Repair-It

So... looking likely at 2014-2018 Jeep WK2 or a Wrangler. Combo "toad" (behind RV) vehicle and daily driver / some mud/rough road service in VT.

Here's a V6 with the 2 speed xfer case required for flat towing - $12,500, 112k
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/it ... =top_picks

V8 In NY: $12,900, 122k mi, no adaptive cruise

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/it ... 9c8771e76a

2014 In Florida, $15995 (too high for my budget I think). 119k mi.

https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sal ... pe=listing

I think I have yet to see any with the off-road/skidplate package.

https://www.vindecoderz.com/EN/check-lo ... T6EC482429

Looks like way more V6s are available than V8s. With lots of cam/lifter issues with the Hemi, perhaps I should consider V6s as at least fully comparable and probably cheaper…

I'll just leave this here.

https://www.carcomplaints.com/news/2022 ... suit.shtml

https://www.jeepforum.com/threads/longt ... e.4420405/

Some notable quotes:

he transmission in the V6 is not a ZF transmission and its called an 8hp45re. Its based on the ZF 8hp45 but is CHRYSLERS version and differs from the ZF version. Its now made by chrysler in the US where as the 8hp70 found in the rams and V8 Jeeps is still designed and produced by ZF. Some people feel the actual ZF version is the better (more reliable) one, though i have no actual numbers or evidence other than what I've read. There is a pretty good write up on the subject found here
https://www.allpar.com/threads/8-sp...u ... 90.230019/

the early V6-8-speed combo did have more drivetrain issues compared to the V8-8-speed combo during the same time.

If it is flat land where your living you cannot go wrong with either engine and the tow package from the factory. Difference in gas mileage around town was about 4mpg better in the V6. Around 22 on the road for both engines.

I'm still leaning toward a 14+ Hemi given this information.

Is this worth it even if it needs a junkyard engine...?

https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sal ... pe=listing

It looks like 80k mi engines are about $2500-$3k ish on car-part. That would notionally get me a lower mileage unit (with adaptive cruise), for <$11k (assuming $7k purchase price). So is it less than $2.5k labor to do? Might be an Ok buy. Also possible that it really is ignition related, or possibly a cam/lifter replacement (a prime suspect). On RockAuto it looks like a cam is $400, lifters are $400, timing set is $200-$300, so figure $1200 for parts. Also might be worth it?

It would be a 12-hr drive each way if I went down and trailered it home. I suppose another weird option would be to somehow prepare it for "RV" style towing in TN and then drag it home... Probably better off shipping if I could somehow decide it was worth buying sight-unseen...

Also - it appears Dodge Durango RTs had 2-speed transfer cases w/ neutral. All seemed geared toward low-suspension/ground clearance models with little off-road chops. Also seem to commonly delete the roof rack, which I think I want.

Since buying the '17 Benz was relatively painless, I just filed a "find a car" form with Vernon Auto Sales to see if they might have a line on a dealer auction set and can see what they dig up.

https://www.vernonautos.com/

I wonder what's up with this listing ($10,500 for a 2014 w/93k mi):

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/it ... =top_picks

Might be a scam. I can't "attempt" to look into it until I get back from the AZ/NV trip next Sat, so we'll see if it's still there then....

Also - why is the back seat filthy?

https://www.motortrend.com/reviews/163- ... rst-tests/

Summary:
- The V8 was 342 lbs heavier but some of that was the extra equipment
- V8 was 1.1 seconds faster 0-60 which you would definitely notice
- V8 was 0.9 seconds faster in the 1/4 and 4.4 mph faster. Again, you'd notice that.
- Around town, in a daily commute situation, the V6 sounds just fine

Starting up the Limited (and by that we mean pushing a button), we observed that the Pentastar, backed by an eight-speed automatic for 2014, has plenty of power off the line. Whether you're getting to speed on the freeway or stepping on the throttle when the light turns green, there is a lot of power. However, the oomph of the V-6/8A combination begins to wane when you have gotten up to freeway speeds and want to pass someone. The Pentastar is rated at 290 hp and 260 lb-ft, but the peak horsepower isn't until 6400 rpm and the engine is a little lacking in torque. Those wouldn't be an issue in other vehicles, but it's powering a 4903-pound SUV (as tested).

Remember also that out on the road they probably get the same fuel economy based on other data (incidentally these are also the conditions where you'd most appreciate the V8). However, in more commute or city driving situations, the V6 may be up to 4 mpg better.

The new WL is 250 lbs lighter than the WK2 so keep that in mind when comparing to your 2023 rental.