| Re: Rainmaker acquires a 1996 Mahindra Classic with Spoke Wheels
An Interesting Article by Crys Wilson
Why should I own a Jeep?
Ask anyone who already owns this fine vehicle and they'll probably wonder exactly what mind altering substances you have ingested that would make you utter such a silly question. While it's true that there are other vehicles gracing the road today, few have the history, performance capabilities, and aftermarket support that Jeep has maintained for over sixty years. What's more, no other vehicle so valiantly outshines the competition, naturally creating a mystical brotherhood with fellow owners while also offering tremendous versatility and just plain fun.
Jeep is defined as a 1/4 ton utility vehicle used to climb trees, terrain through mud, snow, across ice, rocks, up hills, down mountains, through jungles and deserts, pulling, towing and to impress members of the opposite sex. Oh yeah, you can also drive it to work. Other SUVs and jeep wannabes not only come up short in these departments, but they lack certain design and performance quality as well. Some facets of Jeep excellence that the competition lacks include rugged powertrain choices, unique exterior appearance, specially jeep engineered off-road packages, and the ability to pass extensive, rigorous durability and capability testing with flying colors. None of the competition?Durango, Tracker, Samurai, Explorer, or even Hummer can come close to doing everything a Jeep can do.
The reason Jeep is in a class by itself may be partially due to the fact that it was the first of its kind. While others have tried to duplicate it, the reality is that the jeep was the original light vehicle with on and off-road capabilities. Years ahead of their time, engineers showed an experienced and innovative approach to vehicle design when creating the first Jeep that still surpasses all other engineering. From the first Bantam inspired vehicles used in World War II, to the limited edition 2003 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Tomb Raider model, the engineers behind Jeep have been pioneers in the industry, offering quality and versatility in an affordable and fun to drive vehicle.
Despite the years of ground-breaking progress, these advancements have not compromised cost or performance of the vehicle. Because it is narrow, with a short wheel base, high ground clearance, and impeccable articulation, the maneuverability of Jeep cannot be matched. It is not only equipped for off-roading where it can literally crawl over most things that other vehicles cannot, but it is great for driving in poor weather. Jeep is an ideal vehicle for road trips, highway driving, and any other travel imaginable. You can easily get all of these advantages for 15 to 25 grand. It is one of the least expensive convertibles on the market.
The low cost and performance capabilities are not all that makes a Jeep worthy of top billing. The aftermarket support elevates this automobile far above all others as well. No other vehicle is so supported in the aftermarket. You can get everything from decals, to storage compartments, to light bars, to bumpers, to specialized tires, to hard and soft tops?all which will personalize your jeep. What?s more, you can enhance the off-road performance of a jeep with accessories like suspension kits, winches, and traction aiding devices just to name a few. In fact, the aftermarket support is so strong that you could even build your own jeep by simply ordering off-the-shelf parts.
This ability to create or personalize one's own vehicle is one of the main catalysts for the most prevailing reason to own a jeep. That is, the personal experience that you can get from owning a Jeep that you simply can't get with any other vehicle. There is not another vehicle that creates charisma the way Jeep does. Because of its history, it appeals to our patriotism. The simple, classic lines are immediately recognizable and not able to be replicated.
What's more, there is camaraderie among jeep owners. When you own a jeep you are part of an elite club of people-a brotherhood-who understand that Jeepin is more than a hobby, it's a way of life. There is a vast array of jeep clubs, websites, and forums where you can go to talk about jeeps, get advice and a further understanding of Jeep history, information about parts and building, as well as to share the joy of just owning a jeep. Fellow Jeep owners appreciate the exhilaration and freedom that comes from hitting the road with the top down, headed for a trail or taking a road trip. They understand what it's like to enjoy the vehicle for what it is; pure unadulterated FUN.
Fun, dependability, low cost with high performance, the ability to blow the competition out of the water, and a history that makes Jeep owners proud are some of the reasons that Jeeps have a near cult status in the world of vehicles. So, why should you own a jeep? The question should be: why would you own anything else?
Author: Crys Wilson | 
27th March 2013, 13:14
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