I'm about to order a new 2014 4dr JK Rubicon to replace my beloved 2009. I've really and truly enjoyed driving that tin can for the past 5 years. It's been a while since I've been in the market and have a few questions.

1) Anybody here know which has the better resale value on a Rubicon, the manual transmission or the the auto? Is the current manual transmission Jeep is producing any good? Also, I don't understand leather seats in a Jeep so I'm sticking with cloth. Does anybody think there will be a material negative effect on resale value going with cloth over leather? I am getting heated seats to make the wife happy, plus a few other options like dual tops, the UConnect 430 plus Bluetooth, tow package and additional airbags.

2) Are the stock 2014 Rubicon tires decent for highway driving and in winter weather? I replaced the stock mud tires on my 2009 pretty quick because of the noise, rough ride and the fact that they sucked in snow.

3) I had the stock wheels on my 2009 powder coated immediately since I like black wheels on a black Jeep. Over the past couple of years, I noticed Jeep was selling the same 5 arm stock wheels as those on my 2009 in black, but don't see them as an option in 2014 and, frankly, the one thing I don't like about the 2014 Rubicon is the new wheels. Does anybody know if I can order the old style 5 arm wheels in black from the factory (I think the wheels on the 2014 Sport S and Sport RHD are the same as what's on my 2009 Rubicon - are they still available in black)?

4) Lastly, in doing my research online, I couldn't find any incentives being offered right now. The only incentive I'm aware of is the $500 loyalty certificate I got in the mail. I know Jeep Wranglers are a hot commodity right now, but don't know what kinds of deals people are getting, if any. I don't expect to pay more than the invoice minus the $500 loyalty certificate. Is that realistic right now? I paid well under invoice on my 2009, but Lehman had just failed and there was blood in the streets when I ordered it in October 2008. I know it's a very different market now.

Thanks for the input!!!

 

Rarely any incentives of them but I live couple hours from largest jeep dealer in world and they almost always sell under cost (they make money on holdbacks and selling bonuses). Autos always have a higher resale but cost more to get. I know the current sticks are same as always and still have some issues. Leather is nice and easy to clean. Idk y jeep went with a dark cloth in 12+ cause if u use it offroad it's dirty real quick. I'm sure the dealer would gladly swap you rims off a sport s or sahara for your rubi wheels.

 

Tires - I have a '12 and the tires are fine on the highway, maybe a bit loud but not obnoxious. I have had no issues in snow, bit a little siping would be nice from time to time.

Pricing - join tread lightly and get 1% under invoice automatically.

 

I had a nice discount thanks to the company I work for. Saved about $2K off MSRP plus the $1000 incentive. If you work for a big company they most likely have discount on Chrysler Jeep. I would definitely check it out.

 

I wouldn't drive a automatic jeep
my tires are fine on road and off road
don't be concerned of insentives get a good trade in and price on the vehicle
leather is hot in the summer / cold in the winter / cloth seats are better / avoid power windows and door locks if you can less is more lol automatics have fire issues / manuals have noises your better off buying after market wheels new or even get your 5 spokes used and paint them rather than hand your dealer 2000 lol
and enjoy the jeep and all its issues noises and don't forget just empty every pocket we love our jeeps otherwise we wouldn't keep buying things for them , its like a marriage good luck

 

1. Automatic is probably better for short term resale. If you plan on owning the Jeep until the end of its usable life, I personally think a manual is a better choice.

1.5 - I personally think the factory leather on JK seats is of cheap quality and high cost . I'd much rather have cloth seats with a custom cover of my choice (and I do).

2. Yes, the BFG's are a good tire, both on and off road.

3. No, but a set of the 17" Moab wheels that come standard on the Sport S are ubiquitous online and can be purchased and powdercoated for cheap. You could probably do a trade so you're only into it for the cost of powder coating. They are the same size wheel and same lug pattern.

4. TreadLightly, Costco, and other "fixed pricing" programs are great. Check those out. Last time I tried to deal on a Rubicon was September 2012 and dealers weren't doing much back then. Sales are strong, good interest rates are already low, etc. Post-Christmas is traditionally a slow season for car sales, so you might find a hungry dealer out there.

 

I have an automatic, while it's not a rubicon nor is a 2 door, it's a fun vehicle to have, I just wish I had it in manual, my wife wouldn't let me buy a manual. :-(


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I like my '14 auto and have driven many standard trans vehicles. I agree on skipping the leather seats. They aren't that good and if you want leather or something else, the aftermarket offers better solutions for the same cost or less than the factory. I enjoyed the stock tires while I had them. They rode really nice and weren't that loud on the highway. Your going to love the 3.6 with 4.10 gears and stock size tires. It's really fun to drive. I picked mine up under invoice because of a dealer mistake on an ad but they are definitely harder to find at anything less than a thousand or so off of retail.

 

Thanks for the input guys. I ordered my new black on black auto 4dr Rubi tonight with cloth seats and all the options I wanted. I don't like the leather seats that come standard and chose the auto since I use it as a daily driver in downtown Boston. I'd love to get a manual, but it would drive me nuts in traffic every day (I had two 3rd Gen Mazda RX7s for many years and, while they were great fun, it got old after a while).

I got $2,863 off MSRP (in other words, I got about 6.6% off sticker) plus I get any incentives/rebates or TDM that are available when I take delivery. I think it's a fair deal. I got 17% off sticker on my 2009 4 dr Rubi, but that was in October 2008 just after Lehman failed. It's a different market, but I'm not complaining. I'm looking forward to all the upgrades on the 2014 (I just hope they're worth the extra $10,000 I'm paying over what I paid for my 2009).

 

Leather seats. Cleans easier than cloth (both for rain/water and mud and crap). Only reason why I ordered mine with them. I like to go doorless/topless as much as possible in the summer... however have been caught in the rain a few times. With the leather, I don't worry about it, and keep a towel in the jeep... just wipe the water away and it's all good.
Auto vs stick. If you're thinking re-sale, go with the auto. Opens up more options for buyers. And it's not that bad. However if you're thinking just for yourself (which is what I'd do), then buy whatever you want, and deal with potentially selling it down the road.
Stock BFGs. I live in Northern Canada where winter lasts 6 months. The tires are alright. Nothing fancy, but if you're careful and drive like their MTs you'll be fine. I did a winter and a half on mine, and my buddy did 3 winters on his (commuting 60miles a day) with no major issues.