So, I currently drive an Ecoboost F150 SuperCrew, which I have loved since Day 1 (it's 2 years old now). In the past 2 years, my situation has changed such that I desire a more compact vehicle, but I don't want to give up the 4x4 capability and fun of driving the Ecoboost.
Long story short, that situation has led me to follow the Ecodiesel GC for some time now (i.e. I don't want to give up that 420lb ft/tq from the F150). I'd even held off on test drives of the V6 & V8 as I was sure the CRD would be what I want.
So, given the delays of the CRD, I finally broke down, got off my butt, headed over to the local Jeep dealer and test drove a black/black Overland V6 (no other options). Here are my thoughts:
1) I was initially surprised at the sound of the V6 at idle standing outside the Jeep. It was fine with the doors shut, but noisy outside.
2) The seats were comfortable, and I liked the black interior more than I thought I would. The ventilated seats were on, but I barely noticed them (wife couldn't tell a difference at all). Not a big deal, just an observation.
3) I was surprised at how much I liked driving the V6 w/ the 8 speed. Coming from the F150, I was convinced I'd hate it. Even in Eco mode in D, it actually held the low gears well and didn't feel like a dog at all (which is what I expected). I'm not concerned w/ 0-60 times or anything, I just don't want a vehicle where it feels dead in certain spots while accelerating. Pleasantly surprised by that.
4) I'm glad to have kept up on this forum as I would have had no idea what to do with the shifter. The sales guy didn't even bother to explain it to me.
5) I didn't like the infotainment system as much as I had hoped. The screen didn't seem as sharp as I had expected. Don't get me wrong, it seemed to have plenty of resolution, the coloring just seemed dull on the navigation. Not really sure how to describe it.
6) My salesperson was a douche, but that's par for the course around here unfortunately. I'll need to get to a dealer a little further away to see other colors and to test drive a Hemi. Not to mention, my local dealer apparently only stocks black on black vehicles. (Really want to see the indigo interior in person)
7) The Quadralift was more noticeable than I expected even though it only moves a couple of inches or less in each direction. Kinda fun to watch the nose adjust.
Anyway, I liked the test drive enough to consider hunting down an Overland V6 with the options I want. I do want to compare it to the Hemi, however, I don't tow enough (or even enough weight when I do tow) to justify buying it. Although if it sounds like a V8 should, all bets are off.
Ultimately, it will be tough to give up the F150, it mostly depends on the trade in value of the truck.
Anyone have any advice on things I should pay attention to on a longer test drive?
Long story short, that situation has led me to follow the Ecodiesel GC for some time now (i.e. I don't want to give up that 420lb ft/tq from the F150). I'd even held off on test drives of the V6 & V8 as I was sure the CRD would be what I want.
So, given the delays of the CRD, I finally broke down, got off my butt, headed over to the local Jeep dealer and test drove a black/black Overland V6 (no other options). Here are my thoughts:
1) I was initially surprised at the sound of the V6 at idle standing outside the Jeep. It was fine with the doors shut, but noisy outside.
2) The seats were comfortable, and I liked the black interior more than I thought I would. The ventilated seats were on, but I barely noticed them (wife couldn't tell a difference at all). Not a big deal, just an observation.
3) I was surprised at how much I liked driving the V6 w/ the 8 speed. Coming from the F150, I was convinced I'd hate it. Even in Eco mode in D, it actually held the low gears well and didn't feel like a dog at all (which is what I expected). I'm not concerned w/ 0-60 times or anything, I just don't want a vehicle where it feels dead in certain spots while accelerating. Pleasantly surprised by that.
4) I'm glad to have kept up on this forum as I would have had no idea what to do with the shifter. The sales guy didn't even bother to explain it to me.
5) I didn't like the infotainment system as much as I had hoped. The screen didn't seem as sharp as I had expected. Don't get me wrong, it seemed to have plenty of resolution, the coloring just seemed dull on the navigation. Not really sure how to describe it.
6) My salesperson was a douche, but that's par for the course around here unfortunately. I'll need to get to a dealer a little further away to see other colors and to test drive a Hemi. Not to mention, my local dealer apparently only stocks black on black vehicles. (Really want to see the indigo interior in person)
7) The Quadralift was more noticeable than I expected even though it only moves a couple of inches or less in each direction. Kinda fun to watch the nose adjust.
Anyway, I liked the test drive enough to consider hunting down an Overland V6 with the options I want. I do want to compare it to the Hemi, however, I don't tow enough (or even enough weight when I do tow) to justify buying it. Although if it sounds like a V8 should, all bets are off.
Ultimately, it will be tough to give up the F150, it mostly depends on the trade in value of the truck.
Anyone have any advice on things I should pay attention to on a longer test drive?
