I know I have asked a lot of questions but hopefully this is my last. My husband and I have narrowed down getting either a 10 or 11 JKU Sport or Sahara which would save us about 3000-4000. Or go with a 12 lightly used JKU Sport with around 12k miles? Of course the first choice would have the 3.8 and second would be more but has the 3.6. Is it worth it in the long run to just go all out and get the 3.6? Im just torn on that. We have driven both. I couldn't tell a lot but my husband says he thinks the 3.8 is sluggish on highway and get up and go?

Just want some reasonable feedback as this is a big decision for us!

 

I have had an 08 and and 13. Both with 3.21. To me, it is night and day with the new engine in my 13. If it was me, and only a 3K difference, I would go with the 12.

Any difference on gearing or extras on the two?

 

All have 3.21 gears and Dana 44 I don't know if this is pretty standard though? One of the cheapest 12 sports has crank windows manual locks while the other has power everything and tinted hard top. Both have the better wheels. The 10 Sahara we looked at has same and painted fenders.

 

It is definitely worth the extra $ to get the 3.6, I have a 2012 6-speed manual Sport S with 3.73 gears, 3.5 inch lift with 35's, I think if it was a 3.8 with the lift and tires it would almost be impossible to drive due to the lack of power. Even stock, I drove both before buying the '12 brand new, no way would I buy a '07-'11. If you decide to go with the 3.8, I would opt for an
'11 because the interior is more attractive.

 

When making purchases like this, it is good to consider the lifecycle cost of your ownership. The 3.6 will most likely have better resale value when it's time to trade. The 3.6 will get nominally 10% better gas mileage. If the difference is only around $3000 you will surely make that up in this lifecycle analysis. Insurance cost may be around the same. I was surprised when I bought my 2012 JKU. My insurance actually dropped compared to what I was paying on a 2002 mercury mountaineer.

 

Ok seems like new 3.6 is the way to go. I have another question are the plain sport models stiff capable of going mildly off road? Our two choices in the 12 is a red color with power windows and locks or white without power features. Which is the more attractive color? I've not seen the cherry red in person.

 

I'm a fan of both. My JK is black, only because its all the dealer could find with the options I wanted. The Sport S is basically a Sport with 17" aluminum wheels, and chrome interior accents. The Sahara is a Sport S with even more creature comforts and available options. The Sahara also has painted fender flares standard. Drivetrain/powertrain is the same between Sport/Sahara. If you are planning on any off roading at all, I would at least get 3.73 gears (better low end power).

 

Lol that's pretty funny. I have an '11 and seem to be able to drive down the road just fine.

 

Sorry, didn't mean you couldn't drive it. Just meant that the HP difference would be pretty noticable with oversized tires. I'm sure stock it does just fine.

 

Would all of the 12 Jeeps have keyless entry? Or would a lower end sport not have it?