Willys or Mojave

[Rahkmalla]

how much equipment do you want? a willys with 8.4/alpine is only $2500 cheaper than a similarly specced out mojave. That's a lot of kit and a lot of comfort for $2500 (mojave has a smoother on-road and off-road suspension, and the bolstered seats make a noticable difference. I had a willys for 6 months before i got my mojave)

So do you want a stripper? Willys! Do you want a higher level of equipment? Mojave!

Sponsored

 

[Pedal Metal]

I drove both before I bought. I agree that either would be a sound choice. As for me, I chose the Mojave as I just thought it was more suited to my tastes in a daily driver which is also a recreation vehicle.

As for your request for advice, the most conservative advice I could offer is for you to begin with the end in mind as much as you can and try to pick the vehicle that's as close to that picture as possible right off of the lot. Simply put, both are purpose built. The Mojave does have a suspension, rear locker and lower gears, amongst other things that are purpose built for off-road and still has value on-road (i.e. cushy suspension clears potholes with greater ease). The Willys has a strong value proposition and is certainly capable and enjoyable off and on-road, but there are known difference that can be felt and quantified if you care to take both to the extreme or they're even felt by you. Still, neither is a wrong choice.

As well, both can be further customized and you could even choose to order a base trim to fully custom build your own dream. However, just consider, the cost and potential joy / hassle that may go along with that if the resulting joy / hassle turns out to be different then expected.

Lastly, I'd suggest that you consider anything you drive on the streets is subject to damage by another and if it is, it will be easier to estimate the damages and diminished value the closer it is to stock. That's not to say that someone couldn't argue value, obtain an appraisal, etc.; just that the closer something is to comparables in the market place the easier it is to measure value.

Cheers!

 

[AstroZombie]

I can agree with every comment but mostly with: if Mojave is an option now and you don’t get it there may be a bit of buyers remorse. Myself, I’ve always wanted a rubicon because it aligned with my driving conditions and local locations so the package just stuck with me. It was the most I could get without dipping to far into the aftermarket. I just don’t have the money to be sinking into future upgrades so i needed a turnkey model with all the widgets and doodads o could get. My rubicon has the same raised fender flairs so 35’s fit without issue.
Alternately, I’d you do plan on mega modding it go with a lower priced trim package.
just my thoughts. Honestly would have been napping in any Jeep removable top format. The glady just sings to me. !! What ever you get you will enjoy every second. Even if it just staring at It out you window.

 

[Riding with Gladys]

If your budget conscious and don't do any long road trips then the Willys is probably the way to go. Mojave is going to be more comfortable on that 5 hr(for me) road trip to the outer banks. Either will do fine on the beach though like the previous poster suggested, mud tires are not your friend in the sand. Having said that, my Mojave came with M/T's and did just fine on Ocracoke aired down.

 

[Jobofly]

Mojave was the choice me me as a daily driver and sometimes going off road. It is very comfortable ride and will do everything I need it too.

 

[Gvsukids]

Mojave has some features that you cannot get on other gladiators like stronger chassis.

Diesel has the same frame modifications.

The Mojave does have a suspension, rear locker and lower gears, amongst other things that are purpose built for off-road

Same 4.10 gearing as Rubicon and Max Tow. Only difference is that the Mojave can go faster in 4Lo than other Gladiators.

 

[Klicht87]

My 2 cents - I have a willys and I would have loved to have the Mojave, I bought mine in May 2022 for $49K and the Mojaves in the local market were closer to 60K. I didn't want to spend that much. I don't offroad at all but I like it purely for the cosmetic differences and the 4.10 gearing. I would have kept it stock but with bigger tires. If you can find one that is less than $5k difference and can afford it, I would go with a Mojave. I just couldn't justifiy the price difference with the covid prices still lingering.

With that being said, I do like my Willys but i've already spent money on lights (oracle headlights and taillights), and will be being the Cervini stalker hood that has the mojave scoop and rubicon vents so thats about $2500 for that stuff. The money adds up fast. Like one other member said, look at what your end goal is and whichever trim brings you there closer in stock version, get that one.

 

[jav_eee]

Compared to my 2006 TJ, my rubicon JT rides like a dream. It’s almost car-like. I’m afraid (for my wallet) to try a Mojave.

 

[Barnaby’sdad]

Build what you want on the Jeep website and see what the price difference is.

In my case, it made more sense to just upgrade. That and I could just press the ‘Easy’ button and find a (essentially) strippy JTR on a lot anywhere.

 

[Gvsukids]

Looking to buy a 2023 Jeep Gladiator, & I’m trying to decide between the Willys or Mojave.
80% of my driving will be in town & highway. The rest will be some well kept mountain trails for hunting & fishing, & then some beach driving in the sand at the Outer Banks.
I’m open to everyone’s opinions & experiences. Thanks.

Did you read through this thread?
https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/forum/threads/willys-or-mojave.43001/
At the time we ordered our max tow, the Mojave wasn't available. Otherwise it would have been a strong consideration as I like going fast. But at the same time, we also wanted to tow with the highest capacity.

 

[FloridaMan655321]

Answer is always a Mojave, no matter what you compare it to.

 

[whiteglad]

Mojave suspension is better on rough roads, paved or dirt. At times, you may want or need the rear locker off road. Also, the AT3W tires are better for your use than the mud tires of the Willys.

 

[kilroy173]

You could get a sport S with the rear LSD and add take off parts for cheap to build a Willy’s over time. There’s also a surprising amount of Mojave take off shocks on offer up and Craigslist you could throw on. I have a Sport S diesel with Mojave wheels and tires and love the look and ride. Got them brand new for next to nothing too. I’ve slowly built a Sporjavewillycon over time haha

 

[MojaveLawyer]

From my personal experience with owning a Mojave, I look at it from this different approach keeping in mind what my budget is and what mods I'm looking to do.

To be completely transparent and honest with you, the ticket price on my Mojave fully loaded was 69k, but we negotiated down to 51k out the door during Covid. Up until now, I've probably spent close to about +10k on a lift, drive shaft, + all the shenanigans. But, honestly, looking back and reflecting on the purchase, I don't regret it, but I wish I had been aware of all of the tweaks and extra purchases I had to do to accommodate the lift for the Mojave (but that's just me being a perfectionist and having things done the right way).

I would compare and contrast which one fits perfectly for your lifestyle and is tailored to the fun things you do. Looking back, it's an amazing investment, but for the Mojave, it's definitely going to cost some buckaroos if you want to do the lift and all of that. As for the Willys, if you put on a solid suspension, there's no doubt it would ride and be as capable as the Mojave (just my two cents).

Just my personal opinion from experience, I'm sure you'll make the best choice for ya! Good luck!

 

[peterpilot379]

Get the Mojave and you’ll have zero regrets. It rides great! Replace the Mojave decals on the hood with Willys and it’s a double win! ?

Sponsored