Hey guys!
I'm obviously new to the site and was wondering if there were any advantages or disadvantages of getting a older JK vs a new one. I dont want to buy it and find out the 2010 is lightyears better than the 07 or that the 4 door is plagued with issues as opposed to the 2door... etc etc...

Any and all help is appreciated!

Thanks in advance!

 

2012 was the first year for the new 3.6 and it had a few issues with the engine.

Later 2012s and 2013s seem fine with no issues. I had a 2007 4dr , my father has a 2009 2dr and I can tell you the 4 door rides much better. There are no real differences from 2007 to 2011. In 2011 the interior was improved. And then seats changed in 2013.

I don't think you could go wrong with any but I prefer the 3.6 over the 3.8

 

I'm new to the jeep world. I always wanted one but the timing was never right but now the kids are older and I am older as well lol I bought one. Call it mid life crisis are not I wanted a toy the wrangler was it. I have lived in the country most of my life and always hunted and fished so always had a 4x4 but the wrangler has proving to be the most fun. There are so many options for the wrangler to customize it and way cheaper to do the same things I have done to trucks in the past. For example I can lift my wrangler for less than $1000.00 my f-150 it cost me $2000.00 by the time I was done lifting it.
I guess I am rambling on you seam to have already decided to go JEEP. What I wanted to say is I'm not sure about the older jeeps but I have the 2011 two door and have 26149 miles on it and have not had any problems. I just went on a 800 or so mile trip with it this weekend and a quarter of that was off road and not even a glitch she done grate.

 

I used to drive a 1990 YJ and have friends who have TJs as toy vehicles. Going to a JK is beyond words compared to those. I still love the pure ruggedness of those older wranglers though. Anyway, I bought a JKU a week and a half ago and am loving it. The engine is why I primarily went new instead of used. I couldn't find any good deals on any 2012s in my area so I just bought new. I test drove both a 3.8 and the 3.6 and it wasn't even a question.

 

What was the major difference between the 3.8 and the 3.6 that you liked so much.... Was there a power difference? Gearing? MPG? I'd be stoked with 15pmg to be honest =/ My 4.0L (after lift kit - tires - gears) only got 10mpg and the interior was really tight on trips. See why I'm interested in a newer JK? I just want to make sure that I make the proper purchase decision that I won't regret later.

I always regretted not getting my TJ in an Unlimited Rubicon... I had the choice and wasn't informed enough and made the wrong decision.

Thanks again.

 

The 3.8 puts out like 205 hp vs the 3.6 at 285hp while getting about the same mpg around 18-20 avg. I was torn between an 06 LJ and my 08 JK mostly because I wasn't sure about the 3.8l but the room, comfort, and capability stock of the JK really won me over. So if a '12 or newer is in the budget I get it, if not 3.8l works well enough as long as you gear for it and keep the rpm up.

 

I have the 3.8 in my 2010 two door auto tranns. Runs great on the trails and pounding the pavement, tows my two jet-skis at highway speeds no problem. Not arguing what motor is better just my experience.

 

With the 3.6L you can run 35's on stock 3.73 or 4.10 gears. Not so much with the old minivan wheezer.

 

My last JKU, I had to run 5.13s to make the 3.8 push 35s with any amount of self respect. My 3.6 (2012 JKU) had 3.21s and pushed 35s better. Now geared to 4.10s and it's fantastic .

 

I have the 3.8 I have installed the k&n filter it made some difference. I'm looking to get a little more but not ready to regear. Does anyone have any input on exhaust or programmer?