Guide Me - JKUR for Expo Use

goofiefoot

Adventurer
I've been researching JKs for a while now, and I am set on getting one as my next vehicle. I'm looking for information here on what I should be looking for, specifically for distance traveling, camping, and seeing sights off the beaten path. We owned a 2001 Xterra for over 10 years, and took it all over the country. I've regretted selling it ever since, and looking at my options, the JKU Rubicon is ticking all the boxes.

My main concern is longevity, as I want to hold on to my next vehicle for as long as possible without having to worry about constant maintenance and problems. I am considering either new or used, so I know I have 2 engines to deal with.

For my use, if I did go with the older 3.8, I would certainly go with a manual transmission. I know these engines can consume oil at an alarming rate, and I know the manual tranny can have issues with popping out of gear, and that this varies greatly from jeep to jeep. In looking at a 07-11, at what point should I be concerned with mileage? 50k? 100k? We don't put a ton of mileage on our vehicles (currently less than 15k/year), but I want to feel comfortable taking an out-of-state trip with some off-road driving. We're not looking at rock-crawling, just seeing the sights and getting off pavement. What should I look for and/or avoid with this model range? Is this a good option for a long-term vehicle relationship?

For the 12-13 (14?), 3.6 variant, I'm fine with either engine/tranny combo. I know the 12 models had some head issues, but it sounds like most of that was resolved. Any other issues I should consider if choosing a newer model? Looking at current resale values, it looks like I'm better off just buying a new one if I went with this option, since you don't see many selling for much less than new prices anyway. Maybe I can find a good deal if I keep my eye open. My other questions for the earlier models apply here as well.

My thoughts for upgrading the Jeep itself really depend on what I end up getting. My main "wants" would be a winch/bumper setup, rock rails that could be a step for my wife and daughter, roof rack for storage and kayak transport, and some off-road lighting. If I bought a brand new model, I probably wouldn't do any major upgrades right away, as the capabilities would be fine for my intended purposes, and I wouldn't want to mess with any warranty issues. However, if I considered a older model, I might target one with some modifications to save the initial price hit. Any add-ons would be as-needed for my travel requirements. My Xterra ended up pretty heavy with everything I carried with me on a daily basis, so I would want to organize my daily-carry vs. travel supplies.

From here, I look to the Expo community for any advice, experience, and thoughts. I want to get this right the first time, so it is all greatly appreciated.
 

sseaman

Adventurer
If your biggest concern is longevity and potential repairs you may want to look at Toyota/Lexus products, if you want the added benefit of taking the top and or doors off then you won't regret getting a Jeep. I think either engine tranny combo is fine, make sure you know if you want a manual or an auto before buying, and as with any vehicle higher mileage typically isn't a big deal if routine maintenance was taken care of by the PO.
 

TravelTacoma

Observer
JKUR

I have only owned 4x4s my entire life and I currently drive a JK Unlimited, so I'm going to weigh in on this topic. I loved my 2009 Tacoma DC 4x4, and my 2004 Rubicon, and even my Isuzu Rodeo(!), but my relationship with my 2010 JK is a bit of a love-and-hate one. You see, much like yourself, I use the vehicle for offroad exploration and traveling, with some sporadic technical trail use periodically. From three years of owning this Jeep I have made some of the following observations:
  • Trail capability is very good, especially after minor upgrades
  • Ride is fairly rough, but curable with an AEV lift
  • Aftermarket support is overwhelming
  • Gas mileage and power is only sufficient in stock format
  • My Jeep doesn't pull my Chaser well at all with the stock engine and an automatic, even though I run 4.88 gears
  • The vehicle is very modification friendly, and you can work on it by yourself easily


Now, depending on your tolerance for a thirsty, underpowered vehicle I think you could live with a Jeep like mine but that you could probably do better by going with a 4-Runner or newer Jeep with the 3.6L. I would, however, like to note for the sake of fairness that the Jeep has been across country several times, done semi-hardcore trails, made it down notable overland routes like the White Rim Trail loaded down with four people and gear, and done these things without ANY mechanical issues. It has never let me down in that aspect. Having said that I am quite anal about preventative and scheduled maintenance and the Jeep currently has around 65K miles on the odometer. I still have the Jeep and may end up keeping it for several more years, despite my gripes so keep that in mind as well. You can live with them if you are willing to sacrifice practicality for trail capability and reliability. If you have any other questions feel free to PM me. Good luck on your search.
 

goofiefoot

Adventurer
Thanks, y'all!

I have driven several of each engine in the Jeep, with both transmissions, which is why I'm set on getting one. Having come from a 2001 Xterra, I know all about thirsty, underpowered vehicles, but it is the aftermarket support and SFA setup that propels me toward the Jeep, rather than another Nissan or Toyota. I currently own a 2007 F150 4x4 that provides my towing and carrying capabilities, so my main focus with the JK is travel (and looking cool - that's important, too).

