I just sold my tj and looking at getting a used jk rubicon. I have tried to search here and on google to find out what would be the ideal rubicon to buy to use mostly as mostly stock for some off road trails for my family and I. I know on the tj’s the 4 cyl was not worth building. I’m just looking to get some info on what to be looking at years And what years to stay away from to get. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Are there any years worth looking at more than others?

 

are the 08-11 really that bad with the 3.8l? And if I find a 2012 in my price point I read a lot of issues from what it sounds like in the head. If that was repaired correctly would I have anything to worry about in buying a 2012. My main issues is price range

 

I personally would buy newer. Any repair done correctly is no different then new.

 

I'd stay '13+. The '14-'15 seemed to have bit more trouble with the oil coolers/sensors (more than I seem to see on other years) and that repair is a pain, but I wouldn't NOT buy one just due to that. Stick with the 3.6L though. There should be a plethora to choose from.

 

Sadly, yes, get a 3.6 if the budget allows. I wouldn't put the 3.8 there with the 4cyl (I had a 4cyl, 3 speed auto before coming to the jk) but the 3.8 is 'typically' an oil burner in the early years. You'd probably be ok with a 10-11 but I can't say I'd buy a 07-09 without budgeting for motor replacement. They won't all need it, but the issues were more prevalent in the early years. The 11 would get you the newer style interior to where more interior accessories will fit.

 

My 2012 was rock-solid great and reliable. I bought it new and drove it for 8yrs and 105,000 miles. Most reliable vehicle I've ever owned. The head issue in 2012 resulted in the extension of the warranty to 150,000 miles.
Now, I've traded my 4-door 2012 for a 2014 2-door. After 3 months of ownership a valve spring broke and cost me $2800 to fix. In addition, 2014's have a different oil filter housing that cracks and leaks. This was fixed on mine within that $2800 charge.

 

You can build a 3.8, I would stick with the manual though. What are your build plans? Are you looking for a 2 door or 4 door? If you are looking at building a heavy JKU than I would look at either a 3.6 or better yet buy a cheap 07 and put an LS in it.

 

That oil filter housing does suck and I would not want to own a 3.6 be cause of it. What a piss poor design.

 

Mr. Dirtman, I do disagree, owning 2 JKUs a '13 and '16 the 3.6 is a great powerplant - 6spds too...compared to 3.8 (I had an "11 too). Have no issues with Oil Filter Adapter housing either. Just my $.02 worth.

 

Wait until that thing leaks and you have to swap it out. They put low quality O-ring in a spot that requires you remove the entire top of the engine. Reminds me of working on an audi. I have actually swapped one out. What a pain in the ass.