Would you buy this pristine Jeep Wrangler for big bucks?

Collector's Jeep

If you're shopping for a new or used vehicle today, you've probably seen your share of high prices, difficult negotiations, and hard times finding the right color and options for the vehicle you want. All of that, and we haven't even touched the world of collectors cars, auctions, or the ever-raging RAD-era vehicle prices.

This 9,000-mile 1993 Jeep Wrangler Sahara touches all three marks, so it's not surprising to see its Bring a Trailer auction price climbing. The $30,000-plus closing price is hard to swallow, but to be fair, the Jeep looks new in all the ways that count, and its tan-on-green color scheme is an attractive one for such a boxy vehicle.

If you didn't believe that people buy cars with their hearts instead of their brains, this is your proof. NADA says that the 1993 Jeep Wrangler's MSRP was just shy of $14,000. Even if we take a generous estimate that someone paid $15,000 for a 1993 Wrangler with options, that's still just $28,475 in today's money. It's also almost $4,000 less after inflation than the auction's closing price of $32,250. Bidding heated up in the closing moments, driving the price up by around $2,000.

It'd be unfair to poo-poo people for spending their money on what they want, but it's clear that the average enthusiast is priced out of the market for many vehicles. There are gems and junkyard-restoration opportunities, but the days of picking up a cheap car to beat on and enjoy are numbered. The pandemic and microchip shortages are partly to blame and are both temporary problems – hopefully – so there's a chance we could return to a normal state at some point. For now, let's just hope that the people buying these low-mileage vehicles get them out and drive then.

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Photo courtesy of FCA US LLC via Mopar Insiders

All signs point to the fact that the Jeepster may be making a comeback

Speculation

Stretch way back in the automobile history books and you'll reach the chapter on Willys. The short version is that the little World War II multi-terrain capable model Willys designed is the reason we have the 2020 Jeep Wrangler.

The Willys-Overland company, by then known as the Kaiser Jeep Corporation was acquired by AMC in the 1960s. AMC was purchased renamed the Jeep Eagle Corporation in 1988 and was merged with Chrysler in 1990. When Chrysler was purchased by Fiat S.p.A in 2014, the Jeep brand continued, placing us where we are today.

2021 Jeep Renegade JeepsterThe Jeepster name is an iconic part of Jeep history.Photo courtesy of FCA US LLC via Mopar Insiders

The Jeepster was originally made by Willys-Overland from 1948 to 1950, bridging the gap between the traditional Jeep for wartime and farm use and the typical passenger car of its time.

In 1966, the C-101 Jeepster Commando revived the name with a number of body styles: station wagon, convertible, pickup, and roadster. There was an available two-tone exterior and sliding rear window. By 1971, the company had removed all reference to the Jeepster name from its lineup.

Reporting by Mopar Insiders indicates that Jeep is bringing back the Jeepster name for a special edition Renegade model. How accurate the reporting is remains to be seen, but the website offers up a pretty solid list of specs that lead the AutomotiveMap team to believe it's real.

The website says that the entry-level Jeep Renegade Sport will be offered in a Jeepster special edition. Its exterior will feature 19-inch Granite painted aluminum wheels, 235/45R19 BSW all-season tires, gloss black grille rings, and Jeepster door decals. The model will come with a paint of in Colorado Red, Black or buyer's choice of three specialized colors (late availability).

Inside the crib is black cloth upholstered seating with accent color stitching, metal diamond speaker covers and vent bezels, Uconnect 4 with a 7.0-inch infotainment display, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, keyless entry, and remote start.

The models will run using the Renegade's 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that generates 180 horsepower and 175 pound-feet of torque. The engine is paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The SUV will come in front- and four-wheel drive configurations.

The website says that the Jeepster edition will add $1,895 to the sticker price of the Renegade Sport. The 2020 Jeep Renegade Jeepster is likely to start around $25,700 with the destination charge added in.

Photo courtesy of FCA US LLC

What are Jeep's Trail Rated and Desert Rated designations? Is there a difference?

