choosing a basic Jeep in 2015

[anviljk]

When I was looking into buying my Jeep I wanted all the bells and whistles. When I sat down with the sales guy and priced out my build It was around $37k for 2-door hard top, power locks/windows, deep tint, 6-speed manual, 730n, tow package. Then I changed my mind after seeing that the power locks/windows and deep tint was standard in the unlimited. I also liked having the cargo space the unlimited offered. I do want to have kids someday as well. I decided against the 730n and went with the standard radio that comes with it. I did get the hard top. I spend $35k for it.

I could have went with a sport model and pay a good bit less, however, I decided to go with the Rubicon because of the lockers, d44 front axle, e-disco, transfercase, rock rails, and bigger tires from the factory. Could have I saved $200 a month by getting a cheaper sport? Absolutely, but I don't have the space to build the sport and it would take awhile to save. I just saved for a downpayment on a new Jeep, I don't want to save again to make it capable of what I wanted. Being able to get what I wanted and have it financed into my payment along with being backed by the manufactures and extended warranty was a plus.

When it comes down to it IMO "bare bones" is just an opinion. My bare bones JK is the Rubicon, 6 speed, full doors. I "splurged" on a hard top.

 

[codesertrat]

Like many others, I went as basic as possible when we bought our brand new silver 2012 Sport with Chrysler employee pricing.

6 speed manual, hard top, A/C, 3.73 ratio, and the tow package were my only options. It was my priority to be a minimalist regarding the electronics. I installed a Teraflex 2.5" lift and 33/12.5R15 Duratrac tires within the first 200 miles. Fabbed some rock sliders, added sway bar discos, front bumper, Warn M8000 winch, and welded on some control arm skid plates underneath to protect the low hanging stuff.

I've never wished I spent the $7K or so extra for the Rubicon. My wife and I have gone all over Utah and Colorado (including many Moab trips) and other 'difficult' trails and this close to stock Sport has gone everywhere I've pointed it with complete ease. Equally capable as my previous lifted and lockered CJ5. although the JK extra width is annoying at times.

 

[(none)]

First JK i had was a '11 rubicon with the only option being a hardtop and tow package. Perfect. Only thing i really wished it has was bluetooth for music, but the aux port worked ok.

Current one ended up being a '12 rubicon (3.6 woohoo), optioned with hard top (again), power windows/locks, and navi (w/ bluetooth). I could pass on the power windows and navi, but i do like the remote locks and bluetooth. Still happy it has the 6-speed and and no leather though.

Both were purchased used.

 

[tgreening]

I'm betting Jeep could sell a bunch more Jeeps if they'd sell a Rubicon with.... A vinyl floor, some vinyl seats, regular old crank down windows, no A/C, etc etc. Basically drop all the bling and keep all the off road factory backed enhancements, and lower the price accordingly.

 

[EMrider]

I'm confident that Jeep knows a lot more about how to sell a bunch of Wranglers than those of us on this forum.

What is available today is there because that is what sales. Weak sellers meet the same fate as the Xterra.

If I were in the market for a new Jeep, it would be a fully optioned Rubicon. I like that Jeep still offers a factory made and warrantied capable off road package.

R

 

[F350]

Picked up my 14 JK in July. I got a Willy's with AC, Auto,EVIC, hard top and not much else. I didn't order it but it was close enough. Glad I got the auto. I ended up buying it because I had spent months looking for a used LJ and for about $6k more, I got a brand new rig with warranty. To me the cost difference wasn't worth buying used. Very happy with it and it goes a lot of places as is. Next week the UPS guy will be delivering a few things to make it a little better. my 2 cents....

 

[Nullifier]

I would go with an unlimited Rubicon manual with dual top option then add half doors and seat heaters. If buying New. But my fav jeep is the 04-06 unlimited.

 

[kojackJKU]

I would get the sport unlimited with max tow package, ac, the hard drive head unit, and all the convienice options. Oh wait.......I bought that in 2011! It has served me perfectly. Its super comfortable, You can reel off the miles in a day, you can go over pretty well anything (after swapping to real tires on the sport), and get fair milage. I have my jeep lifted 2" and installed 33" tires at 1 week old because I got 3 flats the first trip out. I love the wrangler, it is the best rig I have in the stable. We use it as intended 3-4 times a week in the summer. We get off work, Load up the JK and get up in the backcountry every chance we get. rain or shine. There is nothing better than getting off work, grabbing some food and go up exploring and see some cool stuff.

 

[Kmrtnsn]

For that kind of money, considering you want to get a 2 door, I would get a low mileage 06 rubicon and call it good. Like this one:
http://phoenix.craigslist.org/evl/cto/4862735421.html

Just saying.

The 3.6 has almost 100hp over the old 3.8. For that reason alone I would not recommend a JK older than 2012.

 

[Kmrtnsn]

When we bought our JKUS in 2013 we went with the regular resale options, power windows, locks, auto, etc. where we were choosy was in insisting on the tow package and one equipped with 3.73 gears. My only complaint is not getting a Dana 44 up front. The air lockers we're installing are tougher than the factory electrics and electronic sway discos are both troublesome and not worth the up charge.

 

[Hilldweller]

The 3.6 has almost 100hp over the old 3.8. ...

Maybe on paper but not on a dyno.
The Pentastar has more torque and HP but it's not Earth-shattering.

 

[kojackJKU]

My jeep does not have the PENTAJESUS and it does just fine! not as big of an issue as its made out to be. I still get along at 60-70 mph with my trailer in tow. no issues!