steffen707
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- Joined
- Jan 28, 2018
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- Middle Wisconsin
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- 2001 Jetta TDI RIP, 89' Civic SI, 2019 Pacifica Hybrid, 2020 GLADIATOR SPORT S "GLADYS"
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- #1
I've never driven a Wrangler before and today I test drove a JL Rubicon with 2.0 Etorque engine. Here are my observations, mostly negative ones actually, but i'm kind of a pessimist.
CONS:
When driving 40-70mph i noticed what i think was buffeting. It was a similar sound to what a car or van sounds like when you crack only a rear window and you hear a slight fluttering on your eardrum. I figured there would be wind noise and when the wind was blowing hard I could definitely hear that as well, but this buffeting was slightly annoying. =(
It kinda wandered on the road a bit. Reminded me of driving a car with snow tires on dry pavement. It wasn't horrible, but noticable. Is this because of the K02 tires? I felt em when i got out, seemed pretty squishy.
The 2.0 engine was kinda loud. And just as I was thinking, man this 4 banger is kinda loud, the sales guy said, "bet you'ld never guess it was a turbo 4 cylinder in here". I chuckled. While the noise wasn't horrendous, I would certainly go with the V6. I'll have to test drive a V6 Gladiator, but I'm assuming that will be nicer.
Another note on the 2.0, when i came to a stop, I wasn't paying close attention, but when I stepped on the gas I noticed a slight hesitation, then it would kind of surge off the line. Not drastic and after driving it for a few months i'd probably just get use to it, but it was interesting.
I own a plug in hybrid Pacifica and when it switches from electric to gas, or from stop, no gas to gas motor on it is SEAMLESS, INSTANTANEOUS, AMAZING! I know the Etorque is a "mild hybrid" so eh, it is what it is, but it was just interesting.
Mirrors are kinda small, but less likely to hit trees and other stuff. I don't care that much.
Oh, and the door "stay" strap thing that keeps the door from flying open sticks straight to the right and kept poking me in the calf, lame. Probably can fix that too.
PROS:
You can see the whole hood!
Holy cow that seat heater is nice (my pacifica must be malfunctioning), the steering wheel heater is nice too.
I like the dash and how everything is "right there". Its nice sitting up "high-er" than i'm use to.
I'm only 5'7" so i'll be getting some kind of side rail, probably by RSE that retract for the JT. I had to slightly step in, and while i don't mind the workout, i'll eventually wear out the side bolster in the seat. Already doing that in my Grand Caravan.
I didn't bother looking at the back seat or trunk, just wanted to get a quick idea of what it felt like.
Don't take this the wrong way, it was fun, I still want a JT. I'll not be getting a 2.0 anyway, so the engine will probably be fine, the mirrors i'll get use to, the door stay can be "adjusted" somehow.
If others confirm the K02 just rides like that, i'll have to spend more time behind the seat of a Gladiator Rubicon to see if I like it, or if an Overland really would suit my needs as I probably won't be utilizing the Rubicon to all its glory.
That slight wind buffeting was the letdown. Anybody else notice this with their JLs? Is that just JEEP, its the way it is? Wondering if a soft top will be better or worse, or if it was just windy...... I've driven in several convertibles before, didn't notice this issue, though they weren't hard tops.
CONS:
When driving 40-70mph i noticed what i think was buffeting. It was a similar sound to what a car or van sounds like when you crack only a rear window and you hear a slight fluttering on your eardrum. I figured there would be wind noise and when the wind was blowing hard I could definitely hear that as well, but this buffeting was slightly annoying. =(
It kinda wandered on the road a bit. Reminded me of driving a car with snow tires on dry pavement. It wasn't horrible, but noticable. Is this because of the K02 tires? I felt em when i got out, seemed pretty squishy.
The 2.0 engine was kinda loud. And just as I was thinking, man this 4 banger is kinda loud, the sales guy said, "bet you'ld never guess it was a turbo 4 cylinder in here". I chuckled. While the noise wasn't horrendous, I would certainly go with the V6. I'll have to test drive a V6 Gladiator, but I'm assuming that will be nicer.
Another note on the 2.0, when i came to a stop, I wasn't paying close attention, but when I stepped on the gas I noticed a slight hesitation, then it would kind of surge off the line. Not drastic and after driving it for a few months i'd probably just get use to it, but it was interesting.
I own a plug in hybrid Pacifica and when it switches from electric to gas, or from stop, no gas to gas motor on it is SEAMLESS, INSTANTANEOUS, AMAZING! I know the Etorque is a "mild hybrid" so eh, it is what it is, but it was just interesting.
Mirrors are kinda small, but less likely to hit trees and other stuff. I don't care that much.
Oh, and the door "stay" strap thing that keeps the door from flying open sticks straight to the right and kept poking me in the calf, lame. Probably can fix that too.
PROS:
You can see the whole hood!
Holy cow that seat heater is nice (my pacifica must be malfunctioning), the steering wheel heater is nice too.
I like the dash and how everything is "right there". Its nice sitting up "high-er" than i'm use to.
I'm only 5'7" so i'll be getting some kind of side rail, probably by RSE that retract for the JT. I had to slightly step in, and while i don't mind the workout, i'll eventually wear out the side bolster in the seat. Already doing that in my Grand Caravan.
I didn't bother looking at the back seat or trunk, just wanted to get a quick idea of what it felt like.
Don't take this the wrong way, it was fun, I still want a JT. I'll not be getting a 2.0 anyway, so the engine will probably be fine, the mirrors i'll get use to, the door stay can be "adjusted" somehow.
If others confirm the K02 just rides like that, i'll have to spend more time behind the seat of a Gladiator Rubicon to see if I like it, or if an Overland really would suit my needs as I probably won't be utilizing the Rubicon to all its glory.
That slight wind buffeting was the letdown. Anybody else notice this with their JLs? Is that just JEEP, its the way it is? Wondering if a soft top will be better or worse, or if it was just windy...... I've driven in several convertibles before, didn't notice this issue, though they weren't hard tops.
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