Hi all,
Want to introduce myself as I am interested in purchasing a Wagoneer series II or 1 depending on how ordering goes.
This forum has made me hesitant however. Need an additional vehicle kind of soon though so I might take the gamble.
The Grand Cherokee L and this both have their issues as expected with first year models
They aren't very different in price yet this is a much nicer vehicle so can someone who considered both say why they chose this? Or if they regret it why?
I currently have a '21 Wrangler Willys and am very impressed with it which is why I am even considering another Jeep vehicle.
If you are happy with your Wagoneer is there anything you wish you had gotten or could live without?
Thank you all in advance.
All first year vehicles will have challenges. Period. Knowing that is a big help in setting your own expectations. Knowing everything is built by humans, they all have challenges, you'll find plenty of problems in all things if you so desire, and even if you don't.
Some people buy thinking whatever THEY picked has to be perfect, and then take anything that happens personally as if the universe has something against them. The anonymity of online forums have caused overly hyperbolic retorts, after all, what are the ramifications from online 'people'. You'll see some of those on here too, just know that to those individuals it is more real than their morning coffee. Can't blame them, it's their opinion and it too is valid.
Others want their decisions to be the right one all the time. Defend to the end. Again, their opinion and experiences in life, valid for them as well.
Why keep reading? A bit of experience to help because it's not all about me, that's for sure it is about you. That said you asked, so for my opinion basis: I've been buying vehicles for 40 years plus and I enjoy all the good and bad. Purchased some lemons that left me and my family or passengers on the side of the road before Cell phones, or Lemon laws. Ouch but gee, I'm here and we lived. Bought others that were superb, they eventually were surpased by other vehicles, so I purchased new ones.
I've had a loyalty to a brand when that brand steps up for me at the times it is tough. New vehicle, toughest times. You'll see examples of Stellantis backing their product and that is reflected by a great, independant Dealership owner also doing the same as a Partner to Stellantis. I have also seen Dealers who should never be allowed to sell anything, a member named
@James has posts about one such Dealer.
In the end, many different types of vehicles exist because we have many different people with their own tastes. At the time we want to purchase (now per your post), we all look at what's available for us so we get our best return on a depreciating asset. We want to enjoy our hard earned money's worth so I get your smart decision to ask, research and balance all advice. Great move to keep researching, well done.
My decision to buy a GW took me a while, a lot of reading, videos, driving multiple versions of SUVs (GMC, Chevy, Cadillac, Infiniti, Land Rover, etc.) all in the same Luxury market, different versions of each. I hesitated in going for a first year vehicle, I've owned four from different manufacturers, Chevy, Infiniti, Dodge and Pontiac (yeah, they were real). Each experience was different. Stayed a loyal Dodge guy with Durangos, Loved the Pontiac, was disappointed on Chevy,etc. Most interesting: Infiniti. I went through it with Infiniti, bad breaks that had to be recalled/replaced, etc. Yet the Dealership and company were phenomenal, best experience so far. Buying their QX line since 2004. I've posted in the forum what they continued to do years after that initial experience on here, a wonderful surprise and financial deal even the Dealership where I traded it in didn't know about (but were happy also). Why not a new one now? They haven't updated their vehicle since my 2014 and I'm in the market now. Love them, have two currently but still buying the GW. It just happens to fit my current needs, and for me I determined it was the best Luxury available. I also have a mindset I will be using the issue list here in this forum when I pick it up next month (I hope) and the Dealership is ready for me. How do I know? I spoke honestly about it
after having made a deal and ordered it. They appreciated my approach (some dealers won't I'm sure), so I am starting with one level of expectation and so is the Dealership. Very important to research the Dealership too. Add to that I also have a second vehicle, so when I need to get someplace for work or any other reason, I'll not be stopped and can make it. I also know Uber, Lyft, true friends and associates have and will continue to be available and helpful. A lot of money, yes, so make your decision for yourself based on your world, not mine.
@coolerbythelake has good advice, know how the company is working through a new brand and check out their packaging by Trim levels. I highly recommend comparing every trim level using Stellantis' online build/compare tool on the Wagoneer site,
https://www.jeep.com/wagoneer/grand-wagoneer.html. You can build both Wagoneer and Grand and they give you detailed, very detailed information.
Continue to do what you are now, ask, read through the forum, take all of our opinions in stride, good and bad, and know your Dealership options. I'm lucky as I have so many in my area they are all competing for my business. I check out reputations if I've not worked with them before, and then choose three dealers to start. I could go on however this is already a Tolstoy length post. Suffice it to say, the amount of issues seems big, it is going down rapidly. Ordering may take longer however it is a route that reduces the defects you'll experience given all that Stellantis has already identified and resolved in the factory line. Getting a vehicle off a lot if one fits your desires/needs, it will have a few defects of some sort, regardless of brand chosen. I like all the items in the GW that no other brand has currently. It drives like a smaller vehicle but has so much room, etc. it fits my desires. It is nice to also have honest, real offroad chops. And I don't have to pay Land Rover prices and get less vehicle interior room.
It may or may not end up being right for you and your life, so either way do try to enjoy the search to get what you enjoy, and go into the purchase with a Dealership that has the reputation or that you know will take care of you because, like EVERY brand, something can happen. You'll be glad you did and that buy will be just right for you. Who cares what I or others may think, it's you and your preferences you should enjoy and embrace on the grand adventure! Best wishes and let us all know your decision and why, it helps all of us.