In need of advice: Which JKU to buy

[tsanantonio]

Hi all!

I have been lurking on this forum for a while and I am hoping you could share some of your experience with me. First some quick info for you.

My wife and I live in the Seattle area and are planning on multiple road trips in the next couple years. We are mainly planning 3-day road trips to Idaho, BC, and Oregon. We are also planning to do the WABDR this year (or at least portions) and are planning to do a two-three week road trip down the west coast, over to the grand canyon, through utah (hopefully Moab), and back to Seattle.

I have wanted a Wrangler for years and have not had the funds as the wife has been in school for quite a while. Well, she is now working full time and we can finally afford to purchase a Jeep. As we plan to travel with our dog and some of our travels will be long duration we are planning to purchase a JKU. We have discussed working a trailer into our travel plans but we feel that more often than not, it would be a hassle. We want to be able to comfortably drive through cities, park wherever we see fit, and not have to worry about a trailer behind us.

We plan to move fairly quickly on our travels and will not be stationary for more than a night. So, my wife and our family went together and bought us a kick *** Tepui Autana RTT. I plan to purchase a roof rack to mount it over the jeep (will need advice on this later).

The debate I am now having with myself is what to buy. As we want to travel, we have a set a budget that basically holds me to a purchase price under $25k. For the price I see myself going down one of two paths.

1. 2007-2011 JKUR I have always believed that if I was going to spend this much money that I should get a Rubicon because of all the great off road features that it offers. Also, at this price I can purchase a used one that already has some work done to it. Ideally, I would like to have 35's, a lift, and a winch. I don't expect to find all of these on a used Jeep but I should be able to find a JKU with some of this aftermarket work completed. (I encluded a quick photo example of the white jeep below it is a 2009 with ~70k miles...because posts without photos are boring... :ylsmoke: )

2. 2012-2014 JKU Sport. The main benefit to a newer Wrangler is the motor and transmission. Fuel economy will be important on these trips and will allow us to travel more. Maybe it's just my perception but I feel like I have heard nothing but good things about the new 3.6 compared to the 3.8. (The second jeep is a 2013 hold over with 1 mile)

A couple other quick notes. I will need to get an auto transmission regardless of which version I go with, I will use the Jeep as a daily driver and stop and go traffic that I drive in would just kill my leg with a manual. Also, I am very concerned with running the RTT on the older model JKUR as I have heard the motor is gutless, I am concerned that the tent would be too much drag for the jeep and I may need to go to a taller gear to keep the RPMs lower on the highway.

Please let me know what you think. I am hoping to purchase in mid-February after getting some $$ back from taxes, so no huge rush at the point.

Let me know if you have any other questions.

Thanks!

 

[codename607]

I come from a short line of Jeeps (2009 JKUR and 2011 JKU) and now a Toyota guy, so take my advice with a grain of salt.

Personally, if money was no option I would get the cheapest JKU I could find and rebuild it from the ground up. Obviously this was never the case in my book and it also looks like your on a budget so here is what I would do.

Buy a newer JKU (that green one looks really nice) with the 3.6 and keep it as close to stock as you can. Only change out what you absolutely need in order to make your trips possible. Doing this will make it a lot easier to get it fixed from the dealer if something happens down the road. All the issues I had on my jeep, under warranty, were never paid for by the dealership because they blamed it on the modifications. Also with the 3.6 you are going to get better MPGs on those long trips and racking up miles with the current gas prices can equal a lot these days. With my 09 JKUR I averaged 13mpg. I had 35s and a few other heavy mods so the weight was not easy on the engine and it was re-geared. Since you are mounting a RTT you will want the best MPGs from the start.

The important thing to remember is that most Jeeps can take you on many great trips in stock form. However, I would recommend some recovery gear.

I hope this helps. Sorry if it was more of a rant. I've wasted a lot of money in the past on vehicles and I don't want other people to do the same.

 

[brianjwilson]

My first piece of advice is do not buy one that is lifted at all until you have researched it heavily. They are great if done right, but so many people cheap out and use crappy components and often sell their headaches.

