What is your view on Rubincon?

[Seriousman]

I saw Robincon in the show room and it is simply beautiful. I like the short version.

However I was also introduced to LR Defender or MB G-Wagen. Compared to thse two options, could you comment on the pros and cons.

Thanks.

 

[SixLug]

Hey,

They are called Rubicons.

I dont know about Shanghai, but here, a Rubicon is much cheaper than a Defender or G-wagen (speaking about new vs. new of course), and is just as capable. Thats all Im going to say about that though since Ive owned none of the above.

 

[Scott Brady]

The Jeep Rubicon is more reliable and capable than the Defender and likely less $$$. The Jeep is comparable in reliability to the G-Wagen 500 models, but less so than the 461 models and more capable than both, yet likely less durable after years of punishment.

I have never had a failure or reliability issue with the new JKs. They have been flawless, and we have three of them. We also have a G-Wagen and Defender 110 as a note on comparison.

Also of note, the Jeep has just about any product imaginable available for it.

 

[dieselcruiserhead]

Sounds like it could be a hell of a sandwich

 

[Jeffb79]

If you're planning on any extended trips I would look for one of the unlimited (longer wheel base) models. Much more room for storage.
Other than that, my rubicon has gone anywhere I've wanted it to go. Parts are easy to come by. The 06 and earlier models came with the 4.0 which is a great engine and will last for a long time. The most common problem with it is probably the rear main seal... they tend to leak. Can't speak much for the newer 3.7L that came in the JKs. The JKs have a bit more clearance stock than the TJs do.
The only thing the rubicon is really lacking on from the factory is skids. If you're going to go offroad, you'll want to look into aftermarket oil pan, transfercase, lower control arm and differential protection.

 

[ox4mag]

One more point to note that has been a discussion point for years but only has recently become reality (with the J8 MILISPEC) is the availability of a diesel. If I'm not mistaken, the G-Wagen and Defender both have had diesel options which, for an expedition-type vehicle, is a tremendous asset given the availability of diesel fuel pretty much anywhere you go.

But certainly the cost of a Rubicon in relation to the G-Wagen & Defender make it attractive and given the aftermarket parts availability for the Jeep, it's probably the best bang for the buck.

 

[Seriousman]

Thanks for commenting on Robicon

Thanks for the thoughts and comments. Besides being corrected for my spelling, I learned to call it JK.

JK costs around RMB 500,000 or a bit more than US$70,000. I guess that there is a lot of tax plus dealer's markup. But it is still cheaper than defender or G-wagen.

I like JK dues to its history and style. Many peole reminds me not consider the short version for the long trip.

What is exactly the drawback for short version for long trip? How bad it is for long trip? Any friend here who have experiences of long and short versions?

 

[Scott Brady]

By the way, welcome to Expedition Portal. I see you are from Shanghai - very, very cool!

 

[The Swiss]

I have a Rubicon long version and I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT:wings:
Long vs short: There is a lot more room in the long, off road, the break-over angle is obviously better on the short and the turn radius is somewhat better on the short, other than that ... I would go again with the long version. What engines do they come with in China? Gas or diesel?

I had Land Rover Defenders back in Europe; their bodies offer more room than the JKs, other that that I would pick the Jeep over the Defender any day.

Shanghai is a very pretty city; I was there twice and hopefully will go again in spring next year.

 

[ExpoMike]

Check out my review I posted yesterday, after having a JK Unlimited (4 door) Rubicon for a week in Hawaii. http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=33588

It might help give you a feel in real world use. I have spent a week with a 4 door, non Rubicon and another week with a 2 door, non Rubicon. Without question, I would own the 4 door as it rode better and had way more room inside for people and/or cargo. Down side it a little larger turning radius and a little more likely to rub the underside. The positives far outweigh the negatives in my view.

As for Rubicon or non Rubicon models, it really depends on what you are going to do. If you are mainly paved road with the occational dirt road, the non Rubicon model will work fine. It your plans include a fair amount of offroad, mud, rocky areas, etc. I would spring for the Rubicon without question. It will get you thru more areas then without the features. That said, it can also get you stuck further in if you are not careful.

Though I have never driven a Defender or G-Wagon, I love what they are and how they work, based on what I have read or talked to owners. In the end, my money would still be spent on the Jeep.

My views. Good luck on your decision.

 

[JRhetts]

JK Unlimited (4 dr)

We've owned an '08 JK Unlimited Rubi for a year and a half. It is easily the most capable car I have ever owned (and certainly superior to the CJ7 I drove around in West Africa in the early 1960s!)

We have driven it (stock except for new OME springs and shocks) almost 30,000 miles now: tens of thousands on high-speed pavement, roughly 7,000 to Panama last winter, including several days in the Guatemalan jungle without any problems of traction or breakdown, and several hundred miles on Grade 5-7 rated 4x4 trails.

In addition to the longer wheel base offering more storage, it improves the ride enormously on washboard corrugations.

It is a fantastic performer, very comfortable & capable, and so far very reliable.

John

 

[MBATF]

4drs JK obviously have better storage advantages.

But for around the time driving and famous Shanghai Traffic. The short version would be easy around the city especially for parking.

Where are you about in Shanghai? I travel there once a year and my parents actually lives there every 6 month.:smiley_drive:

Thanks for the thoughts and comments. Besides being corrected for my spelling, I learned to call it JK.

JK costs around RMB 500,000 or a bit more than US$70,000. I guess that there is a lot of tax plus dealer's markup. But it is still cheaper than defender or G-wagen.

I like JK dues to its history and style. Many peole reminds me not consider the short version for the long trip.

What is exactly the drawback for short version for long trip? How bad it is for long trip? Any friend here who have experiences of long and short versions?

 

[Seriousman]

Pudong

4drs JK obviously have better storage advantages.

But for around the time driving and famous Shanghai Traffic. The short version would be easy around the city especially for parking.

Where are you about in Shanghai? I travel there once a year and my parents actually lives there every 6 month.:smiley_drive:

I live in Pudong of Shanghai, close to the new airport. I saw some JKs around. I feel like the short JK just for driving around. But I also need it to drive for long trips as well.

I just had an off-road driving in a mountain range. The instructor said that there is no ideal vehicle that fits all your wishes. He was right. That means we need to own a few vehicles to get most wishes satisfied.

The people to buy a licence plat in Shanghai which adds on 5000 bucks. Too bad for buying cars in Shanghai.