JK or TJ that s the question!!

I am thinking about either purchasing a JK Unlimited between a 2013-2017 or a 2003-2006 TJ. I know these are different beasts. I love the idea of having a new vehicle but I was also told the the TJ is more bulletproof. Without all the technology on the TJ I will experience less issues and its MUCH easier to repair.

What has your experience been with new model JK unlimited? I am so darn enthusiastic to purchase a wrangler, been wanting one for years and years, so any suggestions are welcomed.

Thanks so much
RR

 

I think if you were talking about an '07-'11 JK, it might be a little tougher decision, but I'd think JK would win every time. I've put a little thought in to this recently as I've got almost 15yo twins that will be driving before I know it.....and with a tight budget, I've been looking at older TJs compared to late model JKs. I'd pick the JK any day, but the hard pill to swallow for me is what even the '07/'08 JKs are still costing with 150k miles! If you eliminated the cost difference as a factor, '13+ JKU would be a nobrainer decision over a TJ to me.

In addition, If buying a used JK, I'd look hard for something that was in stock form. If you buy something already lifted you'll just have the added headache of trying to figure out what cheap components the previous owner slapped on to achieve their look. They are very seldom built properly.

 

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I know it seems insane to purchase let's say a 2014 JK with 35k miles on it for $30,000. Isn't it better to spend another $10,000 ($40,000 in total) and buy a 2017 Rubicon?

 

If budget allows, I'd say buying new would make sense. You get warranty coverage and you know precisely everything that gets done to the jeep. I own vehicles for a long time, so when I bought mine new in '13, I had no doubts I'd own it for 10+ years.....and probably keep it as just a trail toy after that. It's a classic looking vehicle that won't go out of style.

I built out just a basic Sport S, 4dr, auto, with a hard top and normal "convenience" package, and it was dang $39,800! There's not many thrills in that $40k jeep. That is a huge increase over what a similar JK has run, and I'm sure their not going to be discounting the JL much at all. It made me start wondering how the market is going to accept that price point. Will you see JL's flooding the market like you see JKs? I think that with these increasing sticker prices, the JK values are gonna hold up better than any other vehicle out there. I'd venture to guess that on a percentage basis, the JK value will hold up even better than the TJ value did when the JKs rolled out. Honestly, I think buying a new '17 JK wouldn't be a bad investment because it's value is gonna hold up. I'm obviously using the term "investment" loosely.....you are STILL buying a depreciating asset.

Here's the link if you want to build a JL -
https://www.jeep.com/build#/models/zipcode/90210/vehicle/CUJ201810/ccode/CUJ201810JLJL72A/llp/2TB/options/ERC,DEM,SDA,TQJ,WD2,A7,Z1A,DLK,UAA,4XA,X9,PSC,23B, APA

 

You need to separate those two issues.

Is it better to spend $10K more on a Rubicon (regardless of year/age)? Like, do you actually have a use for the Rubicon features or are you just spending money for the decal and bragging rights (you brought up money...)?

THEN, is it better to spend 95% new-Jeep price on a 2-3 year old Jeep with 35K miles?

IMHO, it's better to spend 100% of the new Jeep price and get a new Jeep. And Rubicon is not worth the cost certainly for TX Jeep owners. If you had lots of mud, snow, rock crawling, maybe it'd be worth it for you. IDK where you are.

Worst of all choices IMHO is buying a used Rubicon for more than the cost of a new sport.

Back to your original question, I had exactly the same quandary when I bought my 2015 (in 2015...). I wanted an LJ but they were reasonably hard to find and even with 100K+ miles they cost 70% of what a brand new JKU cost. The JKU is a better vehicle in virtually every way, at least the '13+. WAY more power, way more usable cargo and passenger space, more off road capability, better ride, better handling, better gas mileage, better interior, on and on. They are just much more capable and refined vehicles.

You will spend $10K more on a new JKU than you will on a VGC+ LJ (say under 80K miles) and you can go get one right off the lot rather than looking for months for an LJ. But it'll last you 3-4 years longer at least and it'll be a better vehicle the whole time. About the only thing the LJ/TJ really has going for it is the sort of more-classic status.

 

My 2012 JKU I bought new. Almost 6 years old. Has 96,000 miles. It has been trouble free. I think the jk will be superior in every way compared to the TJ. Also consider lifetime costs which include how much it is worth when you are done with it.

 

JK FTW, my 2013 JKUR is For Sale BTW!

 

I have both. I wouldn't have another 05-06 TJ/LJ because of the oil pump drive issues. So if you choose TJ, go 04 or older. You do realize asking that here you will get biased answers toward a JK.

 

Only a TJ owner will tell you that and not a JK owner.

Comparatively, in most cases replacement parts will cost more on a TJ since the older a vehicle becomes, the less available replacement parts become. Especially OEM replacement parts. The JK will be seeing that in the next 5 years but the TJ is already seeing it.

 

I've got both and it really comes down to what you want to do. Both if of jeeps are ok 2.5" with 35's. Jk has 174k miles with minimal issues and the 03 TJ Rubi has 250k with minimal issues. I've put basically no money into the JK outside of standard maintenance, but I'm the original owner. Second owner of the TJ so I can't say that all of the maintenance has been done faithfully....but it still runs fine. The TJ needs cats but even that is relatively cheap (it's not a motor). I replaced the tranny in the TJ but with 250k, why not? It was $900.

If you want a solid highway vehicle then go JK. If you want more fun off-road and less concerns about tearing up the body, go TJ. They both shine in their own ways and I'm happy to have both.