Test Drive

MavrikXJ · **Posted:** Fri Mar 28, 2008 1:25 pm

So, tomorrow the wife and I are going to test drive an 05 KJ Renegade and an 07 Sport at two different dealerships. We have to turn in her Equinox because its the end of the lease and she has to drive it for a year before I trade in or turn in my truck. I'm hoping we get a good deal on either one.
Will let you know.

Tom

dog_party · **Posted:** Fri Mar 28, 2008 2:51 pm

The 07 has ESP, which the 05 does not. The 05 Rene has the flat hood and skid plates, that the 07 Sport does not have (probably re:skid plates). I think the purchase should depend on what you plan to do with your KJ, and what kind of dealio you can muster from the two diffferent dealerships.

Good luck!

MavrikXJ · **Posted:** Fri Mar 28, 2008 2:59 pm

whats ESP?? I really want the renie because I'd like to do some mild wheeling with it. I have and XJ that will be my main wheeling vehilce, the libby will be a DD.
We'll just have to see.

dog_party · **Posted:** Fri Mar 28, 2008 3:10 pm

ESP is traction control. Some people love it, some people hate it. I suggest setting up the same scenario in both trucks to see the difference. Drive through a little puddle of water (make one if you have to) and then punch the gas pedal with wet tires (on pavement) while your front tires are turned slightly. Basically, try to simulate hitting a curving interstate acceleration ramp in rainy conditions. You'll find out what ESP is because it'll be the truck that's still going straight.

Most people I read posting about it don't really like ESP off-road. You can turn it "off," but it seems that it's never truely off. I haven't driven the ESP off-road though, so I can't say one way or the other.

Personally, it being my DD, I like NOT having ESP in my truck. If my wife was driving it as her DD, I would prefer to have ESP. That's not meant to be a sexist statement. I'm just saying that I like dirt-trackin' my little truck up acceleration ramps. My wife...not so much. :wink:

MavrikXJ · **Posted:** Mon Mar 31, 2008 7:56 am

Well, we went and test drove that Sport, what a piece of crap. We ended up going to another dealer and found a base model 2006 with 4x4, ESP with only 10K miles on it. We were at the dealership till almost 10 pm and they were really pushing us to take it on a test drive but it was late, so they ended up giving us the jeep for 48 hours to really drive it, see if we like it and sure enough, the wife likes it, which is key and the price is right. So tonight, we are going to try and talk them down a little bit more, but I think we are getting it. In a year or less, it will be my daily driver, so until then, no mods except maybe a head unit with XM because the wife's chevy has XM and it is really nice to have. I have a portable unit and all the wires suck. Anyway, I'll get pics as soon as I can.
Tom

dog_party · **Posted:** Mon Mar 31, 2008 9:39 am

Congtratulations! I'm glad you found one you like!

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