navin r

Get the new one; you can always find some Rubi. take off wheels and tires cheap to upgrade it a bit.

red2010rubi

Get the new one. It sounds like you are not needing all the features that come with a rubi. The new one will easily meet the needs you have for a vehicle.

Pushrod

Sorry but I totally disagree with getting new. In 3 years the 08 Rubi will still be worth more than a 13 Sport. The 3.8 engine does have less power but just read all the problems with the 3.6. The 3.8 is a proven good longlife powerplant. Also you can't upgrade a Sport to the same capability as a Rubicon and still maintain the same value as a Rubicon.

Tomsryt

I would go new, only because the 08 is a six year old vehicle.
Improvements, warranty, etc, plus the intended use call for buying new.

doc5339

I vote that you buy a new one. I do not plan on doing any hardcore stuff either. I am also coming from owning a 1976 Toyota FJ40.

I ended-up going with a 2013 "Command Green" JKUR because I wanted a lot of bells/whistles, and on-demand capability just in case.

If I could have found a really inexpensive 2007-2008, for like $12,000.00, I would have bought it and done a VM Motori 2.8l Turbo Diesel, Cummins 4BT Turbo Diesel, or had MoTech install the LS1 (5.3l VVT) with 6-speed Auto for about the same price as the 2013 JKUR ($32,900.00 before tax/tags).

I could not find that awesome of a deal on an old one, and I knew that I would be unhappy not having the best engine option (power, economy, reliability) available. I do believe that the GM LS1 with 6L80 (I think?) 6-Speed Auto is the best gas engine option available, but it is cost prohibitive form me. If you have interest in that, search the site for MoTech.

If you purchase new, aim for 5-8% below Invoice Price; use the 1% (Tread Lightly) below Invoice as a starting point to negotiate down from. There is a ton on this site about new pricing as well.

Good luck with it!

Jktough

Just make sure you get the 3.73 gear ratio. The 3.21 drives like a terd. Plus the 3.73 can handle 35's should you want to upgrade. Most of the very base model JKU's have the 3.21. I drove both ratios Wednesday and the difference is night and day.

catahoula

Well my brother finally grew up and is now a Jeeper. He just bought a 2013 4dr with hard and soft top stick. He is totally stoked! He was looking at a Rubi and decided on a sport. I bought a new 2011 2 dr Sport and don't regret buying it and did a good hard look at used as well.

navin r

I totally agree that used vehicles are almost always a better value and I also agree that Rubi.'s will hold their value better but the problem is the used Rubi. has 90k miles; most likely the maintenance on the used Rubi. will be much more than any difference in the Rubi. holding it's value.

TJM12

Another fine example of a topic where no one can or will agree, and justifications can be made on either side. You live and learn so do whatever makes sense to you. Either way you'll be driving a jeep!

Jeep Unlimited

I rarely use my Rubicon for what it was intended. Okay, I never use my Rubicon for what it was intended but I am glad I got what I wanted the first time. I went with a used 2010 Rubi for $24k and 40k miles and never looked back.
My only suggestion is get what you want the first time and you will never regret it.