[spillz]

Hello Everyone, newbie here to the world of jeeps. I am currently looking at purchasing a 2006 jeep Unlimited for approximately 22k, its 6k less than msrp. I am not sure if this is a good deal or not..looking some input on this because I really really like the new JK model, but dealers are not coming off the msrp. In fact, most dealers have markups on these new JK's. I recently visited a jeep dealership and the manager told me not to buy the 06 Unlimited, no one wants the old jeeps is what he told me, but I like the body style. The concerns I have is between the 06 Unlimited 4.0 vs the new 3.8 liter in the JK, which engine would be more dependable, more power ect. Also, gas mileage is a big concern too. Is there a big difference in gas mileage. I would love to hear from someone who had an Unlimited Jeep and traded it in a a new JK. Anyways, any input would greatly be appreciated.....I would love to buy a jeep soon..thanks everyone

[Rocky529]

You posted on a TJ forum, you are going to get biased answers.

Personally, I prefer the I6 4.0 TJ over any 3.8 V6 JK any day.

That said, the JK is a work horse. It will most likely prove to be just as reliable as the TJ, as soon as DC works out all the bugs in the JK... and there are a lot.

The dealership is going to tell you that no one wants the TJ just so you can spend $$$$ on a JK. Don't ever listen to a salesman's advice... ever.

In the end, it comes down to preferece. The JK does not have anything wrong with it to the point where you should buy a TJ over the JK... it is just body style and engine... and both of which are not a bad thing on the JK. The TJ is just preferred.. atleast to me it is.

[azatrox]

Call me a traditionalist, but I prefer the '06 by far. The new engine is probably just fine, but the 4.0 is tried and true, though both are underpowered in my opinion.
That's a great deal on the '06, I'd consider it if I was you, but it's your call of course. I purchased an '06 Rubi Unlimited back in Oct and love it. I couldn't get into the looks of the '07's, but from what I hear they're very capable off road.
Tough call. I don't think you'll find anyone here who has anything bad to say about the '06's...I certainly don't.
Which ever one you get, don't forget to wave!
Cheers, Bill

[MoochsXJ]

He probably told you nobody wants the old ones meaning, he's making more $$$ off selling new ones so he'll let the '06 sit until some hardcore TJ guy walks in and trashes the new design, the new engine, etc. At which point he'll say, boy if you love TJ I have this bad boy right here.

The point to my story, buy what you like, each has advantages/disadvantages. If gas mileage is a big concern stop looking at Jeep's of any kind and go get yourself a diesel Golf/Jetta 50MPG and you can run it on WVO. I'd say get the '06 b/c brand new for 22K, thats a nice deal.

[Rocky5]

I have an 06 LJ....I really don't like the JK Unlimited....if I was gonna look at a new jeep ( I LOVE mine btw, had it for 2 years now) it would be the 2 door JK, the 4 door is just TOO long and the 2 door is just the right size. Longer than the TJ and just shorter than the LJ. The straight 6 4.0 has been in use forever, and has proven itself over and over. It has great power, torque, and longevity. If your looking for gas mileage....buy a Honda...even IF the JK "says" it gets better mileage, look at it this way it STILL has the wind drag of a brick with wheels. I get between 15-17mpg on my LJ with 3.73 gears with the 6 speed tranny on 32" tires.

there are LOTS of aftermarket parts for the LJ too, and much cheaper than the JK as it is new and the aftermarket is still in development and only a few manufacturers are making parts. besides if you can get a LJ for less $$, there will be more $$ for mods, lift, etc

[Xlr8n]

The sales manager sounds like a jack-ball who is trying to make more money off you. Does he drive a Jeep? I thought not. Get what you like. The '06's are a pretty good buy right now.

[Jeeptastic]

I'm in the exact same situation as you..I'm going to go with the LJ..I really like both of them but i think the JK will be much better in a couple of years..there is also word of competition from a soft top FJ Cruiser and soft top H4..which will mean DC, or whoever owns jeep in a couple of years, will have to improve quality control..also, the LJ has zero percent financing and you can get them below invoice.

