No dealers available … would you still get a JT?

[FlaParrotHead]

So, I’m going to post this question on multiple sites to get an many thoughts and opinions as possible. I’m interested in hearing from current and even past owners. Some here have seen my questions here before. Since we will be stateside for a month summer of ‘22, I’d have time to get it and drive it before shipping it down.

QUESTION: Would you buy a Gladiator if you had NO authorized jeep dealer available? If so, would you get new or used and what model/options would you either get, or just as importantly, avoid.

Options or aftermarket work I know we want will include removing all carpeting and putting a rhino, or similar coating throughout the cab, bed liner (factory or after market - the bed and tailgate will get lots of use), some UV coating to protect the paint, weather-tech or similar mats and mud-flaps.

I have been tempted since they were first launched to import one onto our local Caribbean island for use as a shore diving truck (daily use).

This means lots of salt air, salt water, and sand; it also means the bed and tailgate get heavy use with tanks, gear, and getting geared up.

While there are plenty of wranglers and people able to service them, there is no Jeep dealer so no warrantee work available. If we get one, I’m hoping to find someone/someplace to go over it, new or used, with a fine tooth comb to inspect every known recall/service bulletin item (if possible).

There is an authorized dealer on a neighboring island but shipping it there and back is certainly an expense I’d hope to avoid.

Attached a a couple pictures to show our current L200, roads and typical dive site areas… I’m not planning on lifts or larger tires as they really aren’t needed for the terrain here, stock should be all that is needed, although I do want tires that can handle the potholes and the lack of any paved shoulders.

Thanks for the advice and comments.

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[spectre6000]

Not very demanding terrain by the looks of it. Is four wheel drive necessary?

Are there any dealers at all? If you're concerned about service, it looks like just about any truck will do for you based on the photos, so that might be the most critical starting point.

With the salt, I would think aluminum and composites might be worth looking for. Toyota has a composite bed, which takes a lot of abuse. I think the F150 is mostly aluminum at this point, but it's a Ford, and that's not something I'd spend any money dollars on personally. Too many personal bad experiences, and way more experienced by others. The JT has a number of aluminum parts, but is still mostly steel. Other than that, I really don't know much about who's using what alloys where at this point in the game though.

According to Consumer Reports' 2021 New Car Buyers Guide, the two most reliable trucks you can buy are the Honda Ridgeline (a minivan that got the back lopped off with a sawzall) and the Jeep Gladiator. They gave the Wrangler lesser marks, despite being absolutely identical mechanically, but no one is exactly claiming CR actually knows anything about what they're printing; just a datapoint. The JT also won the JDP&A initial quality award for the segment for what that's worth (not much more, since it basically just means the infotainment center is slightly less confusing than others).

If there are no dealers for any manufacturer, and the truck meets your needs, I can say I have personally inspected the Colorado, Gladiator, and Tacoma, and the Gladiator was the best designed and built; surprisingly so coming from a JKUR. The Tacoma was a pretty shocking disappointment in person, despite having wanted one since college. The Colorado is good on paper, but quality lets it down. Haven't seen the new Nissan, and the Ford isn't worth the time for a number of reasons. Haven't personally entertained any full size trucks, so have nothing really to say about them.

 

[bleda2002]

It would be 3.6 and I'd have no issues with it. The gladiator is pretty reliable it seems with most having very few issues. The pentastar is well known and parts are plentiful and cheap as well. If you would be willing to bring a Wrangler the gladiator is really no less reliable or more complicated.

 

[DocMike]

What they said.....and... very jealous of your situation.

 

[FlaParrotHead]

Thanks for the comments so far. The “go-to” trucks here are the Toyota Hilux and the Mitsubishi L200, there are others but these are the most popular.

Our L200 is a 2006, we undercoat it about every 2yrs (we are the second owner) and it runs well but a new toy, and second car, would be nice. We’d definitely go with the gas 3.6l, as we have no need for the diesel. As for 4WD, there are definitely places and times of year (when we do get the little rain we get) where 4WD will keep you moving.

the roads here are horrible with potholes, no shoulders, and even several single lane, bi-directional, sections — not all tourists play “chicken” very wel… ?.

 

[Jefe1018]

I would, with the gasser, a proven drivetrain and the ZF is proven worldwide from my understanding. Just look out for the little warranty issues like leaking roofs and the like but for your circumstance, how could you go wrong with a convertible pick up truck?

 

[Mr._Bill]

I would not buy a new vehicle without a dealer to support it. If there are adequate repair facilities, then I would get a used vehicle that parts are available for.

 

[sunrise089]

Your life looks awesome!

