Dead: The Cheap Jeep Wrangler

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( www.alltfl.com/ ) Check out our new spot to find ALL our content, from news to videos and our podcasts! For the past 25 years, the Jeep Wrangler largely had the off-road SUV market all to itself...but not anymore. With legendary nameplates like the Bronco and Land Cruiser seeing revivals for the new decade, the Wrangler faces stiffer competition, so can even entry-level models like this Sport S get away with a price tag over $50K with options? In this video, Tommy goes over some Wrangler history and what today's landscape looks like if you're looking to buy a new JL.
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[@TFLcar]

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[@Gopackersandfartondabears]

Ok

[@stahlight]

Nice sponsor :) I actually went to the link :D

[@kellynewman862]

Tommy could you do an updated review on your 2 dr red jl wrangler if you still have it?

[@nathanstenabaugh1290]

The North American market needs a version of the Jimny, something to occupy the small lightweight off roader with an acceptable price tag space.

[@FJUH]

Mate, they’re expensive here in Australia. But I agree, NA could do with the Jimny, it’s an amazing vehicle!

[@forgingluck]

Yes. 20-25k 💯

[@nathanstenabaugh1290]

@@FJUH MSRP there still puts it at 30 to 45 k Canadian only way you’re getting a wrangler here for that price is welllllll used probably with an as is sticker somewhere in the contract. Used and new all car prices are insane lately I don’t know why but it feels like the boardrooms think the only viable skus and trims are above 100k.

[@randalluthe4792]

Yep, but the US won't allow Suzuki back in. The Jimny is an awesome little 4x4 platform.

[@truthserum5310]

I came here looking for this comment on the Jimny.

[@Beep-Bop-Boop]

I 1,000% agree, Jeep needs a true base model, true off roader that's roughly $30k. Back to Basics, I'd love to see that.

[@tedschmitt178]

Agreed, except the price needs to be $25K

[@backwoodstherapy]

They just need to lower prices by about 25-30%. $52k MSRP on a 2 door sport S is wild when you can get a nicely equipped _literally anything else_ for high $30s or low $40s, _if you don't want to go off road._ Jeep is cutting out people who might cross shop a Wrangler with other mid-sized SUVs by making it 30% more expensive than everything else in the segment. It certainly can't cost them that much to produce. They're charging this much because they can.

[@46993-r]

@@tedschmitt178 You're high. What new 4x4 do you see under $30,000?

[@jamespostle6894]

stellantis will never let that happen.

[@bwofficial1776]

@@46993-r Suzuki Jimny, if it was imported to the US.

[@user-pgchargerse71]

Part of the price problem is dealers seem to only order higher priced models for their stock.

[@kilroywashere9343]

Because they only care about the high paying customers

[@paulbugden7708]

Profit is % based

[@agger838]

​@@kilroywashere9343poor people don't buy new cars

[@matthewgaines10]

People sell what people are willing to buy. Customers establish fair and reasonable. As we are seeing now is when the customers can’t/won’t pay those prices anymore, they will either adjust the pricing or fail in the marketplace.

[@doctordetroit4339]

Jeeps are junk. End of story.

[@edisontrent5244]

Last affordable wrangler had an inline 6

[@JeepCherokeeful]

And the last good one…

[@dm273]

Last affordable one has a salvage title slapped on it

[@shanevanorder2644]

The best one too

[@randy_magnum01]

This

[@user-cg7cc7zj3e]

The Blazer is Not back. That is not a real blazer. It's a cuv with an identity crisis.

[@vehiclenanny]

Agreed. It is a huge missed opportunity for GM.

[@Kahless00]

It's mama calls it a blazer.

[@Inferno45]

They should have used the Colorado platform to make a body on frame suv like the 4runner and called that the blazer. They could have also made the roof removable to push toyota to finally do it to the 4runner as well. I swear car manufacturers dont understand what their customers want. Take dodge for example, they sold a shit ton of challengers but never made a convertible version. They would have sold double the amount just from female buyers alone.

[@BillLaBrie]

It identifies as a blazer…

[@dwiedmaier]

abba is back too LOL

[@gabet945]

If people are cross shopping Jeeps and boats then the logical thing is to make Jeeps amphibious. That would capture both markets.

[@lanceislateagain]

Wasn't there a Seep Jeep back in WW2? Well... it wasn't exactly great at either land or sea lol.

[@kd4yrp]

I was surprised by the $4500 price for an automatic transmission.

[@is6566]

The wrangler auto is $4,500? It is $2,500 in a Gladiator.

[@LankyR]

If you get the v6 AND the auto it's $4500. It's $2500 if you go with the 2.0T (which only comes with the auto). Manual w/ v6 is no charge

[@nicholasmoore423]

Every engine should come with a manual imo Save money, theft-proof

[@MrLM002]

@@nicholasmoore423 It's theft-proof because of how few people know how to drive stick in the US. If every new car in the US came with a manual transmission it wouldn't be theft-proof anymore. I do agree with more manual options, especially for 4x4s, but considering Jeep's trouble with the clutch in their manual transmission Wranglers, if there way desire to come out with a new manual option for the Wrangler and or Gladiator, it has almost certainly evaporated.

[@user-pgchargerse71]

Good reason to get the more fun manual.

[@crbourret]

We just got rid of our daughters 2012 Jeep JK Sahara, I've never had a Jeep with so many problems. In our 7 years of ownership we put over $10k in repairs! All she did was drive it to work and school, never off road. I doubt we would ever buy another one.

[@DUNEATV]

Wow, never had problems with any of my Jeep Wranglers or Cherokees.

[@dennisl6198]

yeah, that was not a good year. my 2015 is flawless. its a little bit of a crapshoot. But the fact that all your daughter did was drive it on the street tells me that another vehicle was probably a better idea.

