The JL Wrangler is an impressive machine, better on-road and maybe slightly better off-road than a similarly modded JK because of the impressive electronic aids. The interior feels like 2 steps up to me but it will be a while before I consider upgrading my JKU because of the low mod parts availability coupled with the relatively minor new-generation gremlins that I've heard about. The jury is still out on the new diesel engine but the latest revision of the 3.6 and the 8 speed auto are things of beauty.
I test drove a Gladiator recently and it felt better than a JL on-road to me but I am not sure that it'll ever be top of my list. The solid front axle makes it drive worse on-road than most double cabs, we need the 3L diesel to make it better than a WK2 for towing or touring, the 3.5m wheelbase would be challenging off-road and the payload capacity makes it (slightly) less practical than a regular double cab ute. I read a couple of months ago that a cheaper Sport version was coming next year but I'm not sure that will create demand for it outside the Jeep faithful, regardless of how much fun a double cab with no roof or doors would be.
I recently heard of an XJ that needed diff repairs, sold for $7,500 and then getting sold on shortly thereafter, as far as we know without any repairs, for $10,000! It sounds like the age of the cheap and good quality XJ has passed, although I found a few on FB Marketplace that look like bargains, maybe because people don't know what they have or they're in regional areas where they aren't popular.
I generally check on Gumtree and FB Marketplace first for anything under $10k because people don't want to pay a listing fee for a "cheap" car.
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The average human walks 1,500km per year and drinks 83L of beer which means we're getting 18km/L.
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