Botkin's Intro - New to 4x4 In Fort Collins - Buying A Jeep

[mumdb1]

Michael Botkin here (most people just call me Botkin), I'm 36, married with 5yr old twins, we moved to Fort Collins from North Carolina two years ago. I climb, I climb alot, but I've sold the best car I've owned in 21yrs of driving, a mint 07' Subaru Forester STi that I owned for 5yrs so that I can buy a Jeep. Climbing takes me lots of places and I'd love to have a vehicle that can go pretty much anywhere. I've been looking at Jeeps for a while now, and wow, there are so many options for sale in this area. I'd like something that isn't only built for trails, but could be a daily driver if needed. I currently work from home and we have a Rav4 for my wife, so this will be driven around town during the week and that's about it other than weekend trail/climbing.

I'm looking to buy in the next week or so, mostly looking at TJ's in the $13k/under range. If anyone is interested in giving me some advice, feel free to PM me, hell, I'd basically pay someone to go look at some of these with me if anyone likes looking at Jeeps for sale!

Once I pick out the winner, I'd be up for some late afternoon drives up the Poudre etc. as I'm done with work around 3/3:30 during the week, and at least one day during the weekends I'm up for some bigger family friendly trips/trails as the entire family wants to see some of these amazing trails Colorado/surrounding states have to offer.

Anyway, hope to meet some of you soon!

- Botkin

[Brucker]

Welcome

[Hypoid]

Welcome aboard!

My wife had 5-year-old twins when I met her. I have been shopping for four-door cars ever since.

[xaza]

welcome to the group

[Brad]

Welcome!

[ExplorerTom]

Welcome.

Had and you moved to Boulder, you would have kept your Subaru. I think it's required.

[Chris]

Welcome to Front Range Botkin!

[Jim]

Welcome to the group!

[MultiScuf]

Gelle

[The StRanger]

Welcome to the dark side...
We have cookies !!!

[DoctorDuke]

Hi there,

I'm in loveland and have a 6 year old. I get this really strange twitch with I try to imagine what having two of them would be like.

I used to climb a lot too - a lot a lot, but I've gotten old and fat - and my hands are too valuable now and barely work from all the old climbing injuries as is. However, I am really interested in getting my 6 year old girl climbing - she's done a few walls and is quite the natural. I'm thinking some easy top roping out side is about perfect for her.

I'd offer to help you look at jeeps, but you'd end up with a 4runner. Which is a good thing, but not what you really asked for. I can definitely help looking one over mechanically if you are looking used - jeep or otherwise. scope and compression test, feel out the mechanical and make sure you are getting a sound truck.

[Shadowmaker]

Twins also here!! Welcome!!

For a few K more.... Consider a JK 2 door wrangler. They are a steal most of the time as most people want a four door. They have a slightly wider stance that gives a few more inches of stability. I put some 4 door rubicon springs on mine and then some 35s as I lucked out and found a 2008 with 4.10s and a six speed. The traction control makes it seem like it is locked an the ride/space is a whole lot better. People complain about the power of the 3.8 but I put a superchips in it and I was pretty darn happy until the twins came along.... After that I had to sidestep to the mini-van Grand.

Jim

[Mark]

Welcome,I have a 98 tj with a two inch lift and 30 inch tires and have been fine on the trails I have done,most people on here will tell you to drive it a bit and see how it does.most jeep can do pretty darn good stock.sound advice these guys put out and all very helpful.let us know what you end up with!

[mumdb1]

Huge thanks to all for the warm welcome!

Still a ridiculous amount of Jeeps out there for sale at that price range, leaning towards the 04'-06' TJU/LJ's just for the cargo space with the twins. Will keep everyone updated, hope to look at some this weekend if anyone is interested!

[MultiScuf]

Mumdb1 Check your message I got time

[Mr6dwg]

Welcome to Frontrange.

[newracer]

With 5 year old twins I would recommend a LJ or JKU if you want a wrangler. Otherwise look at a Cherokee or Grand Cherokee. TJs don't have a lot of room for four people plus gear.

[jayson44]

welcome! I'd suggest keeping your eyes out for an LJ. like you said, the extra room is nice as is the wheelbase. should be able to find one in your price range. don't worry too much about mileage on the 4.0. they run forever as long as they got oil in them.

J.

[xaza]

We just got into climbing back in February and we love it. Our bodies hurt almost everyday but we are getting stronger and healthier each day. We typically climb in the gym in Golden twice a week but look forward to more outdoor climbing once we get our house sold and we move (weekend is dedicated to house time right now). We got rained out on our trip to the Mt Rushmore needles but hope to be back real soon. Have rope and will climb, see you in the hills!

[javaman34]

Welcome to our little slice of Heaven.