[@CACressida]

Kind of a weird thing to buy a jeep wrangler for. It obviously wasn't satisfied with the torture of mall crawling.

[@caseygreb2062]

Bought mine new in 2016, and now with 142,000 miles.... other than the pos oil cooler ( on my 3rd) I have had good luck for the most part.

[@crxracer805]

Why didn't you get her a Camry or Corolla if she was driving it to school and work? More reliable and efficient.

[@groosbro1]

Chrysler has abused the Jeep brand and it's customers for decades. The prices kept going up while the quality kept going down. When we were car shopping Jeep wasn't even on the radar because of quality and durability concerns.

[@CorvZ061]

The quality of Jeeps have definitely gotten better. Go look at a Jeep of the YJ, a TJ, a JK generations. They get better with every generation.

[@andakara27]

Agreed, JL is one of the worst car ever existed, ok it has much better ride comfort than the JK but so many weaknesses, engine with turbo and cam problems, gearbox with countless problems, the creaking of the interior even driving on the road, and to make it worse the expensive price tag, it's literally on par with the new defender, with the same amount of problems defender is wiser option.

[@saywhatnow57]

​@@andakara27 I have a JL and don't have any of those problems, at least not yet. Only at 65k miles, but I've actually been impressed with the fit and finish. And ours has a V6. But they were cheaper when bought ours in 2021. We also had a TJ back 20+ years ago that we also bought new. There is no comparison to the JL. It's is a significantly upgraded vehicle with higher quality everything.

[@mistermr.6938]

Most of the people posting about Jeep quality online are either paid shill for Bronco or have never actually owned a Wrangler. The Wrangler is their flagship model that brings customers. I've had 3 Wranglers, and all have been reliable. My two JLs are surprisingly quick, handles well. I think I a lot of people buy wranglers for the look and don't realize the draw backs. Gas mileage isn't great. Driving in high winds can be taxing. It's louder since the tops come off. Other than that, they are great vehicles. I have a V6 with 35" tires and a 3" lift. I routinely beat people off the line at green lights, and driving with the top and doors off is an absolute blast. It's not for everyone, but people can't admit they made a mistake in what they purchased, so they lie to shit the blame to the product, and not their inability to make a good choice. Look at all the offroad channels of Jeep owners. they love them because they do what they were made to do. If it's not your thing, buy a Subaru.

[@ChadSchrandt]

@@mistermr.6938 You're only going to get anecdotal responses on social media with very little evidence. There will be plenty to people saying they've had terrible Jeep experiences, but you'll also have plenty with positive experiences. The only way to really get a bigger picture is if you look at large scale reliability reports that factors in recalls, large scale owner surveys, and manufacturer reporting. Unfortunately for Stallantis, their products are usually on the lower end of these lists which most people get the idea that they are unreliable. With that said, Jeeps are still unique, they can do a great deal that other vehicle simply cannot. The biggest complaint issue Jeep has to battle is that too many people are buying Jeeps and expecting them to drive and feel like a generic cross over and act shocked when they don't, giving Jeeps a bad rep.

[@2773mclovin]

I totally agree, $29,995 is the perfect price for a sport with a six speed. I’m a sales consultant at a dealership and we ordered one to advertise for that price. It sold within a week of the advertisement.

[@theroamingcolt]

PREACH TOMMY -- Jeep is absolutely out of control

[@ADBLOCKER4YOUTUBE]

Stellantis is on life support.

[@theroamingcolt]

@@ADBLOCKER4KZbin it's like they're trying to end themselves 🤔🤷

[@andrewb981]

This video is spot on… the real appeal of a wrangler was it was affordable and customizable. You could start with a sport and make it what you want. Jeep as a brand has lost its way to a world of push button tops and creature comforts.

[@wilmarbarrick3194]

Mechanics love these things. Many a son and daughter's education and summer home in Barbados has been paid off by them.

[@wildmikefilms]

I'm a mechanic. We don't get paid that much. If it's a warranty repair, we get shafted.

[@LukeEdward]

Jeep’s pricing is so stupid right now. And that’s from a guy who owns a JL and a Gladiator.

[@cheesefries7436]

Dang, they really got you!

[@joezephyr]

Alex, if you tumble the back seats forward, there are straps with velcro, to stop them bouncing around. The straps have been there since the JL was launched.

[@thedarkslide]

10:52 I literally just bought a four door, 2018 Wrangler Sahara (JL), ~90k miles, never been offroad, with tons of options AND a 60 months/60k miles bumper to bumper warranty for ~30k (with tax and registration). They're out there.

[@cowelk]

It depends on what "cheap" is. I am 77. My first car cost $2,700. It was a '68 Plymouth Roadrunner. The only option I had was a AM/FM radio. But it cost me at age 21 a half a year's worth of wages. I made $2.20 per hour or about $4,400 a year. Today, if someone makes $15 per hour and works around 2,000 hours a year a Jeep Wrangler will cost them well over a year's wage. Many young people (in their 20's) don't earn $15 an hour today. So, even a "cheap" Jeep that cost $30,000 is even more over a year's wage. It is not just Jeep that is pricing the young out of the market. Other manufacturers do it, too. But it is the U.S. Federal Government that is responsible for a large portion of the increased cost. Stellantis, Ford, GM and the others have to pay credits to "non-polluting" car makers in order to sell internal combustion engines and meet fuel economy standards. So, Tesla makes a ton of money selling their credits to other automakers. The credits to Tesla paid by Jeep are, of course, added to the base price of the vehicle. So, yes, there are no "cheap" Jeeps but we can thank the U.S. government and California government (they have a reach well beyond the State's borders) for a larger part of the cost beyond the cost of living.

[@byronlarson5534]

Bingo - great point and most people are simply oblivious to the destruction of federal and state regulations.

[@MrSGL21]

i'm in the restaurant industry. we start people at 14 an hour. the state min is 13. walmart starts at 13.75 and can't get anyone.

