I'm currently looking into getting a new JK here in the next month, I'm looking for a newer non rubicon or unlimited JK(can't afford that). Hoping for like a 2012 or 2013, but I'm open to other years, what I'm really asking does anyone have suggestions as for good, or not good years, or any other options that might be a good thing to get.

 

'12 and newer have the 3.6, everyone likes it more then the 3.8, 13 and 14 dont have the left side head issue that 12s can have, but the warrenty is extended for the 12s if it did pop up you should be covered. finding a good used one is gonna be a challenge, but the internet helps and so does living in a more populated part of the country then i do, i had to get a new one, nobody had anything used for sale for 1500+ miles!

 

Alright thanks for the advice, I hadn't heard of the head issues before, that's a good thing to be aware of, I've been hearing that the 3.6's have been a lot better than the 3.8's so far, has anyone heard of the head issue arising again after its supposedly been fixed?

 

Seems like I remember one case at the very start of 2012, not something I would lose sleep over now that they have extended the warranty and the issue has been well documented.

 

Alright that sounds good, but I do like to be as informed as possible, does anyone know if this is something that occurs with only like early 2012's or is it something that the problem persist through all of the 2012's?

 

I'm a new JK owner after a 10 year hiatus from having a Jeep. Here's my thoughts on the options I recommend;
a) bluetooth connectivity (I absolutely needed/wanted that) so that you can use your phone hands free and listen to music/podcasts without wires
b) manual transmission (see my post just prior to this one)
c) soft top (I had a hard top previously and was hesitant to get a soft top...) - the new soft tops are awesome, you can put it just partially back in about 5-10 seconds to open up a sun-roof like area to get fresh air and sun. The soft top is excellent on highway trips (no problems at all), and overall I just feel like you will enjoy the Jeep experience much more being able to go convertible easily.
d) mud-terrain wheels vs standard ones. I feel like you will eventually want to get cooler wheels than what's standard/base level. Get the upgraded ones right away and you will be happier with how your vehicle looks.
e) Towing group/hitch receiver. I never had this before, but already it is very useful (bike rack or storage/basket attachment in particular)

Nothing is really "necessary" in my opinion. In the past I purchased a used base model Jeep and upgraded it slowly over a period of years. That is certainly doable if you are on a tight budget. If that is your plan, then just focus upon options you need to have upfront and hold off on paying for others until later.

 

The head issue was all 2012's an early 2013's. There is a cutoff date though, I am unsure what that is but Oct 2012 seems familiar.

In my area, the cost difference between used and new is only a few thousand dollars. It may be best to compare that when you are ready to buy. Definitely get the 3.6!

 

My 2012 JKU was built mid April 2012 and has the "A" head stamp. My brother's JKU was built late April 2012 and has the updated "B" head stamp. Orders for 2012's shut down shortly after that, the rest built were considered 2013's as of May 2012.

 

I went from a 2010 2d with 3.23's and the 3.8 to a 2014 4d with 4.10's and the 3.6. I honestly can't tell a difference in the engine but that's probably due to the weight of a 2d vs the weight of a 4d and different gears. I can't even begin to imagine how sluggish a 4d with the 3.8 would have been. My advice, go 2012+ just for the upgraded engine.

 

The 3.8 wasn't to bad if you had it chipped. Night and day difference. But, I now have the 3.6 and it is so nice to have. It is way better. Much more power and having the 5 speed tranny is sure nice. If budget allows and depending on what you're looking for, you can probably buy a 2014 cheaper than a 12 or 13. I really wanted the new engine this time so I was limited on the year I could get. Ended up getting a 14 cheaper out the door than what some private and dealerships had used 12 and 13s for. The older ones are ok, but you definitely need better gears and to have it chipped (at least this).

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