Faults:

Jeep jolting on the down-shift.

A/C not cooling.

General Comments:

I've had identical problems with my automatic transmission jolting when slowing down. I'm not accustomed to this hard downshift, but if this is the normal operation of my 2003 jeep sahara, so be it as long as this does not lead to bigger problems. Even though I have not driven my jeep much within the last two years, it will still cost you for not driving it.

My a/c recently stop cooling and the dealer said even though I don't drive much, I should still take the jeep out for a drive and test run the equipment. Problems could develop for just staying in the garage. I'm unsure what the exact problem may be. Any body know where the condenser and orifice might be on a jeep wrangler?

Faults:

The left front axle seal has gone bad TWICE! I believe there may be a defect. The last time, they also replaced the seal in the "pumpkin". Perhaps, they went in to explore what may have caused the problem. It seems to happen every 9k miles or so, so, I'll be keeping an eye out for it, as the warranty is coming close to ending.

Also, it needed a new radio/CD player because of an ejection problem with the CD player.

I noticed a power steering line leak recently and will have to have that serviced. This was noticed at about 20k miles.

The original tires are getting pretty low, at 24k miles. They aren't cheap so I'm trying to push them a little further.

Last, the exterior finish is pretty low quality. Its red paint, especially. It quickly got sun spots after purchase and seems to be too thin. It scratches easily. I've been addressing scrathes with touch-up paint to avoid rust, which will happen soon enough. The undercarriage has already started rusting a bit. None on the floor plan, but some other hardware under there including the exhaust. I know its non-stainless and will rust, but seems to be going faster than normal.

The exterior bumper ends made of plastic are fading, very common.

General Comments:

Nothing else is quite like a Jeep. There are thousands of them on the road, but somehow I still feel like I am driving something unique and special.

Aside from the poor gas mileage, its pretty practical for my needs. Its four wheel drive, relatively reliable, sporty, and a convertible.

I really like the solid feel, not rattles. I am a stickler for solid rides. The ride is stiff, but I don't mind. I'm used to driving sports cars so its not all that different. It even handles corners fine, considering its high center of gravity.

A word of caution; it is a little squirrely in the rain when the 4-wheel drive isn't engaged. I don't' know if its the M/T tires which are suited for mud, but they definitely slide around in the rain.

I thought I'd want a hardtop and almost passed on buying my Jeep because they didn't have one available. But, after almost 3 years with the softop, I'm happy with it. Its fine in all weather conditions and you always have the option of taking the top down. It takes some time to do that and since I don't garage it, I normally leave it up.

The stereo is great, with the subwoofer and soundbar speakers.

Only, the passenger side seat slides forward to let in back-seat occupants. This makes things a little more awkward when trying to get 2 people back there. It also means I have to open the passenger side to put bigger things in the back seat.

I took it off road a couple of times and LOVED it! It does things I never knew a truck could do. It got a few scratches from tree limbs from doing that, but I guess that's the price you pay and is perhaps a badge of honor to wear. Many Rubicons and other Jeep Wrangler models never hit the dirt and so its like mine has old war wounds or something. It fits the character.