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Your thoughts of your new Jeep

  • Great vehicle, love it!.. Would definitely purchase again!

    Votes: 224 59.9%
  • Good car. I like it so far.

    Votes: 66 17.6%
  • It's nice. I've had some early issues, but I'm happy.

    Votes: 51 13.6%
  • Eh.. Maybe a lil' underwhelming. But it's growing on me.

    Votes: 3 0.8%
  • It's ok. But it ain't nothing to write home about.

    Votes: 3 0.8%
  • Honestly, I'm kinda disappointed. Doesn't really live up to the hype.

    Votes: 17 4.5%
  • Those bums at JNAP need to ALL be fired! THIS THING IS F'N JUNK!!!

    Votes: 10 2.7%

2014 GC OWNER'S Review

100K views 523 replies 135 participants last post by  ONU1974 
#1 · (Edited)
Ok ladies and gents, after hanging around here for almost a year, I figured its time to post a thread of my own.

*Please do not take the poll unless you're an owner/until you take delivery... Thank you.*

As one of the very hard working JNAP UAW workers many folks here find joy in consistently ragging on, I'm very interested in OWNER reviews of their new GC's. We work hard to build a quality product day after day, and although we're not perfect, I'm curious to know how much of that effort has been translated to you all in your purchase(s). There's a lot of negativity out there, and people seem to fish for anything to discredit us and the products we make, but instead of responding individually to the ignorance, I figure a simple review thread is the best way to settle the matter. If you, and I mean those who actually have bought the truck, feel like its a great vehicle and was well worth your money, I'd love to hear about it. And if you think this car is the biggest POS you've ever wasted money on, and will never buy another vehicle "Imported from Detroit" again, I wanna hear that too!

Basically I'm just looking for honest reviews from owners, so that those who may be RESPECTFULLY skeptical, can see for themselves whether or not we deserve their business, as well as how long we will hold the title for the most awarded SUV - EVER! :) Thx in advance guys and gals!
 
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#49 · (Edited)
Vs. how many times you wished you had more center console space......

Just bought a 32 GB micro USB drive for $37, after using my $20 reward zone bucks from Bestbuy. Smaller than my finger nail and should hold just about anything I want to listen to....without have to drag my ipod in the car.
 
#48 ·
I have about 1000 miles on my Summit. I came from a 2001 GC Limited.

Things I noticed right away, the ride is so much better than the 2001. 8 speed transmission is amazing compared to the 2001 and the way it sounded like the engine was going to drop out of the bottom of the car. The interior is really well done and people all comment about it when they get in. The slight external design changes from last year are nice. So far, this is a major upgrade than the old one, and right in line with the other luxury cars I drove during the selection process. Maybe I'm used to bad radios, but the sound system in the Summit so far has been impressive. Little things that I didn't have in the 2001, like the storage in the real wheel well are great. Miss my full spare though. This is full size, but not the same tires as the other 4. 2001 had full spare with matching rim.

Here are a few things that have bothered me so far:

1) Stupid dump truck kicked up a big rock and I have a small line in the hood and a knick in the windshield now. :(

2) Had alignment problems, the dealer helped it a little, but I fear there is something wrong with the tires. They claim they can't do anything about that and I have to go to a goodyear dealer to have them look at it. It pulls\drifts to the left.

3) Uconnect is slow, real slow. Takes a while to boot up and doesn't save the settings often. Sirius quality is really bad, worse than FM radio quality.

4) Minor paint defects.

5) Muffler ends were crooked, those were easily adjusted.

6) Heated seats don't get anywhere as hot as everyone is describing. In Wisconsin, I like it real hot. Old 2001 got way hotter.

7) I swear the wood part of the wheel was heated in the demo I test drove. Haven't gone back to check, maybe someone can confirm here.

8) Headlights get a LOT of condensation in them. Dealer didn't seem to want to do anything about it. Just said it wouldn't affect them. Sometimes I notice the headlights don't move when the wheel turns.

9) Needs a few more manual buttons, I don't like heated seats and other like controls hidden in UConnect menus. Everything is 2 clicks away though, so not bad.

10) iPod playback sounds good, but skips often. Not sure why, bluetooth with an iPhone 4S doesn't seem to skip.

