Older JKU still good enough?
 

I've owned both a 2011 and 2012 JKU, but it has been so long since ive had them. Getting rid of the 2012 is one of the worst decisions i made. I want to get back to the Jeep, but funds this time around are tight.

I found a 2010 JKU Sahara with MT and 3.73 gears, 65000 miles for just under $20000. (Higher miles than id prefer, but any 2012 or newer around that price is going to have over 100,000 miles).

Am i crazy to be considering a 3.8 engine and prehistoric interior?

The interior isn't that bad and the motor isn't terrible if you know what you're getting. I've got a 10 with 180k miles. I really enjoy driving it and I've done all of the things to make it go further and do more. It's absolutely slower and less efficient than my friends with the 3.6, but- it still brings me joy and it still does everything I need/ want it to do.

Location and time are the two things that can help you get a better deal. I helped a friend buy a used jeep recently. She was looking at the 3.8 in a couple different jeeps ranging from $18-23. We stopped at the dealer and found a 2015 w/10k miles and factory warranty still in tact for $23. Patience is the killer but it worked out well.

I say do yourself a favor and get the 2012 or newer. I have to believe you can find a better price than $20k. My 2012 has 100K on it and it still runs like it did when it was brand new. For everyday use, there's no substitute for the extra HP and better MPG that the 3.6 gets you. Also think about the life cycle cost. Whenever you do go to unload your Jeep, the 2012 will certainly command a higher dollar than the older engine.