JK driving impressions... Rubicon vs Sahara

[redthies]

Hi jeepers... I am a dyed in the wool Landcruiser guy, but have owned a moderately modded 05 Rubi 6 spd. (4"lift, big MTs, winch). My wife wants to trade her Tiguan in on a new Rubicon. We drove the '10 Sahara and frankly, hated it. No power and really soft minivan type ride. Is the Rubicon significantly different? I figure the difference in gearing and coils might offer a different drive. I know we should wait for the 290 hp '12, but my wife wants a good deal and I think the '11s will be easier to grind the dealers on. They will be worth less once the new engines are out (I think!). Not the smartest way to buy, but she wants out of the "cute ute" and back into a real 4x4. Too bad they didn't put the "good" motor in from day one...

Thanks for any input!

 

[The Adam Blaster]

Driving the Rubi vs. the Sahara model should definitely offer a stiffer ride, just based on te fact the tires are more aggressive and stiffer on the real offroad model.
I would really, REALLY encourage you to wait though... My buddy with an '09 JK and small 2" lift complains all the time about the lack of power in his ride.
Unless you can a screaming deal on a Rubi and put in your own lower gearing, she may not like driving it very much, especially if she has a couple extra people (added weight) on a semi-regular basis.

 

[jeffjeeptj]

I have a 2005 LJ Rubicon. I had thought about trading it for a 2011 Rubi. The sales manager at the nearby jeep dealer told me the JKs were less "Jeepy". I had told him I really liked the 02 and 05 TJ/LJ that I had/have. I cannot imagine why a sales manager would pass up an opportunity for a sale.

 

[WCDAVE]

In the interest of full disclosure, I have a 2012 unlimited on order, so take my thoughts for what they are worth. The Pentastar engine is a great piece of engineering and a welcome addition to the JK. Almost 300 horses and a wider torque range will cure the ills of the 3.8. I cannot comprehend buying a 2011 with its anemic power plant. I would have bought a Jeep sooner, but I can't afford a HEMI as part of my upgrading, so I have been waiting for almost 9 months. :Wow1: As the only 6 in the Mopar line-up it has and will continue to have a host of aftermarket products designed for it. As for being less "Jeepy", I'm not sure what to say. Was the CJ less "Jeepy" than the Willy's? The JK is a bigger truck to be sure, but one of the main complaints about TJs on back was lack of room. If it will be your wife's car and she is satisfied with the motor, then by all means, don't let me pee in your Cheerios. There is a wealth of information out there on the engine and the upcoming 2012s -- new colors, options and pricing, research and decide, but be educated. Good luck.

 

[redthies]

Thus why I mentioned my previous 05 Rubi (drove great with the straight 6 and 6spd), and my knowledge of the extra 88 ponies in the '12. I (if it were my decision), would wait for the '12. She has only had the VW a year and a bit, so in order to not be way backwards on equity we may have to grind the sales guys hard. Knowing how much the 3.8 sucks powerwise, I don't think they will deal too hard on the much anticipated Pentastar motored JKs.

I am just looking for Sahara-Rubicon comparisons in the 08-11 JKs. Thanks again!

 

[Bigjerm]

Drove both before I got the Rubi (and later got rid of it) and I can say you wont find anything better. Didn't really notice a suspension change on handling. As far as gears the Sahara had 3.73, the Rubicon obviously 4.10's, and not much change. The Rubicon may have better gears but bigger, heavier tires as well so change was minimal at best.

 

[redthies]

Drove both before I got the Rubi (and later got rid of it) and I can say you wont find anything better. Didn't really notice a suspension change on handling. As far as gears the Sahara had 3.73, the Rubicon obviously 4.10's, and not much change. The Rubicon may have better gears but bigger, heavier tires as well so change was minimal at best.

Perfect! Thats what I was after. I will TRY to get her into a 2012. I know she wasn't thrilled with the power in the 2010.

Thanks all!

 

[joehosmer]

I have a 2011 Call to Duty Black Ops [Rubi]. Wanted a Sahara until I drove both. The Rubi is a bit stronger on the hills of I-10 and have plenty of off road extras that make it all worthwhile for me. My rig is totally loaded, plus 3'' lift, winch, bumpers, lights. No complaints although I wish gas milage was a bit better. That said, the Sahara drivers don't seem to get any better mileage than my Rubi does... Good luck!

 

[redthies]

Thanks joe, and welcome to expo... I think we will drive the Rubi and then maybe a Grand just to see what the Pentastar is like. I know it will be different in the Rubi for '12, but will at least give us an idea of the difference. I think either the '11 or '12 will be just fine. I will slide a 3" lift and 35s on it when she isn't looking...

 

[Bigjerm]

For most it sounds like if you go 35's you will need to re gear to either 4.88 (manual) or 5.13 (auto). I think you will like the penstar if that is what is in the 11' GC non V-8s. My wife and I have been driving new GC's because she wants one to replace her Liberty. Its a solid vehicle and the engine is great in it.

 

[kraftyz51]

As an owner of a 09 Unlimited Rubicon with a moderate lift..save yourself some time and $ and wait until the 12's come out. The biggest complaint is the lack of power out of the 3.8 V6. Hopefully the Pentstar motor will live up to the excitement...will add an estimated 75 to 90 HP.

As for the drive..Rubi is much stiffer than the Sahara due to the suspension and the 32 BFG MT's. The Sahara's are also running 32's approximately but they are on the Hwy tire.

I am confident when the new 12's come out there will be a resurgence of "love" for the JK's but as for right now when I try to go up the hill with my offroad trailer I cannot help but think of the childhood story, "The Little Engine and that Could"...

Good luck!:ylsmoke:

 

[redthies]

We are going to go and drive an 11 Rubi and an 11 GC with Pentastar this afternoon. I know they will be a bit different, but are only 200lbs different in curb weight so we should get a bit of an idea from the ***** dyno... They are taking orders on '12s now so we may go that route.

 

[comac90]

While I am biased having ordered a 2012 JKU, I think if cost and, especially, time are of no or little concern, wait for the 2012.

However, Jeep just announced $1000 cash back or 0% for 60 months on 2011 Wranglers. That's the first time that's happened since something like 1994.

Also, if you haven't already, join Tread Lightly - 3 yr membership for $60. Right now it'll give you 1% BELOW invoice on any Jeep including 2011 and 2012 JKs. 1% below invoice + $1000 cash back on a 2011 wouldn't be bad. I ordered my JK at 2% below invoice - 1% of that was the Affiliate Program from Tread Lightly.

Good luck-
T

 

[jomobco]

The Pentastar engine is a great piece of engineering and a welcome addition to the JK. Almost 300 horses and a wider torque range will cure the ills of the 3.8. Good luck.

Not to mention going from a 4speed auto to a 5speed auto in the 2012's.

 

[The Adam Blaster]

Also, if you haven't already, join Tread Lightly - 3 yr membership for $60. Right now it'll give you 1% BELOW invoice on any Jeep including 2011 and 2012 JKs. 1% below invoice + $1000 cash back on a 2011 wouldn't be bad. I ordered my JK at 2% below invoice - 1% of that was the Affiliate Program from Tread Lightly.

This is the first I've ever heard of this - do you have any official web site that would say the same thing?