11) Plastic at bottom of the door (where people often hit with their feet) gets scratched easily.

12) Haven't figured out how to get to the tow jack open without snapping off the plastic bumper cover safely. Tips?

13) Not much eco savings with the HEMI, still only getting about 14-16 MPG with some city driving and 18 miles of freeway driving to work each day. (This was expected though when I got the Hemi)

14) Seats aren't as soft as the 2001. Leather is much better quality, but we'll see if it's as durable.

15) On the ride back last night I got a check air suspension error, but it never returned and there are no messages on it this morning. Not sure what that was about.

16) I'm not sure I like the downshifting, but at the same time, I like it instead of having to brake so often\hard.

17) Auto headlights tend to go on all the time. They are too sensitive to low light.

Adaptive cruise is amazing. Auto high beams are nice. Auto wipers are nice too.

I (really) wish I could comment about the off roading, but there are plenty of videos on the internet. The family has a fairly large tree farm in Michigan, but I think I'll give this baby a few years to break in before I get the sides all scrapped up from the trees, lol. Having got the Summit, and the cost of it, scares me a little to go out back. (for now)

It's no SRT, but it's pretty fast. Smoked some jerk-off guy this afternoon that was riding my ass. Felt good.

Overall, I've very happy with the car. I know there will be other little things wrong with it over the years. I expected that from a Chrysler. (I used to work there in 2003) I got the $2000 max care lifetime unlimited mileage coverage. I tend to keep my cars a while. The wife (who is 5'1) likes that it goes up and down and is easier for her to get into.


901339_10151494422049812_2023068052_o by nicholas.zeidler, on Flickr
 
#51 ·
The doubters. :smh: They're out there, they just don't have much to say I guess. Well at least not in this thread. :lol:
 
#52 ·
Well, so far my wife loves her 2014 and I agree. However I think I will be getting a phone call when she ends up at a gas station one day and can't get the nozzle into the stupid capless fuel cap. They really over...or under engineered that thing. Freaking ridiculous.
 
#54 ·
I don't get it. The title says;

"2014 GC OWNER'S Review"

Why are non owners even bothering to vote? Do they think they make the Jeep look bad because they stick their nose in where it doesn't belong. If people will cheat on what is, in reality, an insignificant vote, it sure proves to me that we need some strong voter id laws for our national elections. :lol:


.
 
#58 · (Edited)
"Finally the fact the V6 really seems to struggle on the expressway, on small hills with the cruise set at 70mph it can't even hold 8th gear, and it is about a 10mph swing by the time it kicks down to 7th at 65 mph and then goes into 8th and stops accelerating at 75mph."

Surprising, at 70 the V6 should be turning 1800 rpm in 8th and 7th is up to 2200. 5th in my '12 is right in th middle (1950) and rarely downshifts even with a week's luggage for two people in North Carolina.

Would have expected it to unlock before kicking down though, may be set to never unlock at speed.

Have seen that kind of overshoot in my cruise control also - dealer said is normal.

Sounds like the trans is is hunting. Is this an Overland 4x4 ? (about 450 lbs heavier than a Laredo 4x2).

ps I really did not see much change from the first tank of my '12 til now. Sits on 20 around the suburbs with maybe 20% congested Interstate.

Am still curious what is the lowest speed on the flat it will shift into 8th.
 
#63 ·
This is a laredo 4x4, so kind of in between those two, it doesn't seem like hunting so much as it just doesn't have the torque, I don't think it is quite at 1800 rpms it seems to be almost exactly 2000 RPM's, but I will be double checking tonight.

I think it has gone into 8th as low as 40-45 mph in eco mode, not in eco mode it stays in 7th until 55 or so.
 
#60 ·
Actually, I'm wondering how the UConnect radios are like that they could not fit a CD/DVD slot in those systems that it had to be separate.
 
#64 ·
The radio and navigation system as well as other controls are all worked into one unit, so it probably is crowded in there. That said, I think it was a decision to exclude it. They easily could have fit it where the usb/sd/audio outlets are, and put them in the console. An sd card with a couple of thousand songs on it doesn't need to be changed as often as a cd.

For me, although I like the overall package, getting the Jeep meant a lot of compromising. But it was the best compromise around.
 