Being relatively new to jeeps myself, I've found the power of the 3.6 just adequate when heavily loaded and going to higher elevations (Utah etc). I don't want to know how the 3.8 must handle this. When my 2012 rubicon was stock I could get 19mpg on a slower highway or 17-18 freeway. Not bad considering. With a rtt you will suffer some.

I would be looking at that 2013 sport. Basically any older jk with 35s will need gears later. The 2013 might be tolerable with 3.73 gears (not for me but some do it), otherwise you'll want to gear it. At least with this option you're starting fresh with more power and a better trans. Warranty. When you have some money for upgrades later, you aren't simply replacing the rubicon parts that you paid extra for. A sport will still get around pretty off road.

 

[Septu]

The only reason you'd need the Rubi is if you really plan on hitting the trails. 2 of the jeeps that regularly wheel with us are not locked (XJ and a 2013 sport), and they do pretty good most of the time. I'd get a 2013 Sport (ideally with 3.73 gears). This should allow you to go to 33s without it being too noticeable.

 

[goin camping]

For what you plan on doing I'd suggest a newer Sport or Sahara with 3.73s.

Rubies are nice but it doesn't sound like you will be doing much rock crawling so why pay extra for that setup? Having said that I would hit Craigslist and grab some Rubicon rims and tire take offs and maybe the coils too. That would really spice up a jeep like the green one and help you off road.

 

[mrchips]

my opinion, buy a 1 year old used JKU Rubicon,with the Pentastar V6,,,, you will save money on the new vehicle depreciation, and you might find a jeep with some extra's on it for a great price.

 

[Yarjammer]

I would recommend a 2012+ Sport as well. The 3.6 is strong enough to do what you want without leaving you searching for more power. The interior update to the 2011+ models is a nice balance of Spartan and what you would expect in a normal SUV. If you plan on DD'ing and long road trips with doors and roof on, these updates will be much appreciated. For those fun days sans roof and doors, the interior is still true to its roots enough to not worry about ruining it. As for mechanicals, a Rubi gets you an electronic sway bar disconnect, e-locker, front D44, and a different transfer case (better crawl ratio). All but the latter are easily accessible upgrades. Quick disconnects will run you ~$100. An air locker and regear will set you back about $2k. I personally don't think the front D44 is necessary, but you can find those from time to time as take-offs from rock crawler project builds. I've been driving my Sport on and off the road with 35's in the PNW with none of the above upgrades for two and a half years and have zero complaints. I plan on the regear and locker, but it hasn't been an issue thus far.

At the end of the day, buy what feels right and is in your budget. Call me crazy but I think that the vehicle picks you as much as you pick it. The aftermarket support for these is overwhelming and is always there to help you fill in any perceived blanks. Before you buy parts for it make sure and take it on a trail first; it doesn't even have to be a difficult one. You will learn what upgrades make sense to you and why.

Unless you know the previous owner and are familiar with the build, I would strongly recommend staying away from previously modded vehicles. My red flags in order of walk away factor: 1. Cold air intake with exposed filter or throttle body spacer, 2. Aftermarket radio, 3. Suspension mods, 4. Electrical tape anywhere... Especially under the hood. I have been burned too many times by someone else's shoddy DIY. Mods tell a story that should be read and understood by the potential buyer.

 

[Longtallsally]

I'm very strange around here as I think big tires and lifts are stupid and nothing other than a waste of gas and an image- unless the majority of the use of the machine is for rock crawling VERY hard trails. I did the Rubicon trail with stock sized '12 JKUR tires with no worries, and if you are on a weeks long trip, you will barely need larger tires. Find someone with the image desire and get their Rubicon take offs and you should be fine.

In terms of what motor to get, I agree with most; the 3.6 is very much worth the money. In addition, the interior is WAY nicer.

In terms of the RTT, you are going to annihilate your economy no matter what motor you get with that thing on top, so be prepared. I probably get better economy towing our 3k lb camper than those with a RTT mounted. Personally, I'm currently drooling over one of the Ursa Minor pop tops, though.