I'd love more information on what to look for in buying a used JK, what limitations I should put on my search, and more personal experiences. I'm really itching to get back in the game, and I know I will be happy with any Jeep, but I want to get just the right one.
 

jktowhere

Observer
I have a 04 xterra and a 12 jku. I swear I'm always breaking something on the xterra from just being a dd. I look at it and love the look but underpowered is a understatement. I was torn between a fzj80 or jku. I still wonder some times of the 80 was the way to go. I love the jeep but at times I have had more faith in cruisers. Just really depends. I'm travel/expo style.
 

schmugboy

Observer
Agree with comments from kaisen and traveltacoma. So what I'll add is stay with newer engine, if you want to decide what goes on your jeep, buy stock new or used, otherwise you might find one with a few modifications. Finally, if you have money to burn find the nearest AEV jeep dealership near you and order what you want.
 

redthies

Renaissance Redneck
I don't think I'll ever understand the constant obsession with speed/power. It's a JEEP for #¥%& sake!!! If you want a sports car, BUY ONE! My 11 JKUR won't win any races, but it wasn't designed to. I've driven older Xterras, older JKURs, new JKURS. Autos and manuals. I like my 11 with 3.8 and auto. It has been dead reliable, and gets decent mileage for a double locked factory off-roader.
The advice to look for a left over 13 is sound. I saved $10k off list by buying my 11 when the 12s were rumoured to be coming soon with a new engine. You might not get that good a deal as there will be less changes, but you should still get a better deal as they try to clear out the 13s.
 

shays4me

Willing Wanderer
If Toyota would build a true FJ land cruiser similar to the Jeep JKU I think there'd be a whole lot less Jeeps on the road! I love my Jk, but Toyota takes the cake in real live all around the world reliability! While I love their reliability, they don't have anything that compares to the JKUR in the U.S. I drove the early model JKUR (I think it was in 08) and walked away thinking it was gutless. I did the same thing a month ago in a 13 and ended up buying an auto version a week later. With the low depreciation of the JKU's, the new warrantied unit only makes sense. I absolutely love mine............Now if I could only swing some bumpers and a lift....
 

tuff guy

Observer
What's with all the wranglers are unreliable comments, they are pretty damn tough and don't really require much maintenance. Sounds like Toyota fanboy comments to me. For the op: My '11 is a little slow and gets bad mileage but so does every other 4x4. If you can swing it, I would try and get a deal n a 2013.
 

shays4me

Willing Wanderer
What's with all the wranglers are unreliable comments, they are pretty damn tough and don't really require much maintenance. Sounds like Toyota fanboy comments to me.
I didn't exactly say that Jeeps are unreliable, and I am a true Jeep fan. I've owned a Wagoneer, CJ3a, CJ5, three CJ7's, CJ8, YJ, and a JKUR. My family members and close friends all have Jeeps as well. I couldn't dream of trying to live without a Jeep in the driveway (how would you) and there's always been one there except for two years of my driving life. I will admit to being a toyota fan though. I've never owned a toyota 4x4, but you have to respect the competition. They build great trucks.
 

rolando

Observer
I agree with what some of the previous folks said - and having had a YJ for 200k/8 years back in the '90s, and a 2011 JKU for 44k now might give me some credibility - a 3.8l engine is quite good for the JKU. I have a manual and we towed a teardrop trailer and a family of four on a 3 week, 6200 mile road rip, that brought us from Virginia to Utah/Nevada/Arizona and back, without any problems.

In the 44k of the JKUs life I had no major problems and just did the regular fluid changes :) From a comfort perspective the JKU is pretty comfortable and has many little things that make life in a Jeep easier without giving up the characteristics that make a Jeep.

So long story short - if you get a JKU you won't be disappointed. It is a great and reliable vehicle which will give you a lot of fun.

cadillacranch.jpg jeepandteardrop.jpg
 
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goofiefoot

Adventurer
Thanks to you all for the input!

So, a little update. I am in full Jeep-purchase mode. I made an offer on what would be an ideal Jeep for me (on this forum), but unfortunately there was a local buyer that beat me to it (crying in my beer over this one). Now that I have my wife fully on-board, I'm searching high and low.

Here are my wants and needs:

2007+ JKU Rubicon with manual tranny
under 100k miles, the more-under, the better
hard top
power group (yeah, yeah, I'm spoiled)
not black, not red tones - lighter colors are better - white, silver, tan (love the tan!)
slight modifications are very welcome - the Jeep I made an offer on was pretty much set up exactly like I'd do myself - lift, bumpers, winch, but I'm not looking for a complete rock-breaking beast
single owner, or at least all maintenance records
all for under $24k

I've considered all my options, and I just can't bring myself to spend more than I can readily pay cash on. I realize I'm picky, and that the search may take some time, but I am willing to travel and be patient. I do want to be ready, though, in case something pops up. I've done daily nationwide searches on craigslist, cars.com, autotrader, most of the main Jeep forums, and eBay. Any other suggestions for searching would be helpful. I know there's one out there for me, I just have to find it.
 

Septu

Explorer
I don't think I'll ever understand the constant obsession with speed/power. It's a JEEP for #¥%& sake!!! If you want a sports car, BUY ONE! My 11 JKUR won't win any races, but it wasn't designed to.

I've owned both. It's not a matter of speed... just drive-ability. Not being able to pass because you don't have the power? Or keeping near the speed limit going up hills? Or just merging with traffic? The only way I'd own a pre 12 model now is if I'd planned on doing an engine swap to a 5.3/5.7L. Now I'll be the first to admit that my 07 wasn't geared right (which has a huge impact). But I still wouldn't go back to one if I had to keep the stock engine.
 

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