When he started driving, my son learned on my XJ and wanted one for himself. During this time, he received several scholarships for college - the best being a full-ride ROTC one from the US Air Force. He Commissions as a 2nd Lt. in 5 days!
It was time for him to get a newer vehicle as his old XJ was getting very long in the tooth. As his first assignment is WPAFB in Ohio, he wanted something AWD or 4x4.
Now, before I continue, he is NOT a gearhead like his father. He sees transportation as a method to go from point A to point B. He does not off-road but does like and use all-weather capability. Gas mileage is a concern for him as is visiblitity, road manners, comfort, and some minor features.
We discussed numerous vehicles, including Subarus, the Ford Escape, etc. He kept coming back to wanting a Jeep. Now, before the "real" Jeepers weigh in, again - he's not a Wrangler off-road guy, just a no-nonsense driver that wants basic transportation. The MPG and the IHS Safety rating also was a selling point for him.
He met my sales person at the dealership that I've used for the past 3 vehicles and drove the 2013 with the CVT. While it was "ok" in his opinion, the CVT felt hard to judge speed in for him. Probably due to the lack of shift points. He just felt rather indifferent about it. I was helping him do the research and knew the 2014s have the new 6-speed and that's what he decided on.
He purchased a 2014 Latitude in True Blue with a Pebble interior, the 6-speed, 2.4 motor, the 130 stereo with USB and bluetooth, and heated seats. He was able to get several discounts (graduating college, $500 back, and our Costco membership discount) and it came out in the low $23k range.
So, what does that buy? Surprisingly, a very decent piece of transportation! It is quiet, smooth, fairly quick, has a fantastic turning radius, and is very easy to drive. We were very surprised by the overall fit and finish as well as the upgrades that have been made over the past few years. He is very happy with the 6-speed, the AWD and 4WD capabilities of it and how nice it is. The seats are very nice and the reclining back seat is something I WISH my JKU had.
Anyway, while this vehicle might not be around much longer, it has definately matured in a good manner. Nice "little" Jeep for someone that wants reasonable capabilities and the Jeep brand.
It was time for him to get a newer vehicle as his old XJ was getting very long in the tooth. As his first assignment is WPAFB in Ohio, he wanted something AWD or 4x4.
Now, before I continue, he is NOT a gearhead like his father. He sees transportation as a method to go from point A to point B. He does not off-road but does like and use all-weather capability. Gas mileage is a concern for him as is visiblitity, road manners, comfort, and some minor features.
We discussed numerous vehicles, including Subarus, the Ford Escape, etc. He kept coming back to wanting a Jeep. Now, before the "real" Jeepers weigh in, again - he's not a Wrangler off-road guy, just a no-nonsense driver that wants basic transportation. The MPG and the IHS Safety rating also was a selling point for him.
He met my sales person at the dealership that I've used for the past 3 vehicles and drove the 2013 with the CVT. While it was "ok" in his opinion, the CVT felt hard to judge speed in for him. Probably due to the lack of shift points. He just felt rather indifferent about it. I was helping him do the research and knew the 2014s have the new 6-speed and that's what he decided on.
He purchased a 2014 Latitude in True Blue with a Pebble interior, the 6-speed, 2.4 motor, the 130 stereo with USB and bluetooth, and heated seats. He was able to get several discounts (graduating college, $500 back, and our Costco membership discount) and it came out in the low $23k range.
So, what does that buy? Surprisingly, a very decent piece of transportation! It is quiet, smooth, fairly quick, has a fantastic turning radius, and is very easy to drive. We were very surprised by the overall fit and finish as well as the upgrades that have been made over the past few years. He is very happy with the 6-speed, the AWD and 4WD capabilities of it and how nice it is. The seats are very nice and the reclining back seat is something I WISH my JKU had.
Anyway, while this vehicle might not be around much longer, it has definately matured in a good manner. Nice "little" Jeep for someone that wants reasonable capabilities and the Jeep brand.