Considering a used EcoDiesel - Would you buy one again? Advice for shopper

[gato]

yes the articulation is so horrible you can only complete 90%+ of offroad trails out there stock.

Theres so much misinformation out there. The diesel is hands down the best powertrain available for the wrangler. The low end torque makes crawling over anything a breeze. Great gas mileage. Just buy it and enjoy it. Really no need to do anything because there are no issues to mitigate. Just get the hpfp recall and be done.

"Best" powertrains don't get quickly discontinued by a manufacturer, after the massive expense in developing and certifying it.

It is a fact that you have 1.4" less uptravel in the diesel in the front. It is a fact that the JL diesel is nearly 500 lbs heavier, all in the nose, making ride harsher, and handling worse. It is a fact that everything from oil changes to emissions repair is more expensive. With the price of fuel + DEF, unless you tow a lot on highway there is no chance to make up the price difference. They are also substantially noisier and annoying to listen to on the trails - though that can be helpful if you get separated from your group - you can always locate the diesel guy from a mile away.

Yes, people who bought them tend to put up with all the above and love the low end, low RPM torque - and that is the only other positive other than the highway towing mission.

For the vast majority of people, though, the diesel has a lot more drawbacks than advantages. That is why it is now an orphan powerplant - you think it is hard now to get service and parts at a reasonable cost. 5 years from now it will be lot harder.

It's ok to be a fan of odd-ball, discontinued powerplants - but you it is good to provide the downsides to potential buyers wondering if they should buy one.

Like anything else in life, there are pros and cons. Sharing both is best.

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[gato]

I have a deposit on one. Hoping to pick it up in a day or two after they replace the fuel pump and a few other things.

My old Jeep is the black one, new one is white. 2022 with 9700 miles, metalcoak lifted on brand new 35" 392 Rubicon wheels, Metalcloak full underbelly etc. Im super excited.

I have ready pleanty on these the last week and understand there are some issues but plan to mitigate by doing the GDE tune in the next 6 months among a few other things.

Good looking white Jeep - you both look happy in front of it.

Best of luck and enjoy it. Good that you are getting some of the items taken care of prior to delivery.

 

[cnapierala]

"Best" powertrains don't get quickly discontinued by a manufacturer, after the massive expense in developing and certifying it.

It is a fact that you have 1.4" less uptravel in the diesel in the front. It is a fact that the JL diesel is nearly 500 lbs heavier, all in the nose, making ride harsher, and handling worse. It is a fact that everything from oil changes to emissions repair is more expensive. With the price of fuel + DEF, unless you tow a lot on highway there is no chance to make up the price difference. They are also substantially noisier and annoying to listen to on the trails - though that can be helpful if you get separated from your group - you can always locate the diesel guy from a mile away.

Yes, people who bought them tend to put up with all the above and love the low end, low RPM torque - and that is the only other positive other than the highway towing mission.

For the vast majority of people, though, the diesel has a lot more drawbacks than advantages. That is why it is now an orphan powerplant - you think it is hard now to get service and parts at a reasonable cost. 5 years from now it will be lot harder.

It's ok to be a fan of odd-ball, discontinued powerplants - but you it is good to provide the downsides to potential buyers wondering if they should buy one.

Like anything else in life, there are pros and cons. Sharing both is best.

Thanks for your post, i have spent alot of time reading about these now.

I love torquey motors and have had several diesels in the past so I’m no stranger to their pros and cons (emissions). I enjoy the sound of a diesel and driving one makes the vehicle feel substantial and mature IMO as you have instant on demand torque all the time.

My 3.6l 6mt with 5.13 gears and 35” tires drives me nuts where we live (9100’ elev.) and I have to beat it bloody to pull a 1800lb camper up the mountain passes to the point where I wont take it on more than a few hour long trip with the camper. And passing power… prepare for white knuckles.

My other options are a Bronco with a 2.7 which is more money and from what I hear, has its own problems plus, im a Jeep guy. Or a 392 which is another $10-$15k and wont get close to the MPG of the diesel.

There is at least a 3.5” lift and 35” tires on the Jeep im getting so I think I will be fine off road. We don’t do anything wild anyway but want to be able to do all the passes and cool scenic trails here in CO as a family.

 

[BDinTX]

@cnapierala time to un-watch your own thread. You’ll be getting advice on whether or not to get it for the next three years

I would set it ip so you get a notification whenever a new thread goes into the EcoDiesel section. I’ve learned about a few things that way.

