Considering Selling my 3rd Gen for a Wrangler JLU Rubicon

Wow, appreciate the replies!

As far as the contradictions go, yes the Wrangler is smaller but as far as seating position, was more comfortable. It’s a more upright position vs. the car like seating in the Taco because of its high floor.

I most likely will be keeping whatever I get for a while, so reliability is definitely a concern. Now, with that being said, squeaky wheel gets the grease. I know there’s been a lot of guys on here complaining about the Taco, so it isn’t perfect but definitely more reliable than FCA vehicles. Just wanted to see real life experience with the Jeep and how it faired reliability wise as well as taking it in and dealing with the dealership for repairs and service.

 

No clue what your talking about. I'm on the wrangler forums daily and I've not seen any issues with the heads on the 3.6.

If you had so many issues with the 3.6....why did you buy 7 of them in a 5 yr span?

 

My wife has a 2018 JLUS S with the 3.6. We have had it about a year and put on almost 15k. No mechanical issues at all. Although I have Rubicon envy the sport s JLU has handled our moderate off road adventures with ease. Even if I had the Rubicon I doubt I would ever fully utilize its capabilities. Bonus we take the top off a lot, I added Rubicon take off tires and wheels and the Jeep handles snow easily.

I find the driving position in the Jeep very comfortable but it’s not my first choice for a road trip car ( wind noise, more driver input...pushing a brick through the wind) unless I know we might go exploring.

 

Like I said; great concept. Latest is sticky thread named "Chrysler extends warranty for Pentastar heads". There are many others. If they ever offer the 5.7L V8 in one I would first in line to buy another.

 

The safety rating is surprising. Outside of this I think they are great vehicles. The 3.6L 8-speed auto is pretty peppy

 

7 yrs ago?
I think they revised the heads in 2014 if I'm reading it correctly.
Regardless.

https://autoweek.com/article/car-ne...gines-some-pentastars-need-new-cylinder-heads

 

Chrysler has been on the edge of bankruptcy in numerous occasion. The future for that company and everything in it doesn't look that bright at all. Jeeps for me, is just an expensive toy and for some, a money pit when they break down. I love the look of the new Gladiator Rubicon for sure, but for the price, you are very close of buying a Raptor instead.

 

OP, have you considered waiting for the new Bronco instead?

 

Never having owned, or even driven any model of Jeep, I can't add anything.

I am, however, in shock that the Tacoma OFF-ROAD model comes in a 2WD configuration.......... how the hell I never knew that, I don't know, but I had zero interest in a 2WD truck, so I wasn't paying attention to anything 2WD when I was doing my own research.

 

You cant win here. They did revise them and some people still had issues, very small population as far as I can tell. It's not like Tacomas never had head gasket issues, or currently still have small occurances of timing chain cover issues, one of which was just posted earlier today. Jeep seems to be good about warranty coverage, better than most I've seen at least. At the end of the day these are all mechanical devices and subject to failure, design and engineering oversight, blah blah. Nothings perfect. No one can convince me that Tacos are better after having had my previous third gen. Even after that POS Im still in a Taco because I know that these things happen when it comes to cars and trucks.

OP should buy one, if it doesnt work out or you change your mind, rest easy knowing that the resale is comparable to the Tacoma and you wont be out more than maybe a couple grand over the first year.

 

the 2020 Tacomas will have adjustable power seats.....I'd do yourself a favor and try one out first. We don't know yet, but you might be able to find a great seating position and keep all the reliability.

 

Yup. Stupid mistake. I had an older 4x4 Silverado and never used it. Lo and behold, I buy a 2wd truck and I want the 4x4. You live and you learn

 

I haven’t and haven’t heard much about them. I’ll look into them.

 

LOL, exactly what I am talking about. You need to protect yourself with a factory warranty as long as you can with a Jeep. No telling what might go wrong.

 

Besides is a 4x2 it also comes with the factory rear locking diff.

 

they'll make that but not an OR access cab MT .......those lucky canadians

 

I'll just throw in that I've wanted a Jeep as long as I can remember. If I didn't need the truck bed I would have one instead of the Taco. I mean.... YOU CAN TAKE THE DOORS OFF!

And every once and a while I am tempted and start thinking of rack configurations to make the Jeep work....

