Would like some input on trade vs upgrade

[Xorak]

Go get a firm bid on your current Jeep before overthinking this any further. You may be too far off to make a deal, or you may get what you want for it and trade it in.

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[The Last Cowboy]

There, you already made the common sense remarks that make this an easier decision for you.

When I was your age, I wanted it all and wanted it right now. I would mod a vehicle, trade it for another, mod it and do it again. I wasted a ton of money that would have been better off being spent or invested elsewhere. I didn't take my deferred comp investment fund seriously until I was about 40. Thankfully I had an alternative retirement fund too, I just retired at 57.

Anyway 40 comes fast from 25, that's only 15 years and you wont believe how soon before you actually are 40.

Sounds like you are doing a lot better than I was a 25. Just keep it up. Yeah, you've worked hard and deserve to treat yourself to a nice Jeep, just do it on your terms. Having 3 years left to pay on the Sport means you are well into positive equity, which is a good thing.

As for me these days, I don't fix what isn't broken. When I do fix it, I use higher quality parts whenever they are available, and no less than OEM as that's the best you can get in some cases. And when I do fix something, I fix everything. Not just the broken part, but everything that contributed to it. For instance. If I went to replace the ball joints (never just one, because the other will be equally worn) and found damage to the knuckle, it would get replaced too.

 

[entropy]

I am a dumbass. I bought my Jeep cash when I couldve taken a below 2% loan and invested the money. I was 29. A lesson I am never gonna forget. Didnt make the same mistake in 2020 with my Camry.

 

[CptFloridaMan]

There, you already made the common sense remarks that make this an easier decision for you.

When I was your age, I wanted it all and wanted it right now. I would mod a vehicle, trade it for another, mod it and do it again. I wasted a ton of money that would have been better off being spent or invested elsewhere. I didn't take my deferred comp investment fund seriously until I was about 40. Thankfully I had an alternative retirement fund too, I just retired at 57.

Anyway 40 comes fast from 25, that's only 15 years and you wont believe how soon before you actually are 40.

Sounds like you are doing a lot better than I was a 25. Just keep it up. Yeah, you've worked hard and deserve to treat yourself to a nice Jeep, just do it on your terms. Having 3 years left to pay on the Sport means you are well into positive equity, which is a good thing.

As for me these days, I don't fix what isn't broken. When I do fix it, I use higher quality parts whenever they are available, and no less than OEM as that's the best you can get in some cases. And when I do fix something, I fix everything. Not just the broken part, but everything that contributed to it. For instance. If I went to replace the ball joints (never just one, because the other will be equally worn) and found damage to the knuckle, it would get replaced too.

Thanks for that. I’m gonna just sit tight. Ran the math now at work, if I pull that loan and continue with it, it’ll put me at the $60k total cost range, price, interest, tax, fees etc. Which also doesn’t account for the few things I’ve already bought for my jeep that isn’t on that rubicon. My refinanced loan is 3%, and I’ve got planned for the next few years about $10k more in mods(axles are in this) on top of the $6k i’ve put in factoring wheels and tires. So i’m getting close to rubicon money territory.

My line of thinking now is just continue on the same path I had in mind to do the axle swap and just chill out for a second. Just waiting to break the front axle since I put the money aside for the swap. I can take a little bit more time and replace as needed.

That being said i do appreciate everyone’s response for knocking some sense, and logic into my thinking. Got a little excited seeing it and thinking about new shenanigans with it.

 

[GMONEY]

You aren't going to get 5.5% It will be closer to 7-8%

My credit union is still offering sub 4% loans. If you shop around you'd be surprised what you can find.

 

[Jared1956]

Thanks for that. I’m gonna just sit tight. Ran the math now at work, if I pull that loan and continue with it, it’ll put me at the $60k total cost range, price, interest, tax, fees etc. Which also doesn’t account for the few things I’ve already bought for my jeep that isn’t on that rubicon. My refinanced loan is 3%, and I’ve got planned for the next few years about $10k more in mods(axles are in this) on top of the $6k i’ve put in factoring wheels and tires. So i’m getting close to rubicon money territory.

My line of thinking now is just continue on the same path I had in mind to do the axle swap and just chill out for a second. Just waiting to break the front axle since I put the money aside for the swap. I can take a little bit more time and replace as needed.

