Joedub

Ok so I am new to the whole Jeep thing and I currently own a 2011 Xterra Pro 4x I purchased new in October that has about 2300 miles on it. Needless to say I am having buyers remorse. My wife loves it but I don't know if I can drive it and mod it for the next 10 years. I don't think I can swing a new Rubicon and a new Sport near me is like 31-33k for what I need so I am looking lightly used. I have a couple questions a dealer near me has a 2010 unlimited sport with Automatic (need it for the wife), power windows/locks, hardtop that is pretty much everything I need and it only has like 4500 miles on it. They are listing it at 25,895 with 2012 being such an improved year is this something I should only get if it's a steal? they are trying to give me 23k from Xterra (already taking a hit which I expected). I was thinking a fair deal was a even swap.

I know the 2012 have a way better engine and I would love to grab one but I feel it will put me to far in the whole. Is there so much of a difference between 2012 and 2010 that I should only be thinking 2012? Will going from my Xterra to a 2010 Wrangler just be to much power loss? I am already losing my rear locker which hurts a little. My main reason for doing this is articulation. I know I will never be able to get a Xterra to articulate as will as a SFA. I thought it wouldn't be a huge deal to me but it is starting to eat at me.

Just looking for some general advice thanks in advance.

flyfish29

I got the 2012 instead of the 2011 because I drive up into the white mountains often and plan of taking yearly trips out west to the Rockies and I really wanted the extra power. So only you will know if you need the extra power. Test drive a 2010 or 11 and see.

I commend you on not spending too much.

catahoula

X2.

I have a 2011 Sport 2 DR 3.43 stock steelies and 225/75/16 tires. Test drove the 2012 with 2 inch Mopar lift and 33" tires and 3.21 gears. I was very impressed with the additional power. We bought brand new due to they hold their value and for a couple of thousand more it was worth it to me. We did not get all the bells and whistles. I've lived this long without them besides more to fix if something goes wrong. I am very happy with my choice. We are going to put a mid lift on looking at 33's or 285's. Can't wait. I have seen on lots around here unlimited's in the $25,000 - $28,0000 Sports. Good luck.

CJ7nvrstk

You can get a better deal on the pre 12 models now though JKs really retain their resale value. It just depends how bad the dealership needs to move thier junk out and how patient you can be. Use the 12 and it's power difference as a barganing chip to help you get the best deal. If you are a USAA member also, check out their car buying services. We used that with our last purchase and it helped greatly.

Joedub

Thanks for the input. My biggest worry is going from locker and 280hp and a good amount of torque to a 200hp motor with no locker. Man this is killing me.

CJ7nvrstk

FWIW, my old 08 with a hypertech tuner, K&N cleaner, Viper TB on 37s with 5.13 gears didn't feel significantly different than the several stock 12's I had test driven.

tbone in tx

I went with a new 2011 3 weeks ago. Was 6k off sticker since they wanted to move it badly. I was considering a 10 but wanted the better interior.

I was too cheap to get a 2012 and coming from a tank expedition, the 2011 was plenty "quick" for.me

CJ7nvrstk

Nice. Have some wheeling plans next weekend and the on following as well neighbor.

Sorry for the hi-jack.

Tom009

Get the 2012 because the motor is way better all around. The extra power is great.

MNMudder

We tried out several used 10's, new and used 11's, and ended up buying a 12. The powertrain differences were night and day. That and most of the used ones around here are only priced a few thousand less so it was a no-brainer for us. Either way is a Jeep, you can't go wrong!