Wrangler JLU Research/Shopping

I've been. toying with this idea for a few years and I'm finally in the market sometime this year for a toad to tow behind my motorhome. The wife and I have pretty much decided on a Wrangler Unlimited JL. This would be primarily for towing behind the motorhome and running around/trail riding/exploring when traveling. I would use it as a second vehicle here when at home. I'd like it to be capable off-road, but I'm not likely doing any serious crawling trails with it.

I'm thinking of something a couple of years old just to let someone else take the big hit on depreciation unless the new prices are really appealing. The research I've done here and elsewhere as well as test driving and renting vehicles seems to point me to a JLU - probably 2019-2020. They seem a lot nicer inside than the JK unless there is something I'm missing.

I'm leaning towards a Rubicon package for the slight lift, slightly larger stock tires, better axles, lockers, as well as the interior upgrades that usually come along with higher trim. An eco-diesel would be nice, but probably will get the 3.6 due to availability. I've driven the 2.0 and I liked it, but if I'm going to own it, I would be afraid of its long-term reliability. Also likely not interested in the 4XE hybrid. I'm not wild about the auto starting mechanisms, either older or newer (eTorque), but I guess I could live with it unless it is easy to find without.

I'm just starting to research these and open to any advice on options or models/years or 2023 new vs 2019-2020 used.

Definitely stay away from the 2.0 in my opinion.

The autostart can be eliminated via Taser module.

STAG said:

Definitely stay away from the 2.0 in my opinion.

The autostart can be eliminated via Taser module.

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Fully agree.

The Rubicon trim has different fender flares which allows larger tires with no lift.

You’re right about the interior of the JL being nicer than the JK. They also drive quite a bit nicer than the JK does.

I haven't looked for the past 6 months (and things are pretty fluid in the used market) but the past decade or so, buying a Wrangler is kind of like buying a '90s Honda Accord back in the day, a modern day Tacoma or possibly a 4 Runner. Used are about the same cost as new. New gets the miles on it you know vs what the previous owner put on the rig.

I'd buy used if it's setup pretty close to exactly how you'd want it set up. If not, I'd buy new

Having had a 2012 JKU, my 2021 JT is quite a step up in perceived quality and "build". It's far from perfect but much better than I expected from Jeep. I am pretty happy with my 3.0L diesel but not sure I'd recommend it or not? Just a LOT of complexity in a cute little engine. The 3.6 may be the better choice but they aren't without some issues. The 3.6 (variable valve timing, etc) is a fair bit simpler than the 3.0L (turbo, DEF, injection pump, etc) but neither are "stellar" powerplants in my opinion. Both have their good and bad points from where I stand.

Four years in we're still loving the 2.0, in our 2019. Would choose it again at this point.

- DAA

DAA said:

Four years in we're still loving the 2.0, in our 2019. Would choose it again at this point.

- DAA

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Didn't realize you had the 2.0, Dave. I liked the motor in the one I drove. Combined with the 8 speed auto, it always seemed to have the right amount of power. I appreciate the real feedback.

mbryson said:

Used are about the same cost as new. New gets the miles on it you know vs what the previous owner put on the rig.
I'd buy used if it's setup pretty close to exactly how you'd want it set up. If not, I'd buy new

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Yea, I've taken notice of the supply chain craziness that happened last year, but haven't been paying close attention to prices as I wasn't in the market. I'm not in a hurry, and seems like it might even be good to wait a few months for the market to settle down a little more as manufacturers and dealers catch up with demand. Right now, a 2-year-old Rubicon is selling for around 20-25% less than new, which is not much considering the mileage some folks rack up. Some low mileage examples less than 10% under new prices.

For work, I watch inventories of power equipment dealers, of all things, but have visibility into RV and Marine dealers also. I'm guessing, based on current inventory and sales levels, that this summer will be a buyers market in those industries.

JL (JT) is so nice. 8 speed transmission was amazing, alpine stereo upgrade was totally worth it. I hate turbo lag, no matter how slight. Probably what I hate most on my bronco, so I would skip the 2.0. I thought the 3.6 was plenty in the gladiator on stock 33’s, and the gas mileage was pretty good. If you can get the leather interior with heated seats I would go for it.

johngottfredson said:

If you can get the leather interior with heated seats I would go for it.

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First I don’t disagree but also have to add

“Tell me the now average age of the RME crowd without telling me the age of the RME crowd” 😂

I’ve been on this board longer than some of the pilots I fly with have been alive 👴

I want a new 4XE Rubicon something fierce. At the very least I would buy the 2.0 Turbo

Agility Customs said:

I want a new 4XE Rubicon something fierce. At the very least I would buy the 2.0 Turbo

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After looking at the price of new vs used, I'm considering this also. Quite honestly, this isn't our first jeep and I'm sure it will end up being a run around town car for the family because they are so fun to drive. It would be nice to do a bunch of the local trips on battery power. Also wouldn't hurt to have the $7500 tax credit.

One of my buddies has a 4XE and that thing is a HOOT to drive!

- DAA

I too would like a 4xe in my driveway

I didn't realize it until this research, but the Wrangler 4xe is the #1 selling plugin hybrid in America. Guess that shouldn't surprise me. They sold ~20k units the first half of last year, outselling the second place Toyota RAV4 2 to 1.

Well, I paid Dempsey a couple of visits and test drove. I now have a deposit on a Rubicon 4xe. Just need to figure out how to pay for it!

Now on to important issues: What is a good front bumper with fairly low profile towbar attachments built in?

Will the Artec NightHawk work with a tow bar? I like mine, it's a shorty winch bumper.

Spent a few hours and figured out how I wanted to pay for it. I ended up yesterday with this in my driveway! Pretty basic old-man setup with rubicon, leather seats, cold weather kit, trailer package, sound deadening kit. We love it so far!

One of the reasons for the quick move is the Inflation Reduction Act is changing some of the rules surrounding electric vehicle tax credits. Nobody knows for sure, but I suspect the credit may be virtually eliminated for some vehicles with the new legal changes.

With all due respect, hanging out at the car dealership is not among my favorite activities. Dempsey made this transaction just about as painless as it can be! To be fair, I did a bunch of research on my own. Anyway, I can't recommend him and Doug Smith enough!

I'm not good about posting all my activity, but I'll try to report back after we've owned and driven it for a while.

Greg said:

Will the Artec NightHawk work with a tow bar? I like mine, it's a shorty winch bumper.

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Not sure. I'm guessing anything with really good tow hooks could be adapted. I'll have to look at that!

Unimog said:

With all due respect, hanging out at the car dealership is not among my favorite activities.

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I completely understand. I realize I'm part of the lunatic fringe that likes to hang out just about anywhere car-related (even a dealership), and I constantly remind myself that the vast majority of people feel otherwise. I'm glad we were able to make your visit short and sweet.

Oh, and (again) welcome to PHEV life! You'll quickly learn how to maximize efficiency in an EV, and that it is just about the exact opposite of what you'd do in an ICE vehicle. For example, you've probably already figured out that EVs hate steady-state driving at high speeds (ie, the interstate) and much prefer slower, stop-and-go city driving.

I look forward to reading the experiences you will share here.

Would be fair to ask rough pricing on a 4Xe rubicon? Just out of curiosity