Anyone else planning on buying an '07 Jeep 4-door

The Rubicon model? I am sure impressed with the concept. A real Jeep with adequate space really makes me want one! I hear that it will take about $33K for one with all the bells and whistles. Not exactly cheap, but Jeep's are known for decent resale too. Unlike my nice '04 Trailblazer that has lost considerable value due to high gas prices, and deep discounts on new ones because of sales slumps. I will be lucky to get out of it after putting 10K down, getting a 7K discount and paying on it for 2 years! Grrrr.

Must be nice being able to buy any new vehicle. I'm still driving my 1993 Toyota pickup & 1994 Prizm. <img src="/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

I love my old Cherokee and I'd be all in if I had the cash - I don't so I'm hoping and praying that this old beast lasts another 100,000. ... Hey - it's possible - it only has 190,00 right now. <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

I was looking real hard at the 2007 4-door Jeep. (On the WEB) We ended up buying a 2006 Tacoma 4-door, 4x4, TRD Off-Road with a SnugTop extra vision shell instead. It has a locking rear differential. I have real doubts about the reliability of Jeep vehicles. If you are a rock crawler you will want the solid front axle of the Jeep 4-door.

We needed something to hold two adults, three teenage boys and all our camping gear for Boy Scout camp-outs. We looked at all the SUVs and three of us sat in the back. The 4-door, 4x4 TRD was really nice and should be very reliable. I traded in a 1990 Montero with 190,000 miles for $500. The new Toyota TJ Cruisers are really nice too.

My Jeep Cherokee is a 96, has 190,000 and I haven't had one problem with it. Have you had bad experiences with Jeeps?

I like Jeeps, but they worry me now, two years ago I was hit head on coming home from work. I was in a 92 cherokee, and got hit by a honda, his car was fixable, mine however caught fire, the drivers door jamed and the seat belt did not lock, I took out the windshield with my face, and I dont mean spiderwebed, the whole thing broke out.
well to make a long story short, I got out unburned, stableized the other guy (who only had some air bag burns) and took a miserable $500 ambulance ride to be told I broke my nose and neck... it was a good day LOL

Maybe they just don't make them like they use to. Here is a link to the Washington Post about Jeep recalling 800,000 Libertys because the ball joints can break and cause you to lose control. Jeep Recalls 2002-2006 Liberty SUV

Check out JeepNewsNow for the latest on Jeeps. JeepNewsNow

I also had a relative that had a Grand Cherokee and he said it spent more time in the shop than on the road.

I have never owned a Jeep and I have never driven a Wrangler. I still really like the look of the 2007, 4-door Wrangler.

The wife and I are shopping for a new ride and I love the look and abilities of the new 4-door Wrangler. That said, I'm certain that the reliability/durability of the Wrangler will keep it out of the running. (Consumers Union lists it as average at best and much worse for some model years. I've had several friends with Wranglers that have had numerous problems.) I've yet to see one in person but, from the photos, the back seat looks awfully cramped. Looks like it going to be a 4Runner for us.

I know where you are coming from about reliability. It is afterall a Chrysler product. I do know that the 2007 has a complete new chassis and running gear as well as engine. I plan on moving to NM and using it to run around in the mountains in a few years. I may hold off a year before buying because of that. I know Toyota makes a very reliable vehicle, always has. The problem I have with them is once the warranty runs out, they are sort of exotic, like expensive to repair. The newest Forerunners are too low, too big and not really much more for off road than my Chevy Trailblazer.
The Trailblazer has been flawless for it's first 32,000 miles, runs great, comfortable for an SUV and good in ice and snow. It just isn't something I feel comfortable off the main roads with, due to low clearance and lots of front and rear overhang. My other vehicle is a '98 Isuzu Trooper, pretty decent off roading, noisy and poor riding on the highway at 75MPH. The engine in that thing is like half a Ferrari and as difficult to maintain as one also. Dual overhead cams, 24 valves, all aluminum and very expensive! I had to put an engine in it already, got a used one for $3500 and that was a deal! Not the best thing for going into the stix with, unless you have good communictions and preferably another vehicle along.
So, I will see how the Jeep is, seems about as close to perfect for my needs. It will likely be the last car I ever buy. You'll never get me in a big Buick when all my hair is grey!!
One aspect of a Jeep that I like, it may need repairs someday but there is no way it could ever be as expensive to repair as my Trooper has been to me!
As for pickups with shells, been there, done that. I find the rear bed is always full of dirt when driving a dirt road, gets in to all my gear. Most times the bed is not being used for anything and I do not like the light rear end when in snow or on ice. So, it has to be an offroad capable SUV, with decent clearance and it can't be all time 4wd, like a Hummer H3! Why get 13MPG around town when you can get 18 or more?
Anyway, I guess the bottom line is, get what fits your needs, and what you can afford.
For the guy with the older rides, I had a 1994 S-10 4-door Blazer for 10 years, put over 190,000 miles on it and was basically satisfied. It just got too expensive to keep it running reliably. Finally got a new one on '04. I had to cash in some stock options! Cheers!

I have no vehicle right now, but you guys are making me miss my Suzuki Samuri!

My 91 Wrangler has 105K and no major problems. Been real happy.

I would love the 4door with a small diesel. That would be sweet!!!

I have had three cherokees and now have a 1990 wrangler. I like the cherokees but after being in two accidents I would never own one again. I consider them disposable vehicles. If you have a serious wreck in one usually it has to go to the wrecker.

That is why I bought the wrangler, it has a frame and you can replace anything on the vehicle. I just finished converting it to right hand drive.

As far as the reliability of the jeeps I have had to do a fair amount of work to all of them, but most of that is just standard wear and tear. Jeeps also get more than their fair share of punishment which takes it's toll. If they are looked after, (at least the older ones) they don't need any more work than any other vehicle.

However I have never relied upon the dealer to tell me what to fix. The ones I have been to seem to be rather eager to switch out parts before their time.


As an aside.
Just something I have noticed, and this applies to all vehicles, to increase traction off road and to minimize the loss of control around corners, go with narrower tires. Wide tires give way suddenly causing loss of traction and uncontrolled sliding, whereas narrower tires give way evenly and you can maintain control in a slide. Narrower tires are also less likely to bog. Many newer off road vehicles have wide (10"or more) tires because they look good, but IMHO they are not the safest.

160k on my 1995 Grand Cherokee and still going strong. I expect that I'll easily go over 200k before I retire it.