[senfinger]

I'm looking at getting a Jeep for the first time as a family car as we have a 2 year old.

We obviously have concerns on safety and would definitely get the supplementary airbags.

My question is this I have had a 08' F150 FX4 in the past the suspension seemed pretty stiff and with a possible lower center of gravity. My thoughts are after test driving one last night and changing a lane at 70 felt very wobbly almost caught my stomach. How do these react under a emergency situation of jerking the jeep sharply say if a deer runs out or car etc... at that rate of speed? Are they prone to flipping or going sideways looking for someone with exp. especially with the Electronic Roll Mitigation, VSC etc...

Thanks guys and looking forward to becoming an owner soon.

Please move if in the inappropriate area-

Stephen

 

[rmeredit]

If a deer runs out in front of you - blast it, don't risk getting killed for an animal! Jeeps are stable but have to be driven like a Jeep. They don't corner like a Porsche.

 

[senfinger]

So basically no sudden movements at 60 plus better off to break in a straight line and hit something head on?

Also, do a lot of jeep owners prefer a cage also? I have been checking them out as well-

Thanks for your reply = )

 

[SweetPee]

I have not been in a JK, much less a 2011 model. But if it is anything like the TJs & LJs (prior years) they do take an adjustment with your driving. If the vehicle is remaining stock, no lift, bigger tires etc... then there might not be as much for you to adjust to.

The biggest thing is this is a different kind of vehicle. You certainly in no way or form can compare it's driving characteristics to that of a car, rather it be luxery, a sport car, or whatever. And it is not quite like a truck either, but that depends on the truck your comparing it to.

It is, guessing, going to take a bit longer to stop due to size if you compare it to a car. But it would probably be comparable and possibly better than some trucks. The biggest concern it sounds like you have is with the jeeps body roll. For those that are not adjusted to that yet it can take you by surprise. That is just the nature of the suspension on these things and you have to adjust to it. To a new person, it will give you that sense of loosing control easily or quickly. Most though find that after owning a Jeep for a while that it is actually much more safe on the road and capable off the road than they would have thought originally. They can and do flip. But they are not going to flip without a hell of a lot of persuasion, especially one that is not modified with big tires and a lift.

If it concerns you so, and I can understand it... see if you know some one with one that will let you borrow it for a day, or look around at the rental places you have near you and rent one for a day. I am sure you will feel more adjusted and become more aware of the jeeps road manners that way. You also might look at what some crash test reports have to say. Though I never really liked those kinds of resources myself.

 

[senfinger]

I really appreciate you taking the time and writing me- My wife and I will be test driving again to make 100% sure- Also, it was 30 Degrees outside so I'm sure the tires were very cold also- We are looking to keep the vehicle stock as the vehicle from factory looks very capable for our plans without lift/tires increase etc... which just amplifies the effects I've read- Thanks again and we will definitely give it another shot with less traffic and hopefully a tad warmer and during the daylight.

 

[JeepnBlake]

A quick lesson in driving.

#1. Do not swerve to avoid animals. Straight out of the driving hand book.
#2. To reduce severity of collisions reduce speed, and take collisions as glancing blows. (Not straight on, at an angle.)

Having recently taken stop class seems to have paid off finally :lildevil:


Those '11 JKs are sweet btw

 

[IBROCUN]

A Wrangler might not be the ideal vehicle for you. Most of us (Wrangler owners) have them because of their ability off road. We tolerate their less than car-like characteristics as a compromise. Some of us do it on a daily basis. My Jeep is not a daily driver, although it can be.

I don't mean to try an talk you out of a JK, I just want to be sure that you'd be a happy JK owner. The fact is that you can get to a lot of the same places you might want to go in a Cherokee, which would be much more suitable if your priority is highway safety and comfort.

And yes, lots of JK owners put cages in them, like the one in this video.

http://www.youtube.com/user/PerfAutoGro ... nXojEt2xG4

 

[senfinger]

I completely understand from what I have read (#1 the Jeep Cherokee is huge- drove one) they also have a 3star rollover as well which puts them in the same rate of top heavy/lateral movement. Also, I definitely want to adjust my driving and get something different- was also looking at a FJ (I know I know...) Haven't drove one but they seem girly for some reason no offense to anyone... they also have suicide doors which is a pain for the 2yo.

Thanks again for the comments so far! I think the cage would be a add on if the Jeep was purchased... good re-assurance or added.

 

[Okies]

Everyone including myself coming from a leaf spring suspension to a coil spring suspension has the first thought.... man, this thing is wobbly.

That is a normal sensation. I had a YJ and when the TJ's came out I bought one. Talk about a constant pucker. Felt like the thing was going to flip over at every turn. After some seat time I finally got use to it. Won't tell how long that seat time was. Lol

I have a new full-size ford pickup that rides nice for what it is but I can tell it has leaf springs due to a harsher ride compared to my old JK.

If you all decide on the new purchase I suggest some time behind the wheel. You'll get use to it and when you do you'll never look back. BTW the jeep will handle quick maneuvers better then you think.

Ask some of these TJ owners on here about lifting the front inside tire in a sharp turn... I haven't been hearing any JK' doing that.

 

[Okies]

BTW. Welcome to ROF.

 

[senfinger]

Thats good to know! I just noticed on the interstate that 70 felt a little unstable on the lane change- the back road test wasn't too bad doing 45-50, yep I'm sure it will be like me switching from a sports car to the f150 I think it took around a month or 2 to get use to it- Thanks again for the insight! I def look forward to another test drive in better conditions and get the wifey's opinion.

 

[senfinger]

BTW. Welcome to ROF.

Thank you = )

 

[Grimmjpr]

I know this might be grabbing at straws...but you said its cold there......if the Jeep was sitting out and the tires were aired up when it was warm they could be way low making it feel worse then it should....Just a thought....

 

[senfinger]

I'm thinking you are very right = )

 

[Grimmjpr]

I'm thinking you are very right = )

Well there is a first...HAHA :rotflmao:

 

[rubi rick]

With a 2 year old, get the 4 door for sure. It will make your life much easier.

 

[MoorparkFresh]

The rear door and extra length do help for cargo and what not, although it really depends on what you plan to do with it. I've come across a few people who dont like the extra full bodied length on some of the tighter trails. Just my 2c.

 

[RDPrimeaux]

I'm looking at getting a Jeep for the first time as a family car as we have a 2 year old.

We obviously have concerns on safety and would definitely get the supplementary airbags.

How do these react under a emergency situation of jerking the jeep sharply say if a deer runs out or car etc... at that rate of speed? Are they prone to flipping or going sideways looking for someone with exp. especially with the Electronic Roll Mitigation, VSC etc...

Thanks guys and looking forward to becoming an owner soon.

Please move if in the inappropriate area-

Stephen

I believe that IF I were to be in a vehicle that rolls, I would rather be driving my jeep than ANY other vehicle I have ever owned. They may feel more tippy than a car, but in the event of a rollover, you will be better protected in a jeep than a car.

 

[PBR_Stitch]

My now 3 1/2 year old has ridden in my lifted 4 door JK since he was born. I've never doubted manueverability, strength or braking with him in the Jeep. He loves to ride in it. I've made the sudden stop, quick lane changes and general idiot avoidance manuevers with it. It handles them very well, it's not a porshe, but I've run up a curb avoiding a vehicle, so that might be a good thing it's not a porshe. ESP feels pretty weird the first couple times it kicks in on you, i.e. braking your wheels, choping your engine power out to keep the vehicle under control. All things that you would do to react to something, but without our reaction speeds figured in.

Ron