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Jeeps are good at retaining value, and it sounds like you enjoy driving it even when the weather isn't bad. If I were you, I'd hold on to it. Every car has downsides. We got a 2015 Forester to replace our 2003 Tracker, and I love the additional ~8 MPG we're getting over the Tracker in mixed driving (26 vs. 18), even though I think the Forester is ugly as hell and cost too much.
Life is too short to drive a POS car! If you like the Wrangler, drive it until it starts being unreliable.
If you want a nice AWD highway cruiser, get a 2013 Taurus SHO. I average 23MPG in mine and it's a dream on my 50 mile commute each day. A tune away from over 425HP.
Personally, I'm looking for a 2012+ Wrangler or a 2008 Corvette for under $30K as a garage/weekend toy. Yeah, two completely different cars but both appeal to me in different ways. I don't want to put more than 5k miles a year on it. Just a fun weekend cruiser to explore around in and keep it looking new. Depreciation is minimal on both. The Corvette can get 30MPG highway, so that's a winner for weekend getaways. Plus the sweet sound of a V8 with headers and a Corsa catback. Yeah, I'm leaning 90% towards the Corvette as I type this!
Thanks everyone for the responses. My previous vehicle was a 2012 Charger R/T Plus AWD that was totaled in an accident with a drunk driver. It was a fun car, great highway cruiser, but even with AWD I needed snow tires badly (which I had anticipated). I don't think it would have been as solid as the Jeep during some of the bad weather I've encountered over the past year.
I had always wanted a Wrangler and was pretty sure I made the right decision for my own personal preferences as well as the reality of my driving situation. In the back of my mind I was thinking about the Legacy as CloudReader mentioned, but I couldn't give up the fun factor of the Jeep. Luckily my insurance check was much higher than what I paid for the Charger so I got a 2 year loan and put extra cash down to keep my payment low (with a 2.99 APR).
And Poker Munkee, I would look at a 2013 Wrangler, the 2012's had some cylinder head problems that don't show up right away and this issue was completely addressed for the 2013 model year. Any with issues were covered under warranty, but I'd just go with a 2013 to be safe. Plenty of info out there on the forums.
Again, thanks everyone. Now I'm 100% sure I will keep it.
I have a similar situation. I have an 80 mile round trip. I love not having a car payment. My daily ride is a 2002 Toyota Solara. Decent mileage, fun to drive and reliable. My haul things, tow things, bad weather ride is a 2000 Silverado 2500 pickup.
OP, if you're commuting that many miles a year you also have to consider your safety. I'd trade the gas saving for the safer ride, personally. JMHO YMMV.
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