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Know what you are writing about before keying it in...

by jeepnotansuv on Sun Jul 12 08:59:36 PDT 2009

I found issue with the OPINIONS provided on the test of the 2007 JEEP Wrangler Unlimited 4x4. The JEEP is not an SUV; and an SUV, is NOT a JEEP. I have owned a 1993 Wrangler, a 1989 Cherokee (225,000 miles on it when I sold it), a 1999 Grand Cherokee Limited, a 2003 Rubicon, and now a 2007 Rubicon Unlimited. I've driven about 47,000 miles in the Rubicon Unlimted in a hair over two years, and love it. No other vehicle can go anywhere at anytime. I drove my 1993 Wrangler through the 100 year flood in Reno, NV years ago, and watched other supposed 4x4 vehilces...SUVs, stuck in the snow, and trying to keep their tires dry. I looked for water and snow to drive through. I have driven through snow fall that has shut cities down in my Rubicon Unlimited, while SUVs timidly tried to drive in my path, like a toddler touches the bath water timidly with his/her toe. Hell, with a JEEP, you can faithfully just jump right in. Oh, and if you want to go topless, hey another thing an SUV can't touch. Remember this...a Hummer H3 has a mid-size trailblazer wheel base. Essentially they took a midsize want-a-be SUV, and put a more mannly and more JEEP-like mask to sell it. Then, you have the Toyota FJ, which doesn't come close to the retro FJ's that came close to competing with the JEEP. The FJ has a small/mid-size Landcruiser 120 Series Prado, or Lexis GS (US model), which is similiar to the 4-Runner wheelbase. So, they took a want-to be SUV, and put what they thought was more mannly and more JEEP-like mask to sell it. Hell, a mask is a mask...a PT Cruiser is a Neon with a bolder face. One vehicle that come close to a JEEP, and what a JEEP is built for, would be the Landrover, which in 1948 was first built, oh, using a JEEP wheelbase. Wow, imagine that. But, the Landrover of today, is maybe what an SUV is...but not a JEEP. Older Landrovers could come close to competing. Then you have the Mercedes G models. But for the money yo u pay for even a base model, if it comes in one, you could outfit one hell of a JEEP, that would be untouchable. Be smart when you buy. Know the product before you sink hard eraned money into it. Remember, a JEEP is not an SUV, and an SUV is not a JEEP. I love my 2007 Wrangler Rubicon Unlimited. As said, I have driven it about 47,000 miles in just over two years, as I drive it for work. I get all kinds of compliments, and questions. If you love sitting in a well heated or cooled leather-clad lobby, then buy a high-end SUV, Escalade, Landrover with all the animities. A JEEP has its purposes, and people who purchase a JEEP have there purposes.

Re: Buick sales may rebound [tlong]

by m4d_cow on Wed Jul 08 00:32:44 PDT 2009

Uh, I'm not sure I ever said that, but nevermind. Anyway, while I really agree with the secind part of your argument, I'm not sure that's the case with the first part. Bling overkill never infiltrate European cars because continental europeans find them tacky and corny. It's not a matter of reputation alone, its a matter of taste. I've heard a lot of comments from Europeans regarding the new Cadillacs (particularly the CTS), and the said the designs are actually nice and distinctive, but the chrome bathing kills all the appeal.

Re: How about some stories? [boomchek]

