My review of the 2012 Wrangler JK
I thought that perhaps others here might take their love for Jeeps into the 21st century. Being a CJ guy since the late 70’s, I finally took the plunge and got a 2012 Wrangler. If you are considering the same, maybe this will help you.
I recently bought a 2012 Wrangler 2 door. I have about 3,000 miles on the vehicle now, so time for my review.
Jeep has finally done it right. Although nothing will ever replace my love for CJ’s, I can now drive my Jeep every day regardless of weather. In my old CJ, I would check the weather and if it looked like a rainy day, take the car. No more. Now I have the best of both worlds for the first time. The Jeep does have one problem, when I run the a/c, the front carpet gets wet, must be a messed up drain hose. It will see the dealer this week for repair. Other than that, it is perfect so far.
This Jeep handles reasonably well, and with 285hp, is actually fun to drive on the street. I mean, fun to drive in a car way, not an old CJ way. It cruises smooth at 90 mph, gets 20mpg on the freeway, and has a/c. Not a bad way to travel. I just got back from a 1600 mile trip to Georgia. What other vehicle can drive comfortably up the freeway in 95 degree weather, then upon arrival, drop the top, take off the doors, and hit the back roads for some 4 wheeling?? NONE.
Pros – It’s a Jeep. Yes it is plastic with computers and all that, but I still feel like I’m in a Jeep. Doors off, top down, fun in the sun for the whole family.
The 3.6 engine is awesome. This engine is smooth and pulls hard all the way up the RPM’s. Respectable MPG as well.
The sunrider soft top is great. The front half can be folded back in seconds (I’ve done it from the driver’s seat at a stoplight). From side to side, from windshield to just behind my head is all open. Remove the half door top halves (takes seconds) and it is almost as good as having the top down.
Cons – I know once my warranty runs out that much of the things I could fix/modify on the old CJ will have to be left to guys with computers.
Not sure why they put the side mirrors on the doors. Now with the doors off, all I have is the rearview mirror in the middle. Dumb move, Chrysler.
I think they should have found a way to give it more lockable storage. The bin under the floor behind the back seat could be bigger. How about some lockable storage under the front seats? Bestop makes a box, but it needs modification for the 2012’s and is pretty small.
The half doors are a tradeoff that could be done better. Although with the top half off, the opening is much bigger than regular doors, and IMO looks way better with the top down, the plastic window is miserable when you have it open with that top half of the door on (something I had to do because of lack of space when we were traveling). Your arm sweats on the small plastic opening. Storing the top halves also takes up most of the space behind the back seat, very awkward. How about windows that roll down into the bottom halves, then just remove the top frame? Living in south florida where I can afford to have them off most of the time, is worth it. But if I lived up north, I think I would prefer the regular doors.
Up-coming mods:
1st the muffler has to go. This thing sounds like a Honda Civic. I don’t think I’m exaggerating when I say the muffler is over 3 feet long. This is on the short list.
Next, more aggressive tires. I think some Rubicon ones off Craigslist from one of those guys who instantly put on massive tires should be doable.
Seat covers for when I get dirty.
Down the line, a 1 ½ lift/leveling kit, better stereo, more lockable storage, better front bumper, rims, air induction, etc. will most likely make the list as funds become available.
Some thoughts for die hard CJ guys…
I had a thread here when I originally considered the sale of my CJ and buying the JK. One response haunted me, it was something like – “you are trading two vehicles you like for one you think you might like.” Yes, but it worked. Every time I drive my JK, that same ear to ear grin that the CJ gave me is present.
I have owned 4 Jeeps now, 3 CJ’s ranging from 1973 to 1977 (all CJ5 with V8). I love Jeeps and loved my CJ’s, but somehow, the family seemed to outgrow the old CJ. The wife and kids no longer enjoyed it like they did when we were younger. One of the main reasons I enjoy my Jeep is taking them on light off road trips, and just cruising with no top. With a 2012 Wrangler, I saw the chance to add a/c and a top that can be put up when weather changes mid trip. It worked, they love the Wrangler and the good times are back!
One other thing: If you get a new Jeep, tread lightly. Yes there is a website treadlightly.org. It’s an off roading association. Join them (60.00 for 3 years) and you get 1% off invoice and no dealer fees. I live in south Florida; all dealers here have dealer fees, and won’t budge. I just showed the dealer my membership confirmation and got 1% under invoice (not MSRP, invoice). No other fees at all. Out the door my Sport S (s package has a/c, wheels, tires and some other stuff) with the Limited slip and the 3.73 axel for less than 25,000 out the door including all taxes and registration fees. Not bad. After the money I made selling my CJ (5,500) and my car (15,500), I owe less than 5,000 at 0% for 3 years.
