New to the Jeep scene and I could use advice or a mentor!

[Vonguru]

Hello!

This is a cross post from Reddit. Someone over there suggested I sign up and talk with the pros over here!

I am new to the Jeep scene and looking to get into it with a new 2020 Jeep Gladiator. I am excited about the Jeep culture and the endless ability to customize a Jeep vehicle. With that said, I would like to get some sound advice to start this adventure the right way.

I am not much of an off roader. I certainly will never be rock crawling or anything like that. I live in Virginia and we do get some snow in the Winters. Otherwise, I am really looking forward to having the top and doors off to take advantage of our awesome weather here.

I am looking at the 2020 Jeep Gladiator Overland. From what I can gather, it is a good blend of a daily driver that will be comfortable, has amenities that are more in line with comfort, and doesn't have a lot of the off-road features that the Rubicon has, which I do not think I need. I may tow a boat or similar in its lifetime.

I am providing my overall thoughts to inform you of the type of model that may match most of me needs. I am interested in any information that may help me make my initial purchase that could include buying certain features/parts after purchase instead of through the dealer.

Features I am interested in (they may not exist as stock)...

* 4x4
* Larger tires/wheels
* Potential lift kit?
* A tow hitch
* Android Auto
* Cruise control
* Power windows
* Power locks
* Heated seats
* Heated mirrors
* Bluetooth

Not so sure's....

* Nav(since Android Auto, I don't see a lot of benefit?)
* A heads up display in the windshield?

Straight up questions

* Are Jeep dealerships known for negotiating or being steadfast?
* I have read that I might want to shoot for 5% under MSRP? Is that truth and realistic?
* Would it be cheaper to order or buy something off the lot?
* Should I look at buying the hard and soft top through the dealership or after? (or is there a better third-party option that I am unaware of?)
* Do they support Android Auto over WiFi?

I have been scouring the website and have been working the options lists. I could use any advice anyone is willing to offer me. I really appreciate the time and help as I become an enthusiast.

​

V/r,

Von

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[WXman]

Since you're not towing heavy or rock crawling, sounds like Overland is your trim level. Some dealers will negotiate. Shop around.

 

[iammacey]

Hello!

This is a cross post from Reddit. Someone over there suggested I sign up and talk with the pros over here!

I am new to the Jeep scene and looking to get into it with a new 2020 Jeep Gladiator. I am excited about the Jeep culture and the endless ability to customize a Jeep vehicle. With that said, I would like to get some sound advice to start this adventure the right way.

I am not much of an off roader. I certainly will never be rock crawling or anything like that. I live in Virginia and we do get some snow in the Winters. Otherwise, I am really looking forward to having the top and doors off to take advantage of our awesome weather here.

I am looking at the 2020 Jeep Gladiator Overland. From what I can gather, it is a good blend of a daily driver that will be comfortable, has amenities that are more in line with comfort, and doesn't have a lot of the off-road features that the Rubicon has, which I do not think I need. I may tow a boat or similar in its lifetime.

I am providing my overall thoughts to inform you of the type of model that may match most of me needs. I am interested in any information that may help me make my initial purchase that could include buying certain features/parts after purchase instead of through the dealer.

Features I am interested in (they may not exist as stock)...

* 4x4
* Larger tires/wheels
* Potential lift kit?
* A tow hitch
* Android Auto
* Cruise control
* Power windows
* Power locks
* Heated seats
* Heated mirrors
* Bluetooth

Not so sure's....

* Nav(since Android Auto, I don't see a lot of benefit?)
* A heads up display in the windshield?

Straight up questions

* Are Jeep dealerships known for negotiating or being steadfast?
* I have read that I might want to shoot for 5% under MSRP? Is that truth and realistic?
* Would it be cheaper to order or buy something off the lot?
* Should I look at buying the hard and soft top through the dealership or after? (or is there a better third-party option that I am unaware of?)
* Do they support Android Auto over WiFi?

I have been scouring the website and have been working the options lists. I could use any advice anyone is willing to offer me. I really appreciate the time and help as I become an enthusiast.

​

V/r,

Von

First, welcome to the forum! As a fellow Reddit user I'm sure you'll get great advice between the two.

