First off, my name is Josh, I've been on this forum for quite some time soaking up as much information about these jeeps as i can, but I'm finally just now in a position to actually buy a JK, and I couldn't be more excited!

Ive had a Cherokee that I built and wheeled for the past 3 years, so I'm not new to jeep world. Coincidently I have a pretty good idea what I want in my next jeep.

What I'm looking for is an automatic Jeep Rubicon Unlimited.
-The must have's are full Doors with power locks and power windows, and a hard top.
The Rubicon is the obvious choice for me
Because it all ready comes with Dana 44's, 4:10, sway bar disconnects, lockers, you know... The good stuff you end up adding anyway if you do any degree of wheeling.

I have a good paying full time job, and im going to college full time. (yeah i have no life haha) I also dont have many expenses for the next couple of years. Scholarships are pretty much taking care of my schooling, and my living
Expenses are small. I have around 10 grand to put on a down payment, and I know I'll have no problem getting financed. Now here is what I need your guys's input on.

Do i buy used 07-2011

Or do I spend a bit extra and buy new 2012-2013

Buying used seems to be the most logical choice considering I'll save money, but jeeps seem
To retain their value. So for a couple extra grand do I put off the mods a couple years, and bite the bullet and buy new? Im just worried about previous owner negligence.

I guess what I'm really asking is buying new really worth it? like I said, I'll be keeping the keep for over 10 years, so I just want to make sure I do this right the first go around!

Also what years should I be looking for? From
What i read i want to avoid the 2007's. I love the 2011-12 interior, but the 2007-2010's are the most affordable, and they are still every bit as amazing. Ive test driven both the 3.8, and the 3.6. The 3.8 was okay, Its sure more peppy then my okee, but is the pentastar worth shelling out more money for? Yeah it has a lot more power, but the 3.8 still seems gets the wrangler around just fine?

What are your guys' thoughts?
Sorry if these are all dumb questions. I just want to make a educated decision before making a major purchase such as this. Thanks!

 

I got mine new man, 2010 Jk Unlimited. Im keeping this one forever so I wanted to be the only owner. 2011 and up do have a nice interrior but for me i like my 2010 interrior dont worry much when i put it thru MUD, rain or sand lol. My advice to you is to narrow down what you want it for whick one fits you more. And always just get want you want dont cut coners later you regret it you still gona have a payment might as well make it worth it!

 

Get the '12. I have an '11 and my wife has a '12. I wish I had waited. Don't put as much down so you can do some of the mods that u want. Sounds like u should be able to get a pretty good rate for financing. Also if you like good music, get the Infinity upgraded audio system. The stock system sucks. Good luck?

 

IMO Either get an 07 and mod the $hit out of it. or get the 12 and enjoy the power (and mod it ) lol
The interior is nice in the 12 and the power is great but you can get an 07 and put a super charger , complete suspention kit and wheels and tires for the amount of 2012... i would go for the 07...

 

If you can afford it, get a new one. A better investment IMO. You'll know exactly where its been and what changes happen to it. A new 10 year investment that starts with warranty, etc. vs. used with who knows how it was treated. If you bought an '07 you'd already be 5 yrs old, know what I'm saying?

 

Ultimately, it's all up to personal opinion and what's important to you. I had an '08 X for 3 1/2 years and just bought a '12 Rubicon and couldn't be happier. I had contemplated just dumping the money into my '08 instead of buying a new one, but when it came down to it (and I test drove a '12 Rubi), I wanted a new one with the better engine and interior so I'd be happier with it for a longer period of time. IMHO, the '12 is a MUCH nicer vehicle that will stand the test of time better than an older one.

Here's the good thing about this decision though, whichever way you go...you win!

Good luck!

 

I prefer the older interior, so I'd vote for a '10. I think it's easier to work with hard plastic (adding switch panels, modding, cleaning, ect) over soft vinyl, and I love my paracord wrapped steering wheel. The '11's lack the aftermarket tuneing support due to a hard to crack ECU, which limits your mods. If you really like the new interior, or want the new engine/transmission, go for the '12. One advantage the '12 has is much better automatic transmission drive ratio's meaning you can get bigger tires and not need to drop $1200 on regearing to make up for lost power.

Regarding the 07-10 range, the 07's and 08's had a period where bad engine internals were imported from Mexico, leading to spun main bearings around 30000-40000 miles. I had this happen myself and got a new shortblock out of it under warranty. I haven't heard of many engine problems after 50k miles, so it seems that that mileage range is the test of if it will fail like that. Another thing to look out for is some early '07 models (first few months of production) had a smaller D35 rear axle. You do NOT want this, though there are very few of these out there.

Personally, I went with a used 2008 2 door X with 20k miles. I paid $18,000 before my trade, allowing me to pay it off quick and get to modding. IMHO, slightly used is the way to go.

 

if you can work it out sensibly go for the 2012 or 2013. big improvement in drive train. i think that drive train will be worth more in resale too. best thing that's happened at jeep in a long time. unless you do big rock crawling you won't have to mod it much either, maybe a little lift, that's it.

 

Lets say you have $26k to invest;

Either



buy a 12 or 13 and you will LOVE it as is

OR

Buy an 07 and have $10 for mods!!!!!!




All matter of what you prefer...

 

If you are the type to keep something that long it will be worth every penny to get the new one. You will know where it came from and be able to work through any bugs under warranty. The 12 does have just that little more power that is nice.