Daily driving my 2003 TJ

[senecagreen]

Since the motor went out in my truck a month ago my jeep has been my daily driver. I have been averaging 14mpg combined. 3.73 gears 4.0 and automatic, 33" tires.

I usually go about 60 on the highway sometimes 65 depending on the wind. It has been pretty good for daily use. We have gotten a lot of rain lately and it tries to hydroplane at 50 in heavy rain even though my wildpeak at3's still have deep tread. The 33x12.5's are like skis is my only real complaint.

Getting my truck in the shop tomorrow for a new engine but I think I will keep driving my jeep to work. Its a better commuter and easier to park

 

[KennethS]

Been daily driving mine off and on for the past 20 years. Hardly ever rains here, but when it does I haven’t had any issues.

 

[bobbyo]

I've only got a couple of hundred miles on my recently purchased 2000 Sport but I've been using it frequently as a grocery getter and other around town trips. Spends some time on the highway as well and I find it's super convenient- easy to drive, easy to park and for me comfortable as well. No problems in the rain either. I like that you sit high, even with the stock suspension, so you get a nice view of traffic. I didn't buy it for the gas mileage, and haven't even checked what I'm getting. Gas is pretty cheap here in Missouri and you're running regular grade, so that's not really a big deal.

 

[AdventurePig]

Been daily driving ours 3 days a week, 50 mile round trip, for the last 18 months.

Some thoughts:

• Most of the time I cruise at 55-65mph, with the radio cranked, the windows open, and either the A/C or heat on, as needed.
• It’s fun, easy to park and works great pick up the kiddo or some groceries (or both)
• In a pinch it’s worked just fine to carry 4 of us and a bit of gear to wherever we needed to go around town.
• Based on fuelly entries so far, i’m averaging 14.5mpg’s.
• Been super fun to wave at other jeep’s on my way to and from work.
• I run our hard top almost exclusively, makes rain and major heat waves a non-issue.
• Cheap Amazon backup camera makes backing up a non-issue.
• Oh, and to the OP, the milestars were fine in the rain, and the Cooper Discoverer’s are even better. No issues here, but maybe that’s more about the roadway? Or maybe your tires ARE due to be switched out?

(35’s, factory lockers, long arms, 4.5 suspension, 2” body, factory seats, tuffy rear cargo enclosure to protect my daily tools/road gear)

 

[TheBoogieman]

I DD all of my TJs. I've never had an issue with hydroplaning. We've been getting flood warnings here lately.

 

[Rut Row]

I'll use mine for groceries or where parking is an issue. I love to park beside the pristine, heavily modified and lifted JLU Mall Crawlers. What a contrast - a small dirty TJ with well earned bangs dents and scratches next to the Pavement Princesses.

 

[MikekiM]

I DD my TJ for a handful of years.
About 40 highway miles round trip, plus daily stuff. Also basecamp out of it a few times a month.
I have replaced every bushing in the suspension and tire pressure and alignment are spot on. With 33x12.5 Falken Wilpeak AT3Ws it drives like a dream.
Regearing from factory 3.73s to 4.56s made a huge difference in drivability.

Only time I flirt with hydroplaning is if I hit a large puddle at speed... that's a butt puckering experience

 

[Grenadiers]

I’m retired, so I take mine shopping and leave my beautiful 1989 Porsche 944 Turbo home. Too many dumbasses in Jeeps and SUVs can’t see the car when they open their doors. Ding.

 

[AdventurePig]

I’m retired, so I take mine shopping and leave my beautiful 1989 Porsche 944 Turbo home. Too many dumbasses in Jeeps and SUVs can’t see the car when they open their doors. Ding.

Yeah, the leading edge of people’s doors line up nicely with our frame-mounted sliders most of the time…lol.

I’m like, “Go right ahead, dude…”

 

[senecagreen]

I DD my TJ for a handful of years.
About 40 highway miles round trip, plus daily stuff. Also basecamp out of it a few times a month.
I have replaced every bushing in the suspension and tire pressure and alignment are spot on. With 33x12.5 Falken Wilpeak AT3Ws it drives like a dream.
Regearing from factory 3.73s to 4.56s made a huge difference in drivability.

Only time I flirt with hydroplaning is if I hit a large puddle at speed... that's a butt puckering experience

We get plenty of puddles here on the highway when it rains. I have the same tires. regular driving in rain its fine. Will probably just lock out OD when I go to 35's. I always use low range where we wheel.

 

[TheBoogieman]

I DD my TJ for a handful of years.
Only time I flirt with hydroplaning is if I hit a large puddle at speed... that's a butt puckering experience

You need to drive at a higher rate of speed. I used to hit a flooded parking lot with 2' deep water at 35 mph, just to soak my coworkers that I never liked.

 

[suicideking]

I bought this Sahara to use as a DD for a couple years. The plan was to give it to my kids when they're old enough. My oldest is now 16.5 and hasn't gotten his learners permit yet, supposedly will get it this summer. So I have been using it for errands and when I'm going to a cramped parking lot, drive thru, etc.

Thursday I used it to take my 11yo to Tae Kwon Do. Got there and the best parking spot was partially blocked by an F250 that was parked at a weird angle. Squeezed right into the space next to it with no issues. Love it for stuff like that.

Upgraded stereo, so sounds pretty good.

Also came in handy when my wife's Ford was in the shop for a few weeks to have the trans replaced.

Makes me wonder why you don't see as many 2 door JL's. I love the size.

 

[MikekiM]

You need to drive at a higher rate of speed. I used to hit a flooded parking lot with 2' deep water at 35 mph, just to soak my coworkers that I never liked.

Nah.. I regularly drive at 65-75 mph. Unless it's raining hard. Hit a puddle at that speed and it's every man for himself. No idea where the Jeep is going to end up.

I bought this Sahara to use as a DD for a couple years. The plan was to give it to my kids when they're old enough. My oldest is now 16.5 and hasn't gotten his learners permit yet, supposedly will get it this summer. So I have been using it for errands and when I'm going to a cramped parking lot, drive thru, etc.

Thursday I used it to take my 11yo to Tae Kwon Do. Got there and the best parking spot was partially blocked by an F250 that was parked at a weird angle. Squeezed right into the space next to it with no issues. Love it for stuff like that.

Upgraded stereo, so sounds pretty good.

Also came in handy when my wife's Ford was in the shop for a few weeks to have the trans replaced.

Makes me wonder why you don't see as many 2 door JL's. I love the size.

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Most JLs are driven by soccer moms. Too difficult to get the team in the back seat of the two door.