In terms of the Rubicon or not, that will probably come to finances more than anything. If you are doing moderate trails and mostly road stuff, it (along with a lift and tires) is probably not worth it. Get a winch and the other recovery equipment, and that will get you out of a WHOLE lot more than 35s and a lift of some sort. So if you find a '12 or newer Rubicon in the budget, personally I'd get it. If you don't, get a Sport and add a winch.

I probably seem a bit obnoxious in that I am a broken record stating big tires, RTTs, and other things that make the machine LOOK really cool are kinda stupid, so I apologize if I sound obnoxious. But I'd rather spend my time and energy creating experiences, than messing with a plenty capable platform out of the box, and only modify after shortcomings have been identified.

 

[goofiefoot]

Take a look through my threads. I was in a similar situation last year, and got some really good advice. I ended up with a 2009 JKUR for a little less than my ideal price, and I'm very pleased. You may be in a different situation, wanting the automatic, though. I specifically knew I wanted the 6-speed if I got the 3.8, as it is a better combination for the limited power. Feel free to hit me up with any questions!

My Search Thread

My "Build" Thread

 

[SoCal Tom]

I have to agree with most of what I have heard above. I have an 07 Sahara, I thought I needed the Rubi package, but I was wrong. I ended up with a performance leveling kit and 33s for just a little more ground clearance. Its got 4.10s and limited slip in the back, and with traction control it works really well. I used to drive an Early Bronco with 35s and lockers on both ends. For the off roading you described you don't need lockers, and I think the superlow transfer case is overkill for most people.
Tom

 

[Septu]

I'm very strange around here as I think big tires and lifts are stupid and nothing other than a waste of gas and an image- unless the majority of the use of the machine is for rock crawling VERY hard trails.

I probably seem a bit obnoxious in that I am a broken record stating big tires, RTTs, and other things that make the machine LOOK really cool are kinda stupid, so I apologize if I sound obnoxious. But I'd rather spend my time and energy creating experiences, than messing with a plenty capable platform out of the box, and only modify after shortcomings have been identified.

I agree that one should drive their jeep stock before making a ton of changes... however one doesn't need to be playing in the rocks or on "very hard trails" to need a lift and/or better tires.

 

[LUISJG]

Depends on what ride quality are you used to or looking for., I have own a 2007 jku sport with 33 inch tires and 2 inch bb, a 2011 jku with 35 inch tires and 2.5 aev premium suspension,
my 2007 ride was lot more comfturble for long trips . the 2011 looked great but was rough.,...Now.. I have a 2014 JKU Rubicon, and starting to build to my needs, I am not changing the suspension, I will be installing 33 inch
AT Tires , I want to maintain the stock feel as much as possible or even softer.
so...be advised that a sport model and sahara model ,the ride is softer that rubicon since they come with softer springs.

If you think you are going to save on gas by going with the penatstar engine, you will be disappointed. it doe have lot m0re power but forget fuel economy.

I bought a rubicon because I am not planning to add a winch,"saving weight" so needed the extra locking power in case I need it.
and also got a good deal.

I agree with the other posts,, you might never need to use the lockers

..if you r plans are like you sed,,, long trips ,,, stay at 33 inch tires

btw those two pictures you have the white one is ugly man I hate to see those flares chopped up,, but that's just me. ,,, the green one is very nice and you get to add you own wheels and tires

just buy a brand new one at low interest,, with warranty ,, and with no add ons like the one in the picture

.

 

[brianjwilson]

I'm very strange around here as I think big tires and lifts are stupid and nothing other than a waste of gas and an image- unless the majority of the use of the machine is for rock crawling VERY hard trails. I did the Rubicon trail with stock sized '12 JKUR tires with no worries, and if you are on a weeks long trip, you will barely need larger tires. Find someone with the image desire and get their Rubicon take offs and you should be fine.

