Help with Rubicon vs Sahara decision

[ThirtyOne]

I ordered a 2018 Rubicon unlimited from the factory when they first released the JL. I opted for most of the options. It is an amazing jeep and a home run as far as redesigns are concerned. Not too mention how awesome they look. I had it for a year and a half and there was nothing I didn't like about it. It was simply more than I needed and I was always worried about it getting trashed or the leather getting scratched etc etc. I traded it in and got a 2020 base model sport. The only options I went for were automatic, hardtop, and AC. Now I can do a mild daily driver friendly build and it will still have plenty of capability for what I need. I wont be nearly as concerned about wear and tear and using it. I am liking going back to a bit more basic set up.

You're weird.

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[BRuby]

Update: I went to pick up the Rubicon yesterday after they said it was aligned. It still pulls slightly to the right. The steering wheel is also slightly off center, so if you hold it on-center the Jeep will turn right. They claimed that's to be expected in this vehicle, and that after 1000 miles if things do not settle bring it back and they will re-align. They claimed Chrysler/Jeep expects such behavior and I am allowed one alignment for free after 1000 miles. Then when I looked under the front axle I noticed the transfer case was leaking oil. They took it back to the shop to change the seal. Now I am having seconds thoughts. I am going to ask them to test drive the Sahara to see if it exhibits any of these issues.

Yeah the dealer is full of BS. Would be very careful dealing with them for anything. Probs better to go elsewhere if you can.

 

[chilly_one]

Update: I went to pick up the Rubicon yesterday after they said it was aligned. It still pulls slightly to the right. The steering wheel is also slightly off center, so if you hold it on-center the Jeep will turn right. They claimed that's to be expected in this vehicle, and that after 1000 miles if things do not settle bring it back and they will re-align. They claimed Chrysler/Jeep expects such behavior and I am allowed one alignment for free after 1000 miles. Then when I looked under the front axle I noticed the transfer case was leaking oil. They took it back to the shop to change the seal. Now I am having seconds thoughts. I am going to ask them to test drive the Sahara to see if it exhibits any of these issues.

Like you, I debated between a Sahara and a Rubi. I think I could have gone either way and been happy, but I ended up with a loaded Sahara. For me, the jeep is my daily driver, and I just found the Sahara to be a more comfortable vehicle to drive in the heavy traffic I deal with all of the time.

And to echo some of the other responders, I would be highly suspect of any JL with steering issues right out of the box. In my years on this forum, that has been one of the most common complaints. I don't expect my Jeep to handle like a sports car, but i don't expect it to pull all over the road either. I have loved my Sahara from the day I test drove it. If you are already questioning the vehicle, don't pull the trigger. There are a lot of jeeps out there and a lot of dealers that will give you a good price. Keep looking until you're confident you've got what you want.

 

[Michael A]

Guys;

Thanks for all of your advice's. I test drove the Sahara and it had no issues, and now I am a proud owner of a Mojito that does not pull to the right and the steering wheel is centered. I will dress it up to give it a more aggressive look.

 

[aldo98229]

Guys;

Thanks for all of your advice's. I test drove the Sahara and it had no issues, and now I am a proud owner of a Mojito that does not pull to the right and the steering wheel is centered. I will dress it up to give it a more aggressive look.

Congratulations!

Perhaps Jeep ought to offer “Straight Steering” as a factory option

Enjoy!

 

[Dkretden]

Guys;

Thanks for all of your advice's. I test drove the Sahara and it had no issues, and now I am a proud owner of a Mojito that does not pull to the right and the steering wheel is centered. I will dress it up to give it a more aggressive look.

Awesome!

once you break it in a little bit, go drive it like you stole it! And, frankly, with the deals that folks are getting on the 2019s, you might have stolen it! So, you have the Jeep you want with no issues and at a great price point! Double win!!!!!!

 

[BRuby]

Guys;

Thanks for all of your advice's. I test drove the Sahara and it had no issues, and now I am a proud owner of a Mojito that does not pull to the right and the steering wheel is centered. I will dress it up to give it a more aggressive look.

Haha! Smart move. No issues is what you want off the lot. Enjoy. We really do love our Jeep little warts and all. Gives it some “personality” to stand out from the cushy SUV cookie cutters. Which we have absolutely no desire for. Zero. Jeep for the win!

 

[timn1984]

Guys;

Thanks for all of your advice's. I test drove the Sahara and it had no issues, and now I am a proud owner of a Mojito that does not pull to the right and the steering wheel is centered. I will dress it up to give it a more aggressive look.

Congratulations! You made a great choice!!

 

[RagTopDeluxe]

Guys;

Thanks for all of your advice's. I test drove the Sahara and it had no issues, and now I am a proud owner of a Mojito that does not pull to the right and the steering wheel is centered. I will dress it up to give it a more aggressive look.

Congratulations! I love that color.

You know the rules,,,we need pics!

 

[ThirtyOne]

Guys;

Thanks for all of your advice's. I test drove the Sahara and it had no issues, and now I am a proud owner of a Mojito that does not pull to the right and the steering wheel is centered. I will dress it up to give it a more aggressive look.

Congrats. Mojito is a great color.

 

[Sean L]

Good call on the Sahara without the mechanical problems. They're great as a daily driver and pretty good off road too!

 

[Senator71]

Not sure if you've seen this elsewhere, but I wanted Sahara options but Rubicon looks. I bought a Sahara and then bought a set of Rubicon off take wheels from someone on this forum. Best of both worlds from my perspective. Pic attached.

 

[Michael A]

Pictures.

 

[ODDs]

Pictures.

That's a beautiful Jeep! You're going to love that top!

 

[Sean L]

Pictures.

Looks good! I'd make good use of that sky top too!

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