JK Owner - Looking at JL

[ajkitebrder40]

I bought a JKU early, knew I wanted it, paid $500 under invoice and have loved it ever since. Pretty active early on on the JK forums, but pretty much just been driving it back and forth to the beach now. No real issues, I got death wobble early on, warranty covered and it never came back. Other than that it's been basically known issues (leaking rear main seal, leaking coolant quite a bit, etc.) but for the most part it's been rock solid. I say that and it's beginning to show some age so I'm looking around.

I'm debating a JL vs. a Bronco. I've got to say I never thought I'd move from Jeep but I'm thinking about it. So.........here are some questions/thoughts:

1. Interior - I took my carpet out of the JK the 2nd day I had it. Never line-x'ed it as I don't like that grit. The JK is on the beach roughly 250+ days a year and constantly covered in sand, salt and gear. The Marine Grade Vinyl in the Bronco intrigues me as it seems to be a nice way to keep everything washable. Does the aftermarket have anything like this (I saw bedrug, but it's still carpet material). I'd rather have something rubberized to cover the cab. Hard no to neoprene seat covers, hotter than hell in the south.
2. Manual - I need to drive one, but I definitely want the manual in the JL, how's the throw shifting on it? Bronco was suprisingly smooth
3. Trims - There's like 1500 trims now, I think I basically want the Sport S and grab some Rubicon take offs. Since it will be new and I'm not as afraid of it dying on me as my JK. I will do some offroading, but mostly dirt/mud/sand, some small rocks, nothing major.
4. Price - I'll research the forums, in no rush, but I'm sure COVID isn't helping things, I'm expecting something in the 8% below invoice or so on a Sport S, is anyone getting more on a Rubicon or higher trim just because of the price? Ha, I paid $24k for my JKU Sport/Power Windows/Hard Top, feels like eons ago.

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[Some Random Guy]

I bought a JKU early, knew I wanted it, paid $500 under invoice and have loved it ever since. Pretty active early on on the JK forums, but pretty much just been driving it back and forth to the beach now. No real issues, I got death wobble early on, warranty covered and it never came back. Other than that it's been basically known issues (leaking rear main seal, leaking coolant quite a bit, etc.) but for the most part it's been rock solid. I say that and it's beginning to show some age so I'm looking around.

I'm debating a JL vs. a Bronco. I've got to say I never thought I'd move from Jeep but I'm thinking about it. So.........here are some questions/thoughts:

1. Interior - I took my carpet out of the JK the 2nd day I had it. Never line-x'ed it as I don't like that grit. The JK is on the beach roughly 250+ days a year and constantly covered in sand, salt and gear. The Marine Grade Vinyl in the Bronco intrigues me as it seems to be a nice way to keep everything washable. Does the aftermarket have anything like this (I saw bedrug, but it's still carpet material). I'd rather have something rubberized to cover the cab. Hard no to neoprene seat covers, hotter than hell in the south.
2. Manual - I need to drive one, but I definitely want the manual in the JL, how's the throw shifting on it? Bronco was suprisingly smooth
3. Trims - There's like 1500 trims now, I think I basically want the Sport S and grab some Rubicon take offs. Since it will be new and I'm not as afraid of it dying on me as my JK. I will do some offroading, but mostly dirt/mud/sand, some small rocks, nothing major.
4. Price - I'll research the forums, in no rush, but I'm sure COVID isn't helping things, I'm expecting something in the 8% below invoice or so on a Sport S, is anyone getting more on a Rubicon or higher trim just because of the price? Ha, I paid $24k for my JKU Sport/Power Windows/Hard Top, feels like eons ago.

I can speak to #2 and 3. The manual is smooth, the clutch can take some getting used to. Throws are crisp, not like rowing at all. Be careful not to cut corners on it, this isn't a camaro with a super strong return to neutral for shifting 2-3rd. If you cut the corner, it can lock you out of 3rd until you back off and re-engage 3rd. Reverse is odd too, but with a bit of use you'll get it. I back up a hill to park on my driveway, and I haven't stalled it doing that yet.
For trims, the Sport S sounds perfect for you. If you want upgraded brakes, consider the Willys trim.

