hey guys, I'm just getting my first jeep and i REALLY need some help.
This awesome dealership in Thornton, Colorado is offering me $21,500 on my choice between two jeeps (after much negotiating lol)

the two jeeps are:

1) 2011 Jeep Wrangler X
-Stock, nothing fancy except the new interior
-Soft top
-standard sound system and all that
-Manual transmission
-Brand freakin new, 30 miles on it....8 of which are from my test drive today

I Figure this is a great price on a brand new jeep with full warranty and all....however at the same time the interior is almost too nice and I don't want to feel spoiled buying a brand new vehicle.



2) 2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sahara
-only 31,000 miles
-4 Door, which gives me tons of space I know I would use
-better off road capabilities right off the bat
-holds value better
-little more rugged interior (which I like)
-power windows (which i don't like)
-upgraded sound system w/ subwoofer
-soft top
-Manual transmission

This one really appeals to me...I LOVE the idea and look of a 4 door and having all that space to lie down in the back and sleep...or haul stuff that the 2 door just cant. Plus I LOVE having a subwoofer. Its got low miles to boot, however the problem I have heard over an dover again is that Saharas constantly fail Colorado's very strict emissions tests. However I do not hear about this problem with the Rubicons, and have they not the same engine? My only other complaint is that I don't like the fenders matching the color of the truck exactly. Not a deal breaker but I'm curious, can one get factory fenders from other models installed?





The biggest thing I am struggling with is that with the brand new one, I don't have to worry about what the previous owner did or where s/he took it, and such. It also has 30,000 less miles on it and although the interior is rather luxurious (in a bad, non jeep rugged-ish kind of way) I can't help but love how unbelievably quiet and smooth it rides compared to its older JK brothers. On the other hand, I love all the space the 4 door has, and its upgraded off roading abilities, and especially its subwoofer.


any advice? Should I really jump on either one of these because of the deal? which do you recommend???...I NEED HELP


Thanks all!
Justin Frank


EDIT: please excuse the typos....I'm very tired haha

 

as much as i would be drawn to the sahara at first i would have to go with the 2011. 07 is getting older and there were some issues with the engines. i know my 07 eats oil like a mutha. beyond this i think you should consider how much modification you are planning to do, you can soon have the x built up to be a much more capable machine than the sahara. in truth you are likely going to be taking allot of the sahara goodies off. four door is nice but two door is the original, coupled with it being 11 ther would be no doubt in my mind. just my 2c - either way you are geting a cool jeep

also you could consider waiting for the 2012's or negotiating a bit harder on the basis of the new model coming out soon.

 

In my opinion, the X. You can build it the way you want it. Plus I am partial to 2 doors. You know the history, and you have a warranty in case something happens.

I'm with you, i dont like the same color fenders as the body. (well except for the sahara tan with matching wheels floating around this forum)

 

be serious with yourself, if you can use the space, you'll kick yourself for not having it. I wouldn't trade my 4dr for a 2dr for anything and I too love the look. Friends can hop in and out easily. I haul more gear and friends than I utilize breakover angles.

If you really think you'll be a hardcore trail rider, then the X would be better since you can mod it the way you want. I have a sahara and love the painted fenders to match (jeep green ).

It's an ok deal on the X, and an ok deal on the sahara. So, will you mod, or will you appreciate the short wheel base off road?

The guy that suggested waiting...I would wait for the 2012 too. That motor is proven, the only issues would be the pentastar interface to the vehicle that isn't as tested as the very underpowered current motor. And, you will have more leverage to buy the 2011 model when the 2012 comes out.

 

unfortunately, I can't really wait for 2012. I need this asap because my current truck has gotten to the point where it isn't safe. It has stalled on me in the middle of intersections or going 40 down our main avenues 3 times in the last week and I have been very close to getting in some serious accidents.

I don't know, I want to off road yeah, but not hardcore all the time. Its gonna be my 7 day vehicle so I'm not gonna deck it out as much has I can dream of, because I need it to be a viable city vehicle too. Its not my toy, its my work horse and everything else.

I am leaning very hard on the Sahara right now because I really want the extra space and I appreciate the sound system as well...

basically my new question is will I have many problems with the sahara? I got into jeeps because of 2 things.

A) I heard that they still come in manual transmission, and they are easy to find.

B) I heard that they are tanks and will be extremely durable.

If the sahara is going to crap out on me im not interested...however if it is going to hold up fine, then It is basically my dream car.


I'm bringing one of them home in a couple hours, probly the sahara, but im making the final decision tomorrow. So hasty responses are very appreciated!

 

I bought my 2007 Sahara used and love it. It has given me good service both on and off road. I need the room with 3 kids at home. Don't be in a rush to upgrade anything, except maybe tires. These things are very capable right out of the box. Although I do think $21k is getting high for a 2007 jeep, even a 4 door.

edit: Saw 2 2007 Rubis listed in the Vancouver buy & sell at around $21K - higher mileage than the Sahara you are looking at though.

 

I take it the 2011 is a 2 door. I'm sorry I didn't go for a 4 door. There really isn't much space in the 2 door.
I have an 07 Sahara and I haven't had any problems. I'd say if you really need the space go for the 4 door.

 

07's where also the jk's virgin year. i have both a 2 door rubicon and 4 door sahara from 08.
momma's 4 door is fun to play in but my Ruby rocks the trails. i always bought new as well. scared of the previous owners possible lack of maintenance i wouldnt know until many miles later.

 

JKU all the way. It offers a longer term space benefit that cannot ever be accomplished with a regular JK.

You can build anything with either vehicle especially since the starting price points are identical.

Here is some more info. A regular JK Sport (or X) are on ad all day in the 19K to 21K price range here in CA. Try finding a JKU in any model from any year for under $22K.

 

I vote JKU but not an '07 Sahara.

2010 X Unlimited in your ideal price range?