#67 ·
Went and filled it up tonight. Capless fuel cap seemed to work a lot better this time around. Same gas station but at a different pump.
 
#68 ·
Hello all. I just bought a brand new 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo this past weekend. I "upgraded" from my 2005 Chrysler Crossfire, which was totaled when someone ran a red light and t-boned me. Luckily I walked away without a scratch but had to lay to rest my baby.

So far, I love the GC. This is my first Jeep and first SUV. It's a bit different going from a small coupe to a large SUV. However, I couldn't be happier. I decided to go with the 2014 over the 2013 because I actually like the new grill as well as the 8-speed transmission.

Two minor issues so far. The aforementioned issue with uConnect not remembering my bluetooth settings with my phone (read its happening to many people and there is a fix in the works). That doesn't bother me at all since I don't like talking while driving anyway.

The other issue, and I'm not sure it is an issue, is I notice a slight click/ticking sound behind the steering wheel/instrument cluster when the it shifts around gears 6 and 7 at low speeds (15-25mph). It definitely sounds electronic and not mechanical, and it does not affect the driving at all. I believe it only happens when I'm in ECO mode though. I've only had the car since Saturday and haven't noticed it every time (only have 180 miles on it). I will be going on a short road trip this weekend, so I plan on really noting when I actually hear it. Has anyone else heard a similar noise?

Even with these two minor "issues," I'm absolutely in love with my upgrade!
 
#71 ·
Ok ladies and gents, after hanging around here for almost a year, I figured its time to post a thread of my own.

*Please do not take the poll unless you're an owner/until you take delivery... Thank you.*

As one of the very hard working JNAP UAW workers many folks here find joy in consistently ragging on, I'm very interested in OWNER reviews of their new GC's. We work hard to build a quality product day after day, and although we're not perfect, I'm curious to know how much of that effort has been translated to you all in your purchase(s). There's a lot of negativity out there, and people seem to fish for anything to discredit us and the products we make, but instead of responding individually to the ignorance, I figure a simple review thread is the best way to settle the matter. If you, and I mean those who actually have bought the truck, feel like its a great vehicle and was well worth your money, I'd love to hear about it. And if you think this car is the biggest POS you've ever wasted money on, and will never buy another vehicle "Imported from Detroit" again, I wanna hear that too!

Basically I'm just looking for honest reviews from owners, so that those who may be RESPECTFULLY skeptical, can see for themselves whether or not we deserve their business, as well as how long we will hold the title for the most awarded SUV - EVER! :) Thx in advance guys and gals!
Currently own a 2011 loaded up limited with no problems and have a 2014 on order. I think you and your peers build a great product. Looking forward to the 8 speed and other goodies. dnshew@Hotmail Chippewa Falls, Wi.
Go Packers!
 
#73 ·
Uh.. I was with you until that last part. :rolleyes:

Send me your VIN.. I'll be sure to slap an old English 'D,' and a Lion's logo on the back of it for you.. No charge. ;)
 
#78 · (Edited)
This is from a thread in the VIP forum.. Someone suggested I repost it where all could see. Didn't know where exactly to put it, so I'll just repost it here.

There's an issue with the fitment AROUND the liftgate, NOT with the liftgate itself. I've been looking into it, and here's where we are;

As a body man, I take all body related issues personally, and as the self-appointed JNAP Body Shop liaison here, I feel responsible for somehow helping you guys get this straightened out. Literally.

So, with that said, I've been working with some of my 'superiors' on this issue for a few weeks now. From what I've gathered, what you guys are experiencing is NOT a misaligned liftgate. Well at least not in most cases. I'm sure there are some who are sure it is, and who'll say that it was/is their issue. But if you look at (or measure) the gaps on the liftgate in relation to the side aperture (just above the taillights), you'll notice they're even. Well at least in all the cases I've seen. Including the 50 or so I checked out this morning. Which means the liftgate itself ISN'T misaligned, otherwise the rear glass would also be off, as well as the gaps between the taillights themselves.

