New engine worth buying?
JK Freak
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 536
Likes: 0
From: Holyoke, MA
My 3.8 suits me just fine. 42k miles and no problems yet. Power is acceptable with a 6spd and superchips. I'm sure the pentastar is nice, but I am in no rush to upgrade to a new JK.. Maybe in 3 to 4 yrs..
JK Newbie
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
From: Littleton, CO
And I bought a 2012 for $500 more than the exact model 2011. Of course maybe I know how to bargain.
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 152
Likes: 0
I don't think you'll save more than $1000 on a 2011. I looked at both. I got my 2012 rubicon unlimited below invoice (MSRP was $41,747, I paid $36,700) and the only option it doesn't have is dual tops( but that may be because it has the painted top and flares). I considered a 2011 if I could save 3-4K. I figured if I could save that much I could use some of that to improve performance. When I found that I wasn't going to save but about $1,000 and I drove the 2012, I knew that there is no way short of supercharging the 2011 that it was going to be close.
If you've got the extra coin and want that HP, buy it. The 2012 rocks. However, you're going to save roughly $3,000-$4,000 on an '11 (possibly more if you can haggle the dealer down further). $4,000 will easily cover gears, a programmer, a decent 3" lift, and some 35" tires. 4.88's on the 3.8L with the auto programmed correctly makes a world of difference and will make that engine shine.
I paid for my damn-near-fully-loaded '11 Unlimited Rubicon what a '12 2-door goes for.
"Do the math" on that.
I paid for my damn-near-fully-loaded '11 Unlimited Rubicon what a '12 2-door goes for.
"Do the math" on that.
JK Jedi
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 5,350
Likes: 2
From: Lacey, WA
My numbers came out to (your experience may vary):
$22,900 selling price minus $1,000 rebate and $500 military rebate so: $21,400 for the 2011.
The "Tread Lightly" 1% below invoice price came out to $24,400 for the 2012 with the same equipment (no rebates). So $3,000. Plus I would have to wait 6-8 weeks to order the 2012.
Now add:
$1325 for 5 15" rims and 33" Duratracs
$1200 for regearing @ Northridge4x4
$350 for Rusty's Basic 2" Coil Spring Lift
$24,275 for a modded JK now vs $24,400 for a 2012 which I may get in November.
$22,900 selling price minus $1,000 rebate and $500 military rebate so: $21,400 for the 2011.
The "Tread Lightly" 1% below invoice price came out to $24,400 for the 2012 with the same equipment (no rebates). So $3,000. Plus I would have to wait 6-8 weeks to order the 2012.
Now add:
$1325 for 5 15" rims and 33" Duratracs
$1200 for regearing @ Northridge4x4
$350 for Rusty's Basic 2" Coil Spring Lift
$24,275 for a modded JK now vs $24,400 for a 2012 which I may get in November.
JK Newbie
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
From: Millbrae, CA
Who cares its a jeep!
I have a 2010 Rubicon 3.8L. Real jeeps arnt ment to go fast, its all about the off road capabilitys, the 3.8 is a much more well known engine compared to the 3.6L, plus they gave a 3:75 Gearing which is worse then 4:10 when it comes to crawling. If your a real jeep owner you will understand what im saying.
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 495
Likes: 0
From: Dallas, TX
I have a 2010 Rubicon 3.8L. Real jeeps arnt ment to go fast, its all about the off road capabilitys, the 3.8 is a much more well known engine compared to the 3.6L, plus they gave a 3:75 Gearing which is worse then 4:10 when it comes to crawling. If your a real jeep owner you will understand what im saying.
JK Freak
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 536
Likes: 0
From: Holyoke, MA
Ok, let's see, assume gas at $3.50/gallon (just playing with a number).
2011 with 4.88's and 35" tires maybe 13 mpg.
2012 with 35" tires more like 18 mpg.
That works out to be for the 2011 around 26.9 cents a mile for fuel, and for the 2012 about 19.4 cents per mile.
So then it costs 38.6% more in gas expenses for every mile driven in the mod'd 2011 to try and equal the stock 2012.
Just playing with numbers...
2011 with 4.88's and 35" tires maybe 13 mpg.
2012 with 35" tires more like 18 mpg.
That works out to be for the 2011 around 26.9 cents a mile for fuel, and for the 2012 about 19.4 cents per mile.
So then it costs 38.6% more in gas expenses for every mile driven in the mod'd 2011 to try and equal the stock 2012.
Just playing with numbers...
. I'm perfectly happy with my 3.8 
Last edited by XBlacky08X; Sep 13, 2011 at 10:46 PM.
JK Freak
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 737
Likes: 0
From: California
i have a 2010 rubicon 3.8l. Real jeeps arnt ment to go fast, its all about the off road capabilitys, the 3.8 is a much more well known engine compared to the 3.6l, plus they gave a 3:75 gearing which is worse then 4:10 when it comes to crawling. If your a real jeep owner you will understand what im saying.
lol!!!!!!!!!!
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 134
Likes: 0
From: Cazenovia, NY
Electric steering in the 2012 Wrangler? Dream on. It is still old hydraulic assisted recirculating ball technology. Not even R&P like modern cars. The 2012 GC with the v6 gets electro-hydraulic (not full electric).
There is a chance that the next gen Wrangler in 2015 or so will have full electric steering.