Buying Guide

Jeeps often come Trail Rated. They wear a Jeep Brand Trail Rated badge that denotes a level of prowess and equipment to conquer terrain that the average SUV or truck does not have. Now, there's also Desert Rated, which debuted at the 2020 Chicago Auto Show on the 2020 Jeep Gladiator Mojave. This new badging takes the mission of tried and tested off-roading even further.

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What is Trail Rated?

Only four-wheel drive (4x4) Jeep models can earn the Trail Rated badge. But, it's only the first step. Models that earn that designation have based tests of traction, water fording, maneuvering, articulations, and ground clearance.

Harsh and unpredictable driving conditions including deep mud, loose gravel, and snow are part of the traction testing.

To assist with the water fording capability of the vehicle, Jeep seals electrical connections and body openings, and rearranges the air intake to a higher position, to protect the vehicle in several feet of water. How much water depends on the model.

The best off-roading vehicles are also agile. Jeep tests each Trail Rated model for the ability to deftly dodge obstacles. The Jeeps' wheelbases and steering are optimized for handling off-road terrain like tight switchbacks and emergency driving situation.

Trail Rated vehicles are capable of impressive articulation thanks to suspension flexibility. Achieving good articulation meal that wheels remain stable and engaged when one or more tires are off the ground.

2020 Jeep Cherokee TrailhawkAll of Jeep's vehicles are available with a Trail Rated badge.Photo courtesy of FCA US LLC

Having Trail Rated ground clearance means that a vehicle has a good amount of room between the bottom of the vehicle and the harsh terrain it will conquer. This means that the Jeep can traverse rocks, water, and logs without damaging the underside of the vehicle. The rating also means that the SUV or truck has high approach, breakover, and departure angles.

To test all of these models, Jeep takes to the Rubicon Trail. Located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains in California, the trail is 22 miles of treacherous landscape that will put any vehicle to the ultimate test. The natural off-road adventure park where the trail is located features boulders, water, and well-worn landscape.

Jeep also develops and tests its vehicles at FCA US headquarters in Michigan and beyond, including the harsh winter conditions of Northern Michigan.

What is Desert Rated?

Like Trail Rated vehicles, Jeep's Desert Rated lineup has been developed and tested in harsh conditions. To earn the Desert Rated badge the 4x4s had to pass traction, desert prowess, ride control and stability, maneuverability, and ground clearance tests.

2020 Jeep Gladiator MojaveThe Jeep Gladiator Mojave is the automaker's first model to wear a Desert Rated badge.Photo courtesy of FCA US LLC

Most of that testing is similar to Trail Rated testing, but takes place in a desert climate. Jeep's Desert Rated vehicles have been engineered to take on the intense heat, coarse sand, loose gravel, and pervasive dust that makes up desert landscape.

The first Desert Rated Jeep is the 2020 Jeep Gladiator Mojave. More vehicles that sport the badging are planned.

Photo courtesy of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V.

Three new plug-in hybrid electric Jeeps coming with "4xe" badging

New Model News

It's no secret that Jeep's parent company, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, is behind the curve when it comes to electrification of its fleet. That's something the all be helped thanks to the company's forthcoming merger with PSA Group. At CES this week, Jeep took a big step forward showing off three plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV) SUVs.

The Jeep Wrangler, Compass, and Renegade PHEVs coming down the line will all carry the new "Jeep 4xe badge". This will be the badging on all forthcoming electrified Jeep vehicles.

Jeep 4xe bagdgePHEV variants of Jeep vehicles will have unique badging.Photo courtesy of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V.

PHEVs benefit from the best of both types of fuel supply. They have a battery pack that holds a charge that usually holds around 30 miles of all-electric range. The battery pack is powered via a cord and plug outlet that can be attached to either a charging station or a household electrical outlet. Power regeneration usually comes from braking and coasting, which allows the battery to recharge without being plugged in.

The vehicles also have a hybrid component with electric motors that run on power supplied by both the battery and gasoline. That's right, there's a fuel tank in the vehicle in the traditional place, though it's usually smaller than what is in a traditional internal combustion engine vehicle.

Jeep is saying that the forthcoming production variants of these vehicles will be the "most efficient and responsible Jeep vehicles ever, providing absolute and quiet open-air freedom while taking performance, 4x4 capability and driver confidence to the next level."

