Owner's POV

[Allen0jason]

Quick background: currently driving 06 LJ on 35s which is going to my daughter. Looking at getting a JLW/R. Planning on making trips out to Moab and Windrock.

Dilemma: ordering brand new 25/26 Willys exactly as I want it($48k/0m), versus buying a '22/'23 ($35k/<20k m) exactly as I want it.

I know buying the R comes with front locker and t case..

Those that have had both gen 1 versus Gen 2 JL, welcome all helpful opinions comments and outlooks.

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[ASSFROW]

Quick background: currently driving 06 LJ on 35s which is going to my daughter. Looking at getting a JLW/R. Planning on making trips out to Moab and Windrock.

Dilemma: ordering brand new 25/26 Willys exactly as I want it($48k/0m), versus buying a '22/'23 ($35k/<20k m) exactly as I want it.

I know buying the R comes with front locker and t case..

Those that have had both gen 1 versus Gen 2 JL, welcome all helpful opinions comments and outlooks.

The 2024/2025 Willys has the wide front and rear Dana 44s, rear elocker, Rubicon Highline fenders and Rubicon suspension. They also have the updated screen/Uconnect and the steering has been greatly improved. IMO the 2023 and prior Willys' are a totally different Wrangler and the 2024+ Willys is a smoking deal for what you get.

The 2024+ Rubicons have a semi-float rear axle.

 

[thedeatons]

I bought the 24 Rubi X. Not buying a used Jeep... I work in the industry and understand the blanket importance/value of bumper-to-bumper warranty (not 3rd party), and a Jeep that only I have driven/modded. After driving the older models I can tell you there is no way I would sacrifice the improvements/changes/upgrades of the 24+ models.

*I'm also surprised you can't find what you want on a lot somewhere. My wife and I both went out of state to buy ours new ones. One was delivered 500 miles to us for free, the other was a $99 one way plane trip away and a pleasant drive home.

**If 35s are in your future I would opt for at least the 4.56 rear end like the Rubi X model comes stock with (or go nuts and get the 4.88).

 

[Gio]

The 2024/2025 Willys has the wide front and rear Dana 44s, rear elocker, Rubicon Highline fenders and Rubicon suspension. They also have the updated screen/Uconnect and the steering has been greatly improved. IMO the 2023 and prior Willys' are a totally different Wrangler and the 2024+ Willys is a smoking deal for what you get.

The 2024+ Rubicons have a semi-float rear axle.

I have to agree with this.
We had looked at the Rubi and minus the front locker and T-Case our 24 Willys is right there. I added some Apex AutoLynx sway bar discos for not too much $$ and have been very happy.

There are less expensive options but the Apex setup is very easy.

I prefer cloth seats to leather. I never thought I'd say that after having leather in my last 2 trucks.

We opted for the XR package and the Mopar lift, we got a deal on it (wish I'd done the Clayton) and we probably have everything we need for what we'll do with the Jeep.

The 2024 seems much improved over our 2021.

The front locker is a pretty specialized piece of equipment and it is a plus but if you don't need it, the Willys is a great option. You could always add a front locker later on.

 

[Allen0jason]

I bought the 24 Rubi X. Not buying a used Jeep... I work in the industry and understand the blanket importance/value of bumper-to-bumper warranty (not 3rd party), and a Jeep that only I have driven/modded. After driving the older models I can tell you there is no way I would sacrifice the improvements/changes/upgrades of the 24+ models.

*I'm also surprised you can't find what you want on a lot somewhere. My wife and I both went out of state to buy ours new ones. One was delivered 500 miles to us for free, the other was a $99 one way plane trip away and a pleasant drive home.

**If 35s are in your future I would opt for at least the 4.56 rear end like the Rubi X model comes stock with (or go nuts and get the 4.88).

1- 2drs are a rare commodity
2- my dilemma is picking between a 23 Rubicon and a 25 Willys. Virtually the same vehicle mechanically except for the transfer case and front Locker
3: I plan on going 37s with 488 or 513

 

[Sidewalk]

If you are going wheeling and have a manual, you will want to transfer case.

 

[Ratbert]

Check the spreadsheet in my sig before ordering.

 

[SlickRicksWilly]

Have you worked with one of the dealers on pricing out a new order yet? I was surprised at the discount and ease of ordering new. Being from Texas I worked with Mark Dodge is Lake Charles, LA.