by richard64 on Mon Jul 06 20:04:39 PDT 2009

Thank you so much for that interesting sales story. We have needed one from a salesman desperately. It is, however, a sad tale. The buyer seems to be a nice person who may be a bit lonely living out his life as a single, older gentleman. It is a shame that he needs the SUV to enjoy himself more. It is even more tragic that he will put the vehicle before his basic necessities. I would imagine that buyer's remorse will set in after a few months. At least you tried to encourage him to wait. That was a very humane thing to do as a salesman. You are to be commended. Many years ago, we knew a couple who fell in love with a house. They couldn't really afford it, but went on with the purchase. After moving in, they had a big party for all of their friends. The first floor of the home was beautifully furnished. We were all very impressed. During the party, I needed to go to the bath room. Since the one on the first floor was being used, I asked if I could use one of the baths upstairs. All of the upstairs rooms had the doors open. I couldn't help but notice that the master bedroom and those for the three children all contained only sleeping bags. There were no beds, dressers, chests, or chairs. We later learned that the couple falsified free lunch applications for their three children. Two years later, the wife was charged with embezzlement at the bank where she was employed. The bank discharged her but never pressed charges. Unfortunately, there are people who will go to any lengths to have a material possession. It is a sad indictment of how some people view the priorities in life. On a lighter note, I noticed the nicest expression in your writing. You used the phrase "When I serve them payments...". It reminds me of dining in a fine restaurant, or being waited upon in a nice men's store. The phrase appears to have a touch of British influence. Regardless, it is a nice way to describe your sales transactions. Thank you again for the sales story. Richard

Re: Great buy [richnelson]

by berri on Tue Jun 30 06:54:10 PDT 2009

Problem is that Ford and GM need to price aggressively, like Hyundai, to get a lot of people to consider their stuff. Most won't pay Honda or Toyota prices for a D3 until they can prove they will hold up over time. Early Taurus buyers risk a depreciation bath if they pay that kind of price.

Re: Sunroof leaking problems [1delgado]

by lemonowner08 on Sun Jun 28 19:24:43 PDT 2009

I think we all need to get together and file a class action lawsuit. Everyone I know that has a sunroof has had leaking issues. Some say they still love their vehicle, but they are unhappy with the leaking. GM owes us all a lot of money. I was so disgusted last Fall that I went to a Nissan dealership and asked what they would give me on a trade. Paid $44,000 9 months prior (new) and they offered me $25,000. Wow, what a bath! I couldn't afford to lose that much money, but really I have. They told me they could find a 2008 Acadia on the internet (9000 miles) for $25,000 on any site. They said GM's Bankruptcy and other problems have made these cars very undesireable. They are right. You can get a 2008 for $25,000. Maybe that is why they are sending this little coupon for more off on a new one. But who would want another one and lose another ton of money?

Park the new car

by m1miata on Thu Jun 18 18:14:53 PDT 2009

Well, park a new Camaro next to an older one, and you will see what I mean. It is like you take the older model, then add on another six inches to the bottom section. I suppose it better accommodates the larger wheels these days. Inside, you feel more confined than in a Miata. The extra thick A pillar, and the enormous door sill height leave you sitting inside the bath tub, with little glass area, much like the 350Z or 370Z. The Porsche and Vette front and side views seem a lot better to me, as does the roominess - feel at the least is better. As Pony cars go, I agree it is not too much larger than the New Stang, but the New Stang is already feeling the super-sized movement over the years. Car should be getting lighter, and not heavier. Light is more toss-able for handling, and you be kinder on the brakes, tires, while going even faster. Buy skirt, I mean to say, it has some added lower bulk - nothing to do with down force. As for blazin' around tight turns, I guess so - take your word on that one. Usually on a race track the Miata does that, then the Camaros scream up and pass on straightaways - good muscle. They do have the good engine(s) and drive-train,& good gas mileage, which is better than the current Ford. Still, I think I will look for more of a sports car. The Hyundai Genesis Coupe is pretty good - balanced looks, performance and roominess / inside feel, with enough glass area and over the left shoulder view for passing. And for Pony, still like the bit smaller, and less fat look, Stang. A Corvette would be nice too. Of course for steering feel, and true sports car engaged drive, the Miata still shines. Then there is the BMWZ4 & Porsche Boxter, if you don't mind supporting Germany come repair time = ouch! Anyway - agreed, Camaro goes fast, looks good, has great gas mileage. Have fun with your new Camaros, guys and gals, and be safe on the public roadways across this great land of ours. Race on the track.