Buying a JK Advice

[Casey]

Just sold my car, ready to buy a JK, I love TJ's but I need a good daily driver, and I have test drove a new one at Lithia and enjoyed the on road manners. I recently finished college so don't know where I will end up working, but it looks like I will be leaning towards a job in Alaska that I will be working for 2 weeks, then back home for 2 weeks.
But trying to find the best fit for me and best deal seems to be troublesome. I have been looking at craigslist for months and the same dilemma occurs every time. I have been looking at mainly 2 door Rubicons, and sports. The dilemma I am having is how well Jeeps hold their value. If I try to save the money and by a slightly older (pre 2012) I am only saving somewhere in the 2000-5000 range. Where if I pay the extra cash I can get a lower mileage 2012 with the new 3.6 and 5 speed auto. Every forum online always says get the 3.6 if you can.

The jeeps I am currently looking at are a
2008 Rubicon, 50K miles, $21,000
2012 Sport, 25k miles, $24,000 (has a budget boost and 33s and 3.73s)
2012 Rubicon, 26k miles, $27,000, (has rack, and tires and wheels, no lift)

I would mainly use the Jeep for mild trails on the weekends, camping etc. And eventually (way) down the road make it more of a toy when I could afford a second car as a DD or commuter.

The other option is a stock base model Wrangler I could order with 3.73s, but with A/C, hardtop, it would be close to the price of the 2012 Rubicon, but brand new with full warranty.

So I am wondering if I really should spend the extra money to get the 3.6, or save some and look for a pre 2012 rubicon. Or meet in the middle and look at the 2012 sport. Is the 3.6 leaps better or just preferred? The new interior is nice but I am more concerned with the engine and transmission of the newer ones.

[79chevy39.5's]

buy the newer rubicon. the sports will go down in value sooner and the d44 front and elocker is a very worthwhile upgrade if you ask me

[OldGreen]

I would buy the 2012 rubicon and run it stock for a few years. I have that motor in my WK2 and it is phenominal.

[scumby]

not going to say which vehicle to buy but i will say an aftermarket warranty is well worth it from past experience. ask about warranty prices for used vehicles and factor that into the price vs new with warranty. i typically let someone else take the depreciation hit.

my $.02

[OldGreen]

not going to say which vehicle to buy but i will say an aftermarket warranty is well worth it from past experience. ask about warranty prices for used vehicles and factor that into the price vs new with warranty. i typically let someone else take the depreciation hit.

my $.02

I totally agree. I bought a warranty that I haven't used once. . . But, it only takes 1 big repair to pay for the warranty. Piece of mind is worth a lot! Plus, I don't have to worry about learning a newer vehicle.

[79chevy39.5's]

keep in mind most aftermarket warrantys will be kicked with lifts and bigger tires, aftermarket intakes, programmers ect.

ive seen warrantys get kicked for things that were on a rig when it was bought. read the fine print closely if you spend the extra money for an aftermarket warranty

[Casey]

whatever I buy I am hoping for low miles so I can keep it a long time, I don't plan on lifting whatever it is until down the road quite some time since I don't know where my career will take me and how long of a commute I could end up with. So a warranty would be nice, but it sounds like the 3.6 is the smarter choice? Even if I went with a sport 3.6 over a 3.8 rubicon? My problem with buying a used sport is that a majority of the time they will have 3.21's, which wouldn't be terrible, but if I order one I can get the 3.73's which would make throwing on some rubicon takeoffs more fun, and also get tow package from the factory. Decisions... decisions, any more input helps! I am sure as time goes on though with any rig I will be getting more and more into actual wheeling trips, I have only wheeled locally with my past rigs

[Rottwheeler]

buy the newer rubicon. the sports will go down in value sooner and the d44 front and elocker is a very worthwhile upgrade if you ask me

x2... Better components, adequate gear ratio until you get to 35" tires and better resale later.

[Lud]

Go with the 3.6L VVT engine on the 2012+. In my opinion, the 3.8L should have stayed in the minivans.

[Yrjan]

Jay Buhner's dealerships in Puyallup always have nice Jeeps. Its where I bought my wife's JKU Mountain Edition... here's what I see them having as of Saturday 08/29/2015...

http://nwmsrocks.com/for-sale/lifted-20 ... line_33359

http://nwmsrocks.com/for-sale/lifted-20 ... line_33753

http://nwmsrocks.com/for-sale/lifted-20 ... line_33291

[Wrench]

This:

[Yrjan]

This:

YAYO!!!!!!

[Casey]

Unfortunately those are over my budget!

Turns out the dealership that had the 2012 rubicon I was looking at would not work on price at all.

I adjusted my budget for something I can afford a little more and I'm going Tuesday to look at a 2012 sport, hardtop, 3.73s, and practically brand new 31inch KM2's on rubicon rims

[Jay W]

http://kpr.craigslist.org/cto/5193726591.html

[Rottwheeler]

http://www.tomscountry.com/used/Jeep/20 ... 47cc17.htm

You should consider this... 2005 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited SUV

[Casey]

LJ's are sweet but I want something low mileage, and if I find a low mileage LJ they are usually more expensive than a JK haha

[benw]

I daily drive an 07 rubicon on 37s with a 6-speed transmission and stock 4.10 gears. The 3.8 gets the job done just fine. I wouldn't shy away from a 3.8 if you gear it properly for the tires you want to run.

[Casey]

Im not scared of getting a 3.8, the power isn't really the main thing I would be worried about in the 3.8, although it contributes to my reason for a 2012. The fact that there is so much information about the 3.8 burning oil is reason for me to want the new engine, also the new transmission is much better as well. But a newer sport also fits me a little better, im willing to give up getting a rubicon for the 3.6. And I am sure there are plenty of 3.8s that don't burn any oil, but buying used you never know how it has been treated

[Casey]

Going tomorrow to look at and possibly buy a 2012 2 door JK Sport, anything common to look for? I've done lots of research but have not been around JK's at all.

[Casey]

So I ended up getting it, I've really enjoyed it so far, will post a picture tonight if I get a chance

Would anyone be interested in going to hover Saturday? Want to test it out, free all day

Also when is the next meeting? I'd like to attend

[Lurch]

Meetings are typically the first Wednesday of the month. Just keep an eye on the header for more info.

[Casey]

And now has my $40 rubicon sliders on as of tonight!

Headed to Hover in the morning, not really sure of a time but if any one else is interested I am guessing it will be around 10

[TJDave]

Very nice!