Talk me into it (or out)

[Hockeypilot44]

I have over 54,000 miles on my 2020 max tow. Other than squeaky breaks at low speeds after sitting for awhile, I have no issues. Mine was built in Feb 2020. It actually matters. 2020 gladiators were a 2 year period.

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[rr11]

2020 Sport S, replaced the steering box, and the auxiliary battery. 64,000 no real complaints. It's a man made machine, some are great some are trash all manufactures have issues. I feel that by this point major issues with this one would have showed up.

 

[56cbr600rr]

I'd say do it. They are more than just transportation...

As a last ditch thought/effort, I'd look to see if you can find a leftover 2022 ... You might can get new for roughly the same price. I got $9k off sticker. Sport S MAx Tow. With leds and more.

 

[Chief_jeep]

Given you won't be doing off roading a ton, I wouldn't get one. The solid front axle and steering box versus IFS and a steering rack that's on pretty much every other modern vehicle can be jarring, and really for a lot of people aren't worth the compromise in day to day driving if they don't take it to do the Jeep thing. Toyota should be announcing the next gen Tacoma in a couple days and Ford will have the next gen Ranger within the next month or so.

I can’t agree with this more. I wouldn’t own the gladiator if I didn’t off-road a lot. It doesn’t matter to me how cool it is that the doors and roof come off. The on road driving manners with a solid front axle aren’t ideal. You’d be better off with any other truck in the same category. Or a bronco if you want the roof to come off.

 

[HorneyBadger]

I had a Gen 3 Tacoma and the tranny sucked (unless you are an old fart and dont pass anyone). Traded it in for a 2020 JT Overland. No issues with it whatsoever and I wheeled it alot. Upgraded to a JT Rubicon. Life is short so get what you want(if you can afford it!).

 

[HooliganActual]

Hi all,



I have had an itch for a gladiator for the last year or so. I currently have a 2015 Tacoma with 90k miles that has been great. I don’t “need” a truck, but I like having the option of the bed for house projects, hauling kids bikes, occasional camping/fishing etc. I have two kids (5, 7) but they don’t ride with me that often, and they fit fine in the Tacoma. I don’t want or need a full size truck. I want a Gladiator for the fun factor - roof and doors off etc. won’t be doing much off-roading.
I have found what I think to be a good deal on a 2020 Overland with 14k miles. Link below. It has all the comfort features I would want except for LED lights and heated seats, which aren’t really big deals. The only “mod” I plan to do is to put Rubicon takeoffs on to get rid of the 18s and highway tires. Not interested in buying new - would rather try to save 10k+ by buying a low miles used.
Should I be concerned about buying out of warranty? With 14k miles I wouldn’t expect issues, but I am wary of trading in my low maintenance bullet proof truck for an unknown quantity.



https://acceleride.rivertownford.co...urus_listings&deal_type=cash&aoe=1&delivery=1

I'll do the obligatory "I have a 2020 JTR with 29,000 miles and have had no problems that either I or the dealer didn't cause (dealer screwed up a TPMS sensor)".

With that said, I kind of have to agree with @Cansberry and @Chief_jeep to an extent. I mean, the heart wants what the heart wants and if you really want the Gladiator then get it. However (WARNING: unpopular opinion impending) the last time I took the top and doors off of a Jeep was 1985. It's a pain in the @$$. Just search on all the threads about lifting systems for the hard top and "how do you store your doors?" and problems that happen when disconnecting/reconnecting the wire harnesses and interior security with the top and doors off and mirrors, heaven forbid I forget the top off mirror threads.

Ask yourself how many times/how often you really think you will drive around with the top and doors off. Don't get me wrong, I am a Jeep fanboy. I've never not owned a Jeep in the last 40 years and currently own 3. But I hate taking the roof and doors off because of the hassle...and IMHO here in Arizona, there are about 3 days a year that the sun is not so miserable that I'd even consider it. Additionally you said you aren't much of an off-roader; Jeep is one of the few SUV-like vehicles that still come with the solid front and for me, that is the selling point. If I wanted a mid-size truck for anything other than "aggressive" off-roading, I would go with something else for the ride quality of the IFS.

Again, not a popular opinion on a Gladiator specific forum and also a bit hypocritical as a lifelong Jeep owner; but unless you are taking the top and doors off "all the time" and are prepared for the lifting system, storage, security add-ons, I'd go with something that has IFS.

 

[Artsifrtsi]

I had a Gen 3 Tacoma and the tranny sucked

I didn't think we could say that anymore... LMAO!

 

[Chief_jeep]

I'll do the obligatory "I have a 2020 JTR with 29,000 miles and have had no problems that either I or the dealer didn't cause (dealer screwed up a TPMS sensor)".