[@spenceralridge4958]

While I agree that car inflation (like medical inflation) has outpaced the rate of inflation in the economy, the fact is that your Roadrunner was an incredibly dangerous car that polluted the environment at a rate that, frankly, has made it necessary for more restrictive air pollution measures today. So, while you can blame the government all you want, the reality is that the cars you drove and the power plants that produced your electricity had a price, and that price is now being paid by those of us that have to live and work in the planet you left for us. You need to re-think where the blame belongs my friend.

[@cowelk]

@@spenceralridge4958 Really?

[@spenceralridge4958]

@@cowelk Yes, really.

[@mattnessB72]

Longtime (Jeep) owner here, most of them various flavors of the Wrangler. Just traded in my 21 Gladiator for a 24 Willys JLU. By far, this new one is the cheapest feeling Wrangler I’ve ever owned. I swear the body panels are thinner and mostly glued together. Cheap seat foam and seat material, rattles, hell they even cost cut the engine cover! For almost $60k, this may be the end of us owning Wranglers when this lease is up.

[@mumwifeteacher]

Jeep should do a deal with Suzuki and bring a 20k version of the jimmy here as a back to basics off roader.

[@rcairforceone]

They wouldn't undercut themselves.

[@Master-Blaster-4x4]

I AGREE!!

[@j0hnpavl191]

@@rcairforceoneyeah but a true stripped down model wouldn’t be for a lot of the buyers. Not sure how much they can strip off and still meet current safety standards?

[@rcairforceone]

@j0hnpavl191 they could just call it the builders spec. If you're already going to swap the suspension, axles, bumpers and so on why not have an option for an ultra base model?

[@kevinvoyer5053]

We just bought a 2024 Gladiator Sport S, I found with a great $15,000 discount, from an MSRP of $52,000, down to $37,000! That has a few packages, that includes climate control, heated seats/steering wheel, nice 17” alloy wheels that match the Granite Chrystal Metallic paint with matching fenders, Gorilla Glass, plus the awesome 12.3” UConnect 5.0 SOS system with wireless Car Play and WIFI. Plus adaptive cruise control and cross traffic alert. But the base suspension and 245/75-17 tires, that at 36 psi gets the best mileage and ride. But this is not my first new Jeep. Back in 1995 I bought a basic Wrangler, that had no radio, power steering, vinyl top and windows with half steel doors, 2.5 4 cyl 5 speed. The only option was the fold and tumble rear seat. That I paid $12,400! Brand new! Then a 2015 Cherokee Latitude 3.2 V6 4x4, that I loved all around. For $31,000!

[@chadthecreative]

Nissan needs to bring the Xterra back into the mix! People would totally buy it now.

[@Sea_Jay]

Good lawd, I got my 2015 Sport X for $21k. The ONLY option I have is A/C. Still have it 10 years later and I love it!

[@theadventureexpedition3619]

I’ve got a basic 15 rubicon payed about a bit over 35k for it but only had just over 50,000km on it. Now it’s given me a bunch of issues since I bought it and it’s still cost me less than the new jeeps.

[@heiz1962]

Just bought a yellow 2015 Sport X with 72k miles on it for 19,500, hopefully it will be worth it!

[@kevinm5177]

My 2016 Sport S was about $31k, but I ordered it with manual everything, AC was the big comfort item. Soft top too.

[@JenniferHawkins-j2i]

I just bought a 24 sport with a few minor upgrades and it was 27k. I couldn’t be happier. Two door manual is my dream car.

[@outsidethebox218]

Just got a 2024 jeep, gas version (+$10-12k for a batter wher i still have to pay for the electricity..... no thx). Fully loaded with a sky touch top (LOVE this btw) ran me just under 50k. Its pricey and the mpg isn't great (I can get close to 30 on a hwy trip). The price and mog aside, its my zen. It makes daily driving soooo fun. Also a stock version is so fast! I have the 2L turbo. With a bunch of mods and extra weight, sure itll slow up a bit. Overall im loving my new purchase. And the easy top is such an underared option, even though ut does cost extra.

[@spcneary]

You can’t blame jeep for consumers voluntarily spending $50k plus for a vehicle. When we as consumers put our foot down and say give us cheaper cars or we won’t trade them in every 2.5yrs the market will meet us where we want to be. Negative equity is the real reason cars have gotten so pricey, you can’t refinance 10k in negative equity on a 29k vehicle, you can do it on a 50-70k vehicle though.

[@willlazenby1050]

That's actually very insightful regarding refi on negative equity, thanks for posting this.

[@dmacarthur5356]

Yep. I asked a carpenter once why kitchen cabinets, which are just plywood boxes with a door cost 7k. He said "because that's what people will pay for them".

[@sokratzmmf]

Banks aren't financing over 100% LTV like that anymore

[@spcneary]

@@sokratzmmf Interesting, the dealer I worked at was doing it 2 months ago when I quit on a daily basis.

[@is6566]

@spcneary You quit on a daily basis and they kept hiring you back? How many times did you quit? 😃

[@markhinkle3234]

I agree they need an entry level option priced in the 20k’s. For now I will keep my 2 TJ’s and simply keep maintaining them. Heck I could restore them for less than a new model.

[@Spoons81]

Those TJs are worth more than these new jeeps anyways. Amazing jeeps

[@SeanDuPhotographer]

I hate that new screen, so out of place in a Wangler. They should come standard with the 5" Uconnect, vinyl seats and vinyl floor for a lower base price, like a Tradesman Ram. But of course, Stellantis being Stealantis is not going to do it.

[@Nick-ue7iw]

Cause nobody buys that.

[@ZboeC5]

@@Nick-ue7iw That's because people can get 84 month loans @ 15% interest rates and don't care about total cost as long as they can (barely) afford the monthly payment. People are dumb.

