Dilemma, Growing family, need advice.

Well, I have not been on the board for a while. Sorry, I have been really busy. I have my CJ5 running well and I drive it to work at about 2-3 times a week. I have been off road about 5 times this summer. That’s great. The jeep is fun to drive but in the very near future it is going to be to small for my family. . Michelle and I have just finished all the paper work for an adoption and hopefully by the end of the year it will be completed.

Here is the issue. The CJ5 is small for a family in my opinion. I am considering finding a CJ6 like SSdutch (can you tell I look upto Boyink).
Also, Michelle does not really like riding in the 5 because the ride is so rough. I am wondering if the ride in a CJ6 is much better?

Michelle also mentioned one day that she thought that the Wrangler Unlimited would be a good option. I said an Unlimited Rubicon would be the only newer jeep I would buy. She said that would be ok with her if we could go down to two cars.

So now the dilemma, buy a CJ6 work on it and maybe never get it to the point where Michelle feels safe riding it or buy a used Unlimited Rubicon when they break $20,000 and be able to use it as a daily all the time and have Michelle and the family (future kids, dog, and other stuff) feel comfortable riding in it.

Any advice would be great.

Thanks
Mike

 

CJ6 until the Unlimited gets under $20,000 you'll have time to get it like you want it.

 

Personal opinion - it's going to be really tough to get the wife, kids, and maybe even the dog (especially if it's a poodle) to feel comforatable and safe in an old Jeep. They are probably the poster-child for unsafe vehicles in most people's opinion. Stiff suspension, high COG, poor steering and brakes, the list goes on and on.

Can all of that be changed out to make it *more* safe - yes. Will it ever have airbags and a coilsprung, multi-linked suspension - I seriously doubt it (unless your fab skills are much better than mine!!).

I would go for the LJ Rubi and use as a DD. Sure, I'll probably have tomatoes thrown at me by the other members - but I'm trying to give you my honest opinion. I understand your position, and I plan to be in your shoes in within the next 12-24 months.

 

Hey Mike!! Been wondering where you were at.

Congrats on the adoption stuff. My sister is going through that right now as well. Are you looking at adoping locally or internationally?

Anywho, this makes you the second guy in days to say they're dropping the 5 for family space concerns - its got me worried about what I might do in a few years!! R)R)

Personally, I would go with the 6 and upgrade to Wrangler springs for ride comfort, and a good cage for safety. Rubi's are nice but just too much $$$$ for me..... Course, I'm a 22yo dutch college student, so most things are....

[edit = prepping tomatoes for Tim][j/k]

 

Nice to have you back on Mike.

You gotta do what you gotta do. If the best option for the family is dropping to 2 vehicles and buying a Rubi, then that's what you should do. I'm behind you 100% either way you go

 

We are doing an international adoption. (Russia)

Any one have feed back on the ride between a CJ5 and A CJ6?

I like JD's idea but if I do that I would just keep the 5, I think the LWB Rubicons will be under 20,000 in a 1.5 to 2 years at the most. Newer cars are not holding much value and I know I will be able to find someone that will need to sell it. You know some yupie, like me.

 

Cool! Good luck with that. Sis is doing international as well, they're looking at Korea as their best chance right now.

 

Thanks Mike, sounds good.

Hear is my crazy vision. To be able to pack in and go with the kids and my dog for the weekend. I am planning on using my ski box in top for caro or a receaver hitch box maybe. So as long as there is enough room inside we are set to go. I am looking for reliablity and conifendince that I can make it though the trials and back home.

 

About 28 sticker for the one that I would buy, but I have already seen one's with about 2-5 thousand miles going for around 23-25.

I think Wranglers hold there value at a point but the first few years you loss alot of value quik.

 

I've owned both a '73 CJ-5 and '75 CJ-6, comparably equipped - same 11 leaf springs F/R, same factory HD shocks. No big difference in the ride IMO - in fact, the CJ-5 was less jiggley (due to tires with much softer sidewalls) although more front-rear pitchey, if that makes sense. The CJ-6 also had a steel full cab, which made it much less nimble and it would sway more.

My first thought was bullnose, but an XJ might be ok - and they are a really good value.

 

I had not really though much about the XJ
But then agian I have a WJ but we want to keep it stock (no lift, no lockers).

I really like having a soft top so I am not sure that one of those is the right answer.

 

Well Mike you maybe right, I said it was crazy but it's my dream (come on man don't pop my bubble) and I may have to get a trailer like that but hay pulling a trailer is cheaper than pulling a Jeep.

 

I like the Commando route. My only hold back on them is parts.
With two young sons I'm going to be facing this same problem in a few short years myself.
On the 5 vs 6 note. I think the 6 rides better due to the longer wheel base. They dont ride like a hobbie horse so to speak.
You could always by a TJ for the wife to trail ride and you keep the 5.

 

Jerry
good idea with the TJ for the wife but I am more along the lines with Boyink less stuff is better.