monkeyplunger
Observer
My $.02 worth. I had 2010 JKUR auto. I loved it, except when I towed our Sierra 4x4 trailer. As others stated the 3.8 l is a proven and will last a long time. However the gearing was very poor. With the 4 spd auto it was terrible in the mountains and pulling the off road trailer. I could have re geared the axles, but that 4 speed is just not a good match. The manual with a regear would be tolerable but not optimal. When I towed the off road trailer and drove about 65-70 I would at best get 14mpg. When towing 4 gear was basically useless. At a slight headwind or grade it would go into 3 rd. I always felt there should haveg been one more gear between 3 rd and 4 th. if you look at the ratios of the manual you basically get that. Other than that I really did love the damn thing.
Recently I purchased. 2013 JKUR with an auto and installed the AEV 2.5" lift. I did get it with all the bells and whistles. The new engine and transmission is much nicer. The autos stick shifting or whatever you call it makes driving with the trailer in the mountains much more enjoyable. You can easily downshift in anticipation of hills/grades. The 2013 towing the off road trailer is a night and day difference. I went on a trip to Moab driving 191 the whole way and with a fully loaded trailer which included all of my Mt bikes, extra fuel, lots of water, and the rest of our equipment I averaged 16.5 mpg while being able to drive 65-75. The extra power and ability to shift easier made the trip more enjoyable.
The new interior with leather seats is also a nice improvement. We felt very comfortable and didn't feel beat up as we used to with our 2006 LJ.
In short I recommend a new JK with the 3.6 with either manual or auto. If you decide on used JK I would avoid the auto and get the manual with at least with 4.10, but would still consider going with 4.56 or 4.88 gears.
Good luck with your search. Either way you will have fun with your jeep.
Recently I purchased. 2013 JKUR with an auto and installed the AEV 2.5" lift. I did get it with all the bells and whistles. The new engine and transmission is much nicer. The autos stick shifting or whatever you call it makes driving with the trailer in the mountains much more enjoyable. You can easily downshift in anticipation of hills/grades. The 2013 towing the off road trailer is a night and day difference. I went on a trip to Moab driving 191 the whole way and with a fully loaded trailer which included all of my Mt bikes, extra fuel, lots of water, and the rest of our equipment I averaged 16.5 mpg while being able to drive 65-75. The extra power and ability to shift easier made the trip more enjoyable.
The new interior with leather seats is also a nice improvement. We felt very comfortable and didn't feel beat up as we used to with our 2006 LJ.
In short I recommend a new JK with the 3.6 with either manual or auto. If you decide on used JK I would avoid the auto and get the manual with at least with 4.10, but would still consider going with 4.56 or 4.88 gears.
Good luck with your search. Either way you will have fun with your jeep.
