Narrowing down what JL to order

[blnewt]

If you're looking to keep a Jeep for years, consider if you expect to have a family and kids in that time span. If so, selecting a 4 door will better serve a family.

This makes sense if you have family plans and are going to keep the Jeep well into those family years. If it's just you, wife, and dog for the time you're planning to keep this then the JLR FTW!
TBH I don't think there's a better looking setup than the JLR, and so capable right off the lot.

Also keep in mind when comparing a Sport/Willys the transfer case only goes to 4medium, not true 4lo like the Rubicon. The Sport T-case is a 2.7 reduction, the Rubicon is 4.0 reduction so a huge plus for the Rubicon setup, especially when you go to 35s.

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[ChrisTheGod]

Just do what I did get a 4 door rubicon with every option you can’t regret it….. excepttttt I regret not getting the color matching roof because I wanted to feel like I was being responsible and saving money lol also In all honesty I could use with out the rock trac option like maybe where it snows it comes in handy but ehh. Also I’m very big on NOT recommending the 2.0 because I will debate this till I die they are NOT capable of handling vehicles with such weight look at every bmw SUV that has one they all blow out before 100k miles look at other car brands in general they all blow out before 100k miles you need a proper engine to carry the weight of a SUV I understand ya want to be different and cool but in the long run you will be cursing out jeep for your mistake.

 

[Shelly_16_86]

I’m sorry to hear about the questionable longevity of the wrangler. I’m certainly paying attention to my engine choices. I am sure than I am over thinking this and it doesn’t help that I have the time on my hands to sweat the smallest details.

 

[Mikester86]

I would suggest adding the trailer tow package. It should come with auxiliary switches wired to the engine compartment and the passenger foot well. Good luck whatever you choose.

 

[JeepFiend]

My opinion would be go with the Rubicon, it has everything you need in the base package and you can easily move to 35" without any modification and pick up a 8yr/120k bumper to bumper extended warranty to ensure you have a running vehicle for many years to come.

2door vs 4door is totally personal preference. Me personally, I just think the 4 doors look weird. For 2 people and a small dog, a 2 door should be more than enough after removing the back seat. If you think you'll be toting around friends or have a more significant need for storage, then you might find yourself desiring a 4 door. I have a truck for that.

 

[Old Dogger]

Rubicon 4, or 2 door either or. 3.6 engine, with the 8 speed auto would be a good choice. Lasting 10 years depends on maintenance practices, how many miles a year you drive it, and if you beat on it off road or not.

 

[Shelly_16_86]

I do appreciate all the replies. Seems there is no easy decision here. Also doesn’t seem like there’s a wrong decision to be made. I must admit, I am very tempted by the 2dr rubi. The XR package just seems like a solid deal for the boxes i would like to check. Now if they made a 2dr XR…… easy answer!

 

[NewbJLUOwner]

So I have found myself somewhat chasing my tail and was hoping to get a little help narrowing down my decision. I am currently overseas with the Army and I am looking to place an order for a new JL when I get back. This would be my first wrangler (had an XJ some years back) and I am really wanting this to be a vehicle that I can count on for the next 10 years. I've gotten a bit tired of car hopping. So on to the build ideas. No matter what one I go with I know that I have a few options I want no matter what.

2.0L turbo
Premium audio
LED lights
Safety package
Cold Weather
Black Hard top

Where I am struggling is with the narrowing it down from there. I am looking at 3 main choices.

4dr Willy's with the Extreme Recon package
4dr Rubicon with the Extreme Recon package
2dr Rubicon

This would be a daily driver that will go without mods for a long while. I really do love the look of the 35" tires on either. Being a mustang guy for most of my adult life, I also have a real soft spot for 2 dr vehicles. It is only my wife and I with a small dog and it will be that way for a good while. Rock crawling isn't in the future, but fire roads, hunting trails, 4 seasons of weather, etc would be happening. I am also considering the 2dr rubicon and adding the 2" Mopar lift and putting 35" tires on at the time of ordering. Unfortunately I don't know what kind of money I would be looking at to do that.

Living in SW Virginia, I seem to have a few good dealers within a few hours that I can land 6-7% below invoice with this order. I will certainly be looking to do that.

Jeep wave ?
I highly recommend the below if you get the Rubicon
Hard Top ?
Remote Start ?
Trailer Tow ?
Remote Proximity Keyless entry (i never have to remove my keys) awesome ?
Cold weather if you live above Florida lol
Best of luck ?

 

[AZJeepGuy]

I went through the same thing with a huge spreadsheet and just like you I ended up with a 2k difference to the Rubicon. It looks great from the factory. Lots of choices with 14 models available.
Build both on the site and save the PDF's and mull it over for a bit. Good luck!

 

[KevinC11]

I’m sorry to hear about the questionable longevity of the wrangler. I’m certainly paying attention to my engine choices. I am sure than I am over thinking this and it doesn’t help that I have the time on my hands to sweat the smallest details.

How many 1997-2006 TJ's do you still see on the road? I see a bunch.
How many 2007-2011 JK's do you still see on the road, which had the 3.8L and 4sp Trans, two of the worse offerings in the Jeep lineup in the past 30 years? I see a bunch.

I wouldn't be to concerned about longevity of a Jeep. Take care of it, it will take care of you.

KevinC

 

[Pinky Tuscadero]

Just get the 4dr Rubi with the XR and don't look back if you can afford that one.
4.56 gears, factory installed lift, 35" tires, Rubi stuff and four doors for extra people or dogs to get in easier.
I'd do the soft top and the V-6 but you want the hard and 4 so go for that, but do watch a video on how easy the soft comes down nowdays vs. your last Jeep for sure and you may want that.
Just don't buy a Bronco and you'll do great !

 

[Maverick909]

with what you state in your OP the Willys ER is the way to go for you with the 4.56 gears.

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