Thoughts about this used 2015 Rubicon - Please.

supreeth

New member
Hi guys,

Firstly, I'd like to admit that I'm yet to become a Wrangler owner myself. But I have a feeling this will happen very soon, i'm actively searching for a good used one. I bumped into this forum, went thru a few posts, checked out some youtube videos. Loved the content and most importantly the "community" feel that shines thru it all. I'm glad I found this and can't wait to meet some of you all in person (hopefully) :)

So I came across this ad on craigslist https://phoenix.craigslist.org/cph/cto/d/2015-jeep-wrangler-rubicon/6545883354.html
Was just wondering if any of you guys can take a look and gimme your humble opinion about the parts he has installed already. What you think about what the off-road performance would be like? And thoughts on price or this whole ad in general. Is it worth it?
Also if anyone can shed more light on road/off-road performance of 5.13 gears. Would highway driving be a breeze or a hassle with this config?

I do not know anyone else who owns a Jeep to ask this questions. Any thoughts/input would be highly appreciated.

Thanks,
Supreeth
 

jesse3638

Hooked
He says no low ball offers so that’s where I’d start if you’re serious. Honestly his ad makes him sound like a douche. Him being in Scottsdale probably confirms that. With labor cost included I can see him maybe having 15k in mods. Rule of thumb is calculate the cost of after market parts (not labor) and cut it in half and add that to blue book price. Obviously if the parts are beat up they are worth even less. Do your research on the lift and parts installed and make sure you’ll be happy with them. No sense in buying a modded jeep if you plan on replacing a lot of them.


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jeeeep

Hooked
IMO waste of money for a truss and RCV's...lots of 'sales' pitch but all the photos are exterior and interior :thinking:

guessing it's still running stock driveshafts

Fenders look like stock fenders were trimmed and not aftermarket fenders.

I don't see $15k worth of upgrades
 

OverlanderJK

Resident Smartass
IMO waste of money for a truss and RCV's...lots of 'sales' pitch but all the photos are exterior and interior :thinking:

guessing it's still running stock driveshafts

Fenders look like stock fenders were trimmed and not aftermarket fenders.

I don't see $15k worth of upgrades

Says Adams driveshafts and those look like smittybilt fenders or some other Chinese company that’s the same thing.


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TrailHunter

Hooked
Offer him 32k... after he says no... he just may call you back, or he may not. Or, If you can wrench, buy a stocker and have the fun of building it your way.
 

supreeth

New member
Wow !!! Guys,

I really wasn't expecting as much participation/replies/inputs as I've gotten already in just a couple of hours.
Already loving this community, thanks a ton !!!

So about the parts themselves, I did my "research" and listed them all out, with MSRP. Below is the whole list of things he mentioned (he also mentions there's more he may have forgotten?)

3.5 inch Rock Krawler X-Factor lift - $1800
https://www.extremeterrain.com/rock-krawler-35in-xfactor-lift-kit-0717-4door.html

Bilstein shocks - $200
https://www.extremeterrain.com/bilstein-5160-series-4r-jk-25-229745.html

37 inch Goodyear Wrangler MTR Kevlar tires - $2000
https://www.amazon.com/Goodyear-Wrangler-Kevlar-Radial-37X12-50R17LT/dp/B004QL66VQ

Black rhino wheels - $880
https://www.extremeterrain.com/black-rhino-tanay-matte-black-graphite-wheels-0718-jk.html

Flip link steering kit - $300
https://www.amazon.com/EVO-1071-Drag-Link-Flip-Steering/dp/B00TEA2CYE

5.13 gears - $300
https://www.extremeterrain.com/yukon-gear-rear-d44-513-jk-ygd44jk513rub.html

Synergy Ball joints and C-gussets - $100
https://www.amazon.com/Synergy-Manufacturing-8012-02-Gusset-Kit/dp/B00HNGBST6

Front and rear Adams Driveshafts - $1000
http://www.adamsdriveshaftoffroad.c...ckage-with-spicer-solids-extreme-duty-series/

RCV Chromoly front axle shafts - $1400
https://www.rcvperformance.com/ultimate-dana-30-30t-cv-axle-set-for-jeep-jk.html

Chromoly Ten Factory axle shafts in rear - $400
https://www.northridge4x4.com/part/axle-shafts/mg22157-ten-factory-rubicon-dana-44-axle-kit-rear

Dana 44 axle housing - $1000
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Jeep-JK-J8-HD-Rubicon-Dana-44-Front-Axle-Housing-/232263615965

Shorty front bumper - $600
https://www.extremeterrain.com/lod-offroad-destroyer-shorty-front-bumper-w-bull-bar-0717-jk.html

Q9500 winch - $300
https://www.quadratec.com/products/92122_1200_07.htm

Ace heavy duty rear bumper w/tire carrier - $1150
http://www.aceengineeringandfab.com/ACE-JK-Pro-Series-Rear-Bumper-with-Tire-Carrier_p_83.html