What you (and probably MOST others) are seeing is a fitment issue with the rear bumper cover/fascia on the upper inner right corner. I've seen many that look perfect, and have a gap equal to that on the left, and some that are not so great. Idk if this is a design flaw in the cover itself, or a procedural issue in the installation of it. But if it is an assembly issue, I can't see why all the gaps on the left are still correct. But either way, the issue is upstairs now.. I hope they rectify it to you all's satisfaction, because my hands are tied at this point. :eek:

If I were you I'd inspect the gaps in each of those three spots, and show the issue to the dealer WITHOUT suggesting a liftgate adjustment! Regardless as to what you think, or have heard here. Let them diagnose the problem on an individual basis. Wouldn't wanna see anyone getting their liftgate adjusted unnecessarily, bc they may do just that! Per your request. So let them diagnose it, and fix it... But hopefully it's addressed on this end soon.
Again, I'm not saying anyone DOESN'T have a misaligned liftgate. Cause I see some are convinced they do. But that's not what I'm finding. I've talked to a few people who can get something done about it, and from what I hear they were already aware of what's going on. Yet I still made the effort to show someone what I see. So like I said, it's out of my hands.. And I apologize for the inconvience of your dealer visits.. But it should be able to be repaired WITHOUT touching the liftgate. Let me know how things turn out for you guys that have this problem.
 
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#79 ·
For reference, here's a pic of a proper gap vs my tighter fit on the left. I can't slide a piece of paper down the crack so it is touching, but it's sort of hard to tell in the pic. Like Chevy said, you can sort of see that the bumper is the issue and maybe even a little distorted causing it to come to close to the gate. The room for error is so tight back there, so it's not like they can really move it over much. As long as it doesn't cause paint wear after a bit of use, I'll be fine with it.

Dealer is looking at it anyway to see if there is anything they can do to increase the gap a bit before I pick it up. Just an FYI of something to check before you pickup. Uneven gap between sides is ok, but if it will cause paint wear then maybe it's better to say something now than later.

Other than this issue, the outside seems tight to me as it is on my current model. However, in comparison to the 2012 I have the black plastic they used on the lower body does seem a bit firmer. The body color molding seems a tad more light weight to me. Nothing wrong with it, just something I noticed when kicking the tires.

Vehicle Car Automotive exterior Luxury vehicle Bumper
 
#83 ·
Things I like:
  • I was surprised when the heated seat and steering wheel automatically engaged when the temperature was below 40; however, I would like to see this be option, but have found no setting to change it thus far.
  • I honestly like the electronic shifter. It took a little getting used to, and I probably approached it negatively from the start based on others' reviews, but I like it. Once again, however, I do not like that I have to put my foot on the brake to shift from neutral to drive.
  • Ambient lighting. I know that it's nothing exclusive to Jeep, but this is the first vehicle that I've owned that had and I like my little light rings in my cupholders and such!
  • Power liftgate. I didn't think that I was going to care about this one way or the other, but I LOVE it, especially the fact that it closes itself. One suggestion would be the ability to make it stop at a certain height, as if I don't pull in just right, the liftgate hits my garage door if I don't grab it before it goes all the way up, but then this action makes it think that it needs to go back down to close.
  • Proximity keyless. I never have to dig in my pockets for my keys. My father's Corvette has this feature, but one thing that it does not have is the ability to lock the car from the outside without touching the fob like I can do with the little buttons on the door handles and liftgate. I often find myself getting out of the truck and walking to the back while my girlfriend rounds up her stuff and locking the vehicle from the lock button at the liftgate once she meets me back there.
  • Paddle shifter responsiveness. Yes, it's a 5000 LB SUV, not a race car, and while I would rarely ever use the paddle shifters, I will say that they respond much quicker that the manual mode inputs did on my previous GM 6L80e transmission.
  • Fuel Mileage. Yeah, it isn't great, but when I'm getting 19-20 in mixed surburban city driving with a heavy SUV, I'm satisfied. I was planning on more like 16, so I'll take 19 and change. At this point, it's more fuel efficient than my lighter V8 car was by almost 2 MPG.
  • Sound quality. Coming from a car who's "premium" sound system couldn't play a freaking FM station in the middle of DFW without static, it doesn't take too much to please me, but so far I like my 9-speaker, 506 watt, blah blah blah.
  • Projector fog lights.
  • Key fob range. What good is remote start if your vehicle won't pick up your remote's signal from more than 50' away? That's about what my G8 would have done.

