Hey Guys. We are brand spanking new to the jeep world and want to jump in with both feet! For the last year we've been researching, reading and reviewing and after many test drives and arguments, we've nailed it down to the sport model 2 door soft top in Sahara tan. We want to add 33's as well to our setup. Stumbling on a couple questions first...
1) Do we need to lift the jeep if we want to add 33" All terrains?
2) is the new V6 Pentastar engine in the 2012 model really worth it? I can get the 2011 about $4000 cheaper but not 100% sure if I'd kick myself 6 months down the road or not.

Any info from you guys would be amazing. I'm excited to join my new found jeepers and pics will for sure come in the next month or so
Cheers
J from BC

 

get the 2012, if I were in market for new Jeep, I'd spend the extra for new Pentastar.

I have 2010, have test driven the 2012 and if I were in teh market for a new Jeep, I'd skip 2011 and get 2012.

There are no power chips for either model yet, 33's on 2012 don't think would be an issue.

 

2012 is a no brainer. The Pentastar is everything that they say it is.

 

Go with the 2012! Also, you may want to add a Teraflex Performance leveling kit. It will take the rake out of the Jeeps stance and will allow you to run 33s. It will raise the front an inch and a half and the back 1 inch.

 

hmmm, everyone is so pro 2012 with the new engine, its hard to look at the 2011 now but as I'm not financing the vehicle and straight up paying cash, seeing that extra money leave your nest egg sure does hurt
I was thinking of using that extra cash for some aftermarket mods. Of course, I'll have to figure out if those mods will void my warranty. Like a Teraflex 2.5" lift. I've heard some horror stories about voided warranties. kinda scares you into keeping her stock
Thanks for the quick resposes and answers. Super helpful. If any one else has any thoughts or words of wisdom to pass onto their newest JK Newbie, greatly appreciated!

 

I have not driven a 2012 but I love my 2011. I was looking at used JKs and left over 2010s when I bought mine but the price difference was not much. Therefore it made it easy to just buy a new one. I average between 18 and 20 mpg on my 2011 with combined highway and backroad driving daily. It is a sport JKU with towing package and 3.73s. Long trips I've gotten as high as 22 mpg. It is by no means fast but I don't expect it to be because it is a brick.

 

A big part of the improvement in the 2012 is the 5 speed tranny. If you are getting a stick, you may want to consider a 2011. If you are getting an auto, get the 2012 no doubt.

 

I will say the 2012 has a really nice inside and is very comfortable, but no way would I buy a new one for that much money or trade mine in for one. Granted I have a freak'n list of MODs done, but the money saved buying a used JK would finish a MOD sheet.

Not taking anything away from 2012...it is sick.

 

hey im in the same boat as you.. but heres a little of my opinion. i just got back from the dealership and test drove the 2012 with the 3.73 after driving the 3.21 this weekend. i gotta say the 3.21 is very similar to the 3.8l engine and didnt impress me much until after 2k rpm but even then im sure with a computer chip upgrade you can get a 2010 jeep to keep up. so if you got a 2012 make sure to get the 3.73 esp because you want bigger tires and such. i've been asking these guys questions about the axles and they really know their stuff on this forum. im going with the 2012 not only because of the engine and such, but its more realistic in a sense of economical reason. i'm sure if i want to upgrade it in 3-4 yrs i can get my moneys worth due to high resale value, the gas is "better", tread lightly is helping me out, etc.. what kind of cars are you used to driving, what are you giving up?

 

All Jeeps are great and it depends on what you want and can afford. I loved my 2006, but after having my 2012 for a few weeks I'd definitely get the 2012 if it works for you. The 2012s are everything they're made out to be and more!