Flat fender kit - $300
https://www.extremeterrain.com/smittybilt-xrc-fender-flares-jk-76837.html

Trek Armor front seat covers - $300
https://www.ebay.com/i/132527423999?chn=ps&dispItem=1

Superchips Programmer - $200
https://www.extremeterrain.com/superchips-flashcal-f5-1216-3571.html

Total - $12230

All these parts seem legit and read reviews/saw videos about most of them and most have only good things to say.
I'm gonna do the waiting game and see what he's going to do.
 

supreeth

New member
He says no low ball offers so that’s where I’d start if you’re serious. Honestly his ad makes him sound like a douche. Him being in Scottsdale probably confirms that. With labor cost included I can see him maybe having 15k in mods. Rule of thumb is calculate the cost of after market parts (not labor) and cut it in half and add that to blue book price. Obviously if the parts are beat up they are worth even less. Do your research on the lift and parts installed and make sure you’ll be happy with them. No sense in buying a modded jeep if you plan on replacing a lot of them.


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Yeah, that sounds like a good way to estimate these kinda modded "deals"
I've listed all the parts he's mentioned here

All of that totals to 12k, halved is 6k. KBB for 21k mileage 2015 Rubicon says it's about 31k-33k.
Taking your logic/advice that would come to about 37k at least. You think that's a reasonable price? Also I totally understand that once you baby your vehicle, put time, effort and money into it and make it your own. You see it and value it differently than what an outsider would.

I've been looking for a decent, well maintained, manual Rubicon with low miles for a few weeks now. Not a lot of them out there which are any cheaper :(
 

supreeth

New member
You don’t seem like you listen well. Just go buy it.


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Thanks Dad :bleh: haha (no offense)
Anyways, I guess I can understand me asking all these questions can be annoying. But like I said, I'm completely new to Jeeps, don't know anyone who owns one (yet, until I met you awesome guys at wayalife)
So please be gentle ... (Not really haha)
 
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zimm

Caught the Bug
Sounds solid for $37-38-ish. But only if you like the color, wheels, etc. Stock rock rails. You only ever get 50% value for aftermarket stuff. You don't get to claim "labor" in resale either.

Are you going to finance the whole thing? It'll be difficult to secure a loan for more than NADA value of a used vehicle.

Personally, I bought a new one back in '15. I think is was about $40k out the door. Then did all my mods with money I slowly saved up, never going further into debt. I did the work myself (except for the gearing), saving on labor.

You could get a new JL rubicon with a full factory warranty, put a budget boost and 37's on you're done. Sell the stock wheels/tires for a premium to recover some of the costs. Later, when the "new" wears off, start shopping for stuff.

Edit: I looked through pics, looks really clean. The factory alpine speakers are awesome (you can add a head unit later and retain the speakers/amps), already has seat covers. The ACE rear bumper is good, but really heavy. I started with it but sold it later. The MTR tires don't get the best reviews from what I've read.
 
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supreeth

New member
I’m not sure which statement your referring to? Seems like he’s doing his due diligence.


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Yes, I indeed am. The whole point of this ask was to hear what you, experts, have to say about the ad. Was hoping to, in the process, learn more about the parts/alternatives from your thoughts. Still a "Jeep virgin" here.

BTW, thanks for looking out for me :thumb: You guys are awesome ...
 

supreeth

New member
Sounds solid for $37-38-ish. But only if you like the color, wheels, etc. Stock rock rails. You only ever get 50% value for aftermarket stuff. You don't get to claim "labor" in resale either.

Are you going to finance the whole thing? It'll be difficult to secure a loan for more than NADA value of a used vehicle.

Personally, I bought a new one back in '15. I think is was about $40k out the door. Then did all my mods with money I slowly saved up, never going further into debt. I did the work myself (except for the gearing), saving on labor.

You could get a new JL rubicon with a full factory warranty, put a budget boost and 37's on you're done. Sell the stock wheels/tires for a premium to recover some of the costs. Later, when the "new" wears off, start shopping for stuff.

Yeah, totally makes sense. That would be the ideal scenario. But here's the thing. I live in San Francisco (smack middle of city) so I don't have a garage to work on things. Which is what I really want and loved to do. Nor do I have family in the bay, who's garage I can use at my disposal. Hence I'm looking at already (fairly) modded, well maintained ones. I liked this one cause it seemed like he put in lots of $$$ to endure the mechanics/under the hood is beefed up rather than cosmetic (like a lot of Jeeps out there for sale) And wanted you guys' (experts) thoughts/advice on this.

Plus, I would probably want a Wrangler that's ready to go wheeling the min I get it, than take time to build one out. I know I know, you guys are going to hate on me for saying that. But that doesn't mean I can't work on this one too.

Life's too short and I wanna go wheeling with WAYALIFE folks already :D
 
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