This is a quick longterm owner's review covering the reasons why I am selling this vehicle for my latest test vehicle - the '23 Lexus GX 460 Black Line Edition. Stay Tuned for more on that!
I swear lol for me I drive with my seat all the way up straight Leaning that far back in the jeep does not feel right at all its a jeep not a low sedan, that's just me tho lol
Dude I ran a car seat with base in my jk two door in the center of the rear seat. All I had to do was pull it from the driver's seat. It's cake if you put your mind to it.. your crap mpg is mostly from break in and how you drive it.. my 18" outback 6cyl. got like 18 mpg until I got 15k on it. Rings are tight.
Love my 392. I use mine as a daily and family hauler. It does require some compromises so can't fault you for selling. It definitely isn't as plush as a regular SUV but that is one of the reasons I got it. I didn't want an appliance. I wanted something with a little character. I've driven my 392 from Chicago to Atlanta a couple of times per year with family. Definitely louder than a regular SUV, but tolerable imho.
I agree with you it’s definitely not impossible to use as a family hauler, but like you said requires some compromise. I drove from Philly to Atlanta a few times in it and it wasn’t too bad, the cabin is just a little cramped compared to most SUVs but that’s just a side effect of building towards off-road ability. I honestly could have kept it and made it work but I like to switch up my vehicles so decided to try out the Lexus GX460 Black line.
@@MakingMonroe I have a GX470 and love it. I thought about a newer GX460, but I decided on a '23 392 XR. Still waiting on delivery. You should love the GX460. Some great 460 RU-vid content as well. If the 392 doesn't work out, next up is a '20-'22 GX460 if I can still find one.
@carsnocap If you love Toy/Lexus so much, then why did you buy a Jeep? Also, Toyota's are #1 in reliability anymore. Subaru is now #1. Source: JD Power & Cox Automotive. New Toyota vehicles are butt ugly, horrible seating position, shifty transmissions, lack of HP/TQ, and uncomfortable to drive (Tacoma). Reliability is based on how a vehicle is MADE and how the owner MAINTAINS it!! Toyota gas pedal issue. 😆
The Wrangler 392 is an excellent multi purpose vehicle. Plenty of room for car seats if you size them correctly, and plenty of room for gear as well. Of course the handling of a low setting sports car won't be there, but you gain the ground clearance and don't have to fear potholes, curbs, parking blocks, etc. You also get the flexibility of having a convertible, along with being able to strip it further by removing the doors. The power and sound of the 392 is a reward every time. The exhaust also has a quiet mode, which may be useful at drive throughs. Road trips at reasonable speeds allow the MDS to kick in, and 17 mpg+ can be achieved. Being aggressive on the throttle will definitely drop city mileage, but 14 city is possible as well. However, adding to operating costs are the requirements for premium fuel only, as there is no knock sensor in the engine to compensate for lower grade fuel. Special Penzoil oil is also recommended/required, which adds to oil change costs. In summary, the Wrangler 392 is an excellent multi purpose vehicle, unique in the market in its overall capabilities, but more costly to own and operate as well.
I have a Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4xe and with the electric motor in series with gas engine, it has so much power, and a great alterative to the 392. The interior is upgraded as well, since I have the leather seats. Good luck with the GX460, as I think that is really an excellent vehicle, and a vehicle I would consider buying as well as a next vehicle. The reliability of the GX460 is really unbeatable. I know people with 200K + miles on their GX and have not have any issues.
Good feedback on the 4xe I’ve never been in one but always wondered how they are. Thanks! I’ll be sure to post some more videos soon if the GX. I love it so far
I have owned 3 jeeps and driving a 2018 JLU and love it. I would suggest you never own another jeep in your life. One min. your bashing it and then the next min. your telling everyone how great it is. Not sure the reason for your video. Reliability? There are a lot of old jeeps on the road still running. Like my 2003 TJ. If want room for kids and everything you own, buy a large cargo van. Not sure why you got your jeep anyways? By the sounds of it the Lexus GX 460 is the greatest car in the world and everyone should go get one before they are all gone.
