Best JK Year to Purchase?
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JK Newbie
Joined: Oct 2008
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From: Maryville, TN & Des Moines, IA
Best JK Year to Purchase?
Hey guys,
I'm considering buying a 4-door wrangler rubicon, and I was wondering if there was a "best year" to date for this vehicle in the used market, and why? Thanks for the help,
Chris
I'm considering buying a 4-door wrangler rubicon, and I was wondering if there was a "best year" to date for this vehicle in the used market, and why? Thanks for the help,
Chris
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Jul 2011
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From: Southern New Jersey
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Dec 2006
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From: West Los Angeles
Ripcord covered it pretty well. Anything you can get a really good deal on is what I reccomend. I have an 11' Rubi. Unl. and I love it but a 12' would have been better. If you can find a good used Rubi. with not too many miles that hasn't been beat to death and is a good price that can work too. If you can't find a really great deal on a used one just get a 12', like ripcord said the 12' motor and trans. are much better, and like Ripcord said there may never be a chip for the 11's.
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JK Newbie
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 44
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From: Maryville, TN & Des Moines, IA
Man, you guys rock. That's the most posts I've ever seen so quickly on a new thread. Thanks so much for the help. Why is that always what I need/want is new? LOL...it's always the case...but what the heck, why not, right? I definitely am an automatic driver, nothing else in my vehicles, and because of this, it sounds like a 2012 is my best options, barring money of course. Now I just have to convince my wife that a new Jeep is better than her loaded Toyota Sequoia Platinum...but honey, you can take the top off and let your hair blow in the wind...lol. Think it will work? 
In regards to modifying with lifts and larger tires, is there any advantage of one year over the next? I never keep anything stock, but this particular vehicle will need to be streetable first and wheelable second, but capable at the same time. Are the rubi's still the only model that has the Dana 44 axles?
Thanks guys,
Chris
In regards to modifying with lifts and larger tires, is there any advantage of one year over the next? I never keep anything stock, but this particular vehicle will need to be streetable first and wheelable second, but capable at the same time. Are the rubi's still the only model that has the Dana 44 axles?
Thanks guys,
Chris
JK Freak
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 976
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From: Maryland
First x2. go with the 2012.
The second part of your question is loaded. both pre 2012 and 2012 have different challanges and quirks when it comes to mods. Really its going to depend on what you want to do with it. Then do your research. Anything over a 2" lift on the 2012 is gonna require an exhaust spacer and new front drive shaft. Additional Skid plates are also recommended for the 2012. But the Power can't be beat compared to pre 2012. The 2007 - 2011's have plenty of their own challanges depending on what you want to do with them.
Spend some time reading the form and doing research. What you are asking can't be answered in a paragraph or two. Books could be written on the subject. Thats half the fun. Making the jeep your own.
Good Luck.
The second part of your question is loaded. both pre 2012 and 2012 have different challanges and quirks when it comes to mods. Really its going to depend on what you want to do with it. Then do your research. Anything over a 2" lift on the 2012 is gonna require an exhaust spacer and new front drive shaft. Additional Skid plates are also recommended for the 2012. But the Power can't be beat compared to pre 2012. The 2007 - 2011's have plenty of their own challanges depending on what you want to do with them.
Spend some time reading the form and doing research. What you are asking can't be answered in a paragraph or two. Books could be written on the subject. Thats half the fun. Making the jeep your own.
Good Luck.
JK Super Freak
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 1,602
Likes: 6
From: morgantown wv
Originally Posted by Riptide
If you're even considering an auto, I'd only look at the 2012s. The auto they put in there is a massive upgrade on the 07-11s.
Otherwise I'd only avoid the 07s and 11s. 07s as it's the first model year (yes it's been 5 yrs, however who knows what could still pop up). The 11s as there's currently still no tuners for them, and with the big changes to the 12s you have to wonder how long it'll take to eventually go back and code one for a 11. That being said if I got a great deal on either of these, I'd seriously consider it.
Personally I'd look at a 2012 even if it meant getting a sport instead of a Rubi. The new engine/tranny are a huge upgrade over the 3.8. With some new tires, that sport becomes a very capable machine. Then save for lockers, etc as funds are available.
Otherwise I'd only avoid the 07s and 11s. 07s as it's the first model year (yes it's been 5 yrs, however who knows what could still pop up). The 11s as there's currently still no tuners for them, and with the big changes to the 12s you have to wonder how long it'll take to eventually go back and code one for a 11. That being said if I got a great deal on either of these, I'd seriously consider it.
Personally I'd look at a 2012 even if it meant getting a sport instead of a Rubi. The new engine/tranny are a huge upgrade over the 3.8. With some new tires, that sport becomes a very capable machine. Then save for lockers, etc as funds are available.