Rubicon X worth the price?

[Shadow's_Jeep]

I have never heard that from anyone.

4Wheel & Offroad did a story in 2008 or 2009, where they took a Wrangler X against Wrangler Rubicon an showed on some trail's, the Rubicon's low t-case could get you in trouble faster.

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[Zstairlessone]

At Jeep.com, the Rubicon x starts at 35,095, the sport at 22,395.

I guess the question is what could you do with a sport for almost 13,000?

For my money, the sport is the better option. For starters, will you even keep those wheels? Pick the upgrades yourself and save some money, make it YOUR Jeep. I've never driven a rubicon, but I have heard complaints that the low range is too low, something else to consider.

Just my opinion.

For those areas where wheel speed is king it is a pain, but technical trails and rocks the 4:1 is king. I just learned when to skip 1st through 3rd in 4-lo.

 

[jeeeep]

4Wheel & Offroad did a story in 2008 or 2009, where they took a Wrangler X against Wrangler Rubicon an showed on some trail's, the Rubicon's low t-case could get you in trouble faster.

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I chalk it up to not the Jeep, but the driver, I think in the end they still wished they had the Rubicon...But I can't remember which comparison I read form which offroad magazine, there were several different articles :beer:

 

[OverlanderJK]

4Wheel & Offroad did a story in 2008 or 2009, where they took a Wrangler X against Wrangler Rubicon an showed on some trail's, the Rubicon's low t-case could get you in trouble faster.

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I'd like to read that article.

 

[DA RUNT]

I wish I had a sport, said no one with a Rubicon ever :hmm:

 

[2012wrangler]

I wish I had a sport, said no one with a Rubicon ever :hmm:

What would you say to a sport and 13k to spend fixing it up vs a stock Rubicon?

As far as the low being too low, like I said, I don't know, was just what I have heard.

Food for thought: The autocomplete on google of "rubicon too " (remember the space) has transfer case too low as the number 7 suggestion, so someone must think so...

 

[OverlanderJK]

What would you say to a sport and 13k to spend fixing it up vs a stock Rubicon?

As far as the low being too low, like I said, I don't know, was just what I have heard.

Food for thought: The autocomplete on google of "rubicon too " (remember the space) has transfer case too low as the number 7 suggestion, so someone must think so...

Just axles would be about $8k to make the sport a little better then the rubicon. (PR44 loaded front and ARB in the rear) you can score a used t case for around $1000 and an edisco for $500 on the high side.

But not many people pay cash for jeeps. So you can finance that extra $13k for a little a month over 6 years or come up with $8k cash after you buy a new jeep for parts. Financing $13k is a better option for most people.

 

[trailless]

What would you say to a sport and 13k to spend fixing it up vs a stock Rubicon?

I've thought about this multiple times. If I got a sport I could have gotten bolt on coilovers, long arm upgrade, slabs and tires.

Then I think about it and I couldn't have gotten the saddle leather, electronic sway bar disco and lockers, 4:1 TC, and most importantly the Rubicon sticker.

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[jkjurny]

4Wheel & Offroad did a story in 2008 or 2009, where they took a Wrangler X against Wrangler Rubicon an showed on some trail's, the Rubicon's low t-case could get you in trouble faster.

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I read this article when deciding on buying my Rubicon versus on a Sport.

As someone said, it depends on the trail. The guys writing the article were into more mudding and hitting dunes. They wanted more wheel speed and not revving the engine too high in 4L. Rock crawling was their secondary concern.

For rock crawlers and slow technical trails 4.10 or higher is preferred to limit the need to use the skinny pedal on difficult climbs.

In the end, it comes down to what you're gonna use your Jeep for. If you're gonna mud, dune, snow, and over landing then the 3.73 may be what is better for you.

 

[OverlanderJK]

I read this article when deciding on buying my Rubicon versus on a Sport.

As someone said, it depends on the trail. The guys writing the article were into more mudding and hitting dunes. They wanted more wheel speed and not revving the engine too high in 4L. Rock crawling was their secondary concern.

For rock crawlers and slow technical trails 4.10 or higher is preferred to limit the need to use the skinny pedal on difficult climbs.

In the end, it comes down to what you're gonna use your Jeep for. If you're gonna mud, dune, snow, and over landing then the 3.73 may be what is better for you.

Your talking axle gear not transfer case gearing. There is a big difference.

 

[2012wrangler]

Good points by all. There is no denying the Rubicon is nice, and although I love my wrangler and fixing it up the way I choose, I would love to have one myself.