As a long time Wrangler owner, and I have owned a few…I agree with a lot of his points. What people do not understand is that a Wrangler is more of a toy or a 2nd or 3rd vehicle to enjoy (not a daily driver). People get blinded by how cool a Wrangler looks and that you can remove the doors, its a convertible, its a 4x4. Once you drive one or own one, you realize they ride pretty bad, drink gas, they are small, hardly any cargo room, they are expensive to own and insurance is expensive, road trips are borderline brutal due to lack of comfort and noise. A Wrangler is a live axle, 4x4 that was meant to be driven off road mainly. If you try to just drive this daily and haul your family and kids around on the roads/highways you will begin to hate it
Say What😲 So much fun to drive I bought 2 of them and I daily drive them and not my first Jeep(s) I see them all over the place and I'm sure they're daily drivers and I have coworkers that drive them to work everyday. I do think you have a point on long trips, that might be an issue for some people, I will be taking mine on trips up to 300-400 miles at first and then I might take a cross-country trip.
The wrangler 392 is my 3rd wrangler and I love it dearly. I was able to fit 2 car seats in the back of my jeep with no problem and still had room left over. Not sure which car seat you bought but you can squeeze it in.
Yeah it’s definitely possible, I think we do have a large car seat - it’s the vista mesa V2. Much easier to get it in and out of the new Lexus GX though
Maybe I’m missing something here but it seems that all your negatives should have come to light when you test drove the Jeep before buying it. And as far as advertised gas mileage, they’re all misleading on the stickers for all vehicles. This is based on non real world estimates lol. Maybe consider a long term strategy aka future kiddo before pulling the trigger on a new vehicle next time it seems this was a spontaneous purchase🤷♂️
@@MakingMonroe Fare enough but the reason for a test drive is for your personal review, ya don’t really need to buy it and complain after the fact, but perhaps you have disposable $ to buy it and complain after in that case your a boss🙏💪
My mileage is pretty accurate compared to the sticker. Some things can affect it, like hitting the remote start and letting it run for 10 mins will kill the mileage. I'm sure everyone gets a bit of a lead foot with that 392 though. If you're shelling out 90k for a wrangler, I doubt gas mileage is a huge concern for you 🤣
Thank you for the video. I got Qx80 recently, compare with Escalade, it doesn’t make any noise in cabin, better visibility, better made, rides better, cheaper to buy and maintain.
I just picked up my factory ordered 23XR a couple of weeks ago ,but on Monday I received the confirmation for a 20th anniversary 392. So I’m not sure how or what to do with my current 392. What’s your opinion on how not to lose in switching over to the 20th anniversary? Who and how did you sell your 392 ? Did you trade it in for the Lexus or did you sell the 392 to another dealer and bought the Lexus from another ?
if you have a 23 Rubicon its still a 20th Anniversary. a 2023 is a 2023 anyway you look at it. just because you dont have a few options. we ordered ours and were told we would have the badges and stuff. but it didnt happen.
To each his own, I totally seriously understand. I have a much larger car seat in the middle with two bigger kids sitting on each side of it. No problem. Brought my daughter home in a 2012 rubicon, riding my youngest around now in a 392 with the car seat no problems. It checks all the boxes for me, plus my fuel mileage in the city is about 14 which isn’t any worse than my old F150. 17 to 18 on long trips. I’m not planning on ever getting rid of it if possible. Enjoy your new Lexus though. A lot of times, the wife will be happier in a car like that. I get it
The 4Runner is also built in that factory. I have a 2022 and it’s fantastic. Feels like a tank and even though there is plenty of plastic in it, the plastic looks really good and doesn’t creek or move at all. The softex is amazing on the seats as well
I had my Jeep 392 for about 10 months before I traded mine off. I didn’t hate it, but I didn’t love it. For 100 grand I was expecting a little more. It was powerful, fast and was built for fun. But, totally unpractical for using it the way I was. The Jeep couldn’t pass a gas pump without having to stop. Small gas tank was an annoyance. Also for me at the price point of the vehicle , it just wasn’t working for me in that I was terrified of off roading it and tearing it up or scratching the paint. I feel what your saying.