Not bad at all.
Fun in the sun with my family. For me, that's what Jeep means.
I recently bought a 2012 Wrangler 2 door. I have about 3,000 miles on the vehicle now, so time for my review.
Jeep has finally done it right. Although nothing will ever replace my love for CJ’s, I can now drive my Jeep every day regardless of weather. In my old CJ, I would check the weather and if it looked like a rainy day, take the car. No more. Now I have the best of both worlds for the first time. The Jeep does have one problem, when I run the a/c, the front carpet gets wet, must be a messed up drain hose. It will see the dealer this week for repair. Other than that, it is perfect so far.
This Jeep handles reasonably well, and with 285hp, is actually fun to drive on the street. I mean, fun to drive in a car way, not an old CJ way. It cruises smooth at 90 mph, gets 20mpg on the freeway, and has a/c. Not a bad way to travel. I just got back from a 1600 mile trip to Georgia. What other vehicle can drive comfortably up the freeway in 95 degree weather, then upon arrival, drop the top, take off the doors, and hit the back roads for some 4 wheeling?? NONE.
Pros – It’s a Jeep. Yes it is plastic with computers and all that, but I still feel like I’m in a Jeep. Doors off, top down, fun in the sun for the whole family.
The 3.6 engine is awesome. This engine is smooth and pulls hard all the way up the RPM’s. Respectable MPG as well.
The sunrider soft top is great. The front half can be folded back in seconds (I’ve done it from the driver’s seat at a stoplight). From side to side, from windshield to just behind my head is all open. Remove the half door top halves (takes seconds) and it is almost as good as having the top down.
Cons – I know once my warranty runs out that much of the things I could fix/modify on the old CJ will have to be left to guys with computers.
Not sure why they put the side mirrors on the doors. Now with the doors off, all I have is the rearview mirror in the middle. Dumb move, Chrysler.
I think they should have found a way to give it more lockable storage. The bin under the floor behind the back seat could be bigger. How about some lockable storage under the front seats? Bestop makes a box, but it needs modification for the 2012’s and is pretty small.
The half doors are a tradeoff that could be done better. Although with the top half off, the opening is much bigger than regular doors, and IMO looks way better with the top down, the plastic window is miserable when you have it open with that top half of the door on (something I had to do because of lack of space when we were traveling). Your arm sweats on the small plastic opening. Storing the top halves also takes up most of the space behind the back seat, very awkward. How about windows that roll down into the bottom halves, then just remove the top frame? Living in south florida where I can afford to have them off most of the time, is worth it. But if I lived up north, I think I would prefer the regular doors.
Up-coming mods:
1st the muffler has to go. This thing sounds like a Honda Civic. I don’t think I’m exaggerating when I say the muffler is over 3 feet long. This is on the short list.
Next, more aggressive tires. I think some Rubicon ones off Craigslist from one of those guys who instantly put on massive tires should be doable.
Seat covers for when I get dirty.
Down the line, a 1 ½ lift/leveling kit, better stereo, more lockable storage, better front bumper, rims, air induction, etc. will most likely make the list as funds become available.
Some thoughts for die hard CJ guys…
I had a thread here when I originally considered the sale of my CJ and buying the JK. One response haunted me, it was something like – “you are trading two vehicles you like for one you think you might like.” Yes, but it worked. Every time I drive my JK, that same ear to ear grin that the CJ gave me is present.
I have owned 4 Jeeps now, 3 CJ’s ranging from 1973 to 1977 (all CJ5 with V8). I love Jeeps and loved my CJ’s, but somehow, the family seemed to outgrow the old CJ. The wife and kids no longer enjoyed it like they did when we were younger. One of the main reasons I enjoy my Jeep is taking them on light off road trips, and just cruising with no top. With a 2012 Wrangler, I saw the chance to add a/c and a top that can be put up when weather changes mid trip. It worked, they love the Wrangler and the good times are back!
One other thing: If you get a new Jeep, tread lightly. Yes there is a website treadlightly.org. It’s an off roading association. Join them (60.00 for 3 years) and you get 1% off invoice and no dealer fees. I live in south Florida; all dealers here have dealer fees, and won’t budge. I just showed the dealer my membership confirmation and got 1% under invoice (not MSRP, invoice). No other fees at all. Out the door my Sport S (s package has a/c, wheels, tires and some other stuff) with the Limited slip and the 3.73 axel for less than 25,000 out the door including all taxes and registration fees. Not bad. After the money I made selling my CJ (5,500) and my car (15,500), I owe less than 5,000 at 0% for 3 years.
Not bad at all.
Fun in the sun with my family. For me, that's what Jeep means.
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