In August of 2004, I purchased a Jeep Wrangler Rocky Mountain Edition. This is my first Jeep, however I had some Jeep experience as one of my friends owns a 2003 Wrangler X and another owns an older CJ-7.
The first thing you will notice about the 2004 Jeep Wrangler is the lack of creature comforts. Jeeps are built on simplicity and are servicable by even the most novice of mechanics. Also, I haven't heard the 7 speaker sound system, but the 4 speaker system sounds very thin with absolutely ZERO bass. (Read my other reviews on how to fix this).
Hard top or Soft top or both? My Jeep originally came with just the soft top and I intended on buying a hard top for it as the weather got colder. However, I noticed that it never felt colder inside the Jeep. 2002 and newer Jeep soft tops are made of sailcloth, which is much thicker and durable than earlier designs. That combined with the fact that Jeep heaters kick out as much heat as 50 hair dryers, saved me at least $1500, plus time and storage space for a hard top. They simply are not necessary unless you like the rear wiper and defroster options.
What options should you get?
I have driven both manual and automatic equiped Jeeps and found that neither transmission is superior to the other. I intend on using my Jeep for casual off-roading and did not wish to shift while going up a large hill, so I opted for an automatic transmission.
Look for the Dana 44 rear axle if you intend on upgrading tires or doing any off-roading. This axle is an option on X, Sport and standard on Rocky Mountain Edition, Columbia and Rubicon models. People get along fine with the standard Dana 35 rear axle, even when doing off-road driving with larger tires. However, if you intend on going to 33" or larger tires, opt or wait for a Jeep with the Dana 44. It will give you piece of mind and besides, you'll probably just end up swapping it out later if your Dana 35 breaks.
The ride is stiffer than your typical luxury style, but I'm sure you already expect that if you're looking at a Jeep Wrangler. 1997 and higher years are considerably more bareable as Daimler Chrysler changed to coil springs from leaf springs after purchasing Jeep. So if you have been in a 1995 (YJ) or older Jeep, don't judge a newer one (TJ) on that ride.
The Jeep Wrangler may be a two door vehicle, but the passenger fold and tumble seat provides very easy access to the rear seat. The rear seat will also fold and tumble towards the front of the Jeep, should you need more space. If that isn't enough, it is easily removed entirely from the vehicle.
If you get a soft top, one thing that I definitely recommend is some form of window storage. I like to carry mine with me in case I get stuck in a thunderstorm. Look into a Clover Patch window roll. They are about $75 and allow you to roll your windows up safely, without scratches and keep them with you.
Over all, this is a very versatile vehicle and moreso, just FUN! It will outperform any currently offered SUV, H2's definitely included. It is economical, will get you to work in the snow, will let you tan in the summer, will tow a boat or do just about anything else.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 21000
Condition: New Model Year: 2004 Model and Options: Rocky Mountain Edition
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