A couple people pointed out that they liked the way this was summarized so I thought I would create it as a separate post. Hopefully those users, like me, who spend a lot of time reading posts here before deciding which JK to order and how to best build it up to meet our individual needs will find it useful

CAVEAT: A Jeep Wrangler is like a pair of shoes, no single one fits two people exactly the same... the difference is you can throw some mods on and customize it to best meet your needs (and thus the mod sickness begins).

The way I think about the three options are as follows:

• Rubicon = Best trail machine (in stock form) and a good starting point for building a Jeep you intend to take off-road often, but not neccessarily for doing a radical off-road build-up due to high cost of entry

• Sahara = Best road machine (but still a capable trail machine... it's a Jeep) and a good starting point for someone wanting to build a primarily road machine with occasional off-road use and who wants best ride on-road and the bells and whistles

• Wrangler X = Best blank canvas with fewest options making it the right choice for someone who either has a very clear idea of what kind of machine he/she wants to build (street, trail, rock crawler, etc.) and plans to replace lots of the stock components, or who doesn't have a lot to spend up front and wants to be able to build it out over time to spread out their investment costs

There are lots of other exceptions and examples to be sure, but that is the jist of it.

Cheers,
Gadget

 

Good summary. The salient point is that any of them are good off-road vehicles. The Rubicon rather locks you into that rock crawler thing, which is extraordinarily popular. And probably why I prefer more the safari look and performance (I tend to be contrarian--just ask my friends). That makes the X best for me. The Sahara (despite the name) was a non-starter. Power door locks? The doors will be replaced by something a little more "open". Power windows? Who needs windows?!?

 

I bought the X cause that's what I could afford, otherwise I would have bought a Rock Red loaded Rubicon, instead I have a black (cause I bought it used - sort of (988 miles used)) X, BUT, it does have the rear locker and sway disconnect. A superlift 4" and 35 procomp xMTs are enroute according to the shipping company.

 

Sweet!

I love black vehicles (My beemer is black) but they are a PAIN to keep clean... Especially here in Seattle area. My wife wanted me to get a black Jeep until I asked her if she'd wash it for me once a week, she laughed at me

So now I have Red Rock (or rather will, once it gets here...), still dark but not quite as dark as black.

Congrats, post up some pics when you get the wheels and lift on. I'm still trying to figure out which lift to go with.

Cheers,
Gadget

 

I bought the X because it was in my price range plus I could get manual windows and locks. I did look at and test drive a Sahara but once I found out it came with all the extras and fluff that I did not need I went with the X, But I really wanted the color red rock.

 

Couldn't make up my mind so I bought a 2 dr Rubi and a 4 dr X

 

now, that's the way to roll (x2).

I ordered the X because...

1) love the black flares with stone white
2) didn't want the "fluff" (as earlier stated)
3) just wouldn't utilize the Rubi's capabilities

But every last JK (or any other Wrangler for that matter) makes me look twice, in aww!!

 

man hit it on the head for me! I bought the X for the same reasons. I will see a decent amount of rocks but most of my rides will be trails. Ive been on the rocks at Tellico and done just fine. Adding BB, 35" tires, a winch and some rails is all i have needed to follow more modified older jeeps

 

I've got a Sahara on order for several reasons

1.Love the khaki tops, can't get it on X or Rubicon.
2.I will drive it a lot more on road than off unfortunately, but will go off road a couple times a month
3. Wanted MyGIG
4. I've always been partial to the Sahara editions, though I'm dissapointed there are no saddle bags in this edition.
5. Last Jeep(87 YJ), was absolutely base, wanted something more than base.

 

Will order a 2-door Rubi once my transplant is finished.

It will have trimmed fenders, new stubby bumpers, a lift and 35-36s within the first month. Then the next month 5.13s and a winch and dents.