Hello.
I currently own a 2013 honda cr-v with 103,000 miles. I'm not planning on getting a new vehicle for a year or so, but I'm currently just browsing. That being said, I am deciding between a new 2021 (or 2022 when it comes out) Jeep Wrangler Islander or a Tesla 3. I'm not super crazy about electric vehicles because I live in a condo without a charging station. I know I could just charge at charging stations in my city. I am also concerned about what would happen if I should ever have a mechanical problem with the Tesla as many mechanics wouldn't be able to work on them, whereas finding someone to work on a Jeep Wrangler would be pretty easy. Lastly, I'm not convinced that the price of charging the Tesla is going to stay stagnant, either.
The Jeep Wrangler appeals to me because of its looks and its ability to be customized and the fact that it doesn't look like every other squat bug looking car on the road. The downsides to the jeep is that I've been told I will never stop having problems with them and that it will just be an endless money pit with terrible gas mileage.
Alternatively, instead of a new jeep, I would consider buying an older model such as a TJ and having someone changing out the engine
Help? I've never bought my own car before, I've only ever received hand-me-downs.
FYI -- I'm a 30 year old single lawyer living in Florida. I don't care about spacious vehicles. Price doesn't matter either.
If you want a Jeep find and older YJ. TJ’s are good to but you should take a screwdriver and poke along the frame from the motor to the rear axle on both sides. Design flaw makes them hold water. Experienced owners drill drain holes in bottom of the frame. The 2.5 and 4.0 motors run forever when taken care of. The 5 speed manuals last forever. The AT ones usually go out around 150-175k miles.
I wouldn’t buy a Tesla, wouldn’t drive one given to me. New Jeeps are junk, breakdown and have a ton of electric issues. If you really want a fun vehicle, the Toyota FJ Cruisers are well built. And you can find low mileage ones still.
If money isn’t an issue, there are companies doing electric vehicle conversions. I have seen some guys find older classic cars missing motors and transmissions, restore them body and interior wise then install a full turnkey electric motor system. You’ll have one of a kind vehicle like you want it that maintains value. At a fraction the cost of a Tesla. Just an idea.
Get an older Jeep. Forget about new Jeep and Tesla because of the issues you know and @Thumpy mentioned.
Those are two completely different car categories. Both in terms of type of engine, ICE vs EV. And also chassis, SUV vs compact.
If money is no issue, get either one.
But if you don’t want an endless money pit, get a Toyota or Honda.
If you want something that no one has, get the brand spanking new Land Cruiser coming out soon. It’s got the classic brand in a new style that respects its history. (Or the Lexus variant when it comes out.)
You like the Jeep Wrangler because of its looks? Seriously? It has the aerodynamics of a cinder block, its 0-60 acceleration times are measured with a sun dial and it's arguably to worst built vehicle on the planet (FIAT). Why do you want to spend a bunch of money customizing a vehicle that's going to spend most of its time in the dealer service center? Tesla, you have to be kidding. I hope if you get one ($60K) it comes with a large fire extinguisher and a huge liability insurance policy.
I would stay far away from Fiat Jeeps
In your situation, I'd look for something else. Jeeps have terrible build quality these days and with no charge station at home, the Tesla will be a headache.
If I were choosing between the two and HAD to choose one, I'd take the Tesla as I'm a tech geek and simply refuse to buy Stellantis made vehicles.
