JT - it's WAAAY too early to even attempt to judge that no matter how the people who want to trade or sell in the first 6 months gripe about it. IF the JT follows the other Jeeps - resale will be as good if not better than many other vehicles out there.

To be fair, you can really only include 2 through 8 - and those I'll give ya and say "yup"

Indeed, my Gladiator tracks straight as a string and the heater works great. Haven't yet used the A/C.

 

[CAL32]

When the previous CEO of FCA, Sergio Marchionne, green lighted the project he said specifically that he was going to deliberately price the truck much higher than the competition because the new truck would have capabilities that no other manufacturer offered and he was/is right.

He also went on to say that their target sales figure was about 75K per year. Given the late roll out and the lack of real advertising I would say they are well on their way to meeting that figure.

Going back to the comment that Toyota sold X many Taco’s I would argue that it’s not about the number of units sold but rather the profit per vehicle that really matters. As an example, a few years ago Porsche was the most profitable car company in the world and it certainly wasn’t because they sold more cars than only one else but rather had the highest margin per car in the universe...

Well said, to your last point in believe Ferrari took that crown in 2019 with Porsche not far behind...odd that publicly traded car manufacturers aim to increase their profit margins...

 

[Gladiator4Runner]

I've still only seen 6 on the road this year.
I drive 45,000 miles/year throughout Minnesota so it's not like I'm not out and about enough.

Glad to see prices are coming down and people are negotiating better deals. I give this site

My father bought one new in 2010 - it was a very first new vehicle for my parents. They had never had any sort of new car or truck so I wondered how it would turn out.
As it turned out - no issues until 2018 with some yodel who fell asleep and crossed the entire highway, killing Dad and crushing his first - and last - new vehicle. (actually it was a poor kid believing he was invincible - falling asleep doesn't happen to me - driving his pop's car)
That truck performed well - no major issues for several years - the the issues were more like oil leaks and such after about 7 years. The local dealership fixed it fine.

Sorry to hear about the accident and your loss.

 

[xpcdoojk]

They screwed the pooch in many was on the Gladiator. They loaded up the lots with trucks that had nothing anyone wanted in them. They also could have simplified packages and added many things that should be standard on most any car or truck today but they are nickel and diming each option. They went after the people who they knew would pay almost any price regardless and they got those on board now its up to them to try to pull in others which they could have by offering a lot more Sport and Sport S with Max Tow decently loaded and decent price. If you do not absolutly want a jeep truck then the casual person is as you say going to go on the lot and see a jeep for $60K with decent offering and then they are gonna show them a Ram loaded with goodies that drives like dream and that person on the fence likely jumped at the full size loaded for way less money. There are those who are going to buy a jeep and those that regardless will by Toyota cause well that is all they buy. Same with Ford. I know guys they will not buy anything but a Ford and same with Toyota. Jeeps work now that the have to have a jeep truck are on board is to get others into them. The only way to do that I think now is change the build out packages being sent to dealers and change the price.[/QUOTE

Have you always been an unhappy person? Were you picked on in kindergarten? I am just trying to get to the deep bits of your unhappiness. I am not sure the JT caused it and I know I didn’t. ;-)

JC

 

[xpcdoojk]

I've still only seen 6 on the road this year.
I drive 45,000 miles/year throughout Minnesota so it's not like I'm not out and about enough.

Glad to see prices are coming down and people are negotiating better deals. I give this site


Sorry to hear about the accident and your loss.

There are 3 in my neighborhood within 2 blocks of me. Mine will arrive in the next week or so and that is 4. Is Minnesota that backward?

JC

 

[ShadowsPapa]

There are 3 in my neighborhood within 2 blocks of me. Mine will arrive in the next week or so and that is 4. Is Minnesota that backward?

