Which year and model JK to start with?
08-02-2012, 05:39 PM
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Which year and model JK to start with?
Newbie question..
My wife and I are thinking of purchasing a JK with the intent to go off road.
The question is which year and model JK would be best to start with or overall has the best base for modifications?
Thanks,
Michael
My wife and I are thinking of purchasing a JK with the intent to go off road.
The question is which year and model JK would be best to start with or overall has the best base for modifications?
Thanks,
Michael
08-02-2012, 06:04 PM
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I got the 2012 JK sport with 6 spd. I love it and it came with the alloy wheels. As far as modding it goes, I haven't done anything yet to mine except bedline my wheels. But they possibilities with mods are only limited to your budget. If y'all already have a family the JKU would be a good way to go. But like I said it all depends on you and how much you are willing to spend. I would say the 2012's because of the new engine, I've read on here that the new 3.6L is better than the minivan 3.8L.
08-02-2012, 06:14 PM
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08-02-2012, 06:14 PM
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I have had six Jeeps in 10 years and they were built from mild (stock) to wild (40's and Dana 60's). My first JK was a 2007 Rubicon Unlimited with a long arm suspension and 35's. I loved everything about that Jeep except for the motor and tranny, they were awful, so much so that they were the only reason I got rid of it. I now have a 2012 Rubicon Unlimited with the new motor and tranny and it's a night and day difference, and the interior is much nicer too. I would say that the 2012+ is the best way to go if money isn't an issue, if it is then find a clean 2010 or 2011 with low miles and do some power adder mods and possibly regear if you plan to lift it.
In the end it all depends on what you plan to do with it and how much you wanna spend. There are some great deals on left over 2012's out there right now so I wouldn't hesitate to take advantage of that. Best of luck to you with your decision.
In the end it all depends on what you plan to do with it and how much you wanna spend. There are some great deals on left over 2012's out there right now so I wouldn't hesitate to take advantage of that. Best of luck to you with your decision.
08-02-2012, 06:24 PM
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I would say just get whatever is in your budget. If you can swing a '12 or '13 that would probably be the best as far as performance and reliability, but they all have potential
08-02-2012, 06:34 PM
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If you're buying brand new, then go for 2013, otherwise 2012. Don't go below that, because the new engine/tranny combo is significantly better. You don't really need a Rubicon. Get an X and spend the money you saved on mods.
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08-02-2012, 06:35 PM
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I own a 2012 JKU and a 2007 JK. If they are both sitting in the driveway I will jump in my 07 every time. The 2012 is bone stock (wifes jeep) but very capable, nice handling, good power, and pretty interior. Yea I said pretty. I paid 35,000 for it
The 2007 is lifted, supercharged, performance exhaust, big tires, aluminium fenders, aftermarket bumpers, body armor, skid plates, aftermarket drive shafts, and on and on. I bought it for 15,000 and dumped 20,000 in her. Total 35,000.
I think you see where I'm going with this. Even thought the 2012 is brand new I would rather drive my 5yr old JK because it looks better and I did almost all the work. I have the same amount of money in both of them. By the way I just realized that.
Food for thought.
The 2007 is lifted, supercharged, performance exhaust, big tires, aluminium fenders, aftermarket bumpers, body armor, skid plates, aftermarket drive shafts, and on and on. I bought it for 15,000 and dumped 20,000 in her. Total 35,000.
I think you see where I'm going with this. Even thought the 2012 is brand new I would rather drive my 5yr old JK because it looks better and I did almost all the work. I have the same amount of money in both of them. By the way I just realized that.
Food for thought.
08-03-2012, 05:52 PM
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another perspective buy a used one that already is set up the way you want it.
I have had a 2008 jku sahara loaded that came with two tops basic lift and 35" tires for over 2 years now, it has held its value great bought it for $24,000 with 22,000mi i have droped another $4000 to $5000 into it but I know it is worth more than I purchased it for, so far cost me an estimated $2200 a year to own it.
bottom line I thought about starting over with a new 2012 but did the math and I would end up spending well over $40,000 to bring ia new one to the level my 08 is at.
decided to do some additional motor mods for now and may consider a 2012 in two or three years when i find one tricked out for maybe an additional $6000 over what I sell my 08 for, that is the benifit of the resale value, unless fuel goes over $5.00 a gallon.
for now the $14,000 im saving could buy something else nice to drive that is meant to go fast.
another way to look at it, stretch the dollar.
bottom line I thought about starting over with a new 2012 but did the math and I would end up spending well over $40,000 to bring ia new one to the level my 08 is at.
decided to do some additional motor mods for now and may consider a 2012 in two or three years when i find one tricked out for maybe an additional $6000 over what I sell my 08 for, that is the benifit of the resale value, unless fuel goes over $5.00 a gallon.
for now the $14,000 im saving could buy something else nice to drive that is meant to go fast.
another way to look at it, stretch the dollar.