 

[cnapierala]

@cnapierala time to un-watch your own thread. You’ll be getting advice on whether or not to get it for the next three years

I would set it ip so you get a notification whenever a new thread goes into the EcoDiesel section. I’ve learned about a few things that way.

Ha ha i already looked to see if i can close it! I did hit watch on the diesel section, thanks for the tip.

 

[rock123]

Thanks for your post, i have spent alot of time reading about these now.

I love torquey motors and have had several diesels in the past so I’m no stranger to their pros and cons (emissions). I enjoy the sound of a diesel and driving one makes the vehicle feel substantial and mature IMO as you have instant on demand torque all the time.

My 3.6l 6mt with 5.13 gears and 35” tires drives me nuts where we live (9100’ elev.) and I have to beat it bloody to pull a 1800lb camper up the mountain passes to the point where I wont take it on more than a few hour long trip with the camper. And passing power… prepare for white knuckles.

My other options are a Bronco with a 2.7 which is more money and from what I hear, has its own problems plus, im a Jeep guy. Or a 392 which is another $10-$15k and wont get close to the MPG of the diesel.

There is at least a 3.5” lift and 35” tires on the Jeep im getting so I think I will be fine off road. We don’t do anything wild anyway but want to be able to do all the passes and cool scenic trails here in CO as a family.

I hate to continue to sound like a downer, but you shouldn't expect better towing performance from the ecodiesel. There are countless threads about how the engine derates on big long passes at highway/freeway speed. There just wasn't enough space for Jeep to put a decent cooling system in the vehicle. The 3.6 L with the 6 MT is a pretty bad combo in my experience though too.

The MPG savings are completely eaten by the high maintenance costs- you see people routinely say the oil change/fuel filter costs $300-400+ at the dealer. That isn't even taking into account the liability of the DPF/SCR which are going to go bad at some point.

I think it's worth considering a 2.0 with the automatic. Its torquey like the diesel, but doesn't have as poor of reliability. The mpg is worse, but the long term maintenance is much cheaper. Yeah, it doesnt have the awesome ecoD torque, but the long term ownership is much brighter- parts are pretty available and you can still buy an entire crate engine for $6k if something happens down the road. The turbo is even around $600, and pretty easy to replace.

 

[cnapierala]

I hate to continue to sound like a downer, but you shouldn't expect better towing performance from the ecodiesel. There are countless threads about how the engine derates on big long passes at highway/freeway speed. There just wasn't enough space for Jeep to put a decent cooling system in the vehicle. The 3.6 L with the 6 MT is a pretty bad combo in my experience though too.

The MPG savings are completely eaten by the high maintenance costs- you see people routinely say the oil change/fuel filter costs $300-400+ at the dealer. That isn't even taking into account the liability of the DPF/SCR which are going to go bad at some point.

I think it's worth considering a 2.0 with the automatic. Its torquey like the diesel, but doesn't have as poor of reliability. The mpg is worse, but the long term maintenance is much cheaper. Yeah, it doesnt have the awesome ecoD torque, but the long term ownership is much brighter- parts are pretty available and you can still buy an entire crate engine for $6k if something happens down the road. The turbo is even around $600, and pretty easy to replace.

I dont like the 2.0t. I have been in a few. And its too late, im buying the diesel.

Fortunatly with high elevations there are also cooler temps so we will see how it goes. I will be sure to report back if i have issues.

 

[gato]

Thanks for your post, i have spent alot of time reading about these now.
....

There is at least a 3.5” lift and 35” tires on the Jeep im getting so I think I will be fine off road. We don’t do anything wild anyway but want to be able to do all the passes and cool scenic trails here in CO as a family.

Yes, the lift completely addresses suspension uptravel, so you are all set there.

Best of luck - it's a nice looking Jeep, and since you like and know diesels well, it will work well for you.

Happy Jeeping for you and your family.

 

[cnapierala]

Yes, the lift completely addresses suspension uptravel, so you are all set there.

Best of luck - it's a nice looking Jeep, and since you like and know diesels well, it will work well for you.

Happy Jeeping for you and your family.

Thank you sir! Happy Jeeping to you as well!

 

[timbermusic27891]

You are going to be so happy with your purchase!

