I am buying a New Jeep JK and I was wondering what year I would be better off getting. I currently have a 1999 Jeep wrangler SE TJ and I am selling it. I am looking for a 2 door JK with a 6-cyl or better but I dont want to spend too much money. Any help would be great

 

Hrm.. that's open for lots of interpretation.

2008-2011 JKs run the 3.8L V6 - these will likely be the cheapest and not much in the area of power.

2012-current - these run the 3.6L Pentastar and have quite a bit more power, also better transmission if you're an automatic driver.

My wife just ordered a 2016 JK with half doors and a manual with no AC, our out-the-door price was $23,329 so depending on your budget, you could get a brand new one cheaper than you can buy a used one.

 

I have been seeing some 07 and 08 JK's lately closer to TJ prices. They are mid to high mileage. 2012 models scare me because of cylinder head problems. 2013 and up are just to damn high,you can buy new cheaper with lower interest rate. I just priced a new 2 door sport 6speed with AC for 25,200.

 

I would wait for the new model and would not be surprised if is hitting the auto shows next month.

 

If you're in the U.S., your only engine options are V6s (ignoring pricey aftermarket modifiers). I'd say check out '13 JKs. The 3.6 is nice, and you avoid the problems many '12s have had. A '13 likely gets you the best price on a recent model, and if you shop wisely you may even have a year or so of manufacturer warranty (any extended/lifetime warranty probably is not transferable).

 

My 2012 ended up with a new cylinder head but the dealership gave me zero hassle. A few days in the shop and she was like new and all covered under warranty, so I wouldn't let that keep you from buying one if you happen to find one with all the goodies you want. Other than that one problem my Jeep has given me no problems at all and she has traveled all over the western states. I had a 2007 which was totaled when some hamburger blew through a red light so I bought a new 12 and it is as different as day and night from the 07. I am completely in love with my Jeep like any other Jeep owner.

 

That's a good point. Is that a lifetime warranty on the heads now? Also, the previous owner may have taken care of it. So, yes, consider '12s. If the previous owner hasn't taken care of it, you could use it as a negotiating point. "I've heard these '12s have cylinder head problems, I don't know .... (as you wait for him to make a lower offer)".

 

I believe 8 or 10'years and 150k miles on the head is what FCA is doing.

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Im on a budget, im hoping to get $5600 minimum out of my '99 TJ that I have now, It has a 4" lift, new back side of the frame, new radio, beautiful condition. I am in the United States so I figured that it would be the V6 Engine which I am fine with. After I sell what I have, I do work but since im 17 I don't have a good job so im short on money. I do save, but most of the money is coming out of a bank loan that my parents want me to get but they don't want to have me take out much as I have to pay it back. Being in Vermont, for some reason not many people are selling Jeeps. Im willing to drive to get the Jeep but I don't want to drive way out to California to get it.
Just to inform you on the situation im in and what I have to think about when I do go to buy one.

 

I'm doubtful of this...If it does make an appearance, it's bucking the typical "new vehicle" launch including a lead-up of leaked confirmed specs and available options, spy photos of camo'd test mules. Things have been quiet on this front lately, so either FCA's got something up their sleeve or it's following a very typical launch and there just isn't much going on yet (and no vehicle to see at the auto show).

I'd keep the TJ...they're awesome. If you're short on money nothing is better than having a paid off (modified!) rig that you can just have fun with.

But if you want to go the route of buying a more expensive Jeep I don't know that I'd opt for any model year JK with the 3.8. Not a bad engine at all, just very short on power, and I'm not a fan of the cost-cutting Daimler Chrysler did in the '07-'10 models. '11 and up got the newer interior, and '12 and up have the 3.6 Pentastar.