Platinum Member iomkeith Posted March 6, 2021 Platinum Member Share Posted March 6, 2021 Hello! So I've bought a brand new Wrangler Rubicon that was listed for £43,000. Not only haven't I taken one for a test drive, I've literally never even sat in a Jeep and haven't seen the vehicle in the flesh! As I read that back to myself, it sounds a little bit mad! I currently own a Disco 2. Raised kit, big wheels. Loads of character. Gets used off-road. Either broken down or looking for where to break down next. Daily, I drive a Skoda Superb estate because I needed something comfortable & reliable for work. Now I'm not working, I decided that one vehicle for daily use & off road would be more sensible. I'm also a wheelchair user, driving with hand controls. I needed something that could fit my wheelchair & the power adaptor (a 'Batec' electric wheel that clips on to the front of the wheelchair) in the boot. Good off-road ability & decent sized boot were the primary requirements. New stuff from Land Rover didn't work with the chair size. The Wrangler is the right size. After spending many evenings watching what my wife called "4x4 porn" I was happy that the Rubicon would satisfy the playing off-road too. It is at Ian Grieve in Scotland at the moment, due to be shipped to the Isle of Man next week hopefully. I've not even got it and it has adaptations. Some very unusual... a wheelchair hoist in the boot and hand controls... and a pretty bog-standard step/slider. A wheelchair user who has a "substantial adaptation" (eg hand controls) can purchase a vehicle VAT free once every three years. Total price, including hand controls, hoist & step/slider for a Wrangler Rubicon with one-touch power top with 50 miles on the clock... £37,679. Can't wait to get it muddy! Don't suppose anyone wants to buy a Land Rover Discovery 2? One careful owner... but that was before me! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Platinum Member Volant165 Posted March 6, 2021 Platinum Member Share Posted March 6, 2021 New Rubi looks great and welcome to the club! I'm sure the disco will move, good market out there for them. Or just leave the keys in it! Hope we can see you at a club event maybe some lanes up in your "general" vicinity. Jim 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Platinum Member spookie the aardvark Posted March 6, 2021 Platinum Member Share Posted March 6, 2021 Hi and a warm welcome to the club Another convert from the "Dark Side" New Jeep looks great and I am sure you will hours of fun. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Platinum Member iomkeith Posted March 6, 2021 Author Platinum Member Share Posted March 6, 2021 37 minutes ago, Jim said: Just a thought but if you get your Rubi VAT free, does this also apply to accessories/options from the Jeep dealer? The accessories that were fitted now were VAT free. If I put a winch or something on, it wouldn't be. Servicing i& tyres are VAT free going forward but only because the hand controls & winch were fitted when the vehicle was new. There is a really good 4x4 club over here and lots of good lanes. A mixed bag, from nice and simple to a bit more challenging. We also get permission once a year to drive on to the beach on the west coast, drive all the way around the tip (Point of Ayre) and then off the beach at Ramsey, on the east coast. The Disco has literally been driven in the sea, but I might try and keep the Jeep away from the sea water for a few years! Not sure how easily I'll get to events over there. The ferry isn't cheap and I didn't do camping before I became disabled, so need to think about accommodation etc, but I will keep an eye open for stuff to do one COVID-19 is under control (our borders are basically closed). I was the third vehicle down this lane, not that you can tell! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Platinum Member iomkeith Posted March 6, 2021 Author Platinum Member Share Posted March 6, 2021 1 hour ago, Jim said: I like it and is it true that you do not have any speed limits on the IoM? Once outside of towns, the 'white circle/black stripe' is a 'derestricted' road. My best moment on two wheels was overtaking two marked police cars in one manoeuvre. I was doing about 120mph at the time! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Platinum Member digger Posted March 6, 2021 Platinum Member Share Posted March 6, 2021 Welcome aboard! You won't regret your purchase which looks gr8. I had nearly a dozen Landys and now I'm on my 5th Jeep. I would never go back. All my Jeeps have had nice comfortable seats (unlike Landys), have been very reliable (unlike Landys) and have had no rust problems. 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Platinum Member frosty Posted March 7, 2021 Platinum Member Share Posted March 7, 2021 IOM has some great lanes, i went there on an organized weekend event from an other club, it was a fantastic weekend. beautiful scenery, and some great beer, i would be up for another weekend there after Covid. