How Much Money Should You Really Make to Own a Wrangler?
#1
How Much Money Should You Really Make to Own a Wrangler?
The Wrangler is an attainable car for many. But where should the line be drawn?
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#2
JK Jedi
In the case of my Jeep, a $1 Gazillion salary would have been a great place to start. This thing sucks money out of the pocket faster than a harem of wives at a BOGO sale.
#3
JK Enthusiast
#4
JK Jedi Master
With a little saving and good long-term planning, you too can enjoy the open-top goodness of America’s favorite off-roader.
The following 2 users liked this post by Mark Doiron:
Jamaar Mulholland (08-09-2020),
jedg (08-06-2020)
#5
I find a lot of people underestimate the cost of owning any vehicle, and wind up overextended. I think for some cars it's worse than others because they are sort of "image" type cars, and a Wrangler definitely qualifies. Actually, a Wrangler is kind of a supreme bargain in the cost:image ratio. Very, very few Wrangler buyers or owners will ever intend to drive one off road or use any of the capabilities they are paying for short of parking in a grass field during an event or driving through six-inch-deep puddles after a heavy rain.
What the article doesn't mention is to evaluate your needs for a vehicle and choose wisely if finances are at all limiting.
My personal anecdotal experience is that many of my peers consider a Wrangler to be somewhat of an expensive choice or a bit of a status symbol, and that's among decidedly upper-middle-class people, most of which are driving just as expensive of a vehicle. I get lots of comments like, "man, that's cool, I always wanted one but could never afford it". Now, I think that comment reflects the comparatively astronomical used prices of a Wrangler, but also has a value or utility factor. People who have household incomes hovering around the six-figure mark usually can't afford extra vehicles that don't get used unless that's their sole hobby, and they may need something that's much more suited to their normal use like commuting or carrying around their kids. Most ordinary adults don't want to make sacrifices in comfort, space, fuel mileage, reliability, convenience features, etc. just to drive a Wrangler when for the same or less money they can get a far better car in every measurable way that suits their needs. So a Wrangler is viewed as a toy or a luxury item that only those with plenty of spare money can afford to own. For these adults, their first not-useful spare vehicle is usually something way cheaper like a motorcycle, or way less useful like a jet ski or boat.
IMHO.
What the article doesn't mention is to evaluate your needs for a vehicle and choose wisely if finances are at all limiting.
My personal anecdotal experience is that many of my peers consider a Wrangler to be somewhat of an expensive choice or a bit of a status symbol, and that's among decidedly upper-middle-class people, most of which are driving just as expensive of a vehicle. I get lots of comments like, "man, that's cool, I always wanted one but could never afford it". Now, I think that comment reflects the comparatively astronomical used prices of a Wrangler, but also has a value or utility factor. People who have household incomes hovering around the six-figure mark usually can't afford extra vehicles that don't get used unless that's their sole hobby, and they may need something that's much more suited to their normal use like commuting or carrying around their kids. Most ordinary adults don't want to make sacrifices in comfort, space, fuel mileage, reliability, convenience features, etc. just to drive a Wrangler when for the same or less money they can get a far better car in every measurable way that suits their needs. So a Wrangler is viewed as a toy or a luxury item that only those with plenty of spare money can afford to own. For these adults, their first not-useful spare vehicle is usually something way cheaper like a motorcycle, or way less useful like a jet ski or boat.
IMHO.
#6
JK Jedi
It's no more risky they buying any other vehicle, new or used. Be prudent, don't over-extend your finances just because of "wants". The problem I could see with a jeep vs any other vehicle is most cars you buy and that is that. With a jeep, once you buy it you often want to then start buying crap for it.
#7
JK Freak
How much money do you need to make to raise kids, when you look at the cost on paper you would never have kids, but they are fun and you manage by watching your budget, probably one of those questions there isn't an answer to
The following users liked this post:
Jamaar Mulholland (08-09-2020)
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#8
JK Jedi
#9
JK Junkie
#10
JK Freak
Just got back from a camping trip in Arkansas with the 3 and 5 year old ones, they had a blast in the water that you can actually see the rocks on the bottom.
then dropped them off back home when we got back, that's a great thing about grandkids