The Criteria
1. Uconnect - I have to have Bluetooth audio streaming. This isn't even negotiable. I have grown so used to it that it would feel like going back to the stone ages to have to plug in my phone every time I get in the vehicle.
2. Automatic - Another must have feature. I will mainly be using this in town, so I don't want to deal with a manual. Heresy, I am I sure, but it is what it is. Apparently, I am not the only one that likes automatics, since they are much more popular than manuals on our local lots.
3. Heated seats - I would love to have this in any new vehicle. I could probably live without it, if I had to, but it would be a major bonus to have it. I have back issues, so having heated seats is a godsend, especially for long trips where it can get tight.
4. Navigation - I would love the bigger touch screen for everything, so I it would be a very nice feature to suit my "techy" needs. It isn't available in the Sport, so that will put me in the more expensive Sahara or Rubicon. I am leaning toward the Sahara since I don't anticipate needing the superior off-road capabilities of the Rubicon.
5. I also want a "normal" color...nothing purple or lime colored.
What did I have to leave off the Jeep?
Why were heated seats such an important criteria?
The reason I wanted heated seats is two-fold. The first is that they are a godsend when you have the top off in cold weather. The second reason is that I have a "bad back". Putting heat on it during long trips or even on mornings when it feels tight, is really nice to have. Also, having heated seats gets you warmer when your Jeep has been sitting out the cold for a long time.
Navigation
The unit has some other features like a year of SiriusXM, a 40GB hard drive, the ability to play CDs, and something called Sirius XM Travel Link (5 years).
Hard Top or Soft Top
The upside to the hard top is that it is much more secure. Anyone can break into the soft top just by unzipping a window. The other great thing about the hard top is less road noise, which can be substantial on highways. Also, the back window has defrost and a washer/wiper, which gives you a better view most of the time.
As I indicated, my Jeep has the hard top, so I may put a hoist in the garage to be able to store it when I want to go " full convertible". I can just get a Bimini top to put on it or have available for keeping out rain in the front of the Jeep if a storm creeps up on us while we are out and about without the top on.
Lights and other stuff
I did not get the Alpine stereo, but I have heard that the subwoofer can take up a lot of space in back, so I am going to see if the stock 8 speaker stereo does the job before looking for an aftermarket solution. This Jeep also has a 3.21 axle ratio, which is its main shortfall, but I don't plan to do a lot of "serious" off-roading, so I can probably live with that trade off. The dealership I bought the Jeep from usually sells Jeeps that are have at least 3.73, but they got this Jeep in a swap with another dealer. This Saraha is "trail rated", so I think I can live with the stock configuration here, too.
Too Tall
The Wrap Up
Trust me, I am not saying Jeep Wrangler is for everyone. However, I am looking forward to pulling out those "t-tops" and cruising in the mountains or along 30A. Also, the fact that I can haul more than one bag of mulch at a time means that I will have a nicer landscape this summer, as well.