Sounds we like we had a very similar experience. I definitely didn't hate it, and that 392 never gets old, but agree that the small tank was really annoying, and for the price I just wanted more. The nice thing is though that they hold value so well I barely paid anything to buy it, drive for it for a year and resell it lol
@@MakingMonroe For it being my first (and one and only) Jeep, I was very impressed with it. But not 100 grand impressed. It was a nightmare to locate in the first place and then 6 months of negotiation for a palatable price where the dealer wasn’t gonna bang me 20k over was a real challenge. Even at 5k over I was was pretty pissed but I realized that was (at the time) not a bad markup for a special vehicle. After owning it awhile, the newness wore off pretty fast and the 130 bucks to fill it up at 21 gallons really annoyed me.
@@robertf3340 i have a 23 and i paid $78k no extra stuff added. i did put money into it. and you must be in calif to pay that much for fuel. even at 80k what car can you get for less that is this much fun to drive anywhere. off road and on the highway its been no issues. and a fully loaded 3.6 Rubicon if in mid 70's. and a bronco well they suck ass. just my opinion
@@scottfield2289 I hear ya brother. Seems like with Jeep people, they love them or hate them. The ones that love them think they’re fantastic and the ones that hate them, well no need for explanation. I fell into category between, that I really liked it but it wasn’t something I loved and ultimately I regretted wasting the money. It had such a limited range due to small fuel tank and 11-13 mpg at 6 bucks plus a gallon sorta ruined it for me. I liked the fact that the 392 isn’t a model that you see every day and it was a special vehicle. At times I miss having it but I think I made the right decision.
Very logical and succinct video. Thanks for uploading. I was contemplating this as my next fun car and I think I'll steer clear of it. The cheapness of the interior and that gas mileage were the two deal breakers. Thanks again, and I mean it. Some of the other reviews on this vehicle don't paint a clear picture because the reviewers are too busy gushing over the car instead of doing their job properly and reviewing it objectively like you.
Hey! No problem, glad you got value from it! I tried to be honest. It’s very easy to just get wrapped up in the V8 which is great, but the vehicle overall has a lot of flaws. Let me know what car you end up picking up! Good luck.
right off the bat in the beginning you said your only 5'9" but you got the seat leaning back further than someone over 6 foot. You can tell by how far it leans back past the door frame. Im 6'4" and i don't lean back that far in my Rubicon.
came across this vid! i have a built up jk and was gonna trade up to 392.i was also interested in last yr 2023 gx460 because i want the v8 instead of ttv6 or hybrid.You're vid made me realize i can keep my jk & get my Gx460 & still be ahead of the game
All men are familiar with the story. And we always tell the story as a moment of regret. I am shedding a tear for you now. You won’t understand it until you get much older.
Just came across this video after watching more than 50+ vids. I was all hiped up to get one although I have a 2011 JGC ready to trade in. One reason I want one because I can later add a REAL front bumper, the con is I will be giving up quietness for road noise and customizable, I am 50-50 on what to do, it just looks cool, thanks for the video.
Hope the video helped - you definitely give up quietness. This cabin is one of the loudest in the class lol it’s fun and looks cool but it’s not luxury
I’ve owned a Jeep and currently do and I’ve got good and bad feedback as well from first hand experience. One the Jeep,is always breaking down. My saving grace is that I’m a good diy mechanic but I don’t like spending my very few precious time on fixing my Jeep. I don’t abuse it, off-road it and do my best to keep it tip top but mechanical issues are non stop. I’ve replaced brakes, water pumps, ball joints, and more. Constantly leaking is a big issue. No, it’s not cool to spend 60K plus to have a car leak. People say, it’s part of owning a Jeep. No, it isn’t. Also, underpowered. It’s a box,I get it, but should have more torque. Noisy, I get that. Did I mention it constantly need mechanical work? If you want to constantly be in the mechanic, get this car. No thank you.
This would be the same as when you get your new Lexus SUV taking it off road and complaining that it doesn't perform as well as the Jeep. When your review something you have to do it within the context of what it was built for. You keep saying you understand that but then you don't apply the understanding to the review
Sorry to see you sell it as it’s an amazing vehicle, really a last of its kind. No idea on the talk of space. How much space could you possibly need in a vehicle? I have a 392XR and my sons car seat easily fits in the back and I’m 6’-1”. Just don’t have your seat leaned back so far. Gas mileage for sure sucks but that was a given. Owned a lot of nice vehicles and this is one of my favorites. Not many vehicles have the kind of character and play factor that it has. As far as luxury it’s a Jeep it’s nice for what it is but it was never a luxury vehicle and shouldn’t be. Seems like you didn’t know what you were buying.
