Greetings all! New to this site. I've been a Cherokee jeep guy for years, but time to switch since my third Cherokee is about to retire. Wife once owned a 2006 Unlimited and she loved it. Now we want a four door Wrangler, but what year is best? Any guidance to a great year jeep would be most appreciated, and we are wanting one ASAP! Thanks!

 

I'd suggest one where the factory trimmed the pinch seam in front of the rear tires if you're going to bigger tires. I did a quick search and think the factory started doin that on the 2017 models.

 

So 2018 and newer? Newest jeep I've owned was an '06 Unlimited, my wife's actually. Should have never sold it, but $ was tight. I'm an old 4.0 guy, never experienced the 4 cylinder or the newer 3.? motors. I'd like a Rubicon, so I'm guessing this only comes with the V-6. I see a few 2015's and up, a couple of 2020's, but not sure how much high tech electronically gadgets I can handle, dash control wise. Also, seems like this stuff would be prone to lots ion issues due to potential water intrusions.
Thoughts/guidance, anyone?

 

Welcome to JKF. All newer vehicles don't like water or liquid mud. If you want to do this type of bogging then modify a CJ7 and extend it. Stay old school is my advice with perhaps electronic engine like Chev LT (they are lighter than Hemis and more economical).

 

No, been there, done that. I am ready for some improvements, but that doesn't mean I want too many unnecessary (useless) high tech garbage, in a jeep.

 

I think the best combo for the Jk was the newer engine 3.6 and 5 speed transmission. The first year for that was 2015 I believe.... the 3.8 engine has a lot less HP and Tourqe... and the auto is a 4 speed and has a tough time finding the right gear sometimes. The 6 speed manual tranny helps the 3.8- I'm unsure of its long term reliability? I have never owned one... they could be fine? Budget comes into play.... the 2007's can be found cheaper now... and some had a trail package that had 4:10 gearing, rear locker and sway bar disconnect- all as a non-rubicon offering. 2008- and up that was not offered except in the rubicon trim. The interior also improved through the years... but the Jk in general is very comfortable compared to the older wranglers. It is also very capable, and easy to modify with a lot of aftermarket support.

 

synergy, I too moved over from a highly modified XJ to a 2013 JKU. First impression was the amount of room in the JK as compared to XJ. After the first month of driving the JK I was wondering if I made the right decision. But now I know that was nostalgia speaking in my head. You are making the right decision moving into a JKU. Less vibration, quieter, modern, parts availability, less concern for grounding issues make the JK much better. My only regret is daydreaming about keeping the XJ for JEEPSPEED racing (but who has the money for that ). I always enjoy seeing XJ's on the road and are glad there are guys who want to keep them running and on the road. For my money, any JKU 2013 or later is the best choice. I have heard of a few issues with 2012 and you don't want the 3.8l engine.