It's a Jeep Thing!!

Its been a year, since I got my Jeep, Arohak!

You know how it is when it comes to buying a home, a vehicle, switching jobs, higher education, vacations etc.. all of these, attracts attention and people around you start throwing their advice on your table. I have always stayed away from discussing my interests with people around me. My attitude has always been to update them with my decision, and not to involve in decision making as much; whether friends or family.

When I was looking for a jeep, I still had friends pick up the topic and be like; "Why Jeep?", "No Mileage", "High Maintenance", "Very Rough", "For same price, you will get a better car"..etc..etc.. I just smiled.

And bought a 2015 New Jeep Wrangler Sport; 2 Door; Hard top; Sunset orange color (Well, being in Denver, home of Broncos).

My mom was kind of mad at me; she was worried because she felt Jeep was less safer compared to other luxury cars.

I did not own a car all this while in USA; reason being; I wanted my first vehicle to be my dream vehicle. I never wrote my experience about it; but a conversation in office last week, made me write this piece.

Few colleagues started a conversation last week; saying that I could trade in Jeep for a Acura or an Audi. And I for some reason reacted this time. I said I never touched the steering wheel of Audis or BMWs or Mercedes or Civics (Honda) or Corollas Camrys (Toyota) or Altimas Sentras (Nissan). I was deliberate in mentioning these makes; since every Indian abroad picks up one of these; either because of technical aspects like resale value/mileage/luxury etc... or just to flaunt their status. But by saying this I am in no way demeaning these cars or owners of these cars. It is what they want. However, it's not implicit that those would be my choices too.

Yes, Jeep is not like these cars. It's rough, hell rough. It took me months to get that steering wheel loosened up. I bounce off my seat even when I drive into the driveway through those speed bumps. A fancy dress or skirt doesn't make it from the wardrobe to Jeep; makes it hard to climb the Jeep. The pickup of the vehicle is slow. Mileage is low. Long drives makes my shoulders ache.

But what you don't understand is; Jeep cannot be compared. You either own a Jeep or not. Jeep is an attitude. Jeep is not bought for mileages or luxury; it's not bought to make status statements in corporate parties or family functions. And by Jeep I mean core Jeep like Rubicon, Wrangler, Sahara, TJ, YJ, CJ, Willys etc...; not the Cherokee, Patriot, Compass or Renegade.

You can't compare apples, oranges, peaches etc... to a Jackfruit; that's all!

Jeep is all about one's character. You won't understand it; and I am totally fine with it. But next time, don't try to sell your car to any hardcore Jeep owner. Just as - you won't understand Jeep, we won't understand your cars.

I love every second I spend with my Jeep. It's an ego, it's the way I look at life, it's me; and that cannot be traded for anything in this world. It's a Jeep thing.

-Sarita
Dated - 3rd January 2017

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