[@IJustAccidentallyThe]

Unpopular opinion: they're priced as such because people are willing to pay it. If Stellantis was struggling to shift the higher trim variants, then yes there would be more barebones, lower cost options of the Jeep. But they're not. For a long time you had to pay a significant markup OVER the $100k MSRP of the 392 to even stand a chance of getting one of those. Don't blame Jeep, blame the buyer.

[@stevenarseneault1972]

These marked up prices makes the used msrket also expensive.

[@Outlawoverlanding2015]

I just bought used 2015 Sahara with every factory option available, rock sliders, power bubble hood, full load interior, color matched fenders and top with the 6 speed standard and my girlfriend and I love it so much we bought a 2022 JL aswell

[@lanceripplinger8352]

My local dealer has 9 Wranglers available. The price range is from $42,255 to $91,174. They are all 4 doors. Crazy and ridiculous.

[@bwofficial1776]

Because my state decided to hook itself to California's emissions/EV mandate, Jeep only ships four-door Wranglers with the 4xe trim unless specially ordered. The 4xe starts at $55k so if you want a lot model, you're paying for it.

[@lucwilson1]

Tommy’s right. $29K bare bones Wrangler. And actually available on dealer lots. The 2 out of 800 below $40K is real in pretty much all markets.

[@jwltiger3357]

To put that 52k into perspective, in 2018 I bought a 3 month old JL 4 door rubicon automatic with the v6, with everything except leather seats for 43k, original MSRP on it was 52k….its been 6 years…let that sink in lol

[@volvo09]

That's insane, That Rubicon probably costs 75k now if a near base model is 52...

[@Wrangzilla]

Exactly. I bought a 2020 JLUR w/ 52k MSRP. Basically the same Jeep is over 9k MSRP, just 4 years later. They’ve gotten greedy

[@backwoodstherapy]

I bought a '21 Wrangler JLU Sport S manual in 2021 for less than $40k. The same jeep today costs $42k, and that's without the rear LSD and gorilla glass options I got (they no longer exist in the configurator, but add another grand at least). Basically 10% higher. But I essentially got a stripped down model (again, sport S with manual transmission, tow package, gorilla glass and rear LSD). If you get one today equipped the way most people would - hard top, auto transmission, convenience group), MSRP is over $50k. For a sport S.

[@VoulkHusky]

I got lucky and bought a Sahara a few week before covid started, not getting rid of that thing any time soon haha

[@joedonbaker1673]

Same here. I have a 2019 JL Sport S. It will go to the grave with me.

[@backwoodstherapy]

​@@joedonbaker1673I have a Sport S, manual transmission, V6 with no etorque, turbo charging or hybridization whatsoever. I'm not against that, but I take pride that it's the last of a dying breed. I absolutely plan on passing this down to my daughter one day. She's currently 2.

[@TB-jj9tu]

A stripped two door Jeep from factory should have carpet delete, base radio, manual locks and windows, no rear seat and steel wheels. with options like AC, upgrade stereo, transfer case ratio, locking axles with all ratio options and all available engine options. That would give a nice blank slate for a Jeep build.

[@DUNEATV]

These new Jeeps are amazing and they drive very well. The Jeep is still hands down the best off-road vehicle made! None of the vehicles you mentioned can follow my 24 Rubicon Extreme Recon!

[@Chilin101]

Yeah I love my 24sport s too, went with 2 door soft top last summer… I’m definitely enjoying it.✌️

[@ratonautonomo8963]

I just got my 2024 Wrangler 2dr sport , around 2 weeks ago. Manual, V6, no power windows, no power mirrors, soft top, so the very basic model sold in Canada. One of the only 5 available in Quebec at the moment, at the price I got it, which was around 43k CA, around 32k US (Plus tx obviously) The price everywhere was 47k but I got it on sale. I love it so far, way better than expected, weirder also, an acquired taste I guess!

[@Ralphy20000000000011]

Just picked up a JL similar to yours - with freedom hard top- similar price( $45k)! Was one of a handful available in Ontario. I missed my YJ & TJ - fortunately never owned a JK. The build quality on this rig seems good. Time will tell. Fun to drive - acquired taste for sure 😅

[@ratonautonomo8963]

@@Ralphy20000000000011 Congrats! I've tested mine so far to every limit possible ( on the road) and I've found it way better than expected and much better than what I've read also. First of all the vehicle is fast for it's kind, gas consumption is great considering everything that everyone said. I just made a road trip 500 km, around $50 worth of gas at 130 km/hr. Only think I found kind of hard to get used to is wind, specially at 110 km/h and wind coming from the side, there's a lot of correction to be done. So far , very satisfied!

[@micdud3248]

I was a Jeep fan for years. Owned a Wrangler and Cherokee. All Chrysler products including Jeep have gone downhill since they were bought out by Renault. No longer an American car. I’ve switched to 4Runner and now own 2 of them. My SR5 will go anywhere I took my Jeeps. Best part. No maintenance and the ride is nice on and off road. RIP Jeep.

[@jgrc73]

The jeep is no longer American so you bought a 4runner? Not sure I follow

[@micdud3248]

@@jgrc73, I used to be die hard, “buy American made”, as were many people around me. I still know people like that. So, my point was that you can’t make that argument anymore. Until the last couple of years Toyota has had a reputation of quality and reliability. Not so much with the 2024 Tundra and Tacoma. I’m hoping the 2025 4Runner doesn’t suffer the same fate. But I’m afraid it will, being how it basically is using the same platform as the 2024 Tacoma. We’ll see.

