The Green Monster

10 minutes after signing the papers

We're not sure exactly when, but some time in 2012 we decided to trade our 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee (aka the Hemi Minivan) on a Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon. We hadn't yet decided on when. On March 20, 2013 we happened to be driving past a Jeep dealership when this gecko green rig sitting in the back corner of the lot caught our eye.

We really just intended to go look at it and not actually buy it because we weren't quite ready to purchase. As we looked it over we realized it had everything we wanted. It was the Unlimited model (4 doors), it was a Rubicon (special off road outfitting), it had the navigation system, and it was a brilliant color that was not some shade of beige you see on so many cars today. It wasn't but a few minutes until we were in it for a test drive.

Follow the jump for more reading and a couple more pictures.

2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited

The Cherokee was a very nice rig. It had a Hemi engine, it had a navigation system, heated seats, and even had a DVD player for the passengers in the back seat. It got us over the mountain passes in winter and took us to the ski hills in style and ease. But it had it fell short of what we wanted. It was not the type of Jeep you take down narrow rocky trails or deep snow. You didn't take it places you couldn't take a car. It was heavy and got 12 miles to the gallon thanks to the thirsty Hemi engine. There were too many body panels to be damaged and scratched. It boiled down to using it simply as a minivan to transport the family. However with all that bad, the car dealership wanted it almost as bad as we wanted the Wrangler. When it came time to talk about trade in value, their first offer was the same price I paid for it four years earlier. That made the deal sweet enough for us to say yes. So we signed the papers and drove away.

One hour after signing papers

Perfect. That is the best way to describe having this Jeep. It feels right. Gone is the fear of scratching a body panel that will cost $2000 to fix. Gone is the fear of driving on a rutted road because you might bottom out. Gone is the fear of more than 4" of snow. Tow hooks and recovery points. Locking differentials. Disconnecting sway bars. A roll bar and removable top. Doors come off. And it still has room for friends and family. How cool is that?!