Trade VW Jetta for Jeep Wrangler?

So in a year I am starting a traveling nursing job, with the first stop being alaska. And I just found out that my folks are moving to New Orleans and getting rid of their stuff.

They offered to trade me my 2000 VW Jetta VR6 for their 1998 Wrangler Sport. Both have the same mileage and are worth about the same, the Jeep just seems more reliable. I have dropped 2 grand into the jetta in the last 15 months to keep it going.

Should I trade?

Thanks guys. Not sure where in Alaska yet but probably the southern portion.
The jeep has a hard top and soft top. I plan on replacing the speakers and the soft top and really thats about it for now. I love the jetta and it is fast and rides smooth as silk but its a real pain to get repaired...

Depends on where in Alaska you are going. Wranglers are NOT good vehicles here...there heaters are lousy and unless you have the hardtop you will freeze in the winter. Secondly, Wranglers are more prone to rollovers and the roads in the winter are crap up here. Unfortunately, your Jetta will also not fair well unless you are in the southern part of the state as they do not get along well in the cold. I have been involved with VW since 1989 and I would NOT own a VW in the interior of Alaska...too many cold weather electrical problems!!

HELL YES!!!! The Jeep will be much more fun, and is basically a solid as a rock. Plus if you ever decide to sell the Jeep, the resale is very high. And you can customize it in a myriad of different ways.

In my opinion, the Wrangler is a better choice for Alaska. However I hope that it has a hard top, or that you can afford to get one. The canvas top is miserable in cold weather. Hard to heat and keep defrosted. The 98 Jeep is a little long in the tooth for reliability, even with moderate use you can expect some repairs to be needed over the next few years. There are plenty of good Jeep mechanics in Alaska though.

A v-dub for a jeep



Hell yea - jump on that deal