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Platinum Member digger Posted March 7, 2021 Platinum Member Share Posted March 7, 2021 That sounds a good idea! Maybe for a few days at the same time as a motor racing event? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Platinum Member frosty Posted March 7, 2021 Platinum Member Share Posted March 7, 2021 27 minutes ago, digger said: That sounds a good idea! Maybe for a few days at the same time as a motor racing event? yes, that would work. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Platinum Member iomkeith Posted March 7, 2021 Author Platinum Member Share Posted March 7, 2021 The IoM 4x4 Club have regularly hosted visiting clubs and taken them for tours of the lanes, followed by beers. If wanting to coordinate with a motorsport event, I'd recommend a visit during Southern 100. Practices and races are Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday evenings, then all day Thursday, with prize giving (& party) in the evening. That would allow day time touring off-road, then watch the bikes in the evening. Fewer visitors than the TT or MGP, so much quieter roads and the racing is incredible. And if you don't like bikes, do the lanes then straight to the pub! Here's my video from Southern 100. Watch it full screen with the volume well up! 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Platinum Member digger Posted March 8, 2021 Platinum Member Share Posted March 8, 2021 In principle that sounds brilliant! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Platinum Member Volant165 Posted March 8, 2021 Platinum Member Share Posted March 8, 2021 On 06/03/2021 at 19:10, iomkeith said: Once outside of towns, the 'white circle/black stripe' is a 'derestricted' road. My best moment on two wheels was overtaking two marked police cars in one manoeuvre. I was doing about 120mph at the time! IoM 4x4 offroad excursion sounds like a great idea for the club to do> then I read about speedlimit and must ..... take .....Trackhawk! 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Platinum Member digger Posted March 9, 2021 Platinum Member Share Posted March 9, 2021 Just imagine, a Jeep winning the Southern 100! 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Platinum Member iomkeith Posted March 9, 2021 Author Platinum Member Share Posted March 9, 2021 Sadly, the Southern 100 was cancelled today Not really a surprise. We're likely to open borders in September, so perhaps a visit late this year or into 2022? I suppose it depends on how many people/vehicles and how quickly people can respond/plan? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
anthony Posted March 9, 2021 Share Posted March 9, 2021 Sounds a great idea killing 2 birds with one stone Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Platinum Member Volant165 Posted March 10, 2021 Platinum Member Share Posted March 10, 2021 Hey, anyone explained the Jeep wave to the new guy? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Platinum Member spookie the aardvark Posted March 10, 2021 Platinum Member Share Posted March 10, 2021 10 hours ago, Volant165 said: Hey, anyone explained the Jeep wave to the new guy? Not yet I dont think - would be interested to find out myself Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Platinum Member TimC Posted March 10, 2021 Platinum Member Share Posted March 10, 2021 41 minutes ago, spookie the aardvark said: Not yet I dont think - would be interested to find out myself It’s an immensely complex ritual which takes a lifetime of Jeep ownership to fully perfect...........but basically if you are out in your Jeep and see another Jeep.......you wave at it. Some people make the rookie error of waving at other Jeeps when they are not actually in their Jeep, this is just confusing to the Jeep driver. Also only really works with Wranglers and CJs I’m afraid, most people with Renegades and Cherokees ( with the exception of modded XJs) don’t get it. I think I may get more waves from modified Land Rovers than some other Jeeps. Flashing headlights also counts. