Jeep Wrangler

l hope l haven't asked this before on here, but has anyone owned a late model (post 2008) Jeep Wrangler, specifically the LWB version?

l was looking to replace the Defender with a 4-door Wrangler but would like to get some feedback from someone who has actually owned one.

lt looks like the model had an update in around 2011 and again in 2018.
 

I had one for a weekend test drive. It wasn't quite as baggy to drive as my Cherokee sport but it was no Jimny. We went for the land cruiser as it manages to be both soft and controlled to drive, comfy not wayward.

Not owned one. But have been in a few.

The JK was a clean sheet design back in the day, think they came to the UK in 2007. A year or so after release in the USA.

The best way to think of them is a cross between a 110 Defender and a Discovery 3. Very much a proper 4x4 but with some modern tech/features and better performance than a Defender.

Really the only thing they lack is a proper tow rating. Not that they aren't physically capable, they just aren't rated for much towing. I think this is due to in the USA they want you to buy a pickup to tow with, not a Wrangler.

Most models are diesels over here. Facelift in 2011 brought a revised interior, more power and different gearboxes. Jeep also doubled the price of them in the UK at this time.

They have very strong residuals.

If you want something like your Defender in sense of occasion and feel, only better in every area (bar towing). They are bang on the money. If you want something as a significantly different type of vehicle in a more modern sense. They might not fit the bill.

The Wrangler also has cool features like a removable roof, removable doors and fold down windscreen.


Model specs are very weird in the UK though. Which is a shame. And Jeep dealers/Jeep UK seem to be completely rubbish.

But they are a vehicle I like very much.

Thank you for the replies!

I was looking for something like my Defender but more refined and less noisy.
l was hoping the Wrangler would be effectively a larger Jimny, particularly the post 2018 Wrangler which is supposed to have been "completely overhauled"
The Defender is currently on a roll price wise, so now would be a good time to sell.

Post 2018 is the JL model variant. Still looks like the JK but uses mostly new parts again. Have also driven these and like them too. And they probably improve on every aspect of the JK. But to be fair the JK is very good IMO.

I’ve had several Wranglers over the last 20 or so years and currently have a 2007 JK which is the swb model - the lwb is a JKU. Prior to that I had a 90 and I have to say the Wrangler is a much better car and certainly more modern. They all pretty well have air con, cruise, mainly are autos and as they get newer from 2007 heated seats etc. The Rubicon is very well equipped having diff locks back and front, lower ratio transfer box and front sway bar disconnect. The newer model from 2018 JL and JLU is particularly well equipped with smaller but much more efficient Petrol and Diesel engines as well as 8 speed autos. Although visually similar to the earlier model, they are really quite a lot different and certainly nicer to drive but wilthout losing the Wrangler appeal.
I have had a lot of fun with mine taking it to Sardinia a couple of times and driving round the island on a lot of,tracks. I have also done quite a few local club events in France and always found it a pleasure to use.
I suppose which one you buy depends on your budget but if you can a post 2011 is better equipped than the earlier models.
Having said all of this I really enjoy my Jimny which I have had for,10 years and have done many French club events with it!

A pic of my 2 toys!  

That's really useful thank you!

l was hoping to get a post 2018 but if not will look at the previous version.

There's a petrol engine available in the post 2018 version and with the current diesel situation l am drawn to that one if l can afford it.

The post 2018 Petrol is a very nice car and for it’s size not too thirsty. If you decide on a pre JL the JK and JKU Rubicons all had a 3.6 V6 Petrol engine. Very nice and smooth but not the most economical! I had an earlier 3.8 Petrol JK and that too was very smooth and quick. The 3.8 was available until 2011 and then they replaced it with the 3.6.