I've had a number of jeeps over the years. I think it started with the 76 CJ7 Renegade Levis Special I learned to drive in (well before I was old enough...).
Its not about comfort, amenities, gadgets, and they do squeak, groan, rattle, cough, and chew through gas like mad. I've never owned a 'new' jeep, so maybe they might be a bit better when new, but I doubt it.
Currently own two 1989 XJs:
•
Cherokee Laredo 4X4, I6, 5MT (AX15) - aka "The Green Monster". This is my 'beater' and hauler of things smaller than I need my F350 for. It has rusted out in some spots, leaks oil now and then (mostly in the summer), shakes in a scary way at around 50MPH (but is fine above or below
), but it just keeps going, and going, and going (270K miles on it).
•
Wagoneer 4X4 I6 Automatic: This is my project jeep. Lifted, wheels, tires, plates, skids. The interior has been striped of carpet and headliner then coated in truck bed liner. Two suspension buckets and an extended cage. Plus a nice 12K winch (which is not terribly useful in the desert where there is nothing to grap on to, lol). Over 200K as well. It is much cleaner and better maintained than the 'beater', but I've had this one longer and got the Cherokee in pretty bad shape to start with (it was going to be towed away when I rescued it
)
Would I buy a 'new' jeep? Probably not. I'm not terribly crazy about the new jeeps. The new 4-door looks interesting, and I've seen some nice mods that would make it a passble crawler, but I'm not about to buy a brand new jeep beat the heall out of it. Maybe in 5 years or so I can find a used one, cheap, and see what they are like.