Having previously owned a '92 rusted ass YJ in high school, an '06 Sport during my first failed marriage, and now my new (to me) '06 LJ, I have a connection with the brand. It's almost like these hunks of metal have watched me grow up and witnessed different stages in my life. There's a comradery there. They've shaped who I am through the wheeling/camping trips, and many other shenanigan's they've transported me to. And like any other relationship, we've had our arguments. I've cussed and yelled while my knuckles bled, and they've left me stranded a few times. But because of the mechanic friendly platform, and gracious community (this forum) you're able to do the wrenching/troubleshooting yourself. If you own one long enough, you'll ride the rollercoaster of emotions that it is to drive one.
My kids love this thing. If the top is down, they climb on it like a jungle gym and play with their stuffed animals inside. My son shifts the gears and violently turns the steering wheel pretending he's wheeling. Every weekend we get with the top down is an adventure. An otherwise mundane ride to Walmart turns into a memorable event. My daughter has embodied the phrase "Jeep Life" after getting caught in the rain and dealing with "Jeep Hair". Every time the Jeep acts up, she smiles, shrugs, and says "That's Jeep life!" Because of my son's love for it, he's always out there with me when I'm wrenching on it. He's taken up an interest in tools and working with his hands. And even though he stuck a socket in my frame (which was a biiiiiiiitch to get out), I'm proud to say that at 4 years old he can now open up my toolbox, grab the tools he needs, and remove and install the front wheel of his bicycle. Seriously, it's everyday now! That poor tire has been off and on a thousand times by now. But that's all thanks to the Jeep. And specifically, it's thanks to the opportunity provided by the Jeep breaking down.
Simply put, I've never owned a vehicle that's been more beneficial than paying a therapist $100/hr. I get in, and I'm home. When she's packed with two kids, a dog and a wife - I'm home. No other inanimate arrangement of metal parts has ever provided that level of attachment. And sure, it sucks figuring out how the hell you're going to get all of those groceries from Sam's stuffed inside - but, hey... That's Jeep Life!
My kids love this thing. If the top is down, they climb on it like a jungle gym and play with their stuffed animals inside. My son shifts the gears and violently turns the steering wheel pretending he's wheeling. Every weekend we get with the top down is an adventure. An otherwise mundane ride to Walmart turns into a memorable event. My daughter has embodied the phrase "Jeep Life" after getting caught in the rain and dealing with "Jeep Hair". Every time the Jeep acts up, she smiles, shrugs, and says "That's Jeep life!" Because of my son's love for it, he's always out there with me when I'm wrenching on it. He's taken up an interest in tools and working with his hands. And even though he stuck a socket in my frame (which was a biiiiiiiitch to get out), I'm proud to say that at 4 years old he can now open up my toolbox, grab the tools he needs, and remove and install the front wheel of his bicycle. Seriously, it's everyday now! That poor tire has been off and on a thousand times by now. But that's all thanks to the Jeep. And specifically, it's thanks to the opportunity provided by the Jeep breaking down.
Simply put, I've never owned a vehicle that's been more beneficial than paying a therapist $100/hr. I get in, and I'm home. When she's packed with two kids, a dog and a wife - I'm home. No other inanimate arrangement of metal parts has ever provided that level of attachment. And sure, it sucks figuring out how the hell you're going to get all of those groceries from Sam's stuffed inside - but, hey... That's Jeep Life!
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