Thanks, you bring up some valid points. The gladiator cabin does seem pretty small, that was one reason why I wanted to look at the Tacoma. Maybe I need to see the numbers online and also check one out at the dealership to see for myself but sounds like you put it to the test with kids already and gladiator has the room. The other thing is the $10k more issue. I can fit an overland in my budget or a TRD pro, not a fair comparison IMO, the TRD pro takes that matchup when it comes to options and performance but of course, doesn’t have a lot of the fun factors that jeep brings to the table
I read an article yesterday that said Jeep’s warrant no longer covers mud damage and I’ve read some negative reviews on Yelp of people having to take their JT back to the dealership soon after purchase to have them look at mechanical issues. Being that you mentioned Tacoma is extremely reliable, would you say the same about the gladiator or are they prone to more issues?
Dang dude, you’ve had a lot of trucks, nice! Being that you owned three Tacoma’s it sounds like you are sure the gladiator is the better ride, good to hear. I’m with you on the whole idea of removing the top and doors during the summer. My major concern there is safety and I wonder if I’ll even ever use that cool feature anyways. I have Teo younger kids that would love the idea but then again, I don’t think I’d do it with them in the car. I saw a few options for doors you can out of that are basically just a frame to put in place of the removed door but I don’t know, something about that still screams danger to me and really not worth the risk for a drive to the beach (30 min. Drive for me) or ride around town.
My Twin 9 year olds and 6 year old love the jeep without doors and top unless it is too cold out about 8 solid months a year here. Its one of their favorite things. They even laugh at every jeep we pass not like that calling them lame, lol.
I shopped one hard, they are good trucks, but smaller (interior), and the engine/transmission as well as about everything else is archaic on that truck, couple that with the fun factor of the Jeep which imho is completely lacking on the taco it was an easy choice...it was more money, but the taco is old and outdated tech and drivetrain, so I didn’t mind paying the up charge and having the topless/doorless benefits....The taco will fall much closer inline with the Gladiator when it’s redone, right now it’s like comparing JK prices to a JL.
Im having my first kid here in a few days actually. I went through all the safety for every truck. The Jeep doesnt have rear side impact airbags, all the other trucks do. I know its not the safest truck on the road but its a 2021, its much more safe than a lot of other things out there you see kids in. Besides I also have a 2020 Titanium Ford Escape so thats the "safe"car. I dont plan on having the doors off with the little one for at least the first couple years but after 3ish I think it will be alright for small trips, nothing highway related. The top most likely only the front two freedom panels. Until then I will take off everything when its just me and the wife has the kiddo in the escape. I bought the Gladiator as a long term truck I can enjoy now for myself and later with the family