 

[threeve]

1. Interior - I took my carpet out of the JK the 2nd day I had it. Never line-x'ed it as I don't like that grit. The JK is on the beach roughly 250+ days a year and constantly covered in sand, salt and gear. The Marine Grade Vinyl in the Bronco intrigues me as it seems to be a nice way to keep everything washable. Does the aftermarket have anything like this (I saw bedrug, but it's still carpet material). I'd rather have something rubberized to cover the cab. Hard no to neoprene seat covers, hotter than hell in the south.

BedRug also makes a product called BedTred that is more of a hard textured surface. There is also ArmorlIte that makes a similar carpet replacement liner.

Good luck with your decision!

 

[TGB]

I bought a JKU early, knew I wanted it, paid $500 under invoice and have loved it ever since. Pretty active early on on the JK forums, but pretty much just been driving it back and forth to the beach now. No real issues, I got death wobble early on, warranty covered and it never came back. Other than that it's been basically known issues (leaking rear main seal, leaking coolant quite a bit, etc.) but for the most part it's been rock solid. I say that and it's beginning to show some age so I'm looking around.

I'm debating a JL vs. a Bronco. I've got to say I never thought I'd move from Jeep but I'm thinking about it. So.........here are some questions/thoughts:

1. Interior - I took my carpet out of the JK the 2nd day I had it. Never line-x'ed it as I don't like that grit. The JK is on the beach roughly 250+ days a year and constantly covered in sand, salt and gear. The Marine Grade Vinyl in the Bronco intrigues me as it seems to be a nice way to keep everything washable. Does the aftermarket have anything like this (I saw bedrug, but it's still carpet material). I'd rather have something rubberized to cover the cab. Hard no to neoprene seat covers, hotter than hell in the south.
2. Manual - I need to drive one, but I definitely want the manual in the JL, how's the throw shifting on it? Bronco was suprisingly smooth
3. Trims - There's like 1500 trims now, I think I basically want the Sport S and grab some Rubicon take offs. Since it will be new and I'm not as afraid of it dying on me as my JK. I will do some offroading, but mostly dirt/mud/sand, some small rocks, nothing major.
4. Price - I'll research the forums, in no rush, but I'm sure COVID isn't helping things, I'm expecting something in the 8% below invoice or so on a Sport S, is anyone getting more on a Rubicon or higher trim just because of the price? Ha, I paid $24k for my JKU Sport/Power Windows/Hard Top, feels like eons ago.

New to Jeeps and even newer to this forum however a couple things I understand Jeep improved on for 2018 JL is larger fuel tank, 8 speed trans (which eliminated the need for me to change axle and diff combo when I upgraded to bigger tire wheel package). Jeep also beefed up the rear gate hinges to accommodate larger tire and wheel so no need to buy a hinge upgrade kit for that reason.

Hope this helps.

 

[Poordad]

I would look at a Willys or Willys Sport.

 

[jludave]

New to Jeeps and even newer to this forum however a couple things I understand Jeep improved on for 2018 JL is larger fuel tank

Not quite.

JK fuel capacity:

Fuel (Approximate) — 2 Door Models 18.5 Gallons, 70 Liters
Fuel (Approximate) — 4 Door Models 22.5 Gallons, 85 Liters

JL fuel capacity:

Fuel (Approximate) - 2 Door Models 17.5 Gallons, 66 Liters
Fuel (Approximate) - 4 Door Models 21.5 Gallons, 81 Liters

 

[aldo98229]

If you are used to driving a 2007-2010 JK with the 3.8L V6, 4-speed auto, and that Spanish Inquisition interior, any JL is going to feel like a Grand Cherokee.

 

[ajkitebrder40]

Ha I like the interior on the JK, it's simple and takes a downpour well. Definitely looking seriously at a JLU, Hydro Blue, manual, just trying to decide trim. The one thing I really wish Jeep had, or there was a viable aftermarket solution is a rubberized interior to wash out that protects the seats and cab. I took the carpet out of the JK the 2nd day I owned it, and it constantly has sand and salt in it.

That's one thing that's pushing me towards a Bronco.

 

[jludave]

The one thing I really wish Jeep had, or there was a viable aftermarket solution is a rubberized interior to wash out that protects the seats and cab. I took the carpet out of the JK the 2nd day I owned it, and it constantly has sand and salt in it.

You can just as easily remove the carpet from a JL. If you’re worried about the seats, get a set of seat covers.

