2012 Test Drive Information
07-31-2011, 11:28 AM
#11
JK Enthusiast
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Boston
Posts: 274
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by Sprocket
There's a handful of them out there.
08-01-2011, 05:52 PM
#12
JK Enthusiast
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Raleigh, NC
Posts: 249
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
08-01-2011, 09:04 PM
#13
JK Enthusiast
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Tampa, FL
Posts: 375
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I have seen several reviews now (including the one linked above) that describe how much better the engine is in the jeep vs the old 3.8, esp on the highway. This is getting me more and more excited about the fact that I waited for the 3.6. Now I just can't wait till mine is finally delivered!
08-05-2011, 08:49 AM
#15
JK Enthusiast
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Raleigh, NC
Posts: 249
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I just got home from test driving a 2012 JKU Rubicon w/ Auto, 4.10s, and Max Tow. I drove my 2010 JKU Sport over there so i would have a back to back comparison.
My initial report is that I was not overly impressed. It was better, however, not Night and Day. The new powerplant / tranny does feel much better on the highway while at speed.
Around town the '12 felt a slight bit more spirited, however, I did not feel that it had more seat of the pants pull than my Superchipped '10. I also noticed that it was shifting gears quite a bit. On the highway, the '12 came up to speed quickly and felt much better for overtaking and passing.
All that said, as I drove my '10 home I paid extra attention to the drive and felt that my JKU with 3.73s, 35s, and the Superchip felt just as good (good being relative to the $10,000 the '12 would cost me for the upgrade).
The sticker on the '12 was $40k. Invoice was $36,7xx.
If I did not already own a JKU I would strongly consider a '11 for $1k to $2k under invoice plus incentives. In the long run you would be better off $$ wise.
Also for those with '11s, I would keep an eye on Superchips and once they release their code for the '11s get on it.
My humble .02!
My initial report is that I was not overly impressed. It was better, however, not Night and Day. The new powerplant / tranny does feel much better on the highway while at speed.
Around town the '12 felt a slight bit more spirited, however, I did not feel that it had more seat of the pants pull than my Superchipped '10. I also noticed that it was shifting gears quite a bit. On the highway, the '12 came up to speed quickly and felt much better for overtaking and passing.
All that said, as I drove my '10 home I paid extra attention to the drive and felt that my JKU with 3.73s, 35s, and the Superchip felt just as good (good being relative to the $10,000 the '12 would cost me for the upgrade).
The sticker on the '12 was $40k. Invoice was $36,7xx.
If I did not already own a JKU I would strongly consider a '11 for $1k to $2k under invoice plus incentives. In the long run you would be better off $$ wise.
Also for those with '11s, I would keep an eye on Superchips and once they release their code for the '11s get on it.
My humble .02!
08-06-2011, 09:07 AM
#16
JK Newbie
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Baldwin, MD
Posts: 84
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I just drove a '12 in bright white. I thought it was an improvement over the '11 on the highway. Local traffic felt like a lot more explosion to get around and in front of other drivers. Felt very smooth and light on it's "feet". My salesman is excited as hell about the engine. Getting pricing shortly. Still no brochures or color samples as of yet.
08-08-2011, 07:03 PM
#17
JK Newbie
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: KS
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Test Drive
Just test drove a White 2012 Sahara unlimited automatic, with max tow package and 3.73 gears.
My comparason is based off my 2010 Sport unlimited automatic with 3.73 gears. I have no performance mods, and still have the stock tires.
Off the line it is quicker, maybe by a second, and shifts from 1st to 2nd really fast. The best way to explain it, is its wirey and revs quickly. In my sport its a much smoother movement from a standstill.
The mid range speeds from 30-40 are pretty identical to my 2010, but there is just more up and down shifting going on in the 2012.
Merging on the freeway was cake, and this is really where I could tell the difference. Also getting to 80 and passing cars from 80-90 was effortless.
Overall I think Jeep did a great job with the engine and tranny. I was disapointed to see the steering shaft is similar to the 2011, and wonder if the clunk issue will crop up on the 2012 before long. Also the engine bay seems cramped, so duel battery and onboard air may be an issue. It may just be the cover taking up the space, I didnt have time to remove it so I can't say for sure.
My comparason is based off my 2010 Sport unlimited automatic with 3.73 gears. I have no performance mods, and still have the stock tires.
Off the line it is quicker, maybe by a second, and shifts from 1st to 2nd really fast. The best way to explain it, is its wirey and revs quickly. In my sport its a much smoother movement from a standstill.
The mid range speeds from 30-40 are pretty identical to my 2010, but there is just more up and down shifting going on in the 2012.
Merging on the freeway was cake, and this is really where I could tell the difference. Also getting to 80 and passing cars from 80-90 was effortless.
Overall I think Jeep did a great job with the engine and tranny. I was disapointed to see the steering shaft is similar to the 2011, and wonder if the clunk issue will crop up on the 2012 before long. Also the engine bay seems cramped, so duel battery and onboard air may be an issue. It may just be the cover taking up the space, I didnt have time to remove it so I can't say for sure.
Last edited by r1ps; 08-08-2011 at 09:50 PM.