[@repp2]

We just sold our 2013 Rubicon 10th Anniversary Edition, beautiful Jeep and I loved it, it was never a Daily Driver, always a weekend toy but I loved it. Sold it few months back with 81k miles, the transmission was on the verge of going. Wouldn’t shift into 2nd and it had a hard time getting to 3rd, it was babied its entire life, changed oil every 3-4 thousands miles my self, and took it on trails every weekend but never really did any extreme off-roading, I’m not sure if I’m ever gonna buy another one. Price yes, but I’m also worried about reliability,

[@joezephyr]

Alex, to remove the back seats, first push both front seats all the way forwards. Then the task is easy. To put them back, first push the front seats all the way forwards again.

[@-Wolfgang]

I was looking to upgrade my 2020 Sahara JLU to a new one. My current Jeep was 43,000 new. A comparable 2024 Jeep Sahara JLU was 54,000 dollars. My 2.0 turbo has been flawless. I think I'll keep it well into 100,000 miles and make a decision on what to do if and when it becomes necessary. I have changed battery, tires and brakes. Nothing else. A friend is on his second engine in his Bronco.

[@Pete217]

I got my 2000 Jeep i6 TJ for 9k and has been fun/reliable for my off road needs

[@Spoons81]

TJs are the pinnacle of jeep is why. They’re outstanding and you’d be crazy to replace them

[@brendancarbone7621]

All valid points and didn't even bring up reliability, which is the main reason I won't consider a Jeep for the foreseeable future. $50k can get a nice current gen 4runner, which is on a different planet in terms of build quality and equipment.

[@saywhatnow57]

I have owned a current generation Jeep and a current generation 4runner (the 4runner for 11 years). The 4Runner is nice, but a completely different vehicle in terms of how they feel, and just overall purpose. I will never understand the comparison. They're just so very different.

[@brendancarbone7621]

@@saywhatnow57 I agree. I think the main problem for me (and others) is that I'm not willing to give up the reliability and utility of a 4runner for the experience of a Jeep at its current pricing and reliability status. To put it simply: I WANT the Jeep experience, but I can't stomach the cost and frustration of ownership, so I'll take the compromise in fun factor to buy a vehicle I'm confident in owning trouble-free over 10+ years. I'd have no problem dealing with the lack of refinement inherent in the Jeep design, if I could be confident it would be trouble-free mechanically. If I could get a basic manual 2-door wrangler with LED lights, apple car play, and bulletproof reliability for $35-40k, sign me up all day long. I think about it like an off-road mx5, basically a reliable toy. Unfortunately, jeep is very far off from that.

[@trailrunnah8886]

​@@saywhatnow57I get the comparison, they're both 4wd, body on frame vehicles. Not many left in this category. I also have an 11-year-old 4Runner, and while it's been reliable I look at it as an appliance, it's not exciting and doesn't really have a soul. I really wanted a Wrangler, but this was my DD that I commute 60 mi a day in. Even the Jeep guys told me to go with the 4Runner.

[@ExperiencesAndEquipment]

I got my 23 gladiator last fall, for about $54k out the door. Has all the options I wanted except a bed liner. I hit 10,000 miles today. I'm happy to say I've had no real issues (traction control went out in a really bad snow storm with the plows dumping tons of salt and brine, after a car wash it was solved) I also have a 2008 chevy 2500 to tow my 2006 wrangler on 38s. I will fully admit that I'm downright amazed by how capable offroading it is with $150 in suspension spacers and some 35s. Financially I wish I bought a CPO gladiator, but I also like that I'm the original owner and have all the say in getting any maintenance done. I plan on downsizing down to just this vehicle. I fully trust it and can forsee 200k miles out of it. My only complaint is that I wish it had a bigger bed and the rear camera doesn't fold down when the tailgate is down, but I have a hitch rack and a trailer for when I need to carry more.

[@bwofficial1776]

Gladiators don't look right unless they're on huge tires. There's something nice about buying a new car that's yours and yours alone. The 3.6L has been around so long it's had all the bugs worked out.

[@ExperiencesAndEquipment]

@@bwofficial1776 I have a 1.5" front and 0.75" rear spacer lift. With 315 70 17, I feel it's the way it should have come from the factory. Obviously 2"+ and 37s would look better. As for engine issues, I believe it's the 3rd Gen of the 3.6, it's definitely different than the jk, and I've heard it's tuned differently than the 2019-2022 3.6.

[@abox5]

I bought a 2023 Gladiator Sport S last December. It had a sticker of $52K which is insane for a midsized truck. But Jeep is paying the price for their earlier greed and Gladiators were piling up on the lots so I got mine for $36k. Still not cheap, but I think a fair price for a midsized pickup.

[@johnsanfilippo2516]

Good for you! Same here I bought a used 2023 Sport S 8,200 miles fully loaded with every possible option, Sarge Green for $40k OTD. Idk it felt like I got a good deal.

[@TK-76054]

52 grand for a car that will be in the shop every 4 months!

[@chrisniner8772]

I have a 2006 rubicon. 4 liter inline 6 and manual gearbox. It has never had an issue

[@sterlingmoore4798]

I daily a 2004 jeep tj unlimited that i bought cash for 12k with 145k miles. Straight 6, 4" lift on 35s. Really not that bad to maintain myself. A convertable, affordable and offroad capable. Miles of smiles! But yeah, its 20 years old- at least there are a crap-ton of aftermarket parts😁 The last real jeep was made in the USA in 2006. SNS.

[@GeorgeGeo]

Every Wrangler is overpriced.. massively.

[@joezephyr]

Alex, I have the back seats out most of the time. No, I did not install a shelf at window height. Rather I installed a net at window height. Stops things sliding around.

[@BurntTransGarage]

Living in Colorado and mainly rock crawling, the solid axle will always make Jeep a winner for me. All the others would make fantastic daily cruises and weekend wonderers.

[@Lucasdouro]

You have just described the Suzuki Jimny

[@volvo09]

That would be a cool vehicle to have in the US.

[@mrgurulittle7000]

@@volvo09Whoever gets the license to import that would be a wealthy man overnight. Everyone underestimates the huge desire for a cheap 4x4.