The Overland will be a great Gladiator for you. All JTs are 4x4 but, as you say, the Overland puts comfort and luxury as priorities. The Rubicon puts off-road as the priority.

For the options you list, you can configure an Overland with them. Except for the HUD. That is not an option.

I would encourage going to the Jeep Gladiator configurator and playing around. That will help you understand which options can be configured and how much they cost. Some come be solo and some come bundled.

My suggestion for wheels and tires is to go third party. Check out Tirerack or a local shop. So many choices and often much less expensive than a dealer. For the lift, you can do the Mopar lift or go third party. The Mopar lift is 2" and would be my choice, but as the Gladiator matures more options will be available.

I use Android Auto and Waze. It's a great combo with the 8.4" screen. Definitely encouraged.

For pricing, yes. Dealers will absolutely negotiate. And different dealers negotiate differently. If you don't mind a drive there are a couple of dealers here that have shown to provide great pricing. I bought through Beaman Auto in TN and several others bought from Tri-City Jeep, also in TN. I love in Georgia and it was absolutely worth my time. Don't rush and shop around.

Last thing - it might be challenging to find a Gladiator in-stock that matches exactly what you want. Color and options can be difficult. Either be prepared to slightly increase what you'll spend or consider working with a dealer and ordering exactly what you want.

 

[JeepDreams]

Welcome to our addiction!

 

[Jeepdude413]

Hello!

This is a cross post from Reddit. Someone over there suggested I sign up and talk with the pros over here!

I am new to the Jeep scene and looking to get into it with a new 2020 Jeep Gladiator. I am excited about the Jeep culture and the endless ability to customize a Jeep vehicle. With that said, I would like to get some sound advice to start this adventure the right way.

I am not much of an off roader. I certainly will never be rock crawling or anything like that. I live in Virginia and we do get some snow in the Winters. Otherwise, I am really looking forward to having the top and doors off to take advantage of our awesome weather here.

I am looking at the 2020 Jeep Gladiator Overland. From what I can gather, it is a good blend of a daily driver that will be comfortable, has amenities that are more in line with comfort, and doesn't have a lot of the off-road features that the Rubicon has, which I do not think I need. I may tow a boat or similar in its lifetime.

I am providing my overall thoughts to inform you of the type of model that may match most of me needs. I am interested in any information that may help me make my initial purchase that could include buying certain features/parts after purchase instead of through the dealer.

Features I am interested in (they may not exist as stock)...

* 4x4
* Larger tires/wheels
* Potential lift kit?
* A tow hitch
* Android Auto
* Cruise control
* Power windows
* Power locks
* Heated seats
* Heated mirrors
* Bluetooth

Not so sure's....

* Nav(since Android Auto, I don't see a lot of benefit?)
* A heads up display in the windshield?

Straight up questions

* Are Jeep dealerships known for negotiating or being steadfast?
* I have read that I might want to shoot for 5% under MSRP? Is that truth and realistic?
* Would it be cheaper to order or buy something off the lot?
* Should I look at buying the hard and soft top through the dealership or after? (or is there a better third-party option that I am unaware of?)
* Do they support Android Auto over WiFi?

I have been scouring the website and have been working the options lists. I could use any advice anyone is willing to offer me. I really appreciate the time and help as I become an enthusiast.

​

V/r,

Von

Welcome... gonna be a helluva ride so hang on

 

[noside85]

Try Tri-City Jeep in Eden, NC. Ask for Travis.

 

[smess]

Vonguru, the new Glads come pretty much prepared to install larger wheels and tires, A Rubicon can accommodate 35's which is the perfect size all around larger tire that gives looks and clearance for snow and off road. An overland with a leveling kit should also be able to accommodate a 35. Leveling kits are 1-200 dollars. Lifts will let you go to 37's but that is an entirely different animal. Overall driving will be different especially on the highway but most important is the gearing. An Overland probably does not have an optional 4.10 gear so with 37's the Jeep will be a powerless pig and in VA if your in the mountains the Jeep will be upshifting and downshifting constantly. Regearing is a 4k option.

The other things you name should be in a pretty well optioned out Overland.

