The stock bumpers for the European market are even uglier than the U.S. ones. That's saying a lot too, because the U.S. ones are ugly as sin!
JKs: Things you dislike about them
- Thread starter CRGR
- Start date
The stock bumpers for the European market are even uglier than the U.S. ones. That's saying a lot too, because the U.S. ones are ugly as sin!
JK's are too close in similarity to a HUMMER! Sure the lure of have more seats in a Jeep is great but not at the price of looking like the rest of the market. Besides for the a JKU I could almost stretch my TJ frame and have a third row!!! My willys is way smaller than my TJ's and it is the most fun to drive/ride in before I started the resto.
I've had a couple of JKU's.
The first I only had a month before an idiot crossed the center line on me and totaled it out.
Funny enough, it was the 2007 2wd variety, and my plan was to build it into a Rubi from all of the parts that folks were ripping off of the Rubi's of that era (around 2k9 timeframe). I remember seeing Rubi axles and associated equipment selling for next to nothing compared to what they're selling for these days on the JKowners forums.
The second was a Sahara that I had put a 2.5 lift along with some Nitto Terra Grapplers. I drove the hell out of that thing, and overall really liked it for the most part.
The things that really irked me though was the engine used oil to the tune of about a quart between oil changes every (3k miles). There were a number of anomalous electrical glitches that would shut down everything electrical in the cab for a few seconds. The worst was a stupid knock (sounded like a golf ball rolling around in the B pillar) that happened when the driver door striker got a little worn. The fix was to wrap electrical tape around the striker... seriously.
I did love them, in a restrained, "I HAVE 3 KIDS, AND CAN FINALLY HAVE A JEEP!" way, not in the I've got this TJ, and it's all mine kind of affair that I'm in now. Some people lust for exotic, or fast vehicles. I've always lusted for the dirty, go-anywhere, do anything Swiss Army knife of a vehicle that the TJ is. To me, the TJ still has that OG soul that the JK/U's lost just a little a bit of.
The first I only had a month before an idiot crossed the center line on me and totaled it out.
Funny enough, it was the 2007 2wd variety, and my plan was to build it into a Rubi from all of the parts that folks were ripping off of the Rubi's of that era (around 2k9 timeframe). I remember seeing Rubi axles and associated equipment selling for next to nothing compared to what they're selling for these days on the JKowners forums.The second was a Sahara that I had put a 2.5 lift along with some Nitto Terra Grapplers. I drove the hell out of that thing, and overall really liked it for the most part.
The things that really irked me though was the engine used oil to the tune of about a quart between oil changes every (3k miles). There were a number of anomalous electrical glitches that would shut down everything electrical in the cab for a few seconds. The worst was a stupid knock (sounded like a golf ball rolling around in the B pillar) that happened when the driver door striker got a little worn. The fix was to wrap electrical tape around the striker... seriously.
I did love them, in a restrained, "I HAVE 3 KIDS, AND CAN FINALLY HAVE A JEEP!" way, not in the I've got this TJ, and it's all mine kind of affair that I'm in now. Some people lust for exotic, or fast vehicles. I've always lusted for the dirty, go-anywhere, do anything Swiss Army knife of a vehicle that the TJ is. To me, the TJ still has that OG soul that the JK/U's lost just a little a bit of.
xxdabroxx
TJ Addict
That's 2/3's of what I paid for my house. HAHA.
I don't mind the JK's so much as I have a buddy with one. It's definitely nice, but they have over-complicated them for sure. He is on his 3rd water pump and it too is already leaking again. I like the simplicity of the TJ, but the convenience of the bigger JKU is enticing if not for the cost.
TJ's by far the best. I like the look of the JKU's more than the JK's, as long as they are only modestly done up. I could get more of my family of seven in a JKU than a TJ. But I have had 6 family members in the TJ (for a short drive) and really, I didn't want another family car anyway, I already have a Yukon for that. I wanted a TJ so I could go anywhere and enjoy every second of it! I second a lot of what @XISophos said. The JK's especially from 2007-11 (3.8v) leaked oil like a bad habit...And what Chris said below, is so true. It's that shorter wheelbase that makes them outperform JK's and JKU's with much larger tires. So much narrower too. I've gone in some places no other off-road vehicle could go, with literally an inch on either side. It's hard to beat and probably demoralizing for JK and JKU owners on the trail...