I feel like you sort of know the smart choice is something like a 2010 Tacoma 4cyl manual - simple, reliable, likely cheap to fix. If your roads were better and hearing you'd like a second car, I'd suggest the Tacoma plus something fun and topless like a v8 Mustang. But the road condition note is big for me, and so you have my blessing to get the Gladiator it gets you pothole-road capability and top-down driving. BUT if you're keeping your current truck why not a 2 door JL?

 

[Gobi Wan K]

I see you are back. Still mulling it over. I can understand that. I think the JT would be awesome for you. That said, I would hesitate too. I think you would be fine and they do seem to be pretty reliable. I am at 25k and almost 2 years with no troubles. I have a Rubicon with the 3.6 and 8 speed.

For you I would suggest a Sport and if available I would do the Max Tow. It would give you the better axles to deal with the poor roads. Beyond that the options would be up to you. Nothing I can suggest to avoid. I always recommend getting the Auxiliary switches if you think you will add lights or anything. You can get them with a more aggressive tire from the factory but that is a super easy thing to change and not horribly expensive if you are not getting big off road tires.

It is a tough call without dealer support but like I said, I think they are proving to be pretty reliable.

 

[Hootbro]

If my business, I would stick with what is popular local and able to get quick support for.

Gladiator is an expensive paperweight to be sitting around for extended periods waiting on trying to figure out how you are going to get out of network repair and support should the need arise.

 

[FlaParrotHead]

Thanks for the comments so far. If we ordered, the build might be something like this. The good thing is that we’d arrange to pick it up and drive it for a month stateside before dropping it off for shipping.

https://www.jeep.com/bmo.gladiator....FW,A7,UAA,AM2,CSV,CLP,XJC,CWJ,ABR,MRU,XMF,24K

 

[dcmdon]

If I was filthy rich and this was one of 5 cars I had to choose from, I'd buy it in a heartbeat. If I wanted it.

If It was going to be something that I depended on for either my personal car or to support a business, not on your life.

You could easily have a vehicle that doesn't run for months at a time. Nope. Not worth it.

 

[FlaParrotHead]

I see you are back. Still mulling it over. I can understand that. I think the JT would be awesome for you. That said, I would hesitate too. I think you would be fine and they do seem to be pretty reliable. I am at 25k and almost 2 years with no troubles. I have a Rubicon with the 3.6 and 8 speed.

For you I would suggest a Sport and if available I would do the Max Tow. It would give you the better axles to deal with the poor roads. Beyond that the options would be up to you. Nothing I can suggest to avoid. I always recommend getting the Auxiliary switches if you think you will add lights or anything. You can get them with a more aggressive tire from the factory but that is a super easy thing to change and not horribly expensive if you are not getting big off road tires.

It is a tough call without dealer support but like I said, I think they are proving to be pretty reliable.

Gobi Wan … yep, still around and still staying tempted, while I’m hoping a local dealer will end up here —- it’s never a given.

while the max tow itself isn’t needed, the better axels do sound nice. Some seem to think the max tow is part of the problems with leaking seals but that’s just what some report from their Internet service pits… ?.

I posted a possible Willys config above ....


So what I really want to understand is if the Toyota Hilux and Mitsubishi L200s are really built better for this climate as some seem to think (aluminum vs steel parts, etc) or if a JT can really last 15years with just basic service and care (of course the same could be said for any newer truck - my current L200 is a 2006).

 

[Gobi Wan K]

Gobi Wan … yep, still around and still staying tempted, while I’m hoping a local dealer will end up here —- it’s never a given.

while the max tow itself isn’t needed, the better axels do sound nice. Some seem to think the max tow is part of the problems with leaking seals but that’s just what some report from their Internet service pits… ?.

I posted a possible Willys config above ....


So what I really want to understand is if the Toyota Hilux and Mitsubishi L200s are really built better for this climate as some seem to think (aluminum vs steel parts, etc) or if a JT can really last 15years with just basic service and care (of course the same could be said for any newer truck - my current L200 is a 2006).

That build looks pretty solid for what you want. I have not heard of any widespread axle leaks but I am not all up on everything. I do know some folks have had trouble with their lockers in the Rubicon which has required replacement of the entire axle assembly. You don't have any need for lockers though.
I know some folks have talked about some parts being Aluminum but the important bits (frame, axles, etc) are still steel. Yes the Toyota hilux has a reputation of being indestructible but it doesn't have the character or fun factor of the JT. I have had really bad luck with Mitsubishi so I can't comment on that.
Tough call for you either way. I can only give my experience and that is mine has been great. I think if you take good care of it, it will last as long as you want. If you neglect it and don't wash the salt off regularly any vehicle will fall apart on you.

 

[Gobi Wan K]

Oh, look at the 2007 JKs that are running around with several hundred thousand miles and the absurd prices people ask for those things. Not quite 15 years but there are plenty of them still out there. I believe my JT is built as good or better than any of those.

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