I probably seem a bit obnoxious in that I am a broken record stating big tires, RTTs, and other things that make the machine LOOK really cool are kinda stupid, so I apologize if I sound obnoxious. But I'd rather spend my time and energy creating experiences, than messing with a plenty capable platform out of the box, and only modify after shortcomings have been identified.

Geez I hate to take this bait, and certainly don't want to join in derailing a thread...

I've had other stock rubicons follow me on trails (even 2 doors) and watched them scrape and struggle and winch. Mine is on 3.5" lift with 35s and it walked over the same obstacles drama free. I have a winch but I haven't used it once for self recovery yet. But I use my ground clearance, tires and lockers all the time.

I'm not a fan of huge lifts and big bulky roof racks with junk stacked on them, but a reasonable lift can certainly be very functional depending on how you use your rig. Mine handled better than stock (on road and off) when I installed the lift/wheels/tires. Now with the weight of the Ursa Minor top, the progressive lift springs, Bilstein shocks, raised roll center etc help things out quite a bit.

 

[Longtallsally]

Geez I hate to take this bait, and certainly don't want to join in derailing a thread...

I've had other stock rubicons follow me on trails (even 2 doors) and watched them scrape and struggle and winch. Mine is on 3.5" lift with 35s and it walked over the same obstacles drama free. I have a winch but I haven't used it once for self recovery yet. But I use my ground clearance, tires and lockers all the time.

I'm not a fan of huge lifts and big bulky roof racks with junk stacked on them, but a reasonable lift can certainly be very functional depending on how you use your rig. Mine handled better than stock (on road and off) when I installed the lift/wheels/tires. Now with the weight of the Ursa Minor top, the progressive lift springs, Bilstein shocks, raised roll center etc help things out quite a bit.

What kinda fuel economy do you get?

In addition, sticking to the thread, you have WELL over $10k in "upgrades" to your Jeep and I don't deny how it has expanded the capability accordingly. However, based on the OPs needs from what he described in addition to his budget, sure all that stuff sounds neat, but it's not viable.

I have probably a 1/4 what you do invested in "upgrades", yet would have no qualms whatsoever going anywhere you do. Sure, I'll get some dings and scrape here and there, but that's what I spent the majority of upgrades in armor to handle, and frankly, my junk never has been a show or garage queen. Also, you have effectively only ~1.5" more clearance at the diffs and nominally more everywhere else (I did put in 2" springs). Just not worth it to me. But that's me.

However, if I'm perfectly honest, I'd love that Ursa Minor...

 

[nnnnnate]

You are getting a lot of info here from guys a lot smarter than me. I traded in a Power Stoke on black Friday for a '13 JK Sport. I paid 22.5k for it. Its not everything I had hoped for but I've had plenty of fun with it. I bought 2013 Rubicon take offs for $800 and am working on selling my stock rim/tires right now. I'll re gear at some point (3.21's right now) and add eaton e-lockers but that is a lot of money and will be a ways down the road. I was planning on doing a 2.5" lift and 35's but I intend to wear out my new tires before I upgrade. I initially planned on wheeling hard but after going on some trails with some wingnuts I decided I liked scenic touring on dirt just as much and didn't have to endure the pain of banging on the big rocks or be around the wingnuts. I prize solitude.

I've been out on day trips every weekend since I bought my JK and have put on 3,200 miles so far. I have mostly been on county roads in good condition but today had to climb a 2' ledge where the road was washed out and on Friday at the end of our route we ended up at little Moab and played on the rocks some. The JK is very capable from the factory whether you end of with the Sport or the Rubicon. I'd say get the Sport and down the road if you can honestly say you needed lockers 3 different trips go ahead and upgrade them. For me I've realized that when faced with an obstacle with two routes up it I'm content taking the "easy" route and if I have any business being where I am there is always an easy route.

I started my journey by looking at rock crawling mods. I now think about weight, self recovery, and emergency communication. My next mod will be a light weight front bumper to house a winch.

Good luck.

Mine is the black one and I managed to get up that face that is right in front of me while being stock height with open diffs and 3.21 gears.