Tinkering with online builds... few questions

[Blue Ridge]

Hi all, my name is Chip and I've been asking questions on the JL Wrangler forums but as I look more into what my needs are I am getting more enamored with the Gladiator. I've been driving the same Chevy CK1500 for 21 years and it's time to get something new. The last time I looked into a new vehicle was before replacing the transmission in my truck about 8 years ago. Shocked at the price increases since then, and more surprised how most don't come with things standard I would expect like steel bumpers. I have about $36K saved up and was hoping to find something in the JL line used, but I'm finding the discount off MSRP is pretty close to what a dealer would get me for a new build. So I'll finance some of it, just hoping for that number to be rather low.
I was hoping for used in part because I hunt and fish in places that are likely to scratch the paint and the other 95% of my driving is 2 miles to and from work. I do live in the mountains and something that can go in snow is mandatory. I could be practical and get a Tacoma like my mechanic says I should, but after test driving a Wrangler and a Tacoma the same day, the latter just didn't put a smile on my face. It's not the most practical decision I'll make this year, but I just like Jeeps. I've built hundreds of them online at this point, and have a few questions.

For starters, the 2 top group costs $400 more than each top individually on the Willys build. Am I missing something?

Also, I don't really care that much (not $4000 much, anyway) if I have power windows and doors. To that end the Willys Sport is priced right, but a few creature comforts I'd like to have aren't even an option. But for $41K sticker price with every option available, it's tempting. I just don't want to feel like I paid 40 grand for a lateral move from my current truck.

I like the Sarge green, but from page to page on Jeep's site, they are quite different colors:

From what I've seen in photos it's closer to the Wranger's color there than the forest green they show for the Gladiator. I like the forest green, but am guessing it's more of an avocado color.

Finally, lots of weird options are forced on or removed when building online. Want a console organizer? Well, you have to get door sills to have that. Want the cold weather group? Convenience group has to be added (and I have no garage door). Little things like no top being selected and so forth are making the actual price harder to iron out. Thanks in advance!

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[Stlrfan152]

The gladiators are definitely a little pricy, but they are pretty unique compared to everything else.
Im pretty sure they discount whatever top you pick. The premium soft top is $2300 alone if you buy it after.
The colors on the jeep builder look nothing like that in person. I would only go off real pictures. The sarge green JL color should be the same on the JT.
I would look at the max tow package if you tow stuff.

 

[Sekgunnut]

I ordered a gladiator exactly as I wanted, opted out of the cold weather group. That is one I would like to have back. I don’t need or want the heated steering wheel but the warm seats feel great on a stiff back and it comes with remote start. IMO that is an option to order. Don’t be afraid to spend a little extra, they offer 0% for 36 months and basically if you build one you’re not getting any great deals.

 

[Blue Ridge]

I'll hit the dealers, but seeing as I plan on driving it for as long as they let me drive, I want near exactly what I want, right down to exterior color. Sarge green being my #1 available choice on a 2021 (whatever happened to Ocean Blue?), and no dealers around here have my color at the moment, though oddly there are at least a dozen Wranglers in that color on the same local lots. Best price I've found on a build is from Travis from the JL forums with 5% off MSRP +1% with FCA #, and another #1 if I finance through them. How much better than 6-7% am I looking at finding a car on an actual dealer's lot? I see what they have them priced online, but not sure what to expect in real life. I'm not a master negotiator, and really don't look forward to that part of this purchase.


Edited to add, StLrFan, I definitely want a tow package and auxiliary switches for later additions.

 

[Sekgunnut]

I'll hit the dealers, but seeing as I plan on driving it for as long as they let me drive, I want near exactly what I want, right down to exterior color. Sarge green being my #1 available choice on a 2021 (whatever happened to Ocean Blue?), and no dealers around here have my color at the moment, though oddly there are at least a dozen Wranglers in that color on the same local lots. Best price I've found on a build is from Travis from the JL forums with 5% off MSRP +1% with FCA #, and another #1 if I finance through them. How much better than 6-7% am I looking at finding a car on an actual dealer's lot? I see what they have them priced online, but not sure what to expect in real life. I'm not a master negotiator, and really don't look forward to that part of this purchase.


Edited to add, StLrFan, I definitely want a tow package and auxiliary switches for later additions.

I got right at 6% off msrp with a trade in. Chances are you can save a little more off a 2021 that is in stock and quite a lot if you can find a 2020 that you like. I also got a Mojave so no incentives ever on them or rubicon’s in my area. There are deals to be had on most other trim levels but they are obviously less on anything you order.

 

[Blue Ridge]

Unless it's a typo I just found what I was looking for at 17% off MSRP!! Only catch is it's an 8 hour drive from me. I hope it can be delivered but wouldn't be opposed to buying a one way plane ticket.

 

[Sekgunnut]

I hope it works out for you but 2 things I’ve found. Dealers offer huge discounts online and they are including incentives you can’t qualify for or are under cutting your trade in substantially.

 

[Blue Ridge]

My trade in is a beat to shit '96 Chevy CK1500 with 200K miles, so not even trying to go that route. If they are getting funny with it, I'll keep looking. But Gladiators in sarge green just aren't on lots around my area. Hoping since it's a newer color release, more will start popping up. And the longer I wait, the more $ I have saved up, and I have a truck that runs so don't have to jump on something quickly.

 

[Blue Ridge]

Well, I've asked my local dealer to see if he can trade for that truck and get it to Asheville at the same price. He's contacting the dealer. I'm hoping this is the actual price of the truck and I'll still get the $1500 rebate and such going on this month and that it's not all rolled in.

 

[Blue Ridge]

Well, that price didn't include destination fee ($1495) which is on the window sticker so is an annoying thing to omit, as well as a pretty high $900 dealer fee. Still much better price than I've found, and right at 9%off of MSRP. Downside is I'll either have to drive 7 hours each way, catch a plane and drive one way, or have it delivered. It's pretty much the exact truck I'd built online though, which is very tempting.

 

[Broke Owner]

I’m getting 6% of invoice price minus a 1.5k incentive and driving 7 hours. The dealer fees are $350 and I’m getting a 2k-Ish tax break with my trade in, depends on your state tax rules, I’m in Texas

6-8%under invoice plus any incentive is consider a good deal

I could have gone to Gupton and gone 8% under invoice but that meant a 17 hour drive but no tax break.

there’s an excel spreadsheet that has the msrp and invoice price. Use it to get a better idea of the pricing.

 

[Blue Ridge]

Thanks, I’ll look for that, but if you know where it is, link appreciated.

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