Jeep Unlimited Rubicon, your .02

[thebigtreeman]

I'm kicking around the idea of buying a new Jeep Rubi Unlimited. I drove one the other day. I liked everything but the engine seemed a little low on power. All of my other vehicles are diesels so I guess I'm used to the torque, which might be affecting my opinion of the Jeep's powerplant. I plan to use the Rubi as a daily commuter, weekend fun vehicle and to occasionally tow a small trailer. I have to buy the auto tranny b/c it'll be easier when the wife needs to drive it.

Those of you that have one what do you think about it?

 

[Scott]

I like those too.
They really look great with a small lift and spaced out tires.


Supercharger?

 

[thebigtreeman]

I thought about it but I didn't want to void the warranty right off the bat. But it's definitely an option. I guess I could do an exhaust, intake, etc. Those probably won't void it.

 

[Sambo11]

I have been looking at them for awhile but a Rubi 2dr not the 4dr. I drove a 6sp 2dr and a 4dr AT. BIG difference. That 3.8 is kinda soft on power anyway but when you add a AT and the extra weight of the 4dr version, it became a slug. I had a 02 with the 4.0 and a AT it was WAYYYY better than this new motor. I liked everything about the newer version better EXCEPT the motor. I checked on after market for the 3.8 and nothing really helps it much. Afterall, it is a mini van motor what can you expect.

 

[snopropanther]

I thought about it but I didn't want to void the warranty right off the bat. But it's definitely an option. I guess I could do an exhaust, intake, etc. Those probably won't void it.

the dealer here is selling them lifted and spaced.

 

[Supplicate]

2 door Rubicon Unlimited = win
4 door Rubicon Unlimited = fail

 

[skibreeze]

2dr would be super fly, esp. with 37's on it.

 

[bullfrog123]

What's so wrong with the 4-door?
We got our 08 3 months ago and love it!!!! Averaging 19-21mpg. Lotsa room for kids and dogs, or cooler. Handles great, pretty quiet, smooth ride. Just our daily commuter to save the wear and tear on the 04 2500 Hemi, and save some fuel!!!!! We don't intend on pulling anything with it, so can't complain about power.

 

[Supplicate]

What's so wrong with the 4-door?

If I wanted a four door Jeep I would get a Cherokee... oh wait... thats right

 

[thebigtreeman]

Good looking rigs there guys. Bullfrog, I'm like you. When we head out it's a major effort...dogs, cooler, baby, etc. We need the four doors.

The A/T is disappointing to say the least but what else is reasonably priced and as capable off pavement? There's not a whole lot for people that like to have a SFA on their rigs.

I found an 08 with a ~$35K sticker for $26,500 but it's a plane flight and a 12 hour drive back. The best I've found so far around my area was $5K off sticker.

 

[skibreeze]

What's so wrong with the 4-door?
We got our 08 3 months ago and love it!!!! Averaging 19-21mpg. Lotsa room for kids and dogs, or cooler. Handles great, pretty quiet, smooth ride. Just our daily commuter to save the wear and tear on the 04 2500 Hemi, and save some fuel!!!!! We don't intend on pulling anything with it, so can't complain about power.

Don't try this with your 4 dr.

 

[Ak nitro]

The jeep on the left is my off roader and the right is my wifes daily commuter. The new engine does not seem as strong as out old 4.0 TJ. The Rubicon is aweome but we bought my wifes sport for under half the price, I bought rubicon axles for only 1300 a piece from mopar. I would not pay that much for a Rubicon because you can build the same thing cheaper. To keep the lifetime warrenty you can put up to 32 inch tires, which we have on my wifes jeep, and up to a 3 inch lift. It tows well, in the spring we pull our two place open trailer up to the mountains because it is easier on gas than my titan.

 

[thebigtreeman]

Good point AKnitro. Thanks for the insight.

 

[Supplicate]

My big complaint is the engine. If they aren't going to offer the straight six anymore, at least they could put the diesel engine from the Liberty in it.

 

[thebigtreeman]

You hit the nail on the head Supplicate. I've got a libby CRD and it would be a sweet powerplant in the JK.

 

[Supplicate]

That was the main reason I ordered my Unlimited when I did. Was one of the last of them off the line before the changeover to the JK body style. I wasn't about ready to get a Jeep that -didn't- have a straight six in it.

 

[minturn]

If I had a chance to buy one, I'd buy the 4 door Rubicon. I rented one in Moab with 33's and it was tough. I have a built 75 bronco that has done every trail in Moab except Upper Helldo, but it was sooo nice to have A/C, Sirius radio, and still have room for a cooler and 3 friends to do Golden spike, Poision Spider mesa, Steel bender, Metal Masher, Moab Rim and some of the easier trails.

I'm trying to sell my 75 Bronco to buy a 4 door rubicon that is built on 37's.

Ski breeze, I have a friend with a 4 door rubi on 37' crawlers/walker evans beadlocks, 5.13 gears, chromo shafts, 5" lift, that went through Carnage BV with only minor scraps. I'll get some pics.

You guys can't say these 4 doors don't look pretty sweet!

 

[Sambo11]

The 4dr is a very sweet ride no doubt. It's really sad they put a mini van motor in it is all. That 3.8 is a good motor from what I have read it lasts forever but in the power department it's a weak suck!!! Especially at lower RPM. That's why 4dr or 2dr I would never buy one without the 6sp. The new style 2dr. reminds me of the Range Rover Defender 90 they used to make.

 

[thebigtreeman]

Well guys, I'm almost back in the Jeep club again. I am in the process of negotiating for an 08 Rubi Unlimited, steel blue. Sticker is $33K. I've got them down to $25,500 on it and I'm pretty sure I'll pull the trigger. I don't think they can go much further down on the price. I called another dealer and they laughed when I asked if they could beat it.

T