We have a 2010 rubicon 6.4L hemi. Went from the car lot brand new to get the hemi swap. 6” lift 40” tires. She’s a beast and catches people off guard when taking off from stop lights 😆😆 wanna race!? Let’s go 🏎️
Thanks so much! Feeling very grateful and blessed to have the chance to be a father. Just picked up a ‘23 Lexus GX460 Blackline edition! I’ll post a video of it soon. I also have some shorts of it up on my TikTok already if you’re interested !
I’ve had 3 Jeeps in my life. They are noisy, the ride is rough. I’d never get a soft top again because of leaking and noise. God help you if you need to take the hard top off it’s heavy and then you have to store it somewhere. The interior finishes are cheap. I had a Hyundai Veloster that felt more expensive seriously. The gas mileage is atrocious. There’s a sacrifices you shouldn’t have to make for an $80k price tag.
A relative of mine has a Lexus gx suv it's a great family suv . The only draw back is with the 4.6 v8 it only has like 300hp and it takes premium. Also they average like 14.5 with highway and city .
Man I really wanted this but after seeing the MPG I think I'm good with the 3.6, With everything else equal the 392 cost almost 2x, fuel cost 2x. I am too poor to afford the v8 sound 😢I may rent one for a few days down the road.
It really was a lot of fun to own, but the fuel economy is definitely something to consider. Can always buy one and resell it, the resale value is solid on these
@@MakingMonroe must be fun but it doesn't even have a larger fuel tank. range could be laughable. I need it to be somewhat dailyable and not break the bank.
Generally I don't think people with a wrangler should feel that they need to sell their wrangler if they're having a baby. In fact, even your car seat would fit in the middle, which is the safest spot for a car seat. That said, you have the 392 which is overkill and that gas mileage is atrocious. I have the 2.0 and get 18-25mpg per tank, depending on how much fun I'm having and if I'm doing 75 on the thruway instead of 65. I recently flipped my 2020 sahara in what should have been a minor bumper accident (woman ran a light). I'd be hesitant to have my first newborn in a wrangler after that. However, I replaced it with a 2021 rubicon and that suspension is so much better. I don't know why, since the sahara was supposed to be better on road, but the rubi feels so much more stable. I'd be fine with a baby in this one.
I’ve driven the 392 Jeep and the power is impressive and looks nice! I started looking at new Broncos and ended up ordering a Sasquatch. They drive amazing and a great overall SUV with awesome off road features. Granted with the big tires and truck like manners they aren’t for everyone. With that being said , my wife likes the Bronco so much she bought her own….and she hates driving Trucks for say. Car seats fit fine and fuel mileage averages 17.8 in rural driving….even with the 2.7 TT engine. Her only complaint is she wished the back storage area was about a foot longer …
do you drive it much in the snow, just saw a video the front end froze up. could not drive it. happened twice. had to bring out a heater to get it off the trail.
@@scottfield2289 front end froze up? Need to elaborate more…. My wife has been driving hers all winter so far and loves it…haven’t heard any reports of front ends “freezing” up
2 points that will make more sense a year or 2 from now A.) Its not overpriced if you really want a v8 , do the math if jeep kills the 392 and the America's Most Wanted swap is your only option (+$37,995 + 50k for base Rubi = $87k. B.) In 2 years when the stock 392 is dead the value will hold or actually go up, your lex gx460 has 0 chance of holding value. I have a v6 2022 4runner and it sucks bad - such a weenie engine have my 392 on order.
The Jeep is a purpose built vehicle. It’s worth is found off-road. When you’re climbing rocks on the Rubicon trail with a 392!!! That’s so stinking rare from the factory! And things that are rare are worth more money!
