"Pacing myself" build

I'm regretting replacing the heater core when I was having AC issues. Not sure how to move forward.
 
Test drove a Gladiator and a 2 door JL today.

What were your thoughts? I test drove a very clean low mileage JKR (note the lack of the U in that acronym) recently before I bought my '05 Sport, but it was too un-Jeep-like for me. It was a lot like driving my '19 4Runner. I missed the Jeepiness of the TJ and decided to stick with this platform.
 
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What were your thoughts? I test drove a very clean low mileage JKR (note the lack of the U in that acronym) recently before I bought my '05 Sport, but it was too un-Jeep-like for me. It was a lot like driving my '19 4Runner. I missed the Jeepiness of the TJ and decided to stick with this platform.

The 2 door felt more "TJ" ish than the Gladiator. I drove a 2020 Rubi 2 Door manual and hated the clutch. The Gladiator felt like driving a F150 and had a numb feeling to it. My wife mentioned it, and I agreed. Gladiator is out, still up in air about a JLR or continue my search for the unicorn TJR.
 
The 2 door felt more "TJ" ish than the Gladiator. I drove a 2020 Rubi 2 Door manual and hated the clutch. The Gladiator felt like driving a F150 and had a numb feeling to it. My wife mentioned it, and I agreed. Gladiator is out, still up in air about a JLR or continue my search for the unicorn TJR.

None of the newer jeeps has the same feel as TJ. After the novelty wears off, you'll be left wanting imo.

Good stock TJRs are still out there.
 
It ain't gonna fix itself, so here we go, again. Thankfully, I can keep it here at work and tinker with it while I wait for a heater core.
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We have a detail shop next door to my work, so I took the carpets out so he can steam clean the coolant out. I'll have to remove all the ducting to wash as well. Yay!
 
I haven't been following the lack of a good heater core replacement problem. What are the best alternatives today?
 
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