So my overall budget I would like to be around 30k (cash) all in. Obviously if I go with something like a GX for 10-15k Im not going to just slam 20k into it on day 1. When I first started this research I had no idea how overpriced used Rubicons were. Its actually insane. Maybe its irrational fear but I didnt feel comfortable getting a Jeep for the long term with more than 30-40k miles. Cant find those for nearly the price point I thought you could considering the new MSRP. Edit: Obviously if I go JKU/JLU I will be getting a loan. So it would be downpayment (I would make a substantial downpayment) + mods = 30k or less would be the goal
I think my goal would always be to buy used 1-2 years and approx 25-35k miles. Thats just the smartest buy for any car. On a Rubi since the discount to MSRP used is so pathetically slim, maybe Ill buy one new. But thats probably the only exception.
Rubicons hold their value extremely well, that’s true. If I were looking at a used Jeep though I would consider other trim packages like the Sahara or Sport. The vast majority of these trims are never taken off road, and since they come with different gearing they get better fuel economy which you mentioned was important. And while the Rubicon is amazingly capabable, so are the other trim packages.You could buy a used Sport, put lockers, AEV suspension, rock sliders, and even pick up a salvaged transfer case and have an INCREDIBLY capable off road machine - as good as a Rubicon — and maybe for a lot less money than a used Rubi, whose warranty is already partly gone. This depends on what’s available in your area but it’s worth a look.
It needs to be turnkey as far as literal issues that will stop me from driving the next few thousand miles while making repairs and swapping out parts. It does not need to be turnkey as far as capability and mods.
If you are willing to build it over time that further underscore the idea of a used sport or Sahara. Most Jeep mods can be done in a few hours — even big ones — which means you can start turning wrenches on Friday and be driving to work on Monday with a lot of upgraded goodies.
I was the one that said it might not be good internationally but I really dont know. Land Rover has such a bad rep for maintenance and cost ownership. They have horrible dashboard light reviews and so many reviews on every LR shop around here has so many reviews of people getting fed up with the prices their paying to maintain their car. (Old and new)
Totally true. LR are not known for reliability, but they are incredibly comfortable and capable, and they are cheap as chips used — an LR3 can be had easily for under $10k in very good shape, with minimal mods needed for capability, plenty of highway comfort and efficiency, and lots of cash left over for repairs. But that reliability thing is a dealbreaker for many — that being said the LR community is huge and many of them turn their own wrenches and love that as part of the hobby. If that sounds like you it’s worth a closer look — but I have zero experience myself with LRs so I suggest talking to people who own them and use them.
Thanks for recognizing that Im trying not to be an idiot about this even though Im being one of those annoying newbie types. Nobody cares about payload. Nobody cares about MPG and quite frankly majority of people are not building an overland rig. And that ones that are still dont seem to give one damn about payload. They are carrying around multiple 100s of lbs over payload and dont care one bit. So if I had an extra 400lbs then Id just carry around an extra 15-20gal of fuel and problem solved, sorta. Its still depressing to get 10mpg just because I want to surpass 65mph.......
I think the GX is exactly what I want, minus the MPG. My research has led me to believe unless I get super lucky and/or dont run a roof rack or really put much on my roof at all, if I want to go down the highway above 65mph with armor and a overland-ready build, Ill be lucky to get even 12mpg with a RTT at 75mph. And thats just abysmal... I just dont get how people are okay sitting at 65mph on a 250-500 mile tarmac drive I mean its absurd. Youre literally losing 1.5 hours or more going 65mph compared to 80mph going from lets say LA to Yosemite. Absolutely insane that peoples solution to a GX is to just go 60-65mph.
I would say that it’s less that people don’t care, and more that most people don’t know they SHOULD care. I think the payload and GVM of a rig is super important now, but I never used to think about this at all. We were all newbies once after all! I just assumed if it would fit and if the suspension wasn’t bottomed out, I was good to go, and what’s the worst that can happen? Well my thinking has evolved on that. An overloaded vehicle breaks more often than a light one, and the lighter the rig the better the performance off road typically. Occasional wise people from places like this told me that - but I didn’t listen and instead learned with thousands of dollars in repairs and lots of bruised knuckles from turning wrenches. The way your doing it - looking and listening - is a better way, trust me!
So... that brings me back to the JLU Rubi. Its not what I want comfort wise when it comes to road noise, everyday quality.
I’ve deleted some of your post in my quote for length but before dropping cash on a Rubicon, do some math with a bathroom scale and what you intend to bring with you. My rubi JK only had 850lbs payload - bumpers, winch, roof rack, and camping gear take a ton of that before even adding people (two in my case), dogs (also two), and of course beer take up a lot of that 850lbs and I was over GVM on a lot of trips.
That has lead me to come here and try to find out what other rigs might suit my needs. But I really dont think anything is out there. So all the pickups really I dont think are for me unless Im building a car for 1 purpose and 1 purpose only and thats long-term travel. Then Id pick up a truck. But im not doing that.
In terms of the specs you are looking for as most important for your use case (payload, capability, and fuel economy), the midsize truck market has several examples that check these boxes, but I know you said you aren’t a truck guy and that matters. You are spending a ton of money on something to spend a good chunk of your life in — it has to make you smile. May I ask why you don’t like trucks? The Aussies have been messing with “utes” off road and have some amazing pieces of kit for over landing which are gaining popularity here — decks, canopies, campers, and more.
And if you have not test driven a modern mid-size, you might be surprised by just how good they are. They feel very car-like in terms of the driving experience, they are great in the city and are super maneuverable and nimble, they are great on gas, and they have great payload - I’d suggest taking a ZR2 for a test drive. The worst case is you enjoy a cruise in a sweet little diesel-powered 4x4, and it gives you something to compare everything else to in terms of driver experience.
EDIT: I would consider a Land Rover cause I do like them, I think they fit my needs of on road manners and off road capability similar to the GX. I had just ruled them out cause I thought they were known to be huge money pits and not reliable for those multi-thousand mile trips. If that truly isnt the case, and its just brand bias attacking LR, then I would consider a LR3... Possibly even the right LR4 price wise.
They are not the most reliable rigs, and it’s a fact they have more reliability issues than their competitors, but the reputation online seems to be “they will explode into a singularity if you turn the key to the on position” and it is a bit exaggerated. As mentioned above go talk to people who own and use them (Cruise through the LR section here) to get a real sense of what they are like to live with. TFL truck on YouTube also has an LR3 as a camera car with occasional videos about it.
The 4-runner is also a great contender based on what I think you are looking for - have you considered them at all?
