TJ vs JK, best bang for the buck?

[HRPINDC]

I have a 2013 JKU automatic. I really wanted the four speed, but decided to get the auto for my wife and am very glad I did. The tranny is very good, it shifts well and almost never has to hunt for the right gear. Down shifting and throttle response are good, once the unit learns your behavior. You can shift it manually if you want and in 4L you can limit the highest gear it uses. Off-road, I think the auto is the better choice, hill descent control is pretty cool. The tranny itself is a Mercedes AMG unit if I recall correctly. Can't speak to the TJ autos, but the JK is a solid choice. Good luck.

 

[SilicaRich]

I wouldn't look at a TJ, especially with 3 small kids. The backseat was only designed for two passengers and it's extremely tight. The LJ is a better platform, however, you are looking at the same issue. I would only consider a JKU if it had the 3.6 (2012 and newer) but I'm unfamiliar with their transmissions. I know most of the TJ/LJ auto transmissions were solid transmissions with the exception of the 42RLE having an extremely steep overdrive that could be a major pain if a regear neglected. I would open up your options to XJs, ZJs, or even an LC to better suit your situation. But that's just my opinion. Again, JKU would be a great choice if you can get it for the right price.

 

[BCobe]

Nah not in car seat, just on the seats and its bonus since its not for daily driving, just for fun really. and thinking about it we'd probably leave the youngest at my mothers place if we go out, hes too young regardless.
Are the LJ as suggested basically a longer TJ?
BCode what doyou mean by harsh? Just comfort? I have a 4 speed auto and we are used to that, can't be worse really.

To me, the shift is fast and hard. Kind of like powershifting a manual. Not all of the time but it does happen enough to notice.

 

[Thean]

Id consider the JK. Better suspension and drivetrain design overall out of the box. Both the 4.0l in the tj and the 3.8l v6 in the jk are anemic with the auto trans. Once you get into the 2012+ you will see a difference.
both the 3.8 and late model 4.0l have their own issues.,. At this point its going to be a crap shoot as far as issues and wear and tear age wise.
if you are rubicon tj vs rubicon jk, the jk is the superior choice.

Having 1 kid in a car seat in a TJ sucks. No room for dogs or gear. Heck, 1 kid out of a car seat chews up any space a TJ has,
The LJ or long wheel base TJ is slightly better but still not a jk in regards to seating, access, etc.
The JK is literally the minivan of the jeep world, yet, with 37s will go most places a similarly sized TJ will. They both have their caveat offroad.

 

[Dake21]

mmh yeah if I had my way I would opt for a TJ two doors. I;m not sure which one my wife would prefer, she said as long as its bright orange. Honestly I don't think she could tell the difference between the JK and TJ by looking at it lol
2012 will probably be over budjet, but just for shake of open mindness is the first year 3.6L reliable?

 

[SilicaRich]

I;m not sure which one my wife would prefer, she said as long as its bright orange.

I will argue that TJs/LJs had the best orange:elkgrin:

 

[Justincredible]

mmh yeah if I had my way I would opt for a TJ two doors. I;m not sure which one my wife would prefer, she said as long as its bright orange. Honestly I don't think she could tell the difference between the JK and TJ by looking at it lol
2012 will probably be over budjet, but just for shake of open mindness is the first year 3.6L reliable?

Over 70,000 trouble free miles on my 2012.
There were some known issues early on, but all/most have been fixed by now and it's been a couple years since I've seen a complaint about engine issues.

Honestly, with 3 kids if you can get a hold of a 4door you'll be much happier. I only have one kid, so my 2door works for us, but any time we have a 3rd passenger the dog has to stay home and we lose the ability to carry anything more than some backpacks.

Oh and 2012 gave you the Crush Orange option, which is the brightest orange you will ever see.