That being said i do appreciate everyone’s response for knocking some sense, and logic into my thinking. Got a little excited seeing it and thinking about new shenanigans with it.

Good idea. I’ve owned dozens of Jeeps in my life, two of which were Rubicons. I have one ordered now….it’s a 33k Sport that I’ll pay 31,500 for…which is 20k less than the Rubicon I wanted. I'll pay cash, and I’ll be happy.

 

[sconrad24]

Depends on what your end result plan is. If you are going to really off-road this, it might be easier on your mind if you are bashing up your built up sport vs a loaded Rubi. Think like would I want to take the Rubi down this trail and get some carnage vs the sport.

 

[Wrangler man]

Why dont you just leave the 35s then and leave the jeep alone? is it lockers what you want? get a TORQ locker up front and a better LSD on the rear or a an e-locker. The TORQ locker is only $400 and it is stupid simple and relatively straightforward to install.

I mean if you want a Rubicon go for it. But if you are looking for the best financial decision there are plenty of options out there for you that will come below the 7k even.

Antirock sway bar set up, airlockers.....way better than Rubicon axle set up. Really need up grade axles Dana's or at least, 392 take off axles. Much better than standard Rubicon axles. Most important IMO not mentioned in the Rubicon your looking at is, what is the powertrain? My guess it has the 2.0 No longer available for a reason
and never put on the Gladiator. For many reasons. The Biggest problem with Rubicons according to FCA mechanics is the lockers. If you wanting to improve throw your $$ at the RIGHT build. The only Wrangler i would consider upgrading to is the 392, superior in EVERY WAY and wont be available for much longer. Thanks to green is better Matrix woke groupies

 

[CptFloridaMan]

Antirock sway bar set up, airlockers.....way better than Rubicon axle set up. Really need up grade axles Dana's or at least, 392 take off axles. Much better than standard Rubicon axles. Most important IMO not mentioned in the Rubicon your looking at is, what is the powertrain? My guess it has the 2.0 No longer available for a reason
and never put on the Gladiator. For many reasons. The Biggest problem with Rubicons according to FCA mechanics is the lockers. If you wanting to improve throw your $$ at the RIGHT build. The only Wrangler i would consider upgrading to is the 392, superior in EVERY WAY and wont be available for much longer. Thanks to green is better Matrix woke groupies

So i got a swayloc, so i’m halfway there. I’m gonna do rubi axles soon. As far as i know, the rubi locker issue is the sensors in the axles. And it’s bypassed if you wire it to a switch panel. Coincidentally my axles already need new balljoints so i’m debating lockers, gears or rubi axles. Not sure I wanna put money into my m186, but I have a rear m220.
That rubi was a 2.0, just like my jeep. Love the lil 4 banger. Now; if it was a 392 and was able to swing it I’d be all in. Drove my uncles 392 and immediately fell in love.

 

[Wrangler man]

So i got a swayloc, so i’m halfway there. I’m gonna do rubi axles soon. As far as i know, the rubi locker issue is the sensors in the axles. And it’s bypassed if you wire it to a switch panel. Coincidentally my axles already need new balljoints so i’m debating lockers, gears or rubi axles. Not sure I wanna put money into my m186, but I have a rear m220.
That rubi was a 2.0, just like my jeep. Love the lil 4 banger. Now; if it was a 392 and was able to swing it I’d be all in. Drove my uncles 392 and immediately fell in love.

I would not start over with a 2.0 specially the expensive Rubicon you're talking about. Sure it's performance-worthy now but that's because of the direct inject twin turbo I don't think your 7-year loan will even make that without issues. There's a reason it was discontinued if it was all that I'm sure the Wrangler fans and Jeep enthusiasts would be supportive of keeping it around. When they first released they were charging us a upcharge for them, then they had to try and give them away because everyone realized the headache they were either having or what was coming down the road. Therefore Jeep pulled the plug on it. In my opinion it's a 3.6 or EcoDiesel, 392 or wait for the Hurricane but that will be quite the headache just like your 2.0, as the Wagoneer folks will soon find out. The only true solid benefit to a Rubicon are the high clearance fenders. All the other add-ons and make it a Rubicon have failed and you're better off going aftermarket

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