Is a Rubicon worth it???

[jeepn0811]

Typo nothing! Print it out so you have a hard copy proof of the price that way they can't tap dance around it. I just bought my wife an '05 PT Cruiser GT Convertable with very low miles and brand new tires for $9995.00. The dealer tried to jerk me around when I showed him the print out off of autotrader. They had already raised the price $3k. I told them it could get ugly if they didn't honor the price. We left with the car. As for the difference between a TJ and JK rubicon I know all of the spec differences but i had a 2004 TJ unlimited with more cash into then I care to admit and now have a '07 JK unlimited Sahara with just gears lift and 37's and it is way more comfortable stable and capeable than the TJ was. That being said, the only reason we got rid of the TJ was the addition of our 3rd kid. Now one is 18 and doesn't ever go anywhere with us I miss my TJ.........everyday!

 

[reece146]

Go in there with the low price advert clipped/printed and play dumb/innocent with respect to it being listed higher elsewhere. This is just a dealership FUD tactic and is borderline illegal (fraud) if you wanted to push the point.

One thing they'll try to say is "Oh, that one was sold this morning, but we have this one for $2k more". Walk out and be wary if you end up dealing with these people.

That low price is your starting price to dicker from. Don't let them change the start point, especially if you suck at dickering. If they do raise it walk out.

Also, pretend you don't know anything about the Rubicon package until the numbers are finalized (but before signing papers). They tend to "go easier" on "unknowlegable" or "uninformed" buyers. Say something about the colour or "tough looks" catching your eye and nothing about the technical points of the Jeep until price is negotiated. Do not show up there driving a Jeep. Borrow your mom's Accord or something.

95% of used car salesman would sell you bottles of air if they could get away with it. Be polite but do not believe a word they say. If there is a technical point of the sale ("that sidewall is a little messed up, we'll replace the tire for you") make sure you get it written on the purchase contract because I guarantee you won't get the new tire otherwise unless you have that 5% salesman.

Jeeps are everywhere. Be patient.

 

[Mr. D]

A few yrs ago I was looking for a Jeep as well. I narrowed my choices down to a used TJ with manual or automatic transmission, hardtop or softtop, and I wanted air conditioning and a 6cyl.

I drove a few models of the TJ (x,rubi, sahara). I called on a few used ones and got lucky when I saw a 2004 rubicon listed at a subaru dealer. The add was online for $14,000. I went to test drive it all seemed ok but I didnt know how to turn on the lockers or the fog lights and neither did the manager. It had 61K and when I crawled underneath it was in perfect shape.

When it came time to deal, they said they were asking $14,900 and I said check your internet add it say $14. We checked it right their, they said their mistake and would give it to me for $14,000. I said no and we agreed on $12,500 so when I thought I still had several months to look I got lucky. Take your time drive several and you will find one....

laters and goodluck
kelly

 

[MOAK]

I am loking for an Expedition rig to tow behind my truck camper. I am trying to stay under $20K. I think I want a Rubicon. I have had jeeps most of my younger life and now I want another. I do not live where I can hit the trails every weekend. But I do want a capable rig. The nonrubicons are about 3K less then the Rubicons. Are they worth the extra money?

I don't want to get too wordy, or get into much detail about all the positive reasons to purchase a Rubicon, so in short ---------- YES

 

[Capt Eddie]

The 2010 for 21995.00 was a bait and switch. They said they sold the Jeep yesterday but had another one for 26995.00. Long big augument, I left. I have found a 1978 CJ 7. Appears to be in excellent condition. They state they have rebuild the whole Jeep from the ground up. Asking $7000.00 They say they have over $8000 in the Jeep. It has a 304??? Three speed. 240,000 miles on the odometer. BAck then didn't they make them right the first time?? I have had a 75 CJ5 and a 81 CJ5. I like the old look. We will have to see how the wife likes the ride. We did ride up the Lake Greeson in AR and showed the wife all the trails we could ride on if we were in the Jeep instead of the RV.

 

[JPK]

I had a '74 CJ5 with the 304 V8 and the three speed. Jeez, did I have fun with that Jeep. Too bad they didn't do a Chevy small block/Turbo Hydromatic 400 swap instead of rebuilding the AMC stuff. More likely than not, the CJ has open diffs. Compared to a Rubicon of any year that is a substantial downgrade, but your price would allow for locker instalation. Check to see if the CJ has D44's front and rear. Mine did, might be something associated with the 304.

Compared to a TJ/LJ or a JK the CJ's aren't good riding or even highway worthy, but for your pruposes one might work well.

Good luck with your selection.

Edit: Also check for frame stiffness. My CJ5 got soft and twice when one front tire was up and the opposite rear was down the frame flexed enough to allow the transmission linkage to drop from the Jeep, leaving it stuck in first gear.

JPK