With that said, I kind of have to agree with @Cansberry and @Chief_jeep to an extent. I mean, the heart wants what the heart wants and if you really want the Gladiator then get it. However (WARNING: unpopular opinion impending) the last time I took the top and doors off of a Jeep was 1985. It's a pain in the @$$. Just search on all the threads about lifting systems for the hard top and "how do you store your doors?" and problems that happen when disconnecting/reconnecting the wire harnesses and interior security with the top and doors off and mirrors, heaven forbid I forget the top off mirror threads.

Ask yourself how many times/how often you really think you will drive around with the top and doors off. Don't get me wrong, I am a Jeep fanboy. I've never not owned a Jeep in the last 40 years and currently own 3. But I hate taking the roof and doors off because of the hassle...and IMHO here in Arizona, there are about 3 days a year that the sun is not so miserable that I'd even consider it. Additionally you said you aren't much of an off-roader; Jeep is one of the few SUV-like vehicles that still come with the solid front and for me, that is the selling point. If I wanted a mid-size truck for anything other than "aggressive" off-roading, I would go with something else for the ride quality of the IFS.

Again, not a popular opinion on a Gladiator specific forum and also a bit hypocritical as a lifelong Jeep owner; but unless you are taking the top and doors off "all the time" and are prepared for the lifting system, storage, security add-ons, I'd go with something that has IFS.

Unpopular opinion but it is true. Most jeep owners don't ride around with the top or doors off. They are a pain to take off and store. I take the front freedom panels off occasionally in the summer if I'm going to do a trail ride near the house but that's about it. I've taken the front doors off once. It's was fun for off-roading but I'd never drive down the freeway for an extended period like that. Even going 45mph with the doors and front panels off you have to scream at the person sitting next to you.

 

[HorneyBadger]

I disagree. I personally dont run with the doors or top off. (hate the dust when wheelin) but..... Every summer I have to take the doors and top off of the wifes jeep and put them back on in the fall. She loves going topless.....

 

[HooliganActual]

@Chief_jeep
@HorneyBadger

Lol, well between the 3 of our responses, that's 75% stay fully clothed.

I just posted a poll in the General Gladiator Section because now I'm curious...lol

 

[Ogre_FL]

I think it may be more of a regional thing.
I LOVE my jeeps with the tops open/off and doors off.

I tend to do the doors off thing with the Wrangler most as it is MUCH easier/quicker to strip and it fits in the garage so I can leave it stripped with less hassles.

Now I do run my Gladiator with the soft-top open most of the time its driven (again, regional)
I will also recommend a soft top if you think you are the open air type.

 

[Gvsukids]

but the lack of power locks is an inconvenience

Check out
https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/forum/threads/adding-power-locks-to-a-sport-success.59199/

 

[Toro34]

Hi all,



I have had an itch for a gladiator for the last year or so. I currently have a 2015 Tacoma with 90k miles that has been great.

I've been in the same boat since the Gladiator was released. I wanted one, but have been back and forth trying to decide if it's worth it to upgrade from my JKU or not, essentially just for the truck bed.

Is your Tacoma 4x4? Other than the top/doors, since you will not be going off road, it doesn't seem like a good value to trade up to a newer vehicle that you won't be taking full advantage of. As mentioned, IFS is far better for what it sounds like you will be using your truck for, and AFAIK the Taco should be better gas mileage.

That being said, there's always the other side of the coin, once you are in a more capable rig, you might decide to try some additional, more difficult trails (this is known as being bitten by the 'Jeep bug' and will lead you down a dark, expensive, albeit fun path)

Go to a dealer and try to get an extended test drive of a base Sport, see what you think about the solid front, and go from there.

 

[bagpype]

Check out
https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/forum/threads/adding-power-locks-to-a-sport-success.59199/

I saw that thread. Money aside it’s easier to get a rubicon with all the bells and whistles already. For the record, I was prepared to do that conversion but a sting grey rubicon talked me out of it!

 

[dajudge]

Just my 2 cents:
Unless you "have to have it now" I would strongly recommend comparing what you can order a new one for from the participating dealers like Tri-City or Gupton and Koons...pretty tough to beat those discounts.

This! I bought my Rubicon from Peterson's in Idaho for less then I could have gotten it used. Prices have come down on the used ones but I bet you could get close enough to make the difference not worth it.

And as some have said, make sure you aren't going to mind the difference in ride quality from an IFS to the solid axle. I have never owned a Taco so I can't say how different it is, but generally the IFS is nicer on the road.
Another thing, the removable roof is awesome but it is not as quiet on the road compared to something with a metal roof that is part of the body.

I came from an '01 Cherokee XJ so the gladiator feels like I bought a Lexus compared to that.

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