whistler

I have owned my own repair shop for 20 years, so have worked on all types of vehicles. This is my first Wrangler. Here is what I'd like everyones 2 cent on. I am planning on buying a used Wrangler. I have narrowed it down to 2 different models. I know enough to get myself in trouble, but not enough about Wranglers to feel I can make a good decision when buying one. I only plan to spend around $21K to purchase it and then modify it as the need arises.

I narrowed it down to these two Wranglers, 1st one is a 2013 Sport - basic model - PW, AT Hardtop with 25000 miles and 2nd one is a 2011 Rubicon PW, 6 speed Hardtop with 43000 miles. Both are the same price so which is the better purchase? It won't be my DD but plan to use it a lot and at times drive it long distances. I go off-road now, but not in a Wrangler. Moderate trails. Want it to be road worthy as far as power and drive-ability, so just moderate modifications. Mild Lift enough to clear 35" tires.

So with that said, since I have never owned one - Is the 2011 Rubicon a better buy or is the 2013 Sport. Is there enough difference with the 3.6 engine to compensate giving up the Rubicon drive train with a 3.8? I have no idea what axle is in the Sport but imagine its the 3.21, so may have to up grade gears.

I narrowed it down to these 2 years because of the early problems with the 3.8, by 2011 these flaws were all but eliminated and the late model 2013 3.6 had the head problems corrected in the 2012 models

I have test driven both vehicles, however it's hard to tell in a 15 mile test drive which one is a better overall deal.
Guess what I'm wondering is if the Rubicon has enough plus's going for it to purchase or go am I better off with a newer 3.6 engine?

jedg

Something other stuff to consider.

The 3.6L is a better performing engine. What gears are in the 2013?

The 2011 Rubicon will have 4.10 gears so that helps with bigger tires, but the weak 3.8L engine will squash that quickly. The 6-speed will help a bit though.

Do you have a need for the lockers in the Rubicon?

I own a 2011 Rubicon. They are a bit of an odd duck when it comes to purchasing parts. Example, the engine is the old gen (07-10), the interior is the new gen (2012+). The ECM is something in between (as folks like RIPP will attest to as it caused tuning challenges, not like the 07-10 and not like the 2012+). The front axle shafts can be either new gen (heavier) or old gen (lighter) depending on when in the 2011 model production it was manufactured. The 2012+ models got heavier front axle shafts in the Dana 44s (unsure about the Dana 30s).

The automatic transmission in the 2012+ (I realize the 2011 you're looking at is a 6-speed) is a much better automatic than was in the 07-11 models.

If it were me, I'd purchase the 2013 and if you want to build, then you've got a solid platform to start with. I grew frustrated witht he 3.8L engine and supercharged it. That only highlighted how terrible the automatic behind the 3.8L was. Now I have a 6.0L with a 6L80E. If I had purchased a jeep with the 3.6L and it's automatic, I doubt I would have ended with what I have now. (not that I don't absolutely love it!)

Joe_B

If it's not a DD the 2011 Rubi is the best bang for the buck if you want to wheel moderate trails with 35s.

The 4.10 gearing & 6 speed will be ok. You'll also get lockers, a larger front ring & pinion, larger inner shafts & low range t-case. Wrap that all up with some 35s and that jeep will perform well.

The 2013 sport lacks lockers, low range t-case, gearing for 35s & comes with a D30 upfront.

Now if you want to run large tires and custom suspension buy the 2013 & strip it down.

You'll get 1000 opinions on this. I just hope this doesn't turn into a rubicon vs non-rubicon debate.

Good luck

Alp1n3

Rubicon is gonna have a much better drivetrain (Dana 44's, lockers etc.) but the sport is going to have the better motor. I would go with the rubi imo just because I bought a Sahara and wish I would've went with the rubicon even tho I only ever hit moderate trails.

rob_engineer

In my opinion, there's no contest. Get the newer engine. Then add mods over time. Your wallet will be much happier when it's time for you to sell. There's nothing (reasonable) you can do to the 2011 that will give you the horsepower that the 2013 has. There's no substitute for horsepower. Oh yeah, you'll also get like 10% better gas mileage with the newer engine.

jlocker

For what it sounds like your going to use the rig for I'd say you'll be more satisfied with the 2011 Rubicon.

14JKWW

I agree with this logic, it's something like 80 extra horsepower in the 3.6. Most people are guided to the 3.6 when buying used so resale may actually be better. And since your a mechanic if you decide you want or need new gears and lockers. Add them. It's easier then swapping an engine.

Jonathan_JK

This^^^^^^

I started out with the Base model 2013 Sport with 3.73's and A/C Now I have everything that a Rubicon has Front and rear lockers the only thing I don't have is a D44 up front. But I'm going to Wheel the D30 till it blows then get a G2 Core 44 with 456's Eaton E-locker and be done with it.

jedg

Of course you will have to tell us which one you decide to purchase!

JRJKUS

With your skills the 2013 will be the better choice in the long run when you mod it. A bunch of good advice above.

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