Things I don't like:
  • Like everybody else, I would like physical buttons for the heated seats and steering wheel, especially if they are going to come on automatically. The controls screen takes a bit of navigating and it a bit laggy sometimes which is slightly concerning while driving.
  • The thing keeps dropping Bluetooth connectivity with my phone when playing music, but never has a problem when using the actual phone via bluetooth. My phone never drops with any other device that I've paired it to (especially my girlfriend's 4Runner), so I'm blaming it on the Jeep.
  • The noise that mine makes between 1500 and 3000 RPM in second and third gear that I haven't yet figured out whether it is the transmission grinding or turbulent air flow in the intake or what. Considering the work that they put into making air intakes restrictively silent, I fear the worst!
  • How slippery the steering wheel is. I steer with the ball of of my hand quite a bit and I have never driven anything that inspires less confidence that the thing isn't going to spin right out of your hand than this Jeep.
  • I like the instrument cluster, but the gauges are a bit outdated looking to me and I really would like to see more customization and information out of the 7" screen. There's a world of possibilities with that thing and you're barely cracking the lid.
  • The ugly headlights on the Overland and Summit. This is literally half of the reason that I went with a Limited.
 
#283 ·
Things I like:
  • The ugly headlights on the Overland and Summit. This is literally half of the reason that I went with a Limited.
That's funny because I'm trading in my '13 Limited to a '14 Overland BECAUSE of the headlights! Well not the only reason obviously, but I like the "Audiness" of them. Glad you're enjoying it though, ordered mine on Saturday and I'm not a patient man...
 
#87 ·
Hmmm.. Kinda wonder why the two ppl who voted that we should all be fired, didn't bother to write a review? Oh wait, they probably forgot to read the title of the thread. :lol:
 
#92 ·
Just to let you know I wasn't one of those. But now that you mention it... wait, I better wait and see if you send me some beer when I order mine later this year.:D
 
#88 ·
You also may have the speed alert set for 75mph in the nav setup which will sound the warning when you hit 75 to let you know to slow down...

Did you set that up?
 
#89 ·
On day 3 of ownership, and couldn't be happier! A few small problems that mostly were my doing, and have been rectified. The only real complaint I would have that's worth mentioning is Jeep's tire selection. That's been talked about on other threads. Michelin Latitude Tours are NOT an off-road tire (comes with ORAII package), and for many of us, not a particularly good tire for normal use, such as deep snow. The answer would be for Jeep to have other tire options. Today I put Michelin LTX M/S2's on my Overland, now I will have to bite a bit of a bullet selling the take-offs. But such is life. I traded a Buick Enclave for my JGC, mainly because my wife's '08 Compass has been bullet proof for the most part for over 5 years, and the '14 JGC just looked so damn good to me. The Buick was like going down the road in my livingroom, and handled much like piloting a large cabin cruiser. The JGC, on the other hand, is much more fun to drive, and compared to the Enclave, it's a rocket, and handles more like a go-cart. The fit and finish on my build is extremely good. (Thanks Chevy, Marlin, and the rest of the gang at JNAP). Everything has worked as advertised so far. There are a few things that don't show up on Uconnect that I heard about, such as auto park level for QL, but that's not a bother. Friends have commented that it doesn't look at all like a Jeep on the inside. Chrysler certainly took the interior to another level. All I can say is, if the vehicle holds up without problems for a reasonable amount of time, this will be a winner.
 
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#90 ·
A few people have written really detailed reviews that I agree with so I’m not going to get into to many details. I did trade in a 2012 for a 2014, which isn’t the norm in my car buying history. I will have to say though, it was worth every penny! The overall interior feel of this version seems much more luxurious than the past. I believe the new black headliner, wood changes, wheel design, and instrument panel truly make it seem like a world class automobile. The new seats are also a bit more comfy, but I could be in awe from the rest sitting in front of me so it’s sort of hard to tell. Electronic shifter is also sweet, love it.

Initially, I’m not as impressed with the 8 speed as I thought I would be. Yes, it is more responsive and the butt-dyno is happy. However, it does have quite a bit of jerk if you are in and out of the gas riding around town. When cruising at freeway speeds it is much better and smooth’s out quite a bit. Is it better….Yes. I think my expectations were just a bit too high on what it could actually do. It didn’t seem to matter if in eco or non eco, there was still a bit of a jerk when slowing and going. I have a feeling it will smooth out a bit once I learn to drive it and it learns driving styles.