The only problem is that with the bigger size of the JKs, you lose the ability to go some of the places that a smaller TJ can go. In my opinion, the greatest thing about the TJ is it's compact size. It makes it great for going places that most larger vehicles can't go.
xxdabroxx
TJ Addict
It's hard to find an SUV with a solid axle under the front of it any more though, unless you go with something like an excursion. For me the JK would be a capable SUV but not in the class of a TJ or previous model Jeep. (Not that you can't make a JKU plenty capable, just not on my budget haha)
I was thinking the same thing just a few days ago. I can't think of any modern SUV with a solid front axle. A bit disappointing if you ask me. As you and I both know, solid axle vehicles are much easier to work on.
xxdabroxx
TJ Addict
I'm hoping the new bronco will have a solid front axle under it. Even though I'm not a Ford fan.
That would be cool. Aside from a full size truck, the only sold axle vehicle I know of anymore is a JK.
That's why I miss the old Hilux. After they changed to IFS in '86 I just didn't like the Toyota pick-ups as much. They were still reliable (OG V6 head issues not withstanding), but the simplistic, honest engineering gave way to comfort. Meh.
I know, I feel you on that one. I really loved the old Hilux as well.
I think they had solid axles in Japan for a lot longer though after 86. Maybe I'm wrong though, not 100% sure.
Absolutely! They still make the solid axle Hilux, they just don't sell them in the US market anymore (too many snowflakes wanting a comfy 4x4 that is more akin to a luxury car than an actual utility vehicle). The Aussie's get them in droves, and I've read you can have them imported to the US under special circumstance from Canada. The problem is that the special circumstance usually costs wayyyy too much for my blood.
***Edit***
What I am thinking of as the traditional Hilux has apparently been moved solely under the Land Cruiser badge now. While the Hilux still exists, and apparently more rugged than the Tacoma, they have moved to an IFS now as well. :/
http://www.toyota-global.com/showroom/vehicle_gallery/result/land_cruiser70/
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One thing I know for certain is that after a vehicle is 25 years old, it's considered a "classic" and you can import it to the United States without ANY hassle whatsoever, since it can be registered as a classic. That being said, once some of those Toyota Hilux's get to be 25 years old, you could import one for a reasonable price.
I know a buddy of mine did this with a 1990 Nissan Silvia. He had it imported to the United States with shipping and everything for around $7000. No emissions, no government, bullshit, nothing. Like I said, as long as it's 25 years old or older, then you can import it no questions asked.
BTW, that Land Cruiser is awesome! I'd take one of those any day.
I thought about a 2012 JKU just before I bought my '06 LJ. I have to say the JKU did not require a shoehorn to fit my elbow between the door handle and my elbow. BUT- I went with the '06 because it would fit on the trails I do and left plenty of cash over to install a locker in the front axle and other small mods i wanted. I quickly figured out how to to fix the elbow in the door strap by raising the seat 2". Yes the JKU was a much more comfortable ride and my wife liked it since her head/hair did not hit the top but I am extremely pleased with the LJ and really dislike meeting a JK on narrow mountain trails- cant imagine when two JKU's meet. My LJ is not a daily driver- she is dedicated for trail running.
As far as JK owners- yes- they don't wave (different class of vehicle and really -driver so they may not feel like community) but i chat a lot with several awesome JK owners on Google+ and they are great folks- more like here, not like what some seem like on the road.
If my wife wanted to trail ride in her own and use it as a daily driver- I would get her a JK but as for me- i am going to keep my LJ til I die.
As far as JK owners- yes- they don't wave (different class of vehicle and really -driver so they may not feel like community) but i chat a lot with several awesome JK owners on Google+ and they are great folks- more like here, not like what some seem like on the road.
If my wife wanted to trail ride in her own and use it as a daily driver- I would get her a JK but as for me- i am going to keep my LJ til I die.
Why...just why? Found this on another forum, guy showing off his new to him JK Rubicon:
sgtjdgelinas
TJ Enthusiast
Saw this JK at a tire shop last week. I wonder what he needs that many lights for?
That's stock fog lights, two light bars, twelve pods, and a spot light.
That's stock fog lights, two light bars, twelve pods, and a spot light.
Michael Roberson
TJ Enthusiast
Dang that's ugly. We have a dealership here that's selling them off the show room with these already installed. I don't get it.
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I don't have the time to list the things I don't like about JKs so I'll just say what I do like about them.... um, well.. ah, well they kinda sorta resemble a Jeep if the light hits them just right. Kind of like a mirage makes a dry desert gulch look like it's full of cool water that maddeningly disappoints as you get closer.