So I went and looked at and priced out a Jeep Wrangler 2-door Willys Edition, fully loaded, all the bells and whistles that a Jeep offers. It came in at around 62k, before GST, so, under my spending cap of 65k.

I’ve owned two Jeeps before. I had a 2005 Jeep Wrangler TJ, it was a lot of fun, a great vehicle and one of the only vehicles I’ve owned that I actually regret selling. They are versatile vehicles, roof off, roof panels off, doors off – you feel free while driving. It’s also one of the few vehicles that still comes with a standard transmission. Now, I’m not entirely sure I want to drive a standard again or not. They are fun to drive, but also a pain in the ass in stop and go traffic, always clutching, clutching, clutching.

I was sort of set to get it or at least put it at the top of my wish list then I got a call from the Sales Manager at the Ford dealer regarding the Ford Bronco. They are pushing HARD for my business and it’s sort of exciting. They’ve reduced the price and offered a cash back discount since I’m paying cash for the vehicle. I’m meeting with the Sales Manager today. He wants to order it now and then they’ll hold it until August when I’m ready to buy. By the looks of it, it’s about 5-6k LESS than what the Wrangler comes in with more options and it’s in a really cool colour as well.

The only other vehicle I’m considering is the Hyundai Santa Fe. It’s got all of the options that the Bronco has and is even less expensive. It comes in under 50k. Between the 3, it’s a tough choice.

I’ve eliminated the Mitsubishi Outlander, I already have a 2019 and although I love it, I don’t really need two of them in the driveway at the same time. The Nissan Rogue is out as well, as is the Honda Passport. The Toyota dealer had no 2026s in stock so I wasn’t able to even look at one, so it was out before it started.

Tough choice. Spending 50-60k on a vehicle isn’t just a whim, I want to make sure I’ll love what I’m buying and having these dealers sort of fight for my business is sort of exciting.

More to come…