Goddamit you've got me doing it again.

 

Chrysler reliability. Water comes into your jeep when you open the doors from the poorly designed water/rain gutters at the top, (YouTube it). Chrysler electrical problems. 2019 Solid front axle that still has death wobbles. Steering issues that might of been fixed now. (YouTube it). Side doors that look so thin that the surface is wavy. The price. I'll stick with my Taco.

 

I drove Wranglers for 10 years. This is my take:

1) Yes. Even a bone stock non-Rubicon Wrangler is more capable off-road than a Tacoma. Jeep makes stout transfer cases that lock front and rear driveshafts automatically, uses simple mechanical levers, and its Quadracoil suspension gives you greater articulation on the trail. You just have to learn no engage a mechanical lever, which apparently is difficult for some people. Rubicon’s transfer case, with its 4:1 reduction, is the more difficult to engage, but it’s not that bad. And the amount of customization available to increase the off-road capability of a Jeep is truly limitless.

2) Yes. Wranglers have a more upright seating position that makes it more comfortable to more people. It also has gobs more headroom than Tacoma. Jeep seats are very well designed, with great bolstering and support. The upright seating position and a low, short hood result in excellent outward visibility. Particularly in tight corners on the trails. Word of caution: Jeep had to make more room under the center hump to fit the new 8-speed automatic transmission; some people complain that the driver side foot well is narrow, and the seat is now closer to the roll cage. Pay close attention when you test drive.

3) Yes. Once you start modifying, though, all bets are off. JL has Engine Stop Start (ESS), a fuel-saving feature that turns off the engine when the vehicle comes to a stop. I absolutely hated it! I tested JL twice: it both instances I almost got broadsided on the passenger side turning left at a light; ESS takes a couple of seconds to restart...which can be critical when you need to get out of the way fast. Pay close attention when you test drive. To me ESS was the biggest deal breaker.

4) Yes. Wrangler has a shorter wheelbase, overall length and tighter turning radius than Tacoma.

5) Yes. Wrangler offers lots of camping options, but Tacoma does too. I’d say that’s a tie.

Reliability: having owned a Tacoma for only two months, it is difficult for me say much. I will have to take other people’s word. Jeeps have always been durable but rarely reliable. Having owned Wranglers for ten years, the biggest issue I have is that FCA quality in general is very unpredictable, and it’s worsened since Fiat took over. You may get a gem or a lemon; your chances are 50-50. FCA has been putting out these wonderful looking interiors made of a million pieces that start developing annoying creaks, squeaks and rattles as early as 3,000 miles. Tacoma’s overall interior refinement and solidity is beyond anything you will find in a Wrangler. Wranglers in particular are going to have more body squeaks and rattles, but is going to make much fewer driveline noises, groans and electronic beeps than Tacoma. I found Jeeps much simpler and easier to work on than I am finding with my Tacoma.

Drivability: Tacoma drives much better on the freeway; it tracks more straight and linear. Wrangler never had great steering feel and it’s gotten worse with JL. There have been a couple of steering recalls already. But Jeep’s 3.6 V6 and 8-speed leave Tacoma’s 3.5 V6 and 6-speed in the dust in terms of response, drivability and overall driving enjoyment. As refined as Tacoma feels driving at 6/10ths, it loses its composure much more quickly than a Jeep. And I am very fond of Jeep’s Quadracoil suspension: it is compliant and comfortable on road, and capable on the trail.

If I were to really caution you about Wrangler:

Jeep dealers in general suck. If you think Toyota dealers are bad, think again. Jeep dealers can be as bad as you have ever encountered.

Jeep prices went through the roof. I saved $20,000 by buying a Tacoma over a comparably equipped Wrangler, which is significant. FCA jacked up Wrangler prices 15% going from JK to JL AND increased production at the same time. The end result is that Wrangler’s legendary value and resale have taken a beating. If you are serious about buying a Wrangler, don’t pay more than 10% below MSRP. And be skeptical about Wrangler’s vaunted resale; FCA has made a mess of it by producing too many. And Gladiator is only going to cannibalize Wrangler sales.

Good luck and feel free to let me know of any questions.

 

My buddy in CO has a Rubicon but he hates driving it for his DD, especially on long trips. I've only ridden in an older jeep so i can't really comment.