[@Nellie-H]

I have had two. A 1980 Suzuki LJ-80 and a SJ413 Samurai. Loved them.

[@mikesawyer1336]

Of course, this is just my opinion, but I think you are correct Nathan. A stripped-down version is what a lot of people want. The auto makers don't want to sell it because they don't make any money on it.

[@AStanton1966]

I just bought a 2023 4-door Jeep Wrangler Willys with manual windows, locks, and stick for $40,000 plus add-ons. The dealer slipped in $299 for window etching!

[@JF-lt5zc]

Window etching? I'd have walked.

[@AStanton1966]

@@JF-lt5zc I told the moforks that I didn't want any add-ons. The day I picked up the Jeep I learned about the etching. I could of made a stink, but what the F, I didn't want $299 to be a deal breaker.

[@thisguy2659]

40+k for manual windows is a deal breaker.

[@AStanton1966]

@@thisguy2659 I figure it's better to spend some money while it still has a little value--for now.

[@Daman11P]

Insane pricing recently. Dreading having to upgrade eventually. My buddy got his 2021 2door rubicon for around 40k

[@carlthomas7557]

My girlfriend owns a 2022 rubicon, several road trips and a couple of off road excursions. Besides a cracked windshield, zero issues .

[@EM.1.]

The colors and the doors are perfect. The 4 door although a big seller is not a real jeep. On a 2 door is. How was Alex able to get $10,000 off? It is too expensive as it.

[@rcairforceone]

Every month there are discounts that change. I saw advertisements for 30% off Gladiators this month, but i think it only applies to 2023 leftovers.

[@michaelcochran8611]

Do you think manufacturers are charging more for the ICE vehicles to make up for all the losses of electric vehicles?

[@XXPS60]

YES! That is exactly what they are doing to make up for the loss on EV's.

[@is6566]

Of course. Not just for the loss, mainly not for the loss but the Research and Development of the EVs.

[@Wrangzilla]

Also another reason insurance is going up. EV’s are costing them a small fortune to fix. So they redistribute the wealth…

[@XXPS60]

@@Wrangzilla The EV's are also fire hazards. Won't be long until your homeowners reflects that if you own an EV. Also if they are involved in an accident they much more damage because of the weight. They are much heavier and tear up everything. The insurance companies are trying to spread the cost around over the ICE's. If they strictly imposed rate hikes on EV's nobody would ever buy one. We are SCREWED by them every where.

[@JimFlanagan4206]

No. They charge more because people keep buying them for excessive prices.

[@waynej.r.bowser1966]

Nice review, many thanks. I have a 98 TJ 4.0, bought in '00

[@Spoons81]

Great jeep you have there. Used to have a TJ and regret selling it. Love the inline 6

[@paulhasty8388]

We had a 2020 Jeep Gladiator Overland that had low miles on it and we traded it straight accross for a 2025 Subaru Forster Sport no payments ! Also the Jeep Gladiator wandered from the day we got it brand new and the dealer could never fix it so in my opinion they are dangerous !!!!!!!!!!

[@PookieMaliboo]

The old school Ford Ranger FX4 Level II was unstoppable :)

[@volvo09]

Those are great trucks Super reliable.

[@rtc22619]

Starting to reach tacoma prices too

[@neilkinney7369]

Nailed It. I just bought a 24 Gladiator Willys. 46k. was cross-shopping the Frontier Pro4X. My target for the Jeep was 45k the Nissan was 40k. I thought this was a joke and far to much to pay but what are you going to do. I needed the truck now and not in December. I should have lowered my price by 5k but I wouldn't have a new truck. I think that prices will come down in 2025. I would like to see the death of packages. in the 60's you could add each thing you wanted not 5 things you didn't to get the one you did. In my case, Ranger didn't make the list I had to go to the Lariat from XLT to get a heated steering wheel. $6,000.00 for a heated steering wheel. If not that then allow the items to be added by the dealer later. Jeep is wonderful about this. I love my new Jeep it's so cool.

[@JeremyHoutgoogleplus]

Prices of vehicles are crazy all around.

[@bill_b8440]

All depends on what you’re looking for. Just bought a 2024 2door sport 6manual in white, doesn’t have a single added cost to it other than destination. With $2k from Jeep, $1k regional discount, and dealer willing to go below “invoice” I was $29,534 before taxes,plate,fees (this was about an additional $2400)

[@robervin9107]

Tommy is in the exact vehicle he should be. His two door Jeep. Perfect for our co ceo and look at his smile and pure joy I’m happy he made this video Great job Alex.

[@genebond]

I agree! I bought a new JK 2 door rag-top Sport-S in 2013 for $24K. It was one of the most frustrating searches I've ever gone through, followed by one of the best purchasing experiences I've had. I went to every Jeep dealer in and around Indianapolis (6 of them, if I recall correctly), looking, and telling a sales person what I wanted. I fully expected to pay list price ($28K as I recall). I told them if they could find one, I'd buy it. I never got a single call. I was on my way to northern Indiana one day, and noticed aa large inventory at Kahlo Jeep in Noblesville. I stopped by on the way back, found one that was what I wanted, only I had the power accessory package (power windows and remote locks $800). I left there less than an hour later with an excellent deal and very happy. I had a very similar experience 2 years later purchasing my 2015 Tacoma, but there was much more drama from the Toyota dealers in Indy...

[@RobThompson-y9s]

Jeeps are so expensive nowadays for crappy build quality… Jeep won’t survive simply because they aren’t capable of building vehicles at the price point that they are charging. A wrangler has doubled in price in ten years.. it’s the same machine

[@MiahV007]

Every 5th car is a wrangler. Old or new, and I’m just wondering how are people paying those prices when the don’t have a track record for consistent reliability. $30k+ is a lot for a headache

[@philroberts4231]

I think you better recheck your information because you are not correct.