I would say order a new Willys vs used Rubi. I am not a fan of all the red, the larger screen is much more functional, and I just like new things. I want to be the person to put the first dent in it.

If I end up needing front lockers, or swaybar disconnects there are plenty of aftermarket options, or takeoffs from a rubi.

The only real thing missing and seeming hard to find is the 4:1 transfer case specifically for a manual transmission.

 

[OminousSkitter]

Dilemma: ordering brand new 25/26 Willys exactly as I want it($48k/0m), versus buying a '22/'23 ($35k/<20k m) exactly as I want it.

Finally going to buy? You've been asking questions like this for 2+ years now.

 

[Allen0jason]

Check the spreadsheet in my sig before ordering.

I have the latest chart and that's the reason why I'm having this debate with myself. If I can get the 9% off invoice still looking at roughly a 10K difference.

 

[Allen0jason]

Finally going to buy? You've been asking questions like this for 2+ years now.

Yes, everything that's been working through the pipeline is finally hitting and getting serious. I'm set on a two-door, just toying with it's like all at the front Locker on four to one is worth it. Hence the reason why I'm asking those that know. I already know where I'm getting it if I order a new one. But colors are so hard LOL

 

[OminousSkitter]

Yes, everything that's been working through the pipeline is finally hitting and getting serious. I'm set on a two-door, just toying with it's like all at the front Locker on four to one is worth it. Hence the reason why I'm asking those that know. I already know where I'm getting it if I order a new one. But colors are so hard LOL

Awesome! I can't wait to see what you get!

A Sport—let alone a 2024+ Willys—is more capable than most people think, but it does have it's limits. 4:1 and the front lockers are worth it if you're planning on doing harder trails / rock crawling. If not, probably not worth it.

If it's in good condition / wasn't abused, I'd consider saving the $10+K and going with the Rubicon. That savings goes a long way to the upgrades you probably want if you're going for 37s and a regear. Plus, that type of stuff can be the basis for a warranty fight, so getting the new vehicle warranty might be moot.

 

[Allen0jason]

Awesome! I can't wait to see what you get!

A Sport—let alone a 2024+ Willys—is more capable than most people think, but it does have it's limits. 4:1 and the front lockers are worth it if you're planning on doing harder trails / rock crawling. If not, probably not worth it.

If it's in good condition / wasn't abused, I'd consider saving the $10+K and going with the Rubicon. That savings goes a long way to the upgrades you probably want if you're going for 37s and a regear. Plus, that type of stuff can be the basis for a warranty fight, so getting the new vehicle warranty might be moot.

That's the whole reason why I'm asking those in the know. I found a few two doors Rubis 20K and under mileage wise which got me to thinking. It's going to be a month or so before pay off so that's why I'm trying to get my ducks in a row.

 

[ASSFROW]

Have you worked with one of the dealers on pricing out a new order yet? I was surprised at the discount and ease of ordering new. Being from Texas I worked with Mark Dodge is Lake Charles, LA.

I would say order a new Willys vs used Rubi. I am not a fan of all the red, the larger screen is much more functional, and I just like new things. I want to be the person to put the first dent in it.

If I end up needing front lockers, or swaybar disconnects there are plenty of aftermarket options, or takeoffs from a rubi.

The only real thing missing and seeming hard to find is the 4:1 transfer case specifically for a manual transmission.

I second the Mark Dodge recommendation. I was lucky and they had what I wanted on their lot during the 10% of retail deal Jeep had and they included another huge discount. It was the best vehicle purchase experience I've had and I live in Maryland 1200 miles away. I did everything online and they arranged shipping for me. If they hadn't had the Rubicon X on their lot at the price they offered, I would be driving a 2025 Willys XR.

 

[SlickRicksWilly]

I second the Mark Dodge recommendation. I was lucky and they had what I wanted on their lot during the 10% of retail deal Jeep had and they included another huge discount. It was the best vehicle purchase experience I've had and I live in Maryland 1200 miles away. I did everything online and they arranged shipping for me. If they hadn't had the Rubicon X on their lot at the price they offered, I would be driving a 2025 Willys XR.

Easiest dealer experience I have ever had. I was impatient and only 400 miles away so I flew in to drive it home. They picked me up at the airport, got to the dealer, they grabbed the keys, quick test drive, in the dealership for a few minutes to sign a couple of papers and on my way.

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