Yup lol that's how the jeep bug starts!

 

They are the same and have the same features. I personally would go the Rubicon if you can afford it. It is worth the stronger axles and low ratio transfer case imo

 

Rubicon all the way... If you decide to go bigger you will already have the axles, lockers and transfer case.

Can't answer your question on what year... I can tell you I had the 2011 and hated the underpowered engine and upgraded to the 2012 and man what a difference. You my be better off with a 09/10 since you can at least program the engine for extra hp if you need it.

 

I faced exactly the same choice as you about 3-4 months ago. Looked at some cheaper Saharas vs Rubis, a couple of Xs and the 2012s as well. I went with a 2010 Rubi. Came to conclusion very quickly that you have to love it for what it is, not hate it for what it isn't--and I don't regret my choice at all. If you only ever do do mild wheeling, you'll NEVER break a Rubi--and if you want to go harder core, then the Rubi is frighteningly capable as is. It really comes down to personal choice, I guess, but I always like having a little more capability than I need, rather than the other way around. The other thing about a 2010 is that you'll still have some bumper to bumper warranty left, which is nice when purchasing a used 4x4.......

 

I have a Sahara. Most say not worth the extra $$$ for a Rubi..

 

Where are these 'most'? I whole heartedly disagree.

Its not really worth the extra $$ to go from and X to a Sahara, but from a Sahara to Rubi is worth every penny.

 

I have a Sahara and gone thru a few diamond trails. Did I keep up with RUBIs? Yes. Was it slightly tricker for me? Yes. With the sahara u have limited slip which is a huge help. Would I like a locker? Of coarse. Did I have an extra $8k, no. Can I buy one for $1k, yes. Will you scratch the painted fenders? I did. Will the sahara steps work as rock rails? I have put the whole weight ofthe vehicle on them and they have many scratches on them and they flex, but it beats no protection at all. If u go thru mild trails- go Sahara, and build up as u get more into the sport. Just my $0.02

 

Personally I have a Sahara, but it's really not one anymore. Added, Air Lockers front and rear, pulled the dana 30 and put in a Daynatrac Pro Rock 44 with RCV Axels. Swapped in the 4:1 transfer case, changed out swaybar and have a long travel suspension lift, and changed to flat fenders and I am now running 37's.

Rubicon comes standard with most everything I have done and a few other items as well. Suspension upgrade cost is the same no matter which one you go with, and you may find a used one with a good lift already. Stock Rubi front Dana 44 you would want to beef up especially if you run35's or 37's. But that is not that expensive.

So you pay a bit more on the front end, but you add up the dollars and you can save on the back end.

Best thing to do is setup a list with a couple guys you will go out with, on the list put everything you think you will eventually want to have. Put a check mark next to things that are included and dollar amount on the items you need to add in the future. So Lockers you would have two items front and rear, on rubicon it would have a check mark next to both and on the Sahara you would put a dollar amount for each one.

When all is done total up the columns and add it to the cost of the jeep your looking at and see what numbers make sense to you.

 

^^^ that guy has a great idea. Make a list

 

I just traded my 2012 Sahara for a 2013 Rubicon. Probably not the smartest financial decision but I have the 4 wheel bug and wanted the lockers, discoonects, 4:10 gears and the D-44 up front. Had I had some of this limited knowledge 10 months ago I would bought a Rubicon from the start. Just me though.