Wow! Yes, my 4 door jeep is tight for room. I love my Toyota Tacoma crew cab pickup, Lots of room for hauling granny and the kids. Toyota 4 Runner is an outstanding family hauler for kids, dog, and granny, and an extremely reliable keep forever vehicle. Carry On.
My 1990 Grand Wagoneer gets 12mpg with its 360 V8 5.9l engine. Yes it loves to drink gas, but hey at least you get to stop to go to the bathroom every 2 hours on a road trip. Definition of a gas station is fill the car, drain the family.
I have a car seat in my JL and there is more than enough room. Passenger side has even more room. In fact there is a surprising amount of room unless you have the 4XE which moves the seat up and forward so the batteries will fit under it. It’s not a Suburban nor intended to be so I get it if that’s what you think you need. 11 mpg is hard to swallow.
Yeah you can definitely do it, it’s just not as easy as some other vehicles. I think we have a bulky car seat and the 392 has a factory lift as well which made it harder for my wife to get the seat in and out of the truck. How do you like the 4xe?
@@MakingMonroe I have the regular 2.0t, the 4XE had a premium of +$5K and the leg room was less because of the batteries so I decided to just go all gasser.
What’s the gear ratio of the Jeep you bought? The higher the gear ratio the worse the gas mileage will be. Don’t get me wrong, I know this doesn’t get the best mileage. I am just asking
I have 2 car seats in my wrangler ( a 4 year old and 1 month old) I am 5.10” Wish you would’ve asked someone to show you how to fit them. I also have a Mercedes GLE 2021 AMG package. Jeep quality doesn’t seem cheap compared. 9 out of 10 time we take the Jeep for road trip 😉 Never had any issues Second Jeep since 2012. Congratulations on your new born 🎉
It's hard to change ways to make room for the kiddies. Especially if you love your Jeep. A Gladiator with a well sealed bed cap can work a lot like a SUV. The bed can hold the infinite kid stuff you will have to cart around. The bed hold more than the SUV body can. Like Suburban has more room than the Tahoe. Good luck.
Your absolutely right about price and quality and on road quietness and overall comfort. Think Mercedes g wagon, Lexus GX, pickup trucks, bronco….and on and on… Jeep prices climbing really high, $70-$80k? … they must improve ride quality… it’s just not enough vehicle for the price…they can make it quieter without sacrificing off-road experience. No excuse for it being a tin can…. Love the jeep but their literally ripping people off, I too am leaning toward the GX but waiting to see if they remake it, I am confident in Lexus remodel quality..… so important here is that this kind of price tag for a vehicle puts it squarely into “allot” of nice company .. Jeep can continue to make the cheaper version for totally off-road minded people to customize.... they should affix the front windshield, nobody opens it anyway, it’s not 1941, they can better insulate that $5,000 electric folding roof too.. call Mercedes or Audi to learn how to do it…. Jeep reminds me of the 70’s Detroit auto makers.. build crap, charge more for it, was all good til Japanese automakers stole allot of market share with better quality products at competitive prices.. Jeep is somewhat stuck in this mode but ford has now taken a bite out of them with the bronco…that’s why we are seeing air bags and power seats and even sound deadening material in some of their higher end wranglers coming in 2024. This being an off-road vehicle and people loving Jeep Wranglers is no longer an excuse for this automaker to build poor quality products, as prices continue to escalate on jeeps those beloved wrangler disciples will be buying stripped down older cheaper versions… where jeep is climbing to is the luxury market with less buyers who have high expectations and rightly so….…
It fits for sure, it was just right because the door openings on wranglers are smaller than most suvs to accommodate for the rear fender well. I also think our car seat is large
I have a jl unlimited sahara... test drove the 2018/19 JLU... wasn't in the market for a 3rd vehicle but softly test drove one. Fun ride but jokingly told the salesman I'm not paying $50k+ for a wrangler unless it had a Hemi V8....by that I meant a tried and true 5.7...not a 6.4 lol
That’s fair, sounds like a better choice. The bed in the gladiator is super small though so keep that in mind if you’re hauling. I had one, the video is on my channel if you’re interested!