08-11-2011, 09:08 AM
#18
JK Enthusiast
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Newark, DE
Posts: 295
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I drove a 12 4 door sport with 3.73 gears, and small steelie wheels. Now remember I'm comparing this to a 4 door sport with 3.21s and 33's, heavy bumpers, roof rack, lots of dead weight..... Both 6 speeds. I felt that it was much faster acceleration, and seemed to have plenty of power. I couldn't notice the vvt kicking in, like i can in my friends s2000, but i wasn't really paying attention to that. I didn't take it on the highway either, but I'm sure it has plenty of power compared to the 3.8, just from my short drive.
I also drove a 2011 rubicon on the lot, and after driving all three (my jeep included), I'm torn as to if I should try to get a great deal on the 2011 rubi, order a 2012 rubi, or make the wise decision and just change my gears in the 2008 i have...
I also drove a 2011 rubicon on the lot, and after driving all three (my jeep included), I'm torn as to if I should try to get a great deal on the 2011 rubi, order a 2012 rubi, or make the wise decision and just change my gears in the 2008 i have...
09-23-2011, 08:02 AM
#19
JK Enthusiast
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Raleigh, NC
Posts: 249
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I just got home from test driving a 2012 JKU Rubicon w/ Auto, 4.10s, and Max Tow. I drove my 2010 JKU Sport over there so i would have a back to back comparison.
My initial report is that I was not overly impressed. It was better, however, not Night and Day. The new powerplant / tranny does feel much better on the highway while at speed.
Around town the '12 felt a slight bit more spirited, however, I did not feel that it had more seat of the pants pull than my Superchipped '10. I also noticed that it was shifting gears quite a bit. On the highway, the '12 came up to speed quickly and felt much better for overtaking and passing.
All that said, as I drove my '10 home I paid extra attention to the drive and felt that my JKU with 3.73s, 35s, and the Superchip felt just as good (good being relative to the $10,000 the '12 would cost me for the upgrade).
The sticker on the '12 was $40k. Invoice was $36,7xx.
If I did not already own a JKU I would strongly consider a '11 for $1k to $2k under invoice plus incentives. In the long run you would be better off $$ wise.
Also for those with '11s, I would keep an eye on Superchips and once they release their code for the '11s get on it.
My humble .02!
My initial report is that I was not overly impressed. It was better, however, not Night and Day. The new powerplant / tranny does feel much better on the highway while at speed.
Around town the '12 felt a slight bit more spirited, however, I did not feel that it had more seat of the pants pull than my Superchipped '10. I also noticed that it was shifting gears quite a bit. On the highway, the '12 came up to speed quickly and felt much better for overtaking and passing.
All that said, as I drove my '10 home I paid extra attention to the drive and felt that my JKU with 3.73s, 35s, and the Superchip felt just as good (good being relative to the $10,000 the '12 would cost me for the upgrade).
The sticker on the '12 was $40k. Invoice was $36,7xx.
If I did not already own a JKU I would strongly consider a '11 for $1k to $2k under invoice plus incentives. In the long run you would be better off $$ wise.
Also for those with '11s, I would keep an eye on Superchips and once they release their code for the '11s get on it.
My humble .02!
Last week I found myself with an hour to kill during lunch so I drove over the dealer that I normally work with. I test drove a 2012 JKU Sahara Auto w/ 3.73s and a 2012 JKU Rubicon Auto w/ 4.10s. The Sahara drove extremely well. It felt somewhat nimble and ready to get on down the road. The Rubicon also felt great, however, a tad bit less spirited due to the MT tires and the 4.10s.
This time around I spent almost an hour driving the Rubicon around in all sorts of traffic conditions to really get a feel for the refreshed drivetrain. I found that once the motor warms up the throttle becomes more responsive. The Jeep beings to drive much smoother. At this point I was hooked.
The prior comparison that I made was not quite apples to apples especially considering the Superchips Flashpaq that had been applied to the 2010. I still feel that if you are in the market, want to save as much cash as you can, and are not overly concerned with the new powertrain then try to grab up a 2011 at a smoken deal. The very few that are left are being discounted quite heavily. If you are willing to spend a few extra k's then most definitely step up to the 2012.
Out the door I ended up with only a $7k difference between my trade and the 2012 Rubicon, only $3k more than a jump to a 2011 so I made the leap.
One week later, was it worth it? ABSOLUTELY!
09-23-2011, 08:11 AM
#20
JK Enthusiast
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Burbs of Chicago
Posts: 466
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
^Nice to hear...
I've heard nothing but good reviews on the new engine.
The "bad" reviews all seem to be around:
Remote start not playing well with the AC (not a 2012 issue)
On auto's, some of them are hyper-sensitive to downshifts with the auto-stick. (2012 tranny issue)
Silly exhaust loop that might get in the way of some lifts (2012 issue)
Can't re-gear yet or you will be in limp-mode (2012 issue)
I've heard nothing but good reviews on the new engine.
The "bad" reviews all seem to be around:
Remote start not playing well with the AC (not a 2012 issue)
On auto's, some of them are hyper-sensitive to downshifts with the auto-stick. (2012 tranny issue)
Silly exhaust loop that might get in the way of some lifts (2012 issue)
Can't re-gear yet or you will be in limp-mode (2012 issue)