Help with Rubicon vs Sahara decision

[iki4life]

Im not a heavy off roader, but I like scenic drives, trails, and some bumps here and there...so I got the Sahara...its also my daily driver.
If its only a $1000 difference, Id get the Rubicon though. (Considering both have the options you want)

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[BRuby]

Be very careful with this. As mentioned, check the tire pressure, let them do the alignment, but don’t buy it if pulls and wanders. Take it on a long test drive on the freeway to make sure it doesn’t pull or wander. Don’t believe them if they say they can fix it. They can’t.

Would very much agree with this. Do not believe whatever a FCA dealer tells you about a fix. Most times it is BS. The very odd time it is correct. Most dealers have no clue unfortunately. But of course YMMV.

If they do sort the alignment properly and all is perfectly good - you should be very happy with the Rubi. We love ours even with it little faults. Cross your fingers - it may all work out just fine.

 

[RagTopDeluxe]

Would very much agree with this. Do not believe whatever a FCA dealer tells you about a fix. Most times it is BS. The very odd time it is correct. Most dealers have no clue unfortunately. But of course YMMV.

If they do sort the alignment properly and all is perfectly good - you should be very happy with the Rubi. We love ours even with it little faults. Cross your fingers - it may all work out just fine.

The problem is that when it comes to steering it’s FCA that doesn’t have a clue and the dealers are given no direction.

 

[BRuby]

The problem is that when it comes to steering it’s FCA that doesn’t have a clue and the dealers are given no direction.

Would suspect that FCA by now does have a clue - but the fix is probably too costly is all. Hopefully you will get a good copy and can start enjoying your Jeep.

 

[Michael A]

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.

 

[Sean L]

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.

good call. I don't think I'd go for that particular Rubicon.

 

[rumblejeep]

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.

Absolutely avoid this Jeep !!! You will be distraught if you buy it ! Dealers are so full of shit ! Dont ask to drive the Sahara, tell them youre going to test drive the Sahara. Take charge here, do not buy the Rubicon !

 

[RagTopDeluxe]

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.

That is NOT to be expected and is NOT a Jeep thing. The dealer is full of crap. The wheel should be centered, but should not pull or wander.

I would find another Wrangler.

 

[RagTopDeluxe]

Would suspect that FCA by now does have a clue - but the fix is probably too costly is all. Hopefully you will get a good copy and can start enjoying your Jeep.

I have been told by service managers (one who spoke to the regional tech) that they are "looking for a solution." To me that means they don't know or they DO know (as you said) and don't want to spend the money. I've been dealign with this for many months, so would want to see the OP avoid the same frustrating and angering experience.

I'm in the buyback process now, so am hopeful my replacement will be good.

 

[m3lover1]

Keep us updated OP and I'm with the others, nono on that particular Rubi. Maybe browse other dealers and see if others might have a 2019 to deal.

 

[Arterius2]

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.

That dealer is bull crap, in all honesty, knowing their competence, I could have done a better alignment job in my back shed.

One thing I want to point out though, the transfer case isn’t under the front axle. It’s in the middle between the axles, probably slightly towards the rear axle, What you are seeing is likely not the transfer case. Maybe the front differential?

 

[nositting]

DO NOT buy that jeep! if they could effectively fix it, they would have the first time around. this is a no brainer

 

[ptoemmes]

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.

Well, if they can’t get a steering wheel to be straight when going straight down the road - regardless of whether it still pulls/drifts - then they didn’t really do a complete job. Tells you a lot.

 

[joec63]

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.

BS story from the dealer. My radar would be going off in my head. If they lie about this what else are they hiding. I would find another dealer , plenty of Jeeps out there. My two cents, good lluck

 

[jespey]

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.

Do not get this one. There are plenty of Rubicons that drive straight with the steering wheel centered.

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