[jslaton]

I've been lurking here to educate myself for some time now, but I finally have something to report. I test drove a new Sahara yesterday. I don't really want a Sahara (no disrespect to those who have them, it's just not what I want), but it was the only 2-door soft top they had on the lot. I hope to be buying a Rubicon within the next six months, but since I hadn't driven a Wrangler in about 20 years and hadn't even ridden in one in about 3, I thought it was time to get behind the driver's seat and be sure I still wanted one.

I was impressed with how quiet the soft top was. From past experiences, I had remembered them being a lot noisier and somewhat "flappy" at speed. Wasn't like that at all yesterday, even at interstate speeds of 80 mph.

Question: do the soft tops get flappier and noisier over time or are these new soft tops that much better than the old ones?

Question 2: the Sahara had electric windows and locks. I looked on Edmunds.com and Edmunds indicates these are a "typically equipped option" on Rubicons. I don't really want them as that just seems like more systems to break. Is it likely I'll have to special order to get a Rubicon with no power stuff? Am I being unnecessarily primitive denying myself basic conveniences like that?

Other impressions: brakes a little soft, truck reasonably stable, even at high speeds, visibility not great with the top up, but not terrible either, and stereo is weaker than an Infinity should be (especially with that space hogging subwoofer).

I realize most of these things don't matter at all when you're using it for its intended purpose -- and I will wheel it -- but it's going to be my only vehicle and will need to pull commuting duty as well as recreational duty.

I realize a Wrangler as a DD isn't for everyone, but despite any shortcomings and despite only driving the Sahara with the auto tranny, leather interior and other stuff I don't want, driving the Wrangler just felt "right." Man, I wish I could buy one right now.