Really I have nothing I don’t like about this vehicle now, all the complaints from my 12 were resolved and I couldn’t be happier. The only thing I could nitpick at is the right rear strut on the lift-gate. It’s naked in the 14 where the 12 had a thick plastic cover to match the left side. Made it seem much more beefy and gave a feeling a quality, even if it was just plastic. A thin rod on the right now just looks a bit off compared to the old model. My front 2 doors also seem a bit finicky when closing and don’t close 100% of the time the way I was use to closing the 12. Just have to use a bit more force, but that’s a simple adjustment if it doesn’t get better. Dealer also fixed the bumper touching the lift-gate, so that’s not an issue anymore.

Overall I’m really impressed and couldn’t give it a higher recommendation. I’m not a lifetime “jeeper” , in fact my 12 was my first one. I’m still in a little shock of how nice this vehicle really is. For anyone looking at a new 13, I can’t imagine any small sum of money would make that even a choice. I’m sure anyone choosing that route will be happy as it was a nice vehicle as well. But for a bit more, this is a different class of vehicle I feel.

Thanks to all the folks here, who give out the insider info and make us all want to spend money. Hopefully the next gen will be even better and I might become a “jeeper” for life. Will post some pictures in the brag board once we get some decent weather here in Ohio...
 
#91 ·
After just a few hundred miles on my '14 Summit (with no problems or complaints) I just wanted to comment on the power steering with the Hemi.

Hurrah for Jeep!!

I am so sick of fly-by-wire steering which most cars have had for the past few years. To me these feel more like a video game than driving a car. The Steering on the Hemi equipped JGC is slightly on the heavy side, but very manageable, and with the most direct and enjoyable "feel" that I've experienced in ages.

I didn't buy the Hemi for the steering, but am so pleased now that I have it. If anyone is considering a new JGC and values the feel of great steering you owe it to yourself to test drive one with the V8.

Michael
 
#95 ·
After just a few hundred miles on my '14 Summit (with no problems or complaints) I just wanted to comment on the power steering with the Hemi.

Hurrah for Jeep!!

I am so sick of fly-by-wire steering which most cars have had for the past few years. To me these feel more like a video game than driving a car. The Steering on the Hemi equipped JGC is slightly on the heavy side, but very manageable, and with the most direct and enjoyable "feel" that I've experienced in ages.

I didn't buy the Hemi for the steering, but am so pleased now that I have it. If anyone is considering a new JGC and values the feel of great steering you owe it to yourself to test drive one with the V8.

Michael
Did you drive the 2014 V6? What was your feel on that? I test drove both and felt a difference in the drive, not just the power/acceleration.
 
#93 ·
I was about to get a Limited optioned out to just about an Overland when I noticed the CD player in the console. I'd driven ones without it and was simply flabbergasted at the design and engineering or lack thereof that would remove most of the space. A $200 option should that removes functionality is not an option worth choosing. The CD placement for those that want it should be moved elsewhere, but for most folks, CD's are really outdated technology. What's stranger is that some dealerships are actually ordering all of their cars WITH the CD player. For many that option could cost them a sale. Maybe keep a few units on the lot WITH but most WITHOUT. I ended up ordering to get the color combination with technology package and NO CD.
 
#94 ·
I was about to get a Limited optioned out to just about an Overland when I noticed the CD player in the console. I'd driven ones without it and was simply flabbergasted at the design and engineering or lack thereof that would remove most of the space. A $200 option should that removes functionality is not an option worth choosing. The CD placement for those that want it should be moved elsewhere, but for most folks, CD's are really outdated technology. What's stranger is that some dealerships are actually ordering all of their cars WITH the CD player. For many that option could cost them a sale. Maybe keep a few units on the lot WITH but most WITHOUT. I ended up ordering to get the color combination with technology package and NO CD.
But there are a lot of us outdated Jeep owners out here ... so watch yourself sonny. :lol::lol::lol:

I wonder how many of those dealers took the time to see what they were ordering. My guess is they just checked the box on the computer screen.

If I had ordered that way I would be stuck with a CD player. Thanks to Jeep Garage I have a full storage console.



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