Thunderbird Military 125cc Mini Jeep Sport - Free Shipping, Fully Assembled, Tested

This thing is so fun and so fast it will leave you smiling ear to ear. Everywhere I go this jeep gets so much attention I couldn't be happier with my purchase!

So far I am very pleased with the 125cc Mini-Jeep. I read lots of reviews prior to purchasing, so I knew to expect potential issues, and there were a few. This is not a product for someone who wants a ready to drive, perfect vehicle, or who has no mechanical skills. The jeep took three weeks to arrive, shipped across country, the truckers called to arrange delivery and moved crate into my garage. One corner of the crate had damage, but the vehicle was fine – there were loose parts inside the crate (I bought the unassembled version), but in the end I was only missing one nut for a shock absorber, which I replaced at an auto parts store. Assembly instructions were included, but pretty much useless. Actual assembly was easy for anyone who is mechanically inclined. Biggest issue was that the tires came deflated (to fit in the crate better) and separated from the bead, so you can’t just add air. Following instructions from YouTube videos, I used a ratchet strap, removed the valve stem, and got them inflated. The parking brake wire rubs against a frame member, which could cause long term problems, I put some grease on it for now. It doesn’t like to cold start, I adjusted the idle speed up to spec, which helped, but the fuel/air is not adjustable (EPA regs) so I use a quick spray of starter fluid to the outside of the air cleaner and it starts easy. I suspect the hard starting is a result of the long fuel supply hose because of the rear engine. I selected this model because I wanted the rear engine, it puts the exhaust behind you and shortens the drive chain. But it makes the engine a pain to access. Checking or adding oil is an under the vehicle operation. Accessing the engine compartment requires multiple screws which are difficult to put back (can’t access the back to get the nuts back on) so I switched to Velcro. The front and rear lights are cheap incandescent, switching to LED increased light output and reduced electrical use. The rear light assemblies have to be removed to change bulbs, and the top nut cannot be replaced because there is no access – I drilled a hole in the backside fiberglass for access and used a grommet plug to seal it. The Jeep came with a 6amp SLA battery, arrived with a charge and works good. Battery access is also underneath and not easy. My jeep arrived with a non functioning speedometer – I didn’t bother asking for a replacement since it was K/PH, I just replaced it with a GPS speedometer. The windshield mounts were misaligned by about ½”, I had to use some force to bend them into alignment. One of the wheel hub mounts had a slight shake, so I tightened the castle nut one notch. It took me a while to find the VIN, it’s on the frame behind the driver’s side front wheel. I ordered the MCO/Title through Orion and was pleasantly surprised that it arrived in a week with no issues. I was able to get the jeep licensed for street use in my state. It drives well, is quieter than a lawn mower but noisier than a car. It vibrates pretty good at full speed. I added a cheap winch to the front bumper, which makes loading up the ramps into my shortbed pickup very easy. It came with Army decals which you can put on. Overall, it was better than I expected, with some minor issues. Good price and fun to drive.

So far I am very pleased with the 125cc Mini-Jeep. I read lots of reviews prior to purchasing, so I knew to expect potential issues, and there were a few. This is not a product for someone who wants a ready to drive, perfect vehicle, or who has no mechanical skills. The jeep took three weeks to arrive, shipped across country, the truckers called to arrange delivery and moved crate into my garage. One corner of the crate had damage, but the vehicle was fine – there were loose parts inside the crate (I bought the unassembled version), but in the end I was only missing one nut for a shock absorber, which I replaced at an auto parts store. Assembly instructions were included, but pretty much useless. Actual assembly was easy for anyone who is mechanically inclined. Biggest issue was that the tires came deflated (to fit in the crate better) and separated from the bead, so you can’t just add air. Following instructions from YouTube videos, I used a ratchet strap, removed the valve stem, and got them inflated. The parking brake wire rubs against a frame member, which could cause long term problems, I put some grease on it for now. It doesn’t like to cold start, I adjusted the idle speed up to spec, which helped, but the fuel/air is not adjustable (EPA regs) so I use a quick spray of starter fluid to the outside of the air cleaner and it starts easy. I suspect the hard starting is a result of the long fuel supply hose because of the rear engine. I selected this model because I wanted the rear engine, it puts the exhaust behind you and shortens the drive chain. But it makes the engine a pain to access. Checking or adding oil is an under the vehicle operation. Accessing the engine compartment requires multiple screws which are difficult to put back (can’t access the back to get the nuts back on) so I switched to Velcro. The front and rear lights are cheap incandescent, switching to LED increased light output and reduced electrical use. The rear light assemblies have to be removed to change bulbs, and the top nut cannot be replaced because there is no access – I drilled a hole in the backside fiberglass for access and used a grommet plug to seal it. The Jeep came with a 6amp SLA battery, arrived with a charge and works good. Battery access is also underneath and not easy. My jeep arrived with a non functioning speedometer – I didn’t bother asking for a replacement since it was K/PH, I just replaced it with a GPS speedometer. The windshield mounts were misaligned by about ½”, I had to use some force to bend them into alignment. One of the wheel hub mounts had a slight shake, so I tightened the castle nut one notch. It took me a while to find the VIN, it’s on the frame behind the driver’s side front wheel. I ordered the MCO/Title through Orion and was pleasantly surprised that it arrived in a week with no issues. I was able to get the jeep licensed for street use in my state. It drives well, is quieter than a lawn mower but noisier than a car. It vibrates pretty good at full speed. I added a cheap winch to the front bumper, which makes loading up the ramps into my shortbed pickup very easy. It came with Army decals which you can put on. Overall, it was better than I expected, with some minor issues. Good price and fun to drive.