Love the Gladiator but just too Expensive

[SCJeeps]

I like many here love the concept of the Gladiator and would love to have one but I just can’t make financial sense of it. I am a long time Jeeper, I’ve had several XJs, a WJ , JKUR and currently have a 1952 M38 and my wife’s car is a 2014 Grand Cherokee Hemi.

In 2007 I bought a brand new 2008 JKUR for $33k OTD. I drove it for 5 years and put 125k miles on it. It was traded because I needed a full size truck, it didn’t have tow capacity for my boat. This brings me to today , I have a 2015 F150 crew cab 5.0. I just can’t imagine spending 60k on a mid size truck . Even with inflation my 33k in 2007 is only 40k today , it is just absurd. I am now leaning toward the fact that maybe the best solution is to have separate vehicles that better serve each purpose; full size truck and then just a Jeep. Even though the Gladiator theoretically has tow capacity I can’t imagine towing with 125 less horsepower than I currently have.

As much as I want to get the Gladiator It just doesn’t make sense, they priced it too high for me and to me a Rubicon would be the only option. Another downfall is towing capacity with a manual. To me a Jeep should be a manual, while I think the auto is a good gearbox I want a manual.

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[smlobx]

I think you answered your own questions..

 

[Sorbs]

Look on the forum on where to order one, spec it to your budget, and then pay thousands less than you think.

Since you just joined the forum today you just need to do some homework.

 

[Rex3rd]

I like many here love the concept of the Gladiator and would love to have one but I just can’t make financial sense of it. I am a long time Jeeper, I’ve had several XJs, a WJ , JKUR and currently have a 1952 M38 and my wife’s car is a 2014 Grand Cherokee Hemi.
In 2007 I bought a brand new 2008 JKUR for $33k OTD. I drove it for 5 years and put 125k miles on it. It was traded because I needed a full size truck, it didn’t have tow capacity for my boat. This brings me to today , I have a 2015 F150 crew cab 5.0. I just can’t imagine spending 60k on a mid size truck . Even with inflation my 33k in 2007 is only 40k today , it is just absurd. I am now leaning toward the fact that maybe the best solution is to have separate vehicles that better serve each purpose; full size truck and then just a Jeep. Even though the Gladiator theoretically has tow capacity I can’t imagine towing with 125 less horsepower than I currently have.
As much as I want to get the Gladiator It just doesn’t make sense, they priced it too high for me and to me a Rubicon would be the only option. Another downfall is towing capacity with a manual. To me a Jeep should be a manual, while I think the auto is a good gearbox I want a manual.

trust me there way out of my price range as well but if you save back and find a good deal it's possible. Im pretty determined to never give up on my dream truck!

 

[Brandon W. Snyder]

I like many here love the concept of the Gladiator and would love to have one but I just can’t make financial sense of it. I am a long time Jeeper, I’ve had several XJs, a WJ , JKUR and currently have a 1952 M38 and my wife’s car is a 2014 Grand Cherokee Hemi.
In 2007 I bought a brand new 2008 JKUR for $33k OTD. I drove it for 5 years and put 125k miles on it. It was traded because I needed a full size truck, it didn’t have tow capacity for my boat. This brings me to today , I have a 2015 F150 crew cab 5.0. I just can’t imagine spending 60k on a mid size truck . Even with inflation my 33k in 2007 is only 40k today , it is just absurd. I am now leaning toward the fact that maybe the best solution is to have separate vehicles that better serve each purpose; full size truck and then just a Jeep. Even though the Gladiator theoretically has tow capacity I can’t imagine towing with 125 less horsepower than I currently have.
As much as I want to get the Gladiator It just doesn’t make sense, they priced it too high for me and to me a Rubicon would be the only option. Another downfall is towing capacity with a manual. To me a Jeep should be a manual, while I think the auto is a good gearbox I want a manual.

I understand entirely what your pondering, another way to look at things...a Gladiator is a lifestyle choice. It’s not going to replace your full size truck! Yes it’s expensive! I mean look at AEV’s JK Brut conversion...some models where over $100k. I couldn’t touch those! But now I can with the Gladiator. Plus it’s on steroids compared to those. A Gladiator is on it’s own level and if it work it works. Plus the difference with a standard and auto for towing really isn’t that much. If you want a Gladiator then get it bro! I’m sure you can make it work, and you’ll have the best of both Wrangler life and truck life! Is not a compromise, it’s a lifestyle!

 

[bairdy380]

Here's my Aust take....yep it looks like it is gunna be eye-watering price wise. However, on the flip side...if I purchased a stock dual cab ute and then added the fruit to be wrangler equivalent, then the pricing is becoming comparable. ie my standard ute has approx $16K in add-ons to make it more off-road capable. bullbar, lift, tyres, breathers etc, etc...
So it also pays to look at it as a package, as well as the vehicle

 

[41Willys]

You don't have to buy it new. I can't afford it new either.

My plan is to buy used in about 4 years. I'll get a 2 or 3 yr old model, maybe off lease. That gets the first model year bugs out and allows for a few mfg tweaks and the aftermarket to develop.

I know, because jeeps APPRECIATE in value instead of depreciate, I'm all wrong here.

But on the off chance I'm right, maybe I save at least 10 perecent.

 

[Troybilt]

The Gladiator is not a $60K truck.

 

[SCJeeps]

I agree it is not a 60k truck. Even if I use the invoice pricing and then use comparable 4-5% below invoice pricing that is seen on the JLs it still seems very over priced. Using the spreadsheet a decently equipped Rubicon JT would invoice for ~50k. Let’s say you can get the 5% below invoice you are still looking at 47.5k++. It still doesn’t feel like the Gladiator is worth that much. I’ll have to wait and maybe a used one will be reasonable.

 

[5JeepsAz]

Agree. I have been totally price sensitive. Love the JT. Not paying that price. So I'm waiting to see how long it takes for my flave to drop below forty OTD. Which is why I have several flavors to learn to like. Lol.

 

[Oilburner]

...they priced it too high for me and to me a Rubicon would be the only option..
.

Wants & Needs Seldom align.
A Sport JT can be bought in the low $30Ks & add goodies. Or wait a couple years for a used Rubi.

 

[hoch]

Why is this a surprise? Look at the Tacoma TRD Pro. Look at the Colorado Bison. Or any other upper trim midsize trucks. I don’t think the price is out of line.

That said, I do wish it were cheaper! If I could get my base trim with hardly any options at $30k, I’d be happy. But I’m looking at more like $35k.

 

[RedTRex]

The Gladiator is not a $60K truck.

It shouldn't be, nor should a Wrangler, but that's the reality

 

[Haus]

Why are ya'll looking at the 60k version? I could afford any version I want but I'm only buying the base sport model with one or two options (35k). You're looking at Rubicons with all the options you want and of course it's very expensive. You should set a car buying budget first and then see everything that fits into it. For 35k I could get a mid level RAM, a decently specced Ford Ranger, or a base Gladiator. Base gladiator is my favorite of those. Who needs all the options?

Think about it this way. Let's say you bought the base model. Then, someone offered to install power windows and locks into your car if you handed them 3k cash. Would you do it? I wouldn't. So why are you paying Jeep to do it? Why are you paying over 1k for heated seats? Why are you paying 1k for infotainment? These options are ridiculous.

 

[GoneTopless]

Then why not just buy a used truck with 10k miles on it for A LOT less money? If spending as little as possible is the goal

People want what they want and shouldn’t feel bad about that. It’s their cash.

What the crowd is struggling with is the end price compared to what you can get some place else. Totally understandable given what Jeep is asking.

The prices will come down by the fall - even JL prices have softened a lot

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