[@ADBLOCKER4YOUTUBE]

@@philroberts4231 About the "Crappy build quality?" It's a "Jeep thing."

[@golferpro1241]

I have a 2016 Sahara Unlimited I bought new for $43,000. It has 100,000 miles on it now and I have the lifetime warranty. If something happens to it I am not buying the same updated Jeep for $65,000. They need to get back to reality with those prices.

[@DanielFrein-n5r]

Good luck on that “lifetime warranty”. Chrysler hosed us on my Dodge Nitro with lifetime warranty. Check that fine print, as they require inspections at higher mileage intervals, and they don’t tell you, or even remind you during service at their dealerships. My local dealer tried everything he could to get mine resolved, but Chrysler thought it was cheaper to hose me on a $1K repair at the expense of me never buying from them again! Good luck.

[@priitht3]

I was in the market for a 2 door jeep for a while. But the cost is what drove me away. It's a shame! I think for what you get in a Sport S trim, you shouldn't be spending more than $35k. $52k for Alex's Jeep is absolutely absurd.

[@bradhewitt6779]

My daughter bought a 2015 jeep wrangler sport for 22000$ in Canada

[@rvdown11]

I just got a base model 2024 Sport and paid about what I did in 2007 for the JK X, adjusted for inflation. I can’t speak to the higher end Jeeps because I’ve only bought low end, but I know they also added a lot more extras to them since 2007.

[@chrisisnapping]

Idk how people who don't off-road their jeeps justify the new prices. Love my '18 Sahara but can't imagine having it for a commuter car doing 300+ miles a week. Prices now are so insanely high for what you get as an on road only vehicle. Pretty soon Rubicon will just be a status symbol

[@JF-lt5zc]

Already a status symbol. Most jeeps never see dirt....

[@ochiamu]

If you wheel a 50k plus vehicle, you're an idiot, trying to launder money, or the federal government. Around here, YJs TJs and XJs go off road and later JKs and about all JLs are just pavement princesses with a sash full of rubber ducks and "wave dammit" stickers

[@TwoDollarGararge]

It's a symbol in the office parking lot with there grey camrys and your in a jeep top down windshield out

[@backwoodstherapy]

I have a Sport S with 35s, a 3" lift and 4.88 gears. It's not hard to live with. The worst part is honestly my 35s are E rated load range. I'll never make that mistake again. C rated tires only for me. They're tough AF off road but Christ are they rough on bumps on road.

[@TwoDollarGararge]

​@ochiamu That's normal but you need someone to buy it new so you can buy it used as a twenty year old crap box.

[@robgonzo10]

I have to say… what a well thought out and well delivered video. I’ve watched a lot of TFL videos. I’m a subscriber. I can’t say I’ve watched a more informative video on KZbin. Love the message. Great job by all involved. Keep up the good work.

[@MrJeff1188]

Tommy is on the money on this. Too expensive and questionable reliability. My personal experience in order of ownership is as follows: 2005 Wrangler TJ- (Rocky Mountain Edition) Best Jeep I’ve ever owned and miss it terribly. 2018 Wrangler JLU- (Sport S w/ 2.0) Great driver but 2 engines later, FCA was forced via mediation to buy it back. 1999 Cherokee XJ- Fantastic old truck. 2020 Gladiator- (Rubicon) A beautiful disappointment. Every option, yet seats were like sitting on metal bleachers and the ECM failed within 10k miles. I traded it for a 2012 FJ within six months and haven’t looked back. I’m disappointed with Jeep’s quality and value decline over the years. They’ve killed their brand and its cult status from which they once benefited. It’s a shame.😢

[@wenull3]

I want a inline 6! When they bring the 3.0 i-6 into the wrangler then I'll buy a new one. AMC 4.2 then 4.0 was the engines that screamed Jeep. 6 in a row makes it go!

[@Master-Blaster-4x4]

IF you want to SPEND $33k + tax on a JEEP just simply tell dealer you want to CUSTOM ORDER a jeep JL with no packages or add-ons and wait 2-4 months…who in this world only buys what a dealer has on the lot as if that is the only option??

[@jlr_adventurer]

Jeep needs to go back with the simple mods, not a fancy electronic things, it’s a off road vehicle, not a fancy vehicle

[@dontstarvenerds8024]

That ABBA joke was really good.

[@markv78]

Not completely accurate since they lost a member and are doing holograph shows but sure . Wonders if Tommy can even name a song

[@Neil-o7i]

Bought a new Wrangler Sport in 2016 with air, automatic dual tops, trailer tow package and 17inch wheels. It has all the options I wanted for 32,000 cdn. Its' now 8 years old and looks like new, I love my Jeep and will not spend 50k for a new one.

[@pkdude5334]

they should make a "Dirtbag" edition that's bare bones. tiny little screen. no safety features. roll down windows. no insulation. steel wheels. soft top.

[@TOFU2urDOOR]

Ford had the market till they dropped the Base Bronco. 45k for a Base Sasquatch was a killer deal.

[@howdydonny]

My 05 Ranger feels hurt.

[@volvo09]

That body style ranger is dead reliable

[@michaelsmith9308]

Sport S loaded in 2024 should be about $35,000! Thats why jeep has NOW been offering up to $23,000 off jeeps in San Diego, CA!

[@tylersrubar6451]

Hard to keep the classic Wrangler look while keeping it modern and up to date.

[@cheesefries7436]

All JEEP needs to do is make the 2001 XJ Cherokee again and sell it for like ~$24,000. They'd be printing money. Give us a cheap simple rectangle with cloth seats. JEEP would make crazy profits because it's simple to build, people who need farm vehicles would love it, off roaders/hunters/campers would go crazy for it, hipsters would love the retro looks, and poor folks who need 4x4 would have no other options. Bring back the XJ as close to as it was as possible.

