Jeep

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Yep I'd go the diesel Wrangler with the auto, have recently driven one on a big trip & couldn't fault it.

Don't actually own one but recently took a diesel 4 door wrangler off road and it was a real mountain goat in factory trim.

All build quality and reliability aside, they looked okay to me and drove really well on the steep and slippery tracks I drove on.

The one I drove did not have the factory diff locks which for the price would be a no brainer at purchase time.

Hope this helps!!

Fantastic cars.

You should buy one.

Member Steve B (NSW) has one I think, (Jeep Wrangler Sports Unlimited 2.8 Lt CRD) you could try talking to him as he has done a number of trips in it.

Cheers, The Landy

In general the JK is a medium/light weight 4x4 ideal for day & weekend trips. While far more capable than most of the big cars offroad, they don't have the same weight capacity, range or packing space for use as a long distance tourer. As with any brand there are several items that should be upgraded for serious work & you'll find the amount of assesories available particually from the US just amazing. Reliability wise Jeeps have rightfully had a bad name in the past as parts availability & the dealer network was non existant. This has thankfully changed & can say with my wifes JK we have had an excellent run (60,000km) to date with no problems worth mentioning unlike my Toyota 100 series which in the same time had blown 3 diffs, failed ignition tumbler, blown low range selector on top of 3 recalls :-(
As a daily driver they are pretty good running at 9.4 to 13 LP100 & are surprisingly comfotable with a nice cabin layout. Features wise they have the usual ABS, traction control, stability control, dual airbags, tyre pressure sensors & hill start assist making them excellent value for money. All Wranglers come as soft tops but the sport option of side steps, hard roof & upgraded stereo is well worth it. The auto box is the pick of the transmissions as 1st gear is a tad high in the manual leading to stalling. The Diesel has plenty of torque being comfortable towing a camper but probably not a full size van.
Suggest you do your homework on the JK forum at www.ausjeepoffroad.com . That site obviously has far more people with 1st hand knowledge who will openly discuss the good & bad features unlike a non vehicle specific forum where if you don't drive what they own you're more likely to just get negative comments.

We have a Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4 door and tow a Pioneer Corvair Coromal 5.4m with it. We are currently 8 months into our around Australia trip and have visited Cape York with van in tow all the way plus numerous other off road adventures. Our Jeep is nearly 3 years old and hasnt put a foot wrong.

It is more capable than most other 4wdrives off road but a bit of a slug when towing the caravan due to it being petrol and auto. If my husband was around right now he could give you the low down on why this is. We went petrol Rubicon as it had all the top end stuff that the diesel didnt have at the time incidentally.

Sorry battery failing on laptop at the moment as we are bush camping at Calliope River in Qld - when we recharge I will get my husband to add his thoughts for you.

Cheers
Sue

Geraldton WA

hi there have a jeep but a commander, would n't buy anything else. we just did a 9500km trip towing in the outback and it didnt stop. get on the MJOC (melbourne jeep owners club) they might help you to decide. tah chris

Hi - Have has a 4 door JK Jeep Wrangler Petrol for 2 years and 40000km with no probs. Only had it on the beach and in its stock standard form did the job for my liking. Would like to upgrade to the TD. What sort of coin do you think you could screw em down to for a newy?