Nothing much, I had to replace the original battery just a month ago, but this was only because of a high wattage sound system.
The alternator went out at about 70,000 miles but that is about the most expensive replacement I have had to do.
All I can say is make sure to get air conditioning if you live in the south.
The 4 cylinder is surprisingly quick off the line. Gas mileage was a problem at times, but with the addition of a Flowmaster exhaust and a K&N air filter the mileage can be increased to about 18-20 mpg.
The main fear from parents is it flipping over, I have gone through turns at the same speed that I drive a Miata through, and I have no worries about it flipping... just don't try to flip and you won't.
The original top lasted about 6 years, and I just had to replace it. The comfort is well.... a Jeep, what do you expect, but I got used to it.
Invest in a decent sound system so you can hear it with the top off. Investing in a lift kit is good too, but there is such a thing as too high (believe it or not). You need about 3" to fit 33" tires.
When I get a new Jeep in a few years it will have at least a 4.0 ltr. engine.
I pulled my boat from Alexandria, LA to Baton Rouge, LA with no problem, and that is crossing the I-10 bridge in Baton Rouge, no easy task even for 18-wheelers.
If you are planning to buy a Jeep, please do me the favor and do not get one without 4-wheel-drive, it does come in handy.
Any further questions you may have, you are more than welcome to contact me at rnjholley@yahoo.com
The 4 cylinder is surprisingly quick off the line??!!
Compared to what? A kid on a skateboard?
Come on, with 150 hp in a vehicle that weighs over 3,000 lbs, the Wrangler S is understandably leisurely off the line.
I have a question and a comment.
First the question-
What kind of boat do you pull with a 4 cylinder Wrangler. A one person pirogue? If you are pulling anything more than that, you are over-taxing your poor little Jeep.
Now the comment-
Unless you are the U.S. Post Office of some other huge buyer, the only Wranglers available are equipped with Command Trac 4WD. I have no idea where you are seeing 2WD Wranglers. The only people that drive them are driving right hand drive post office Jeeps.
Jeep Wranglers only come in 4WD. Where have you been??? I'm a girl and I know this...