sm31
Active Member
I apologize in advance because I'm sure these questions have been asked a hundred times in some form or other but (like me) the other members probably felt the need for a little virtual hand holding before making a big investment.
I am the quintessential "late adopter" but I have finally decided to part with my beloved TJ and move to a JKU(R?). In doing research on this forum I read several posts pertaining to the possibility that the 2012 and 2013 year models are less desirable due to drivetrain issues that were resolved for 2014+.
Dilemmas:
1) My budget for the foreseeable future is not likely to increase much.
2) 2012 and 2013 JKUR's account for the majority of used JKUR's in my price range (~$30k). But I would certainly consider a well set-up 2011 with a re-gear.
Questions:
1) Do I really want a Rubicon? My TJ has ARB lockers front and rear, and I have used them on occasion. I'm now located in AK where I am likely to do a lot more snow-wheeling than in the past. I have run some of the same trails featured in the JKX Alaska episode... I can (and have...) install most sorts of bolt-ons myself, and I have replaced axles, lifts, etc. But re-gearing and welding are beyond me. I have no plans to go beyond 35" tires, and the 3" EVO Enforcer looks like it would be perfect for my uses. Also, (with a few exceptions... like EVO) parts are pretty expensive to come by here in AK due to shipping costs. Wheels and tires are particularly painful. So my focus on a Rubicon is due to the idea that some bolt on parts will get me where I want to be, then done (dunno if that's the right idea tho). But I really want to take the most cost effective route to reach my goals... whichever that is.
2) Are 2012's and 2013's really that bad? Since I am buying used, these models have had 4 or 5 years to work out the kinks. The ones I have looked at have around 70k miles on them. Could they be considered "more OK" after surviving this long?
3) Do Jeep Wrangler prices tend to fluctuate seasonally? I plan to be very patient in my search, so I may not find the right vehicle before spring time.
4) Am I asking the wrong questions? Since I am new to the JK world, I only have a general idea of them... like the 3.6 vs. the 3.8, etc. Are there less obvious factors or features that I really need to watch out for?
Thank you so much for reading!!!
I am the quintessential "late adopter" but I have finally decided to part with my beloved TJ and move to a JKU(R?). In doing research on this forum I read several posts pertaining to the possibility that the 2012 and 2013 year models are less desirable due to drivetrain issues that were resolved for 2014+.
Dilemmas:
1) My budget for the foreseeable future is not likely to increase much.
2) 2012 and 2013 JKUR's account for the majority of used JKUR's in my price range (~$30k). But I would certainly consider a well set-up 2011 with a re-gear.
Questions:
1) Do I really want a Rubicon? My TJ has ARB lockers front and rear, and I have used them on occasion. I'm now located in AK where I am likely to do a lot more snow-wheeling than in the past. I have run some of the same trails featured in the JKX Alaska episode... I can (and have...) install most sorts of bolt-ons myself, and I have replaced axles, lifts, etc. But re-gearing and welding are beyond me. I have no plans to go beyond 35" tires, and the 3" EVO Enforcer looks like it would be perfect for my uses. Also, (with a few exceptions... like EVO) parts are pretty expensive to come by here in AK due to shipping costs. Wheels and tires are particularly painful. So my focus on a Rubicon is due to the idea that some bolt on parts will get me where I want to be, then done (dunno if that's the right idea tho). But I really want to take the most cost effective route to reach my goals... whichever that is.
2) Are 2012's and 2013's really that bad? Since I am buying used, these models have had 4 or 5 years to work out the kinks. The ones I have looked at have around 70k miles on them. Could they be considered "more OK" after surviving this long?
3) Do Jeep Wrangler prices tend to fluctuate seasonally? I plan to be very patient in my search, so I may not find the right vehicle before spring time.
4) Am I asking the wrong questions? Since I am new to the JK world, I only have a general idea of them... like the 3.6 vs. the 3.8, etc. Are there less obvious factors or features that I really need to watch out for?
Thank you so much for reading!!!