I have a 2018 Dodge Durango SRT with the same engine of that 392 Jeep but I have a lot more features that I think beat most of the SUV in the market. Jeep used to make SUV very simple and super expensive ( with an exception of the Wagoneer that have a lot of features but the reliability is BAD according with the reviews). Just my opinion.
If you tilt your seat up, you will have plenty of room or... have the baby seat behind the passenger side. Are far as milage is concern, my 4cyl Ford Escape gets on average 9.6 mpg and yes thats highway. I would say, for a 392 with over twice the power. Jeep did an amazing job. You have to be realistic with your expectations.
I used to have an a6 when my kids were in car seats. With the sloped roof, it was a tight fit. I get you are a you tuber and this was for content but this purchase made no sense for you from the beginning. I am sure this was fun but it’s absolutely the worst choice for a young family. It shouldn’t be your primary car. My jeep is for me. However, my kids are older so it’s easier.
Definitely agree with you and I didn’t expect our family would be growing so soon when I bought this. I also buy a new car every year to review anyway - this one just had to get sold a little earlier than planned 😂
Well said. Mines a weekender. And we do have alternatives that will eventually be turned into ev. You’ll definitely miss it but hey . Once your kids become drivers, once you go jeep you’ll always go back.✌️
For the price it should have the touchscreen from the Ram and much better build quality. I can see these getting really valuable especially once Jeep stops selling gas Wranglers though
Love my 392 whatever quirks are there dont care perfect color perfect motor. Like many others in the comments Ive owned every jeep model this is the dream. Sounds like bad timing for you hope you dont have withdrawal. LOL. Good Luck.
It’s mostly due to negotiating with multiple dealers, the vehicles I choose to buy (low depreciation), keeping mileage low, and timing of the market. This strategy has gotten much harder to do now that we are returning to normal market dynamics, ie used cars drop fast in value again. I’ve now started buying slightly used and reselling to keep as much of my equity as possible. There’s a lot of factors though, maybe I should make a video on this topic.
@@MakingMonroe Thanks...Yeah, that'd be interesting...Of course, the market is always changing and what works in the U.S., may not work North of the border...
That looks pretty far back. haha. All jabs aside. I have 3 kids and they all grew up on Gladiator. I went with diono 3xt I believe were what they were called. As a newborn we used our main car an SUV until my youngest could sit in the diono but all 3 of my kids sat 3 across the back seat no problems and we have had some awesome overlanding trips. Just wanted to share this info to show that it can be done comfortably and safely and all hope is not lost for Jeep lovers. (to calrify I had 3 car seats across in the back seat and it fit perfectly. The only brand that could do this was the diono 3rxt or xt but they are made narrow enough to do so without compromising safety. If anything they are safer imo than most standard target car seat)
Honestly looking back on this video I certainly could have made it fit 😂 I was a new dad at the time still learning the ropes around car seats. I know have the same car seat jammed in the back of my Audi S4
Reminds me of the dudes who buy 3/4 ton trucks then surprised mpg sucks. Bmw,Lexus ??? Jeep??? That's odd to hear in same sentence. You will like the Toyota better.
I love how your number one reason is the fact that you push your seat back so far that you're almost sitting in the backseat and complaining about not having a room I also love how your second reason is basically oh my God I bought a hundred thousand dollar Jeep with a massive V8 engine in it and it gets really crappy fuel mileage. I mean so far the reasons are pretty ridiculous
I have a Jeep wrangler JK which I love, I do A lot of off roading!! However people who go out and buy a new Jeep and pay 40k 50k 80k are CRAZY!! At the end of the day it’s STILL a Jeep not worth that kind of money and DEFINITELY NOT a daily driver For many many reasons!!
11MPG Faaaak that! I have a Rubicon 4XE that has the same torque as the 392 and i get around town on full electric, each charge gets me 25miles on electric only and the charge up is about $1.90 same equivalent as a $4 gallon of gas. Also those that complain about range, I did 1600 miles on a road trip and 240 miles of that was pure electric just from max Regen and going downhill on mountain passes, the standard energy that’s lost on breaking I’m recovering it and getting range out of it, combined I got 26MPG on the entire trip.
Yeah it's a good call, jeeps rear door openings are still right compared to other SUVs which I what I think really made it uncomfortable getting the car seat in and out