When can you expect to see the models for yourself? Jeep is touting official debuts of the vehicles this year at the Geneva, New York, and Beijing auto shows. The Geneva show is the first one on the calendar, happening the first week of March.

Photo courtesy of Volvo Car Corporation

AutomotiveMap Picks: Best Two-Row SUVs for Families

Buying Advice

Familes, singletons, or empty nesters who want a high-riding vehicle but don't need seating for up to nine frequently see a two-row SUV as a good choice. These types of SUVs comes in all shapes and sizes. Some emphasize comfort and posh amenities over fuel efficiency and cargo space. Others are the opposite. They come in a wide variety of price points from sub-$20,000 to well over $80,000.

Though they often get trolled for all looking alike, there are a whole host of differences that help many of them stand out from the crowd - for the right or wrong reasons. AutomotiveMap's team has whittled down the long list to highlight their favorites below.

​2020 Mazda CX-30

2020 Mazda CX-30
  

Photo courtesy of Mazda Motor Corporation

Harvey Briggs: This one's for the drivers out there who have to bring the rest of the family with them sometimes. I love Mazda's Kodo design language in the 2020 Mazda CX-30 and this CUV has the legroom its little brother the CX-3 doesn't.

2020 Jeep Renegade

2020 Jeep Renegade
  

Photo courtesy of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V.

Jesus Garcia: Its boxy exterior design offers a cathedral of interior space while staying true to its off-road pedigree. The 2020 Jeep Renegade Trailhawk's capability off-road will surprise even the most die-hard muddin' enthusiasts.

2020 Toyota RAV4

2020 Toyota RAV4
  

Photo courtesy of Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc

Perry Stern, AutoNXT: One of the bestselling vehicles in America, the 2020 Toyota RAV4 delivers with impressive fuel economy, a spacious and comfortable interior, good off-road capability and attractive styling.

Nicole Wakelin: The 2020 Toyota RAV4 has lots of standard features, achieves good fuel economy, and earns high predicted reliability scores. There are also hybrid and plug-in hybrid models.

Chad Kirchner: The RAV4, especially the hybrid, offers all the functionality a small family needs. It has a long list of safety tech that you don't have to pay extra for and the hybrid gets stellar fuel economy numbers.

2020 Acura RDX

2020 Acura RDX
  

Photo courtesy of Acura

Eileen Falkenberg-Hull: The 2020 Acura RDX hits the nail on the head for the average two-row buyer in a number of ways. Its cabin is filled with premium materials, it has comfortable seats (with enough space in the second row for two adults to fit), and there's gobs of small item and cargo storage space. On top of that, the RDX, unlike many other SUVs, is fun to drive with engaging steering and excellent throttle response.

2020 Volvo XC60

2020 Volvo XC60
  

Photo courtesy of Volvo Car Corporation

Sue Mead: I consider the 2020 Volvo XC60 a benchmark SUV with world-class safety and mannered motoring. It has a gorgeous, quiet, and spacious interior and laudable stowage. It's refreshed upscale R-Design and new Polestar-engineered trim are powered by a robust turbocharged and supercharged engine and hybrid motor.

Photo courtesy of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V.

2020 Jeep Renegade remains family-friendly, off-roading ready

Slideshow: 2020 Jeep Renegade

The Jeep Renegade is a subcompact SUV that easily surprises with its off-road capabilities and low price tag. The model has gotten a fair amount of upgrades for the 2019 model year including three new packages, a fresh 19-inch wheel design, and an available Kenwood audio system.

This slideshow covers the 2020 Jeep Renegade Limited and 2020 Jeep Renegade Trailhawk.

2020 Jeep Renegade Limited

2020 Jeep Renegade Limited gray front grille lights wheels
  

Photo courtesy of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V.

The 2020 Jeep Renegade Limited comes standard with a turbocharged 1.3-liter four-cylinder engine under its hood. It's paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission.

2020 Jeep Renegade Trailhawk

2020 Jeep Renegade Trailhawk exterior red off road off-roading
  

Photo courtesy of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V.