 

[Jeep4Win]

I had a 2011 JK. Interior refresh but engine didn’t upgrade until 2012. It was a Sport and I went Rubicon with my JL. Sounds like you should get a Willys. Love the JL! I have two friends that finally received their Bronco and I don’t know if it is because of the wait but they had the following complaints…
1-Fender Clearance
2-Articulation
3- License Plate location. (We have front plates in TX)
4-Soft top FUPA/Interior

 

[CDRMidnight]

If you are used to driving a 2007-2010 JK with the 3.8L V6, 4-speed auto, and that Spanish Inquisition interior, any JL is going to feel like a Grand Cherokee.

But... Nobody expects the Spanish Inquisition!!!



(Sorry -- Someone HAD to say it!! )

Cheers,
-CM-

 

[jadewolf]

I went from a 2012 JK Sport (bought new) to a 2021 JL Rubi (factory ordered earlier this year). Both are 2 doors, both are manual transmission.

I was having the JK blues towards the end, chasing overheating issues around for the last couple years of ownership. But I hated to part with it, I loved that Jeep and put a lot of work into it.

And... after 5500 miles and three months of JL ownership, I have ZERO regrets going to the JL.

The manual transmission is a MASSIVE upgrade over the JK. Shorter throw, more solid in gear. None of that horrific shaking that the JK's shifter had. No popping out of gear (my JK would routinely pop out of 4th unless you shifted it in HARD). It still has the steeper low gears, which not everybody likes. And it also retains the annoying reverse that the JK had. But overall the impression is FAR better. You won't regret it. This is honestly a joy to drive. I have such a blast just driving it around.

I don't know of anything comparable to the vinyl flooring in the Bronco, but if you find something good I'd love to know about it. I had yanked out much of the JK's carpet after a while, still on the fence about doing the same in the JL.

But as someone who grew up in the South with an old Toyota pickup from the 80s with vinyl seats... I wouldn't recommend it on the seats themselves. Nothing's worse than peeling your skin off those vinyl seats when it's a million degrees out.

If you go with the JL, Bartact makes some good seat covers that are fairly water resistant but not sweaty like neoprene. And beach sand just brushes right off. They're holding up well, even while I've been running topless for the past month or so.

Overall, I feel like the JL is a major improvement over the JK in almost every possible way. My only complaints are ridiculously minor:

* They took the little coin tray away by the center cup holders (see, ridiculously minor)
* Rearview mirror is mounted in the place I would have installed a CB radio (instead of on the windshield itself)
* Fenders seem to catch a lot more rocks and gravel than the JK. I shoved some rubber tubing between the fender and the body to keep them from getting stuck and scratching the paint.

And that's it. My only complaints. Everything else is leaps and bounds improved over the JK!

Get the JL. And get it in the best color: Hydro Blue.

 

[Mx5red]

We have a JTR and JLUR 2.0 autos.
Renting a 2018 JKU right now and it is a total pig compared to ours. It’s slow, the brakes suck, the steering is super stiff, the interior sucks. We have the 8.4” uconnect and are spoiled compared to the base radio in the JK, but now when people start threads asking if they should buy a used JK instead of waiting for a JL, I would say no way is that a good idea unless you just can’t afford a new JL.

to recap: new JL’s are really nice. Get some armor lite floors and seat covers and never look back.

 

[TGB]

Not quite.

JK fuel capacity:

Fuel (Approximate) — 2 Door Models 18.5 Gallons, 70 Liters
Fuel (Approximate) — 4 Door Models 22.5 Gallons, 85 Liters

JL fuel capacity:

Fuel (Approximate) - 2 Door Models 17.5 Gallons, 66 Liters
Fuel (Approximate) - 4 Door Models 21.5 Gallons, 81 Liters

Thanks for the education....like I said, new to Jeeps.
With jeep already having the reputation for small fuel tanks why in the world make it even smaller?

 

[ajkitebrder40]

're holding up well, even while I've been running topless for the past month or so.

Overall, I feel like the JL is a major improvement over the JK in almost every possible way. My only complaints are ridiculously minor:

* They took the little coin tray away by the center cup holders (see, ridiculously minor)
* Rearview mirror is mounted in the place I would have installed a CB radio (instead of on the windshield itself)
* Fenders seem to catch a lot more rocks and gravel than the JK. I shoved some rubber tubing between the fender and the body to keep them from getting stuck and scratching the paint.

This is really helpful, I'll check those seat covers. Good to hear on the manual. I may just step up to a Rubicon as well. LIke I said, I have plans for this to see more than just the beach and easy trails.

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