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Jeep Wrangler

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What is this discussion about? Jeep Wrangler, SUV

Messages Page 750 of 2340

#7491 of 23393 BASIC BUYER'S QUESTION by rothgeb

Nov 15, 2002 (8:10 pm)

Hi All,
 
I am on market for 2002 or 2003 Jeep Wrangler (for my college son). I don't want to spent more than $25K drive-out price (TT&L included). Any suggestions on Model and/or Style. What should I look for on Jeep? besides 6 cly Auto, Hard Top. AM/FM CD Chgr Ctrl. I hate to shop and HATE to negotiate. Where (How) can I avoid all these unpleasant car buying experiences?
 
Thanks

#7492 of 23393 rothgeb by tsjay

Nov 15, 2002 (9:03 pm)

I assume you mean you are looking for a NEW 2002 or 2003 Wrangler, right? You might not have a big selection on left over 2002's.

If you are buying outright, with no trade-in, then you have a nice easy job ahead of you. You can shop by phone, and all you have to do is get prices in relation to invoice. That way, it doesn't matter how the Jeep is equipped: you will pay an agreed upon amount over invoice. Obviously, a better equipped Jeep will cost more, because the invoice will be higher, but you will know what kind of deal to expect. Just get on the phone and ask several dealers how much they will sell you a Jeep for in relation to invoice.

If you are willing to order a Jeep from the factory, just spec it out the way you want it and get several prices from different dealers.

Be sure and check out the incentives that are available currently. I think the leftover 02's have 0% interest for 60 months, and maybe even the 03's have that too ( I have heard conflicting reports on that.)

Check out my buying experience as I tell about it on my Jeep's web page.

http://www.members.aol.com/tjoh298765/thelma.html

You can get invoice price right here in good old Edmunds, but keep in mind that Edmunds does not include the advertising fees, which are a legitimate line item cost on the invoice the dealer will show you. Actually, there will be two lines for ad fees on the invoice, one national and one regional. These charges are real and are paid by the dealer as part of the invoice cost. They vary by region, so I guess that's why they are not included on the Edmunds invoice pricing.
 
Be sure and post any further questions. We are here to help one another.

Welcome to the board!

Tom

Have you hugged your Jeep today?

#7493 of 23393 by thebigkahuna

Nov 15, 2002 (9:15 pm)

Tom's advice is sound. I find internet dealing preferable to phone conversations however. Just email all of the local dealers in your area and tell them that you are an educated buyer looking for their "best price". My advice, DON'T pay a dollar over invoice. That may not be the easiest thing to do but timing is crucial. As always, buy at the end of the month and know all about pricing. As Tom suggests, look at Edmund's invoice pricing including options. It sounds like you can get a loaded Sport model. There were some minor changes made from 02 to 03 models. You have found the right place for advice. Do some research here and get back to us with any questions you may have and we will be more than happy to help.

#7494 of 23393 rothgeb by mtngal

Nov 15, 2002 (9:21 pm)

I'm going to make some guesses and assumptions. You are buying for a college age son, so I would guess that he isn't a big off-roader (assumption because you don't bring it up). If that is correct, then look for an X model. It is cheaper than the Sport but still has the I6 engine. That won't have fog lights, but will he need them (I never needed them until I moved to the mountains). Depending on where you are, I might insist on A/C. I have only a hard top and it has never been off, but when I was in college, I would have far preferred a soft top. Final thing - and this is just a personal pet thing of mine - I think everyone should learn how to drive a manual tranny, so I'd get him the 5 speed. But that is just me (and most disagree with my point of view).
 
If he is getting into 4-wheeling, I would get a Sport, but that is much more money. I'm no good at negotiating either - I've just done my homework (looked up here at Edmunds what various packages and options cost) and gone into the dealership armed with those facts. I've walked out of numerous dealerships if they appeared to be playing games. I bought my Wrangler in '98 and haven't seriously priced them since (though I might get more interested soon, once it is paid off in April).

#7495 of 23393 rothgeb by smurf6

Nov 15, 2002 (9:34 pm)

I just ordered a Sport 5 speed that, when it arrives, will cost me a bit over $24,000 including taxes etc. The folks here were a tremendous help in helping me to understand and decide what options to go with. My Sport will be pretty loaded. I ended up spending $380, I believe, over invoice. I checked out several dealerships in my area for knowledge base, to drive different types of Jeeps, and to check out the service areas. I then sent requests via the internet to several for pricing as I also hate the negotiation phase. I did shop at the end of the month but for me the service area and the travel required for maintenance under warranty was a big consideration. So was the reputation of the dealership. I went with the closest 5 star dealership in the area. However, this may not be a consideration for you if you do your own maintenance or your son is going away to school.
 
Although you hate to shop, I would highly recommend either talking to people in your area who have some knowledge of the dealerships or going to visit them. Especially if you are going to have service done by the dealership. There was one dealership I eliminated right off the bat as I did not feel welcome.
 
Best of luck in your pursuit of a Jeep.

#7496 of 23393 #7278 of 7282 BASIC BUYER'S QUESTION by rothgeb by anonymous02

Nov 16, 2002 (7:35 am)

"I am on market for 2002 or 2003 Jeep Wrangler (for my college son)."
 
Dad? Is that you?

#7497 of 23393 #7278 of 7282 BASIC BUYER'S QUESTION by rothgeb by anonymous02

Nov 16, 2002 (7:37 am)

I thought college kids were supposed to buy an old beater and then come looking for "fix it" money? At least that's the way I remember it.
 
I think you'd be well off getting a 97-99 Sport for him. Then he can do any modifications he wants without it being quite so painful.

#7498 of 23393 I bought my kids new cars by tsjay

Nov 16, 2002 (10:17 am)

I bought my daughter a new Cavalier while she was in nursing school, and I bought my son a new Grand Am while he was in college. I actually bought my son a second new Grand Am with the understanding that he would make up the difference in the monthly payments and the insurance with money from the part time job he had while going to school.
 
The deal on all of three of these cars was that I would make the payments until the kids were out of school, and then it was their baby from that time forward.
 
My daughter chose to trade in the Cavalier on a Ford Explorer after she became an RN, and all I had to do was co-sign the note. She has made every payment so far, and the vehicle is almost paid off.
 
My son is through with school and is making his own car payment and paying for his own insurance, even though he still lives with us.
 
Tom
 
Have you hugged your Jeep today?

#7499 of 23393 Wish I was wheelin'! by tsjay

Nov 16, 2002 (10:47 am)

Well, it's Saturday, and I am sitting here at home instead of wheelin' at Turkey Bay. BUMMER!
 
Couldn't find anyone to hook up with, and I was afraid to drive all the way down there (70 miles) and take a chance on not finding another Jeep to hook up with.
 
Well, I am cleaning out some junk from the bedroom, so I guess I will get something accomplished anyway.
 
Tom
 
Have you hugged your Jeep today?

#7500 of 23393 gotta ask you, Tom by steve_ HOST

Nov 16, 2002 (2:26 pm)

Turkey Bay Turkey Day?
 
Steve, Host

Messages Page 750 of 2340

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