Jeep and cheerful?
HE chunky shape of the iconic Jeep Wrangler appeals to many people who think they would like to stand out from the crowd.
But take a good drive before you buy if you’re looking at any model before the most recent, which was launched in 2018. All the earlier models are serious off-roaders built for hard work in the toughest of conditions and have hard, uncompromising suspension.
So they can be tough to live with on the road because of an uncomfortable ride and steering that gives no feedback at all.
The latest model has changed all that and is far better to drive every day while remaining fantastic off-road. But even secondhand, it starts at about £29,000.
There was no diesel option until 2007 so economy was a real problem in earlier Jeeps. But this incarnation did introduce both a diesel engine and a four door for the first time, making a much more practical alternative.
The charm of the garden shed shape has changed little in 50 years. After all, this is the one that started the whole smaller 4x4 idea as the Willy’s Jeep in 1942.
Both two and four-door models roll a good deal in the corners even though grip is actually pretty good.
Of course, it has off-road ability that will take you just about anywhere.
From 2007, engines were a 3.8-litre V6 with 196bhp and a 2.8 diesel with 174bhp, both driving all four wheels through manual six-speed or automatic five-speed gearboxes. But from 2010, the diesel, which is by far the main one you’ll find secondhand, was up-rated to 197bhp and also had a big increase in torque, improving performance both on and off-road.
The short wheelbase two-door accelerates from 0 to 60 miles an hour in 10.3 seconds, with the five-speed automatic gearbox that’s much more common than the six-speed manual, and is capable of about 28-30 miles per gallon.
The four-door takes a little longer to 60mph but should manage about the same economy.
Of course, a legend like this has a proper four-wheel drive (4WD) system that uses rear wheel drive on the road to save fuel.
When the going gets slippery on the road, as in ice and snow, you can move the tunnel-mounted lever to 4WD, and if even more traction is required it should be moved to 4WD High. Either can be done while on the move.
Finally comes 4WD Low, which gives a set of low ratio gears for real boulder jumping, deep mud and sand, or deep snow. However, to change into it you have to stop.
There is decent legroom front and rear in the two-door, which only seats four, and much more passenger and boot space in the four-door.
Equipment in the mid-range Sahara includes folding back seats, electric windows, alloys, air conditioning, traction control, a decent stereo system and cruise control.
Pay about £15,800 for a ’13 13-reg 2.8 diesel Sahara twodoor automatic, or £23,800 for a ’16 16-reg 2.8 diesel
Overland four-door automatic.