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Platinum Member Volant165 Posted March 10, 2021 Platinum Member Share Posted March 10, 2021 Ok I only ever knew version #1 from the chart below. Seemingly (and perhaps influenced by H&S) Jeep seem to now advertise #6 Basically something cool that Jeep owners do. I like #12 when the doors are off and I rest my foot on the lower door hinge. Initially practiced by Jeep owners driving the CJ, YJ, TJ, and JK, the Jeep Wave now extends to all members of the Jeep family. The Jeep Wave generally consists of a vigorous side-to-side motion of one or both hands, a raised hand waving, or two or four fingers extended upward from the steering wheel 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Platinum Member J-spot Posted March 10, 2021 Platinum Member Share Posted March 10, 2021 Lovely looking Jeep Keith, I need to get my arse in gear, and get my Cherokee up to spec, this could be the perfect excuse to take the family to the IOM. I've not been since TT week in 1997, and that was on my Gilera RC600, so did quite a bit trail riding once the roads were closed, which ensured best spectator spots on the circuit and of course first back to the pub/hotel for the evenings entertainment. Not sure I'll be wheeling around the gooseneck on mad Sunday this time round!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Platinum Member spookie the aardvark Posted March 11, 2021 Platinum Member Share Posted March 11, 2021 16 hours ago, Volant165 said: Ok I only ever knew version #1 from the chart below. Seemingly (and perhaps influenced by H&S) Jeep seem to now advertise #6 Basically something cool that Jeep owners do. I like #12 when the doors are off and I rest my foot on the lower door hinge. Initially practiced by Jeep owners driving the CJ, YJ, TJ, and JK, the Jeep Wave now extends to all members of the Jeep family. The Jeep Wave generally consists of a vigorous side-to-side motion of one or both hands, a raised hand waving, or two or four fingers extended upward from the steering wheel Loving that to death Will be trying some out on other Jeep drivers and see what happens. Would try #12 but due to my age and the design of the WG could have interesting results that only a vey good osteopath could put right Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Platinum Member iomkeith Posted March 13, 2021 Author Platinum Member Share Posted March 13, 2021 Driving with hand controls due to my disability, I've probably run out of limbs when it comes to waving! It's tough enough finding the indicator stalk while going around a roundabout! So I apologise in advance! Fortunately, there are only about four other Wrangler's on the IoM and I've personally spoken to two of the owners already, so I won't appear too ignorant. And if you lot have a run over here, I'll say hello in the pub. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Platinum Member iomkeith Posted March 14, 2021 Author Platinum Member Share Posted March 14, 2021 Wrangler's roof leaks??? I may as well have kept the Disco! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Platinum Member iomkeith Posted March 20, 2021 Author Platinum Member Share Posted March 20, 2021 On 15/03/2021 at 09:25, stewart said: Not Heard of Any JL Wrangler water leaks yet ? Has anyone had any issues with the JL? It was Jim's comment about waving to non-Wrangler owners, who "like a bit of luxury and a non-leaky roof"... Glad to hear they are waterproof! (That smilie face is me driving the Discovery while the sunroof drips on me!) Richard Crane is Chairman of the Isle of Man 4x4 Club. I've asked about hosting visitors to the Isle. He said that hosting is the best way for visitors to get the most from a visit especially as 'Greenway Road Permits' will not be issued to people who live off Island. He's happy to be emailed for further details and would host a visit. r.crane.iom@gmail.com He agrees that hosting a trip that coincided with Southern 100 would be a good way to maximise the visit. That is usually in July, so July 2022 may be something to aim for? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Platinum Member iomkeith Posted April 23, 2021 Author Platinum Member Share Posted April 23, 2021 I picked up the Jeep on April 1st, the same day as my first COVID-19 vaccination, so a fun-packed day! We came out of our latest lockdown on Monday, so last night was the first Isle of Man 4x4 Club run for ages. I had a word with the leader and asked that he avoid overgrown/narrow lanes if possible. I also sat at the rear, with two mates in with me, as being a wheelchair user, I'm excused gate closing duties! That way the two Discos could knock back some of the overgrowth. With just under 500 miles on the clock, I was hoping to avoid any serious war wounds just yet. This was first time engaging 4-Low. It probably could have gone up in 4-High, but I couldn't tell how loose the surface was and one of the Jimny's had to take a second run at the top bit, and they are like mountain goats so I thought it may be a bit challenging. I was impressed at how effortless it was. It was tempting to give it power, as that's how my old Disco would have gone up. but I resisted the urge. Low revs, low speed, zero concerns. If you look to the horizon as the Jimny comes past, you'll see Scotland. On different lanes, the sun was setting over Ireland, with the Mountains of Mourne clearly visible. A lovely night for a run. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.