Contemplating purchasing a 2011 Rubicon
- Thread starter 87GMCJimmy
- Start date
I did the Hemi after experiencing my wife's auto Rubicon Unlimited. Still the 3.8 ain't so bad! I just wanted more power for the long rides in mine (turned out that while the Hemi sure does offer more power, the really important improvement was going to the five speed 545rfe.) With the Hemi and AEV's suspension it now a truly capable off road vehicle but also a real road warrior too.
Re the PentaStar - THE ENGINE IN THE JK WILL PUT OUT 260HP and not 280-300hp!
But with a five speed auto tranny, even the 3.8's drivability would be VASTLY improved. The real improvement will be the 5 speed tranny.
JPK
Re the PentaStar - THE ENGINE IN THE JK WILL PUT OUT 260HP and not 280-300hp!
But with a five speed auto tranny, even the 3.8's drivability would be VASTLY improved. The real improvement will be the 5 speed tranny.
JPK
ExpoMike
Well-known member
Not that it really matters to me but your comment about "having" to buy one now because your "fiancee has a big list of improvements" after you get married. Well, you either budget for that $500/month car payment, regardless of when it starts OR after you get married, you're not going to have the money for those improvements anyways.
You either have the money to budget the car payment AND home improvements OR you really only have enough for one or the other. Telling the new wife, sorry honey, we can't do the improvements because we have a new car payment isn't going to win you any points.
Next question would be, why can't you start any home improvements now but have to wait until you're married?
Good luck on you decision and best wishes on your upcoming marriage.
You either have the money to budget the car payment AND home improvements OR you really only have enough for one or the other. Telling the new wife, sorry honey, we can't do the improvements because we have a new car payment isn't going to win you any points.
Next question would be, why can't you start any home improvements now but have to wait until you're married?
Good luck on you decision and best wishes on your upcoming marriage.
Slothrop
Explorer
I'd wait. Not for the power, but for the fuel economy increase. I have an 08 JK Rubicon. I love it, and wouldn't trade it for anything (except one just like it with a diesel). That said, while the 3.8 is an adequate engine for the vehicle, it gets miserable fuel economy for its size and power output. If you have a chance for better power AND better fuel economy, do it.
I agree with the comment about the feasibility of home improvements, too. It sounds like you can't afford to do both so you'd do yourself a favor by having that discussion now. Just sayin'... :ylsmoke:
I agree with the comment about the feasibility of home improvements, too. It sounds like you can't afford to do both so you'd do yourself a favor by having that discussion now. Just sayin'... :ylsmoke:
Hilldweller
SE Expedition Society
I recently traded my '08 JK Sahara for an '11 Power Wagon because of the lack of engine on the Jeep.
It was an autotrans, 4.56 gears, 2.5" lift, 33" tires on 16" wheels.
I loved the Jeep but also towed a trailer. The reality is that only about 140 ponies out of the initial 202 make it to the ground; there's a similar loss of torque.
It behaves fine offroad unless you're loaded. 4 passengers in a JKU Rubi on a bad hill will overheat the transmission of an autobox; count on it. I overheated my trans several times.
The 3.8L is a mediocre engine and the autotrans makes it terrible.
I had almost 80,000 great miles with it but it had to go when I got the new trailer.
for this
It was an autotrans, 4.56 gears, 2.5" lift, 33" tires on 16" wheels.
I loved the Jeep but also towed a trailer. The reality is that only about 140 ponies out of the initial 202 make it to the ground; there's a similar loss of torque.
It behaves fine offroad unless you're loaded. 4 passengers in a JKU Rubi on a bad hill will overheat the transmission of an autobox; count on it. I overheated my trans several times.
The 3.8L is a mediocre engine and the autotrans makes it terrible.
I had almost 80,000 great miles with it but it had to go when I got the new trailer.
for this
meatblanket
Adventurer
:clapsmile
I hope the pentastar lives up to all the hype. I like my 11 with the 3.8 mini van engine. My second JK. It's slow but it's got decades of history and dirt simple. The 3.6 is "newish" and far more complicated. I don't see MPG getting much better. Engine may be de-tuned for the Wrangler. The power will probably be a little better but it's not a hemi killer!
87GMCJimmy
Adventurer
Thanks for all the input y'all!!!
I decided to go for it! :smiley_drive:
I drove it around all day today and I am satisfied with the power and the 4 speed auto. It's no powerhouse but, it scoots around okay.
The fiancee absolutely loves it, we just spent like an hour in the driveway looking at all the functions on it!
I think I can live with the payments- Got it for $304 a month!
Got a $500 discount on any Mopar accessory so, I ordered a winch bumper! (should be here in a couple weeks) :elkgrin:
I decided to go for it! :smiley_drive:
I drove it around all day today and I am satisfied with the power and the 4 speed auto. It's no powerhouse but, it scoots around okay.
The fiancee absolutely loves it, we just spent like an hour in the driveway looking at all the functions on it!
I think I can live with the payments- Got it for $304 a month!
Got a $500 discount on any Mopar accessory so, I ordered a winch bumper! (should be here in a couple weeks) :elkgrin:
87GMCJimmy
Adventurer
I recently traded my '08 JK Sahara for an '11 Power Wagon because of the lack of engine on the Jeep.
It was an autotrans, 4.56 gears, 2.5" lift, 33" tires on 16" wheels.
I loved the Jeep but also towed a trailer. The reality is that only about 140 ponies out of the initial 202 make it to the ground; there's a similar loss of torque.
It behaves fine offroad unless you're loaded. 4 passengers in a JKU Rubi on a bad hill will overheat the transmission of an autobox; count on it. I overheated my trans several times.
The 3.8L is a mediocre engine and the autotrans makes it terrible.
I had almost 80,000 great miles with it but it had to go when I got the new trailer.
for this
Nice vehicles on both counts!!! Were you having the overheating problems with or without the trailer?
Ryanc
SE Expedition Society
Welcome to the club:wings:
Bigjerm
SE Expedition Society
There have been a few reports of stock 4 doors with auto trans over heating and catching fire. At the time I was keeping up with it all I think there were 4. Over heating sounds like a common issue. That being said no issues when I had a2 door JK with 35's and auto trans.
87GMCJimmy
Adventurer
Thank you sir, I think it is gonna be a lot of fun!!!! :wings: Have you got pics of yours up on here?
Umm, YIKES!!! :yikes: I will definitely be mounting a fire extinguisher and keeping an eye on the gauges, thanks for the heads up! What gearing did you have for the 35's? I am planning on a 2" lift and 35's sometime soon.
So, here's a (totally stock) first pic of it in my driveway before I bought it:
I have an 09 2 DR Rubi... You will be amazed with the out of the box off-roading. Enjoy.