Today I test drove a beautiful 2002 True Blue L (like I needed to test it) I am officially hooked. My wife gave the official approval. One always needs the CFO's approval.

But at the same time practicality came to mind. At the moment I am renting a really nice 2002 150 Super Crew. I mean REALLY nice. We have a small one on the way and I am sure she (the baby) would enjoy the wonders of pure unadulterated accelaration (She would like to go fast too. LOL)

With those thoughts in mind, I move onto my mindless questions (Aplogies if these have been asked before)

1.) Baby seats, who now, or has used, a baby seat in an L? Hows the fit? Three in the front seems cozy, is it too cozy? (no this is not our primary mode of transportation, the wife has a decked Jeep Grand Cherrokee 5.2, which is fun in its own right. But this is MY new car! <BG>)

2.) "A Plan", The dealer will do an "A Plan" on the L, about 29,900 out the door including Tax and Title. (Seems GREAT to me) Was 32,900 without the T&T. Any comments?

3.) Longevity, Being that not many people have had an L for a long amount of time ('99), what are the major/typical issues with a SC engine?
How long, with moderate use/daily driver, will an SC engine last before rebuild/blower/overhaul would need to happen? (I've heard 60,000, I hope that is untrue)

I am not one to trade in a vehicle after a few years, that is the reason for the longevity question. (my '92 4.0l "original owner" Ranger is getting a little ragged, time to move up) I believe that an L and I would become LONGTIME friends.

Any help/opinions would be of great value.

Thanks
Double G

 

Not sure on the baby seat, i am still just pratcing =).

A plan price with tax seems right.

I would quess with 3 in L front you would have the wife in the middle and baby with airbag off in the passneger seat?

I say treat yourself, hell if you don't like it after 6 months sell it with A plan you will still make out.

 

I can't say anything about a car seat in an other than, are you sure you thought this out good?


I do know that three medium sized adults in the L is NOT comfortable for any amount of distance. For a demonstration of this take your wife back to the dealer and get your salesman to help out, all three of you get in the front seat. Fasten your seat belts, oh that wasn't as easy as it sounded? Now start it up and go for a drive, make sure you do some in city type driving, around corners, try to park, etc... How was that shoulder room, a little tight?

OK, OK I know this is getting long now, but $29K isn't small change either.

I don't know if this is in your budget, but if you must have hi-perf in a truck, (and I know you want it as I have a '98 4.0l ranger before my L), think about the Harley Super Crew. Would have a back seat, much safer for infant / children, and you wouldn't be jammed in like a sardine.

Hey what happens if you have twins!

 

The new harley truck is nice, and a nice option if you need more room i think my Dad is going to get one.

 

Ya, that was my thought on the seating. AIR BAG OFF, she is rather petite so its not like it would be too crowded. Just wondering who has tried it.

Besides if I absolutly needed to I could take the Jeep and she can take the L. But then again accelarators and Atlanta traffic don't mix... <G>

Not like an L?

Good luck on the practice. LOL

Thanks
Double G

 

Ahhh, the thoughts of adulthood, resposibility etc, etc.

White01L- I have allready thought of many of your points, and that is one of the reasons why I thought I would ask. The basic thing to think about is that the L is mine (boy am I possisive) The Jeep is hers. we would obviously be using the Jeep for family outings, I was just curious about the fit for emergency type use.

No, I had not thought of an HD. I don't know, I know they have the SC option, but I have some stigma against them, don't ask me why.

I have allways wanted a sports vehicle, and I am now reaching a time in my life when the good things are in reach. (the corvette got shot down right away)

I don't know, just when you can taste it...

 

Q. Baby seats, who now, or has used, a baby seat in an L? Hows the fit? Three in the front seems cozy, is it too cozy? (no this is not our primary mode of transportation, the wife has a decked Jeep Grand Cherrokee 5.2, which is fun in its own right. But this is MY new car!


A. It is tight with the baby seat and two adults. One adult and the baby seat is no problem. Most of the time the baby goes in the Suburban or my GMC truck. No speeding with the baby.

 

Somehow I overlooked, or forgot moments after reading it, that your wife had the nice Jeep.

Since the L would be yours, and as a backup vehicle should the Jeep be unavailable, etc...

Get the L.

I still use my '98 4.0l ranger as my daily driver, however it sure doesn't even come close to the L when rating on the fun and grins meter.

Good luck to you, let us know what you finally decide.

 

Anyone with thoughts on longevity. . .

easterisland - I wouldn't speed with a precious one. (trust me I have waited too long for this wonderful cargo.) But it sure is fun getting "up to" speed

 

I have tried a car seat with two adults and it is cramped. But if that's what I had to put up with to drive an L, it's what I would do.

 

So do you put the baby seat in the middle or on the passenger seat?
My wife is due in 6 weeks. Helpfull thread for me.
Jeff

 

GG-

I have a '99 L, with 59k right now. No major engine prob's, and the engine sounds/runs great!

The only work I've needed is the 99 intercooler repair, which shouldn't be a problem in your case!

I've traveled a bit with a 5 year old AND an adult passenger... 5 year old in the middle seat, air bag off. Very comfortable... Hardly knew she was there!

A car seat would be another matter tho... Not getting in or out the passenger side might be a pain. But you gotta do whatcha gotta do... to drive an L.

Just keep a backup vehicle in mind!

 

Research is one thing I probably over do, but this is no small change.

The baby seat goes on the side passenger seat and you would need to SHUT OFF the air bag. Your signifigant other would sit center. But hey, if you need to get to the hospital in a hurry. . .

Just be safe.

I appreciate all the responses, call me ****, but I still am looking for duribility of the L.

While were at it (maybe OT) but are the HD and L setup on the same basic platform. i.e. suspension/tranny. obviously the HD is more expensive, by how much?

 

Can't go wrong in the L. I'd rather ride in the box than drive anything else.

 

Strap the kid to the roof, facing backwards....problem solved.