The Renegade Trailhawk has Trail Rated 4x4 capability. It comes standard with Jeep Active Drive Low with improved 21.5:1 crawl ratio, 8.7 inches of ground clearance, skid plates, signature red front and rear tow hooks, up to 8.1 inches of wheel articulation, hill descent control, up to 19 inches of water fording, and up to 2,000 pounds of towing capacity.

The 2020 Jeep Renegade goes on sale in late 2019.

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Automotive Map is moving to Your Test Driver

New website

Big news! Automotive Map has moved to a new site and has changed its name to Your Test Driver. You'll notice the same format, writing style, and content on the new site. That's because Your Test Driver is run by Chris Teague, the former editor of Automotive Map. We hope to see you there for continued coverage of news, reviews, and features from around the automotive industry.

2023 Nissan Leaf pricing announced

Updated EV

Nissan is nearing the release of the Ariya, its first new EV in several years. Even so, the brand hasn't forgotten about its first mass-market EV, the Leaf. It was an early entrant in the space, and has been an efficient, affordable, commuter car for over a decade. The car got a mild facelift for 2023, with updated wheels and exterior styling accents. Today, Nissan announced pricing for the Leaf, which starts at just under $29,000.

2023 Nissan LeafThe Leaf feels lively, despite middling power numbers.Nissan

The base Leaf comes with a 40-kWh battery capable of delivering a 149-mile range. Its 110-kW electric motor produces 147 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque. The Leaf SV Plus features a 60-kWh battery for a range of 212 miles. It comes with a 160-kW motor that makes 214 horsepower and 250 pound-feet of torque. Nissan backs all Leaf models with an eight-year/100,000-mile battery warranty.

ProPilot Assist comes standard for the Leaf SV Plus, and brings a full suite of advanced driver aids that include adaptive cruise control, driver alertness features, and a surround-view monitor. All Leaf models get Nissan Safety Shield 360, which includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warnings, blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alerts, automatic high beams, and rear automatic braking.

2023 Nissan LeafThe Leaf SV Plus offers up to 212 miles of range.Nissan

The new Leaf starts at $28,895, which includes a $1,095 destination charge. The Leaf SV Plus starts at $36,895. The 2023 Nissan Leaf is on sale now, and may be eligible for federal tax credits of up to $7,500. Depending on where you live, you may also be able to receive a state tax credit or other incentives.

2022 Nissan Altima: Three things to know

Comfortable midsize sedan

The Nissan Altima may not get the attention or the praise that the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord get, but it's a solid entry in an ultra-competitive segment. It's also one of few options in its class with available all-wheel drive. We spent a week with the 2022 Nissan Altima SR Midnight Edition with AWD and came away from the experience impressed. Here are three things to know about the car.

The 2022 Nissan Altima is a Good Value

With a starting price in the mid-$20,000 range and available all-wheel drive, it's hard to complain about value here. The Altima is still reasonably priced at the top end, where it maxes out at around $35,000 before options and fees. That's a great value for a spacious, comfortable car like the Altima, and with all-wheel drive it's a great all-weather commuter.

2022 Nissan AltimaNissan offers the Altima in several configurations.Nissan

2022 Altima Interior Space and Comfort are Generous

It's easy to ignore Nissan's Zero Gravity seats as another marketing buzzword, but they are legitimately comfortable and supportive in a way that not many others are. Available leather upholstery and contrast stitching give the interior an upscale feel, but even lower trims' cloth upholstery feels nice and works well from a visual standpoint. Up front, there's room for both passengers to stretch out, and the driver won't feel cramped on leg or headroom. Back-seat passengers get a similar treatment, as there's plenty of space for adults and kids. Parents will find an easy time loading and unloading car seats as well.

2023 Nissan AltimaThe Altima gets an update for 2023 with fresh styling and more tech.Nissan

The 2023 Nissan Altima Gets an Update

Nissan is refreshing the Altima for 2023 with a facelift, new tech, and better safety features. The new car will go on sale in the fall of 2022 and will come in several trims, including one with Nissan's truck VC-Turbo engine. The Altima's most noticeable update will be its front fascia, which is all-new for 2023. Nissan gives the car a fresh grille design that varies depending on the trim, and LED headlights will be standard. Nissan Safety Shield 360 is standard, and the Altima is available with all-wheel drive, ProPilot Assist, and more.

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