It is simple: Buying a built up Jeep for $80k will get you a $60k Jeep. Building a $80k will give you a $100k Jeep.
how does this math work out, I am not sure I understand? Are you implying that if you build your jeep you get an extra $20k in equity or something?
Edit: Just made it to the classified, saw the thread that brought this one to bear. Got it now...
For all the guys on here saying they will build it and are all gung-ho about it. Have you considered how much work a v-8 swap or other major modifications are? My idea of an 80K rig involves more than swapping coils and adding bigger tires. The thought of a v8 swap project in my home garage is my idea of a nightmare. Not to mention my capabilities.
A few trips to Motech and Off-road Evolution with a check book sounds a lot more pleasant.
Would 80k float an LS swap, plus 60s or 60/80 combo, plus suspension and supporting mods, with labor?
Were talking $30k for a decent JK to start with, then $25k on motor swap for a new 6.2 ($19k for a used 5.3),
Then a 60/80 combo to handle that, and you are adding $17k
That leaves you with $8-13k (depending on swap) for suspension, wheels, tires, armor, bumpers, winch, etc, etc, etc.
Yeah.... That is why I will wait for the Diesel Option.... Same torque less money, less work and it would be great to have 40's and get 25mph......
Assuming they can even offer the diesel for sale after the current EPA investigation is done. 8 potential emissions related "devices" not reported - not good, even if they were not cheating...
Example 1:
http://wayalife.com/showthread.php?...-Door-Jeep-JK-Wrangler-on-40-s&highlight=dana
Could you build this for 80k?
Eddie poses quite the question. The above jeep that was for sale here on WAL a couple years back really had me thinking about what would I do. I would normally fall in the "build, 100%", but every once in a while something comes up for sale and you wonder...
Sure, I would rather have an LS than a Hemi, but other than that, if I could get the same build with an LS swap, in a '12 or newer (like the interior), to me, that would be a no-brainer at that price.
I mean, beyond the V8, were looking at 60s with the big brake, Atlas TC, DTD/EVO Lever, Envy link long arms, beadlocks with 40s, bumpers with Warn winch, cage, full skid/protection, amd much of the nice interior stuff I would like done.
Plus an extra $20k to make changes, or buy a daily driver with.
With that said, I dont live on the west coast with the stuff out there, and Jeeps like that one above are not available every day. I would probably find a Rubicon, swap in a PR44, Evo Bolt in coilovers, a nice set of 37s, bumpers, winch, skids, and a few other things and be pretty happy. Certainly long before I spent $80k on what is normally seen in a "built" jeep from SEMA...