JC

I've seen one in a small town south of us - sits in a yard each time I see it.
I've seen a red one parked in the Lowe's parking lot.
Saw a white one on the road in East Des Moines.
But it's been a month since I've seen any as I recall.
There's just no call for such a vehicle in Iowa - farmers want beeg trucks to haul hevvy stuff. Grain wagons, a ton of concrete block, pulling horse and livestock trailers, hauling farm implements, huge campers, etc.
There's no off-road places around here.
I just don't expect to see many around here.
I wish it was the opposite, but being a realist............... I see why they may not sell well around here.

And - how will anyone know they exist - going back to my Jeep isn't marketing these things at all.
Unless you are ALREADY a Jeep person and go to Jeep dealerships anyway - you assume hey, Jeep sells off-road stuff and Grand Cherokees and SUVS and such - not trucks. So if I want a truck, I shop Chevy, Ford, RAM, and so on. Why would I go to a Jeep dealer if I wanted a TRUCK? Jeep doesn't make trucks.
Honestly, I'd have never ever known had I not seen one in a dealership while we were waiting on my wife's GC.
Jeep needs to MARKET these things.

 

[lrtexasman]

You can't at all include #9 because that's a problem with a few - not many or a majority. Not by a long shot.
I am running factory tire pressure (38) on my Overland and was hitting 85 with no fear, no problem. My HVAC works.
In fact my poll shows a big majority of JT people here do NOT have any steering issues at all. And in 4 or 5 months it's possible those that do - won't have any longer.
My bet is that if you talk about HVAC issues - consider that only SOME, a small minority of JT owners, are forum members, and of those - how many have the HVAC issue - or believe they do (yet to be determined - a lot of info mixed in there) so with HVAC, as with other issues, when you have it, it's critical, it's major, it's really bad - but that doesn't mean you are in the majority.

As far as #1 - resale is yet to be determined on JT - it's WAAAY too early to even attempt to judge that no matter how the people who want to trade or sell in the first 6 months gripe about it. IF the JT follows the other Jeeps - resale will be as good if not better than many other vehicles out there.

To be fair, you can really only include 2 through 8 - and those I'll give ya and say "yup"

Your right on 1 and 9. 1 is TBD but Wranglers have done well with resale and I expect JTs to so as well. I think limiting rebates on those models by FCA keeps residuals high. 9 is an exaggeration on my part, mostly in jest as I think both those issues will be squared away before to long for those few souls having them. The base Rubicon is value king imo. Overland and max tow sport S as well as sport and sport S with tow packages are good choices as well. I just wish the Rubicons could be had for 40k with auto and hard top and sport s with tow and technology could be had for 35k. At those prices they become better values and would increase sales by significant amounts. It is silly that every JT doesn't come ready for a tow hitch to slide in. If FCA would simply drop the automatic transmission charge and discount manuals by $1800 that would also increase sales without losing face.

 

[PyrPatriot]

For resale info, would looking at the number of used ones in your area and pricing for them help give an indication?

 

[lrtexasman]

Counter point: I had one (2017 Double Cab Long Bed TRD Off Road). It had an f'ing minivan engine that only made modest power, and you had to rev it past 4k to really get anything out of it. Even worse, the transmission was the most schizophrenic piece of shit to ever curse a vehicle. Interior fit and finish was DOGSHIT compared to the JT. Honestly - i haven't regretted the decision to move to the JT for one second, as in my opinion, the JT is a far superior vehicle.

Sounds like you and several other early Tacoma buyers are happy with the switch.

 

[lrtexasman]

For resale info, would looking at the number of used ones in your area and pricing for them help give an indication?

The 2020 Tacomas haven't been out long enough. There's only around 5 used off roads for sale now. There is a lot of 16-19 trucks for sale. Partly because they sold so many but also because a lot of buyers did not like the drivetrain. There is a lot of used 2020 Gladiators for sale, but they came out a year early. The ones that are for sale are asking a pretty penny and some of them seem like people who thought they could buy one and do lifts and tires and flip for 10k profit. They are finding JT buyers to be much more educated than most deep pocket look at me buyers. Just reading the forum responses and meeting folks with JTs you come to realize there is a solid group of experienced off-roading wrench turners among us.

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