[STW]

You're going to want to research this because they are pretty different and when you know the details you may well really prefer one over the other.

In the meantime, look at the difference in wheelbase. The JK unlimited is a much longer wheelbase than the LJ, at least in the four door. The LJ seems like a very good balance between the short wheel base I value in my TJ but with more cargo room behind the seat for those who go camping with back seat passengers (I've had to use external storage to address this with my TJ).

The LJ may become a classic like the CJ-8 which is a lot like the LJ and also had fewer models made over a shorter time than the 5s and 7s.

On the other hand, I saw a green four door JK go by me yesterday on 35s with full hard doors but with soft top over the rear section. What a great looking Jeep that was.

Tough choice.

[Davejb]

I got 6k off in january on my 06 LJ too. I just didn't like the new design, and always wanted a Jeep, so figured I better get one before all that's left are used ones. I get anywhere between 15-18 mpg, and have started spending money I don't have on it. It's up to you really which one you like, the last person I'd listen to is a salesman, they are there to make money.

[STW]

Originally Posted by Rocky5

...2 door [JK] is just the right size...

Agreed, but if you need to use the rear seat for passengers, take those passengers with you to the dealership and see if they can get in and out of there. I tried it at the dealer myself. It's a very nice back seat which is good because if you do manage to get back there you might not be able to get out. Much, much different than the slide forward rear pass. access I have with my TJ. The JK front seat only tilts forward rather than sliding all the way forward like the TJ/LJ. Plus the seat belt feeder is in the way. After my dealer visit I asked about it on the JK forum side and they agreed it's too bad, but that's how it is--just very tight access. Aftermarket may address this with a mod that allows the front seat to move out of the way better, and DC will probably address this next year or thereafter like they did with pass. access on TJs when they were new.

BTW, I wasn't in the market for a new Jeep, just checking out the new JK.

ps. I love the four door JK look. On stock wheels it looks like a XJ on steroids, and lifted on big tires it looks like the Dakar concept Jeep DC made a few years ago. The Dakar four door was based on the TJ body and I still prefer that look over the JK but it's cool to see DC get close.

[McLovin]

I'd go for any of the 2007's. With the exception of the motor the 07 wranglers are an improvement in almost everyway. I remember hearing this same crap talked about the YJ from the CJ guys then the YJ guys said the same about the TJ now it's the TJ guys saying the same about the KJ.

[jprcrpr]

I have an 06 LJ and think it's great. I drove a new JK Unlimited and felt in comparison they were apples and oranges. The longer wheelbase jk rode much smoother and quiter than the LJ and had power windows etc,etc. However, for my purposes now the 06 is better suited for me and I personally like the looks better. But again each to their own. Like others here have said, don't pay any attention to the sales staff, it is their job to sell you a vehicle. Choose the one you like.

[spillz]

thanks everyone for their input to my questions...I am leaning toward the 06 unlimited.....I think the deal is hard to pass up..but their is a couple of other questions for you guys.....automatic or manual and hardtop or soft top....I would love to hear what you guys think. Does the manual get better gas mileage than the auto? Thanks again everyone...

[VZEHLER]

I didn't feel like reading everyone else's responses, so, if I repeat other's info just disregard it.

I just bought my Jeep on 3-1-07.

I prefer the styling on the 06' over the 07', not to say that the jk looks bad. It's just my preference as well as it is yours.

I was looking at the 07' Rubicon's, but, I have to say I was not comfortable with signing a 5 year bank note given how new the technology is on the 3.8 engine. Warranty or no Warranty. The bottom line is the 4.0 is time tested and proven to be one of the best engines DM has ever produced. Besides, I like the rugged simplicity of the TJ. I can do all my own wrenching and don't have to worry about a little water damaging all the fancy electronic devices in the new JK.

As for the Dealer saying no one want's the TJ... They are going to say anything they can to sell their NEW vehicles. Remember! Salesman work on commission!!!

[BlackJeephunter]

Go for the JK if you like plastic bumpers on your 4X4. Like tits on boar hog, my grand pop would say.