Hi everybody... I'm gonna be getting my first TJ in about 3 weeks and I had a few questions before I go to the dealership and haggle: 1) So far I haven't found one at a dealer that is in the color and has the options I want. I was told that ordering a TJ with all the options I'm lookin' for will take 6 months and that my best bet to find one is to get one that a dealer has in stock. Is this BS??? 2) My TJ will be mostly for on-road use but it will see some off road and I certainly want it to be capable when it hits the mud (if I can save the $700 I'd like to) but should I go with ABS breaks? Those are my 2 big questions... anything else I should know before I go pick one out? Any extra info. would be helpful! THANKS!
2004 TJ
- Thread starter thejafe
- Start date
Just my opinion, but...
I would ditch the ABS brakes and get an upgrade somewhere else. As far as whether or not the dealer is BS-ing you... well, it's hard to say. What are the options you're asking for? What model are you starting at (X, Sport, Sahara)? Personally, if I was dropping 23K for a new TJ, what's 3 more to get the Rubicon... maybe $15 more per month? I'd at least get the 4.0, Dana 44 rearend, and request 4.10 gears in the axles (this should be no extra charge). Then I'd get the alloy wheel package (Canyons are 15x8) and some fog lights. Depending on where you live, get only the soft-top and don't get the Mopar bikini's, they're too expensive. Bestop is perfect and 60% of the price. But you see... after all these upgrades, then you want a lift and some 31 or 32" tires... you should just get the Rubicon... and finance it for 7 years. Then you get the mac-daddy jeep with a WARRANTY. Dang, I wish I had $26k
C
I would ditch the ABS brakes and get an upgrade somewhere else. As far as whether or not the dealer is BS-ing you... well, it's hard to say. What are the options you're asking for? What model are you starting at (X, Sport, Sahara)? Personally, if I was dropping 23K for a new TJ, what's 3 more to get the Rubicon... maybe $15 more per month? I'd at least get the 4.0, Dana 44 rearend, and request 4.10 gears in the axles (this should be no extra charge). Then I'd get the alloy wheel package (Canyons are 15x8) and some fog lights. Depending on where you live, get only the soft-top and don't get the Mopar bikini's, they're too expensive. Bestop is perfect and 60% of the price. But you see... after all these upgrades, then you want a lift and some 31 or 32" tires... you should just get the Rubicon... and finance it for 7 years. Then you get the mac-daddy jeep with a WARRANTY. Dang, I wish I had $26k
C
To down shift...or not to down shift?
Good choice on the 04 TJ. I think he is BSing you on the 6 month thing. When I ordered mine, I was told 6-8 weeks and it is right on target with an Oct 6 delivery date. I wanted an 04 because I couldn't find any leftover 03 on the lot with the options and color that I wanted. So what's left, order a new one and that means an 04. Not a problem for me. Try another dealership or ask for the sales manager.
I ordered mine with the 4 wheel disc and ABS but was later told that with the tire package and 4wheel discs, I couldn't have the abs. Oh well. If you are an experienced driver, I think that you can live without it and put the money towards another option. Over the last 10 years or so, I've had 3 cars with ABS and not once did I have to use it in a panic stopping situation. (i did try them out to make sure they work)
Good luck. Let us know what happens.
Good choice on the 04 TJ. I think he is BSing you on the 6 month thing. When I ordered mine, I was told 6-8 weeks and it is right on target with an Oct 6 delivery date. I wanted an 04 because I couldn't find any leftover 03 on the lot with the options and color that I wanted. So what's left, order a new one and that means an 04. Not a problem for me. Try another dealership or ask for the sales manager.
I ordered mine with the 4 wheel disc and ABS but was later told that with the tire package and 4wheel discs, I couldn't have the abs. Oh well. If you are an experienced driver, I think that you can live without it and put the money towards another option. Over the last 10 years or so, I've had 3 cars with ABS and not once did I have to use it in a panic stopping situation. (i did try them out to make sure they work)
Good luck. Let us know what happens.
Im looking at getting a black '04 X, Automatic, wheels plus package, AC, tow hooks, fog lights, hard top w/deep tint windows, ABS breaks??? and then upgrading it to 31" BFG A/T... I've looked for '03's but finding one around here in black with these options is even harder than finding the '04
If you live were it snows, and are not very good at snow driving get the abs. you will rarely, if ever use abs other than snow. As far as the time to order there is a easy way to find out. Tell him to find the jeep at another dealership. It is a very common practice to do dealer trades. If he does not want to hassle with it he will tell you the truth about the time. By the way do not let them charge you more for a dealer trade. It is part of the price. Go to another dealership if they will not help you get what you want.
Bounty__Hunter
Super Moderator
GPS
3.73 gears are the lowest available with the 4.0L, and only with the automatic. Common gear ratio with the D44, auto, and 30" wheels.
Can't get the D44 in the X, so don't try. I'd pick 4wheel discs over ABS any day, you'll need the extra braking power when larger tires are installed. I didn't even know 4wheel disc was available, did anybody else?
3.73 gears are the lowest available with the 4.0L, and only with the automatic. Common gear ratio with the D44, auto, and 30" wheels.
Can't get the D44 in the X, so don't try. I'd pick 4wheel discs over ABS any day, you'll need the extra braking power when larger tires are installed. I didn't even know 4wheel disc was available, did anybody else?