I own a 2023 Gladiator diesel I bought new. I have owned many jeeps and drove just about everything they have used as a power plant except for the 2.0 IMO the ecodiesel is the most fun to drive in every stretch of the imagination. I love the sound of the diesel, the torque, the fuel mileage and mine does not over heat towing heavy loads like I see people talking about on this forum. 16ft Heavy dual Axle trailer loaded to the max will squat the back end but the diesel will not even know it’s pulling anything. My son bought a new 2022 wrangler 4xe and they are torque monsters as well. He will smoke my diesel if I pull up beside him. If I couldn’t have the eco diesel my second choice would be the 4xe. Drive that diesel like you stole it and you won’t have any trouble with it. I own several different makes of diesel vehicles and imo the worst thing somebody can do is baby a diesel drivetrain. Cheers to many smiles & miles with that sweet ride...

 

[GladiatorPilot23]

If not for the ecodiesel, I wouldn’t even On a jeep.

Much has been sorted on the 3rd gen Engine. We even have a member in a technical group that I’m part of that has over 500,000 miles on a GEN 2 engine un rebuilt. If you’re not going to do a dedicated, loving deep dive into how to keep them very reliable that this is not an engine you should be involved with. You need high-quality fuel and filtration. You cannot allow air to get into the system by mistake Is damaging to the High pressure fuel pump. You need a good additive for the fuel tank. You need to use platinum DEF could be travelers Platinum which is sold through tractor supply inexpensive, or Walmart has peak platinum. Keep the def injector, clean No calcification.

This is just an appetizer learn a lot more if you really are going to passionately dive into it and join the group on FB Unfortunately, I hate that place, but that’s where the group is.

 

[JINO]

I'm on my 2nd one. Rolled the first eco, at 88k miles.
Current one is 82k and no issues.

I'm disappointed that they discontinued it. However the tt hurricane sounds interesting if it doesn't cost around 80k+, though it probably would be.

 

[cnapierala]

You are going to be so happy with your purchase!

I own a 2023 Gladiator diesel I bought new. I have owned many jeeps and drove just about everything they have used as a power plant except for the 2.0 IMO the ecodiesel is the most fun to drive in every stretch of the imagination. I love the sound of the diesel, the torque, the fuel mileage and mine does not over heat towing heavy loads like I see people talking about on this forum. 16ft Heavy dual Axle trailer loaded to the max will squat the back end but the diesel will not even know it’s pulling anything. My son bought a new 2022 wrangler 4xe and they are torque monsters as well. He will smoke my diesel if I pull up beside him. If I couldn’t have the eco diesel my second choice would be the 4xe. Drive that diesel like you stole it and you won’t have any trouble with it. I own several different makes of diesel vehicles and imo the worst thing somebody can do is baby a diesel drivetrain. Cheers to many smiles & miles with that sweet ride...

Love to hear that on the towing. Ill be sure to monitor my temps often when i first get it and when towing.

I thought about the 4xE but i live in a rural area so i dont think the electric power would be helpful for long on the highway or while towing and then id basically just have a 2.0.

I dont tend to baby my vehicles so that shouldnt be a problem.

 

[cnapierala]

If not for the ecodiesel, I wouldn’t even On a jeep.

Much has been sorted on the 3rd gen Engine. We even have a member in a technical group that I’m part of that has over 500,000 miles on a GEN 2 engine un rebuilt. If you’re not going to do a dedicated, loving deep dive into how to keep them very reliable that this is not an engine you should be involved with. You need high-quality fuel and filtration. You cannot allow air to get into the system by mistake Is damaging to the High pressure fuel pump. You need a good additive for the fuel tank. You need to use platinum DEF could be travelers Platinum which is sold through tractor supply inexpensive, or Walmart has peak platinum. Keep the def injector, clean No calcification.

This is just an appetizer learn a lot more if you really are going to passionately dive into it and join the group on FB Unfortunately, I hate that place, but that’s where the group is.

Already purchased a fuel addative and good to know on the DEF. We have a tractor supply in town nearby.

Can you please message me the FB group. Id love to learn more of the technical stuff. Im an Engineer by trade so that is kind of my thing.

 

[Ratbert]

Already purchased a fuel addative and good to know on the DEF. We have a tractor supply in town nearby.

If you periodically make it to The Springs then stop at one of the truck stops along I-25. DEF is significantly less expensive at the pump and much, much easier to fill there.

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