Hi Jasman, history would show that I have been very pro Jeep for the last 13 years, and agree value for money, driveability, economy, and comfort, the WK2 is one of the best.
I have just sold mine after 2&1/2years and was somewhat sad to see it go. The resale value is fantastic btw.
Here's the reasons why I chose to not continue.
1-Jeep customer service at a national level. I was part of the infamous 'what, no front recovery points era'. Their attitude was appaling to anyone that's not a soccer mum. I continue to see and read of this attitude.
Having said that, the team at my local dealer - Northern Motor Group, were nothing but professional.
2-the availability of aftermarket products one would expect for even the grey nomad scene was too slow to support.
3 - I'm all about planning a lap of the map (and I'm not talking about Tasmania, too old for that now), and the horror service stories that I have read on the Ausjeepoffroad forum about service knowledge and availability outside of major cities, left me no confidence that I would not get stuck in uppacumbucka west for a month waiting for parts.
3 - at my 50k service, the transfer case oil was due to be changed, as the oil drained out, several teeth off the drive chain cogs dropped out of the drain hole. Under warranty an entire new transfer case was fitted.
4 - The DPF issue, while not prevalent and yes an issue in many new diesels, is about to become real for many city owners that don't give it a good long regular run. While it was never an issue for mine, once the trouble begins, resale value will plummet as is the history with many Jeeps.
Btw, one of my neighbours is a man by the name of Allan Gray who knows a little bit about this area.
So, yes agree, the WK2 and for me the KJ before that were both excellent 4wd's and both have gone to very happy owners, but my Jeep journey is over, and have done so while the memories are good.
Edit : there was one special moment where I had an infamous myswag'r ride in the front passenger seat that will go down in the anys of history, but He's sworn me to secrecy:-)