Shoot for an Overland with the options you want and a 3.73 gear or if there is a 4.10 option that would be best for a 35" tire in VA. If you can't get those things in an Overland than spend the extra on a Rubicon and you will get a Jeep you will never grow out of and will have a better re-sale value.

Yes buy off the lot, Rubicons will have less of a discount. Yes got both tops when you buy or if not available get the hard top and the soft top is less expensive and there are cheaper aftermarket options.

Feel free to contact me, I have built many Jeeps. Some Hemis, some stock and re-geared, and I currently own a LE Gladiator that I am modding right now. Jeep did a great job making a new vehicle that requires little to no lift to accommodate larger tires, that is the number one mod a Jeep owner does and the most costly because often many things need to be changed when listen and warranties start to get voided etc.

When listening to peoples opinions on a Forum most important question to ask is how many people have built because everyone is an expert who built just one and reads a Forum daily and knows all the answers.

Remember sometimes the difference btw an Overland and a Rubicon can be the same as a re-gear if you go larger tires and can't get the stock gear you need in an Overland. The biggest mistake people make is buying the least expensive Jeep and then buying all the accessories and it costing more at the end than if they bought the next trim level from the beginning.

Trim level is going to give you your power options, creature comforts, and gears. All things you named.

 

[smlobx]

First welcome from a fellow Virginian. There will be a lot of help on this forum but remember what you want may not be what I would necessarily do and that’s OK.

Where in Virginia are you? Depending on that answer there are two dealers that will work with you; Koons in NOVA and Tri City in Eden NC (just across the border). Either dealer is offering between 4 and 5% off INVOICE which equates to about 10-11% off MSRP. You will have to deal with a specific individual at the dealerships to get that discount.

 

[Rex3rd]

Welcome to the forums. Main thing I can't scream enough is research research research. Look over every outcome and then do it all again. Look up questions you have on the form index and if you can't find anything ask away. I'm new to the Jeep addiction as well and everyone on here has been polite and helpful. Watch other builds here on the site as there are dozens of gladiators being modified and outrigged on here pay close attention to the people who have the experience. I love everything about this sight because you have veterans who have go through the trial and error and know how to properly build and maintain a Jeep. Use the Jeep build and price on the Jeep website to configure what you want from stock and weigh your options. I spend hours on here and I learn something new everyday, rex

 

[AJ-MJ]

WELCOME!!!

I live about 25 miles south of Richmond, VA. The closest dealer that I could deal with was Koons in Tyson Corner. Their internet salesman is Craig Benner ([email protected]). Craig was the number 1 Wrangler salesman for the East Coast, #1 Wrangler salesman in Mid Atlantic and # 3 Wrangler Salesman in the United States for 2018. A lot of forum members used Travis at Tri City and had great experiences. Craig prefers an email to get started. The order process is pretty straight forward. You go to Jeep.com and build the jeep you want with all the options and email the build sheet to the internet salesman. He will price the jeep and send you an invoice/order confirmation. Koons was a 5% below invoice price plus a $500 military discount with a copy of a DD214).

I would just start with driving as many Gladiators as you can and talking the salesman and finalize the options you want. Then reading a few post that interest you. Additionally, I would search subjects you are interested in. There are a lot of Gladiator videos on YouTube as well. The info is available and even though I have received shipment of my truck and continue to read...

What JeepDreams said its and "ADDITICTION".

Good luck and enjoy the ride!

 

[smess]

I built one online for you, if you get an Overland with the tow package, dual top group, 8.4 stereo, and 3.73 gears you will have the Jeep you have described. There are other options that you can add like cold weather package and parking sensors etc but the 4 I named will give you all the things you originally said at a minimum what you required.

There is a rear end differential option that you might want but if you are only using in light snow you probably don't need it. Not sure where in VA you live but if near Richmond you for sure don't need that as you are not near mountains and barely get any snow.

 

[bgenlvtex]

Welcome.

There is +/- $3k difference between the Overland and Rubicon.

If you are going to put bigger tires on, you will ultimately re-gear which will eat half of that.

Resale completely aside, the lockers, sway bar, transfer case, 4.10 rears, hood, fenders tow hooks are worth every penny.

If I wasn't going to spend Rubicon money, I also wouldn't spend Overland money, I'd buy a Sport S

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