My wife made this proposal to me today. "Next year we're buying another car, you can get a new jeep, sell the Scrambler and use that money to fix up the new jeep or just buy a new family car." So, the question is: Is it worth me getting a new vehicle to fix up or just fix up the scrambler. Also my wife hates to drive the scrambler and won't drive it with the kids.
Are you attached to the Scrambler? Have you put much time & money into it? Can you wait until next year?
What is it about the Scrambler your wife doesn't like?
I say buy and 04-06 Unlimited for around $12K. then add long arms, big tires, lockers, etc and still be cheaper than a "new" car.
My Fiance loves driving my Unlimited. It handles/ rides great, and has all the ammenities of a regular vehicle. (AC, heat, cup holders, CD player, etc). 😉
How old is the Scrambler? A smog exempt Jeep can be a lot of fun!
The scrambler is a 83 and not smog exempt. She dislikes the road noise, squeeks, rattles, no ac, exhuast smell and handling. I am attached to it and the character that goes along with it, but family first. Oh, and I'm not a wrench, so garage time is limited. Well, I answered my own question. I guess I'll get a new jeep next year. In the mean time, I'll put a couple of hundred in this thing to get me through this 4wd season and buy a new jeep next year.
I suggest you get something your wife and family will feel safe in (and go on runs with you). The rest depends on your budget. To be economical, I agree with Justin. It would be a great family car, safer and easy to drive. If you want to spend some bucks, consider a new Unlimited, but you may be gunshy to wheel it. The 04-06 unlimited would be a lot cheaper to get trail ready and still daily driveable.
I'd go newer so your family can be involved in runs/events!
Since we're throwing in our two cents, here's mine.
I used to have a Jeepster Commando I was really attached to, it had fantastic character. BUT, it was not something I felt comfortable having the family drive around in. Sooner or later it was going to leave me stranded on a trail, or leave the family stranded at the store.
I ended up getting a TJ (The Sahara I have now). Here's where I went wrong: I went out and bought a TJ, put what I thought was a decent lift kit on it, then joined a club (Gold Hills).
I now realize that I ended up owning a Jeep with the wrong axles, transmission, and lift kit. Had I hung around these guys first, I'd have made a smarter purchase up front. I can still wheel about 60% of the trails they go on, it'll just take me a little longer (and more money) to get mine set up to run 100% of the trails.
There's a WEALTH of knowledge and experience in this club along with a willingness to share experiences. The Scrambler will do great on the more moderate trails until your ready to switch to a TJ and start building it up. You can run the 60% with me. Ha!!
I appreciate all the two cents. I think we ended up with a buck fifty in advice. My wife will go along with whatever I decide. The CJ is paid for and with gas prices, it seems cost effective to keep it and fix it up and buy a sub-compact.
"gamfam" wrote:
I ended up getting a TJ (The Sahara I have now). Here's where I went wrong: I went out and bought a TJ, put what I thought was a decent lift kit on it, then joined a club (Gold Hills).
I now realize that I ended up owning a Jeep with the wrong axles, transmission, and lift kit. Had I hung around these guys first, I'd have made a smarter purchase up front. I can still wheel about 60% of the trails they go on, it'll just take me a little longer (and more money) to get mine set up to run 100% of the trails.
!!
You have no idea. I was very happy with my Jeep before I joined this club. I joined the club and have spent 20K plus since then 😀 It is all Brad's fault 😂 😂
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