Cobra2top

I'm looking at 2 JKU's, a 2011 70th Anny fully loaded with 25k miles and a 12 sahara pretty stock, no extras with 40k miles. Both basically same price.

I like the "extras" in the '11, lower miles, but that 3.6 vs 3.8 may get the edge.

Thoughts, would you go with a loaded 3.8 or a higher mile 3.6? I plan on keeping it for a long time and just drive it until the wheels fall off and wonder which would get me there. Also I will DD this more then serious off roading, so a lot more highway miles then rock crawling but will be off road enough to keep it fun.

Decisions decisons! What would you do?

Kojack

If your keeping the wheels 33" or under the 11 is fine. I have mine with 150k on it. I don't have an issue. If the 70th has the 3.21 gearing you might want to swap that. But other than that I have no issues with keeping speed, im lifted with 285s and I drive loaded down with gear, and at times a 10Ft pop up camper.

Yes, the new one will have more power, but the 3.8 is fine as well.

rob_engineer

This sort of question has come up a lot over the past couple of years. Vast majority of those who have actually driven both would hands down say get the 2012. One thing I would add though, these things hold their value so well you may be able to get a brand new Sport S for close to the same price. Factor in likely lower interest rate for brand new and the $$ gets even closer. If you have a choice, try to find a 3.6 engine with 3.73 rear. Makes for a great DD.

Mountain Man Tim

Hey cobra, as mentioned you can probably get a '15 for what they are asking for those by the time you pay for it, and the 15 will come with 3y/36k mile coverage and 0 miles on it. And a stock sport 15 is a blank canvas to add what you want, where that 11 70th anni is loaded with a bunch of stuff you would hate to replace, and the 12 sahara is just a sport with fancy interior, so go with the '15 sport and build exactly what you want.

LidLess07X

I agree 100%. But, doesn't the new Jeep come with 5yr/100K warranty?

AngryRedBird

For me.. it wouldn't matter what the year or what it has on it.. it's what's in it that matters.. Diesel for me on our next adventure..

rob_engineer

Bumper to bumper is 3/36. Power train is 5/100.

KCCO JK

Unless the '11 is a Rubicon, I would take the '12. Just the fact that you are intending this to be, mainly, a DD, would be best fulfilled by the 3.6.

CaptainNapalm

Honestly, you shouldn't base your buying decision on what others would do here because they won't be driving the vehicle, you will. Having said that, you should extensively test drive both if possible and see which one suits you more. Certainly, you will appreciate the more powerful engine more but if it's worth over the extra bells and whistles you get with the older Sahara, you can only answer that for yourself. Personally, I'd go with the 2012.

The Riz

I have a Sport S,love it. never had a 3.8,had a 06 4.0 strait 6. got a letter from jeep extending warrenty on left head to 10 years/150,000 miles on 12. check to see if head on sahara was changed,go for it.