Aight, well it looks like I will have a job once again... and once back to work I plan to get rid of my truck and become a JK owner. I've been on this forum for a awhile doing research... I don't have any questions, but I am looking for input on my decision:

do you think it's better to trade my 2008 Dodge Ram 4x4 in on a new 2dr Rubicon and then add the lift, tires, gears, bumpers etc.

or

would I make out better selling my truck outright (which may take longer) and then buy a Rubicon that's already set up the way I want it? I've found several at dealers in TX, UT and NC.

Looking for pro/cons for each - here's what I have so far

trade in pros - it's brand new. get to mod it my way and know what's in it. better interest rate maybe
trade in cons - gonna pay more and still have to shell out for the mods

sell and buy pros - prbly get more for my money in terms of vehicle/mods. don't have to wait to get the mods I want
sell and buy cons - wil take longer to sell my truck outright. used car interest rate higher than new?

Anyone out there have a lifted 2dr Rubicon they want to trade for a Ram 4x4? Stupid question, but thought I'd ask... Man I wish I would have listened to my wife two years ago when she told me to get the Jeep... Had a truck for so long I guess I thought I needed one still...

thanks...

 

my issue with buying a 4x4 used is that you really need to inspect it. A used and abused 4x4 can be dent and scratch free and a thorough cleaning can remove almost all traces of off road use. I bought mine new...

herein lies the other issue... if you plan on keeping your jeep forever, i would buy it new! if this is going to entertain you for a few years and then you move on to sometihng else, buy it used.

My rig, will ultimately become a trailered dedicated off road vehicle. 12 years from now is the game plan. I got it when it had 3 miles on it... i know every oil change, every trail its been on, whats broken, whats been replaced etc.

 

That's the only thing against buying used... you just don't know.

I usually keep my vehicle for 8 years before getting rid of them... this truck is the exception for me. So new might be better.

 

Buy it new and build it yourself! Nobody but you can know how you'll use your Jeep. Dealers tend to WAY overcharge for lift kits (and use mediocre products), and private owners tend to overvalue them when they sell used. You'll be a lot happier if you make the decisions yourself.

 

Lifetime warranties only come with new vehicles too....Lifetime engine block, transmission, and drivetrain warranties can save your wallet a pounding if something goes awry.

 

You'll always do better selling your vehicle outright. Additionally there's no reason not to buy a used JK. I've bought most of my Jeeps used (5 of 7) and never had a problem. You just check it out like you would any other used vehicle.

 

thanks for the input fellas... while I love the idea of buying new and doing a build up myself, it also means higher vehicle purchase price and longer to be able to mod it out.

I do like the idea of saving some cash by buying an already modded JK (beside the cost savings, there is the instant gradification part too LOL). I guess I'd just have to do my homework and really check out the vehicle.

I'm not really worried about the lifetime warranty part... my dealer is pretty cool with things, and since I won't be doing any rock climbing (just muddy trails 'round here) I don't invision breaking anything that I cannot fix myself.

My buddy at the dealer can check out the VIN to see if any used jeep I might want has been in for work... which will help to see if there's been any issues with it.

now if I can just sell my truck... no bites so far.

 

I'd take your Ram to get it appraised by your dealer (NOT CARMAX! Ane take an extra set of keys with you just in case they pull their "oh, I misplaced your keys" routine) to see what they would give you for it. It's worth a shot - But I still HATE stealerships!

Good Luck - oh yeah, and I would buy new, there's a better chance that nobody farted in the seats!

 

If you buy new or used from a dealership, i would look into trading your truck in. The amount they give you for your truck goes against the price of your jeep and lowers the tax you will pay. Sometimes it can really lower the amount of tax. Thats where you get the benefit of a trade-in, cause we all know the dealership isn't going to really give you what your truck is worth, but might get better value with the tax difference.

 

LMFAO...

Good point... i totally forgot about the tax part... especially here in NY...