Folks, get real with all the anger about a stock new Jeep being able to take an unlimited amount of mud and water and get it repaired under warranty. It just hasn't been made.
To the best of my knowledge Jeep hasn't made a civilian, non-modified, regular order, dealer stock, Jeep that would take water and mud to the point it got to major engine systems and components, like the electrics. At least not since 1960. Maybe before then.
My my neighbor is a Jeep and automotive nut who owns a marina and an old jeep. Its at least 65 years old. He uses it as a work vehicle that gets dunked into a clean water lake to 3 feet every day all summer pulling small boats around. He had to make many modifications to water proof the engine. He marinizing the electrics, starter, moved the battery, installed a snorkel. I don't recall Jeep ever selling a regular stock civilian vehicle that could do this.
As for Jeep Wrangler costing $50,000? That's the top model and its a 4 door. A basic off-roading 2 door like the CJ built "back in the day", will set you back $32,000 MSPR. It has 4WD, a 6 cylinder engine and a 6 speed manual. Unlike the 1960 CJ it can keep up with traffic. The top theoretical speed on a early 1960s CJ was 68 MPH. It was a 4 banger with a 3 speed, and no upgrade options. A 6 banger with a 4 speed wasn't even an option until the mid 60s. No radio until 1973. But you could get a Power Take Off for your farm equipment in 1960, AMC seems to have put an end to that. Power steering and brakes weren't options until the late 60s. AMC made a 6 banger standard for a while... and you could get a V8 too.... now that would be my kind of Jeep.
One thing for sure, the new one is more expensive. The CJ cost $1979 in 1960. Inflated to 2021 price: $17,500, considerably less than the $31,000 Jeep charges today. So there is that!