[@GerryRoets]

Dude none off the 4x4 vehicles you have mentioned is worth it compairing to jeep. Because jeep has solid front diff not ifs. With super flex. And that is what real 4x4 works with.

[@ADBLOCKER4YOUTUBE]

😂😂😂

[@OldThomMerton]

Wow. Not the price of the Willy's you had, but, inflation and too many paying those pesky mark-ups. Good job, Alex, on working them down on the price!. I'm not a fan of the Wrangler but I know you are. These smaller, less expensive Wranglers are loosing market share but they certainly have a place in the market for those who 1) love solid axle Jeeps, and 2) for those who cannot afford to put down on a new Land Cruiser, one of the off-road built trucks or even the Bronco. Great video as always, Tommy!

[@Royalcrimsonstang]

Good old stellantis running everything into the ground 😢

[@robbinconner9061]

in 2019 I bought a quite well equipped, dual roof Rubicon for 48k. Inflation has been insane, but jeeps list price increases are astronomical. Tommy is spot on.

[@user-cg7cc7zj3e]

Too bad they haven't chosen to fix the known issues like, aluminum body panel corrosion. Broken inner door welds... functional electronics would be nice. They drove us away.

[@ajf5823]

In 2005 l paid $20k for my Wrangler TJ Sport. I have driven it all over the country and it has been reliable and fun. I would never buy a new one. My Jeep doesn’t have power ANYTHING! The windows don’t even roll up! But it’s been 6 years since it needed to get anything fixed. I maintain it myself and replace worn out parts. It always starts and goes. I don’t want or need the fancy crap and it has the iconic inline 6 cylinder. You can keep all the new plastic Wranglers.

[@fossilize_llc]

Former TJ owner here who hasnt owned a Jeep in decades but wants to get back into one... it's disheartening to see the prices for sure!

[@JogBird]

the dealer by me still has rows of 2022's for sale.. i.e. they were made almost 3 years ago

[@LukeEdward]

My 2018 has a build date of August 2018. So that could be 100% wrong.

[@jpmiller99]

@@LukeEdward No he's not. I bought a 22 Outback in 2021. I've now had it for 3 years.

[@volvo09]

Maybe they are trying to get inflated prices for them. When I worked at a dealer at most we would have 1 or 2 random 2 year old new cars, they were usually a weird spec that people didn't want.

[@is6566]

Which dealer is that? Let’s check their website and quickly confirm or disprove this claim.

[@GTRJohnny66]

Awesome review and my thoughts EXACTLY! I have been pricing new Jeeps a little while and it is mind-blowing what they are now going for. Hopefully Jeep is watching this.

[@larrypelrine1799]

Here's the problem with the new Wranglers: It's not a Jeep.(And this is coming from a Jeep fanboy whose owned several) This thing is a dolled up Fiat on stilts. In an off-roader, you DON'T want electronics to control you HVAC systems, engine, nor do you need a massive touch screen that will break and not allow you to use your climate control functions. While the 3.6L Pentastar is nice, what made it an actual Jeep was the indestructible 4.0L I6 engine that just didn't die. This "Jeep" isn't for climbing trails or wading through rivers, but to get over the speed bumps at your local mall and to fit in at your local pride parade.

[@6738]

Ive had more issues with the 4.0 on the trail than the 3.6 .

[@larrypelrine1799]

@@6738 Such as....I mean, just declaring that is an easy and shameful QED, but I need examples. I've ran the 4.0 off road and the thing is a champ. underpowered, yes, but more reliable than the vehicles running a 3.6 pentastar.

[@6738]

@@larrypelrine1799 Just telling you my experience. Multiple head gasket failures, injector failures and eventually a rod through the bottom end.

[@larrypelrine1799]

@@6738 Okay then. I retract my snark, as those are DEFINITELY issues. I just like the diesel like torque that the 4.0 had that the 3.6 lacks.

[@6738]

@@larrypelrine1799 The 4.0 definitely made its power down low, however the 3.6 hands down makes more power across all rpm than the 4.0. The 3.6 is the better engine, not a simple pushrod like the 4L but an outperformer and reliable in its own right

[@tazzel2699]

Problem is most people cant afford any of those vehicles. That is what has really killed the SUV off roading market

[@mtnman3MTA3]

The 2024 Wrangler Sport with no options has a MSRP of $ 31,995. That’s relatively affordable.

[@enofua]

Looked like the new bronco from behind

[@libertystuffnthingsreviews829]

I just bought a JL Rubicon X Xtreme Recon with tow. Before TTL and trade it was invoice plus $3,000 incentives off. Dealer made money, but I got a unicorn for less than most regular Rubicons. Love it thus far.

[@FearlessTrailhawk]

I just saw an article talking about Jeep saying they "plan to increase sales by 50%" over the next couple years....but they are simply pricing themselves out of the market base they used to own with these wildly high prices now.

[@barrydworak]

How are they going to do that when sales have dropped like a stone already? It seems like everyone had to get a Wrangler just 5 years ago. Now, I just don't see a lot of new ones leaving the local dealer.

[@FearlessTrailhawk]

@@barrydworak yep.

[@AdventuresAcrossUSA]

Jeep has priced themselves out of the market for most new car buyers. Ford has done the same with the Bronco. I’ll just keep my 2017 Sport S JK that if I remember right had a sticker price of somewhere in the mid 20’s.

[@heathgerlach9942]

Our Dealer has 4 low price one the lowest was a sport for 34000.00 My Daughter just bought a Sport S nicely loaded for 38000.00. We always have a wide range of prices and trims. Im really thinking it’s where your located at , perfect example a house that sells for 150000.00 here the exact same style and sq ft in California is 750000.00

[@heathgerlach9942]

On Auto Trader I found from 31000.00 to 39000.00 within 3 hrs or less of my home 72 Jeep Wranglers all new