Was just something for the OP to consider.

 

[jkjurny]

Your talking axle gear not transfer case gearing. There is a big difference.

Whoops, you're right. It's the 4:1 on the Rubicon versus the 2.72:1 on the sport that the guys in the magazine were comparing.

 

[gleno99]

It was only $5k difference in price between the sport and Rubicon in Dallas where I bought mine. But I bought the lower end of rubi without the "fancy" stuff.

 

[DA RUNT]

What would you say to a sport and 13k to spend fixing it up vs a stock Rubicon?

As far as the low being too low, like I said, I don't know, was just what I have heard.

Food for thought: The autocomplete on google of "rubicon too " (remember the space) has transfer case too low as the number 7 suggestion, so someone must think so...

I bought mine in Hawaii and the price difference was between the sports and rubicons available was less than 6k. Had it been 13k I might have had a harder time deciding. But I like my rubi and the lower t case is great for the wheeling i do. Not going extreme so I made the right choice for me. IMO it boils down to what your plans for mods are and how much of the original equipment will be swapped out. :twocents:

 

[Zstairlessone]

I liked my Rubicon so much I bought a second and kept it completely stock. They both go anywhere I need them to, the old one just has more clearance along with extras.

 

[Chevy Dave]

I bought a base sport last year with no options but the tow package. Looking at how much I've spent on mods, I wish I'd just have bought a Rubicon and had a higher monthly payment and less mods just to get it even close to as capable as a stock Rubicon. I want a Rubi

OllllllllO Instagram @LucyTheJeep

 

[mudmobeeler]

I won't argue that I wish I had a Rubicon instead of the X model I own, I will say that I was not going to pay that kind of money for a Rubicon. I bought my 08 four door X model with manual windows and locks and six speed standard for $19k. It had 29k miles on it, has a hard top, cruise control, it's a ugly yellow, and had a hideous ranch hand front bumper on it. The Rubicons in my area were going and still are going from anywhere between $25k-$40k used depending on year, mileage, and options. The ones around $25k have almost 100k miles on them, and the $40k is the 10th Anniversary ones. For what I use mine for and what I do in it and plan to do in it I'm not spending $40k on a jeep. Not saying the lockers and gears wouldn't be nice right now for a couple hundred buck higher monthly payment because I have yet to come up with the money to put into mine. It just wasn't feasible to me.

 

[Mostes13]

I think people should just buy what they want/need. If you want a sport model and that is what works for you go for it. if you want a rubicon and want to do harder trails so you don't have to spend the cash on upgrades for a sport model then go for it. but please don't get rubicon stickers to put on a sport, but if you must, then please make sure you get RUBICANT stickers. You really cant go wrong with any jeep. Just get what fits you, and just don't expect a sport model to be a rubicon. I had a friend that bought a sport for his first jeep it was a great jeep by all means but when he couldn't go where rubicons went due to not having lockers and such. he was disappointed. he has since bought a rubicon and is very happy. I personally have a rubicon after owning a X model. I have loved them both. I have to say now I love my rubicon much more but that is just my opinion. No matter what kind of jeep you have at least you own a Jeep. and that is all that really matters..

 

[Remlap]

Bought my X a week ago. I love it! I nailed a rock with the bumper corner yesterday with no issues. Came down hard on the rails with no bends. It is a very capable package out of the box.

Same experiences here, I think they are pretty stout but I am no expert on what else they could be replaced with aftermarket products for the same money.

White stitched leather is part of the X package so I think that adds value - about 1300 on its own I think.

I came down on the front corner of the bumper, left a scratch of course and maybe an 1/8 inch indent I guess. I have also lifted it with the Hilift at the top of the outer front bumper loop without any problems.

Maximus looks to have a cool X bumper bracket setup for the Warn Zeon that is cheaper than Mopars, they have Hilift brackets available for the front bumper too - I have it all on order but not sure if it will ever get here... Will post pics though if anyone is interested.

 

[mudmobeeler]

Well I ate my words and traded in my 08 JKUX model on a brand new 2014 JKUR back in July and have loved it ever since. I bought the 08, drove it for a year and a half, put roughly 20k miles on it, and got almost what I paid for it back on trade in. Gained a brand new jeep with the 4.10s, lockers, elec sway bar disconnect, power windows and locks, and an automatic (which is nice for the wife to be able to drive it). My payments went up roughly $200 a month which is easier than trying to get money together for gears and lockers for the 08. Now I just got to get lift and tires! Oh and lots of other stuff.