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Buying new JKU, what options?

2K views 13 replies 8 participants last post by  gatejarr 
#1 ·
I am buying a new 2013 JK Unlimited and can't seem to find a list of all the different options/option groups on Jeeps web site. I don't think the Rubicon package is for me. Nice, I just don't think I'd use it. In a Sport-hardtop model, are there options you folks can't live without or options you bought and aren't using? Sadly, this will be primarily used as a street queen with occasional dirt road outings. Lame, I know but I ride a dirt bike too. I know I'd like to have 410's and an auto, pwr windows and mirrors. I have considered the Rubi and Sahara but it seems like the few I can find on lots around here are $40K and up! I've seen a few folks on here say they have paid prices in the low 30's for a Rubi but I sure can't find anything close to that even with the Tread Lightly discount. Just looking for advice from those of you who have been in the same position as I am. Thanks in advance!
 
#3 ·
Truth be told I really didn't have to have a Rubicon. I doubt I will ever need to use what it is capable of, but it is there. Sometimes I explore remote places and it is comforting to me to know I have those lockers ready to get me out. Who wants to have to turn around and go back. Yes I paid more for the Rubicon but planned to keep it mostly stock due to the ride quality. If I was to buy a lesser model I would have to start with buying tires. We know the resale on a Jeep is strong but a Rubicon is even stronger. I only kept my '11 2 dr Rubicon for 1 1/2 years but that was mostly due to anemic engine and I used the excuse of needing more room to buy the unlimited. If I keep this for 10 years or more which I most likely will the extra money spend on the Rubicon will come back to me or it will have only cost me a small amount. So my vote is for a no excuses JKUR.
 
#4 · (Edited)
With the Pentastar engine and you are not rock crawling my humble opinion is you don't even need the 410's. I have 33" tires on my 2012 JKU sport with 3.21's and I'm at a loss as to why people are always pissing and whining about that set up. I climb hills, drive deeply rutted muddy roads and yes use it in and around town. Is all I can figure is some folks are opposed to pressing on the gas pedal more that an 1/18th of an inch. I'm beginning to think those so opposed to the 3.21 gears have never driven the Pentastar. I think twice I shifted the T-case into 4L and put the auto trans into first and the RPM's spin up quite nicely at low speed. The Pentastar is making full torque by 2K RPM. But hey, to each their own. And of course I'm used to my old 6 banger with stick CJ7 so the JKU is way superior in just about every way.

I would dearly love to have electronic locking diff's front and rear. Probably never use it but hey, I'd like to have the capability.

The difference between a Sport and a Rubi will by some seriously awesome suspension, tires, bumper and winch.
 
#12 ·
With the Pentastar engine and you are not rock crawling my humble opinion is you don't even need the 410's. I have 33" tires on my 2012 JKU sport with 3.21's and I'm at a loss as to why people are always pissing and whining about that set up. I climb hills, drive deeply rutted muddy roads and yes use it in and around town. Is all I can figure is some folks are opposed to pressing on the gas pedal more that an 1/18th of an inch. I'm beginning to think those so opposed to the 3.21 gears have never driven the Pentastar. I think twice I shifted the T-case into 4L and put the auto trans into first and the RPM's spin up quite nicely at low speed. The Pentastar is making full torque by 2K RPM. But hey, to each their own. And of course I'm used to my old 6 banger with stick CJ7 so the JKU is way superior in just about every way.

I would dearly love to have electronic locking diff's front and rear. Probably never use it but hey, I'd like to have the capability.

The difference between a Sport and a Rubi will by some seriously awesome suspension, tires, bumper and winch.
The issue comes up if the owner goes 35" and 3:21. 33"s that are 12.5 wide will cause more power lose as well. Crawl ratio in low is not to good. The rubi makes up for alot of that off road. do to the 4 to 1 Rock track Hd transfer box. Now add lockers hp44. Kinda why they are more the tank, option.

you put a "nice" lift and tires say 35"s for that , oh you need gears still, the rear and front carrier wont go into the 5s later as well now you need at leats carriers and gears, shoot might as well get lockers now, axles.... were did we start?

Few are going to test what a rubi can do on 33" let alone 35"s. might be over kill for most, looks more many. specialy one that is brand new.
 
#5 ·
OP. You've heard that people have bought a brand new (like less than 50 miles on the odo) Rubicon for the low 30's? I have to say I honestly don't believe it. Unless there is some sort of extreme extenuating circumstance (like significant hail damage)... and I got to see the final paper work... I don't believe it. I'd sooner believe someone bought a brand new BMW 7 class for low 30's.
 
#13 ·
I'm with you man, the demand is way too high. Why would a dealer give a a vehicle that stickers close to 40k for the low 30's??? I shopped around this past summer and a 4dr Rubicon that stickered for just over 38k would have been about 36k out the door and thats with a week of haggling and then someone else bought it! I went with a 4 dr Sport with 3.73's, hardtop, uconnect, premium sound, added the 430 NAV, rock rails, Rubicon rims and the BFG Mud terrains and got out the door for 31500 with a 100k extended warranty. I had a 2dr Rubicon (that I traded in with about $4k equity) and I used my lockers 4 times in 4 years and I don't even know if I needed them! Get a remote starter and heated seats as options and install a Detroit Truetrac in the front end if your worried about getting stuck.
 
#6 ·
Thanks for the feedback guys. JoeCitizen, I agree! We can all wish though, right? I've wanted a Jeep for ages, hopefully it'll happen soon! These Jeeps must be selling pretty darn well. Here in Northern California, the selection is slim and just about all Sports come with 3.21's. They have pretty good lease rates right now. I know that most won't mod a leased vehicle but....
 
#7 ·
I absolutely love my JKU Sport. I have not one regret. I got the soft top and love it.

It's so capable. I had it out on the snow and ice and never put it in 4WD. The traction control kept shifting the torque back and forth between the two back tires and I would just walk right up inclines and from stop signs. My CJ7 would have had to be in 4WD.
 
#9 ·
A Rubicon will always cost more than an 'X' model. Remember they still negociate prices on a lease or sale. My Rubicon sticker before they added the extras like tint and air in the tires was 38,500 and they dropped another 2k off to 36,500. The '13 just came out (back in September) and were hard to find then so you should be able to get a better deal now. And my final thought is to look on NADA to help you to decide. After 5 years of ownership, comparing an 2008 Rubicon to a 'X' model there is 4000.00 price difference. Check it out and enjoy your new Rubicon.:)
 
#14 ·
I purchased a 2012 JKU used in December. It came with power windows/door locks/mirrors, none of which I really cared about, but it was the only manual transmission wrangler on the lot (including about 20 brand new 2013s, no love for the manual!) It turned out that I do love the convenience of the power package. Ended up with 3.21 gears, which is no big deal, the jeep doesn't feel sluggish with them and I will regear if I move up to 35s in the future, but if you can get 3.73 from the factory for cheap, why not? The one thing I added was a 430 radio I got off of eBay, because reverse visibility is terrible, and I want to add a backup camera. If you can get one with the 430 or 730 without being charged a significant amount extra, do it. Otherwise you can order one off of eBay, mine was $370.00 including shipping and I installed it myself in about 15 minutes. As far as I know, none come stock with a backup camera, so you'll have to add one later if you want one.
 
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