Considering Selling my 3rd Gen for a Wrangler JLU Rubicon

Why not (if you're not already) go on a Jeep forum and get all the info you need/want?

 

I mean, I'm not sure what kind of answers you expected from a Toyota forum. Have you even been over to any wrangler forums?
People are biased here, just like they are on the JLU/JT forums.

I purchased a new Rubicon for a few reasons.
I already have a Tacoma, I didn't have a need for another pickup in my driveway.

The TRD T4R, wasn't for me. The interior seemed outdated, and extremely overpriced for the features.

My parents are getting up in age and live in the north and own several acres of hunting property. I needed a utilitarian/multi purpose vehicle so I can visit during the winter holidays.
The Rubicon is Jeeps flagship vehicle. I needed just the basics.
No power/heated seats, no heated steering wheel, no blind spot detection bs, no hardtop, no creature comforts or luxery items.

It works for me for the exact way I intend to use it. Aside from maybe going up to 35's on stock suspension, I doubt I will ever modify it.

Some people are brand loyal, I get that.
I need something that works for me. Like I said....i still own the same Tacoma that I purchased in late 2001 but it's a prerunner, which is fine because I live in the south.
And no matter how much money I throw at it short of converting it....its still a prerunner and I enjoy it as a prerunner.

 

For the same reason many people continue to buy one Toyota after another: because of whatever the brand meant to them 15, 20 or 30 years ago.

 

Whether on here or on Wrangler forums, forums are never the fountain of truth. Truth always lies somewhere in the middle.

Ultimately, the perfect vehicle doesn’t exist. All we can do is research things before hand, adjust our expectations and hope for the best.

But even then unforeseen issues are bound to pop up, whether it is a Toyota or a Jeep. At which point all we can do is assess if we can live with those unexpected issues, and go from there.

 

I know its only one point of reference but my uncle has the Grand Caravan that he logged over 500k without any issues. Hes currently on his second one simply because he wanted the newer amenities.

 

You mean the Fiat JLU, don't you?

Although I will give that the Jeep has a front locker over the Taco!

 

Yup. And greater articulation. And a no-nonsense transfer case. And a much better automatic. And a more responsive and smoother engine. And better seats. And less intrusive ABS/Hill Assist/electronics. And fewer beeps.

 

That's crazy I guess I have just had the best luck with all my Jeeps and my dealer. But then again I've never used a MOPAR on my Jeeps, I know they had problems with could spring angles on the MOPAR Lifts.

 

Wrangler JL quality control....

https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/fo...dealership-today-you-got-to-be-kidding.14467/

 

Just some food for thought, Im sure Ill get flamed for this. But I like to try to be open minded and non biased with vehicles in general. I could present a rebuttal to what was listed above with this:

My 2017 Tacoma shut off while driving multiple times, even after the CSPS replacement, ultimately the reason I went through dealer by back. It wasnt safe to loose power steering and brake boost at highway speeds.

It had a strong shudder under deceleration. The front diff bushing failed at 1.5k miles. It rattled at the A pillar, passenger side and the passenger door actually came open once while going over a bump is cold weather (I was certain it was closed as I hadnt had a passenger in more than a week at the time). The clutch pedal groaned at 5k miles, the rear diff leaked and made the well known howl.

The head unit would crash anytime you used bluetooth.

The windshield picked up 3 cracks in <10k miles and needed replacement.

Now I have a 2018 with 15k on it.

The clutch pedal groans. It shudders at decel. from 30 to stop. The rear end leaks and howls. The rear slider window rattles. It rattles while going over any imperfection while in neutral, loudly enough to be heard from a block away.

My point is anyone could make an argument this way or another. I had an FJ that was flawless at 60k other than frame rust, I have a 4Runner with 20k that is still without issues. I cant call the Tacoma a perfect vehicle and for me I dont think its too far off from the current Wrangler in finished quality. Just look around the forum, its how they work, we know about Jeep problems from the same type of people here. Jeep guys know about Tacoma problems for the same reason. I think its a little biased that some people can list Jeep problems while acting like the Tacoma is flawless, but this is a Tacoma forum.

I wont hesitate to buy a Gladiator if I decide to go that route. Despite all the issues I've had and noticed I still love my Tacoma too.

 

We got paint issues too.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/2017-tacona-paint-issues.557796/
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/what-happened-to-this-17-tacoma.608873/
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/mgm-mismatching-paint-job.445966/

Couldnt find it but there was also a thread years ago about someone finding Tacos being shipped with mismatched fender flares.

 

Thank you.

We can all get emotional about our vehicles. If more Tacoma and Wrangler forum members posted about their ownership experience openly, honestly and fairly, it would be easier for others to get a good picture of what’s like to own their vehicle.

 

The Jeep engineers did an amazing job refining the JL manual transmission. The stick lever no longer flops around when driving down bumpy roads and it shifts almost as nicely as a sports car. Manual transmission Tacoma owners would LOVE a similar upgrade from Toyota...

“However, the new six-speed manual transmission is just as capable for traversing rocky patches and bumpy trails. Equipped with a new gear pattern, 50% shorter shifter, and a revised shift pattern, shifting is both more accurate and more comfortable. Reduced shifter vibration and enhanced sound isolation are due to the manual transmission’s cable-operated design. A manual transmission JL Wrangler Rubicon boasts a 5.13:1 first gear ratio, 4:1 low-range gear ratio, 4.10:1 axle ratio, and a crawl ratio of over 84. Boasting smooth and precise shift quality, an improved crawl ratio, and quick acceleration, the upgraded six-speed manual transmission is a welcome improvement to Jeep enthusiasts and purists.”

 

Im interested in this and feel like I might go either way on it when I get a test drive. The shifter doesnt flop because its a cable linked shifter unlike the top mounted direct link that the Tacoma has. Mine actually flopped out of gear once on the trail. The pedal on the JL has 0 resistance though. Should be good in traffic. I havent driven it yet but I felt like the gates were close and clicky, the lack of pedal feel and the cable linkage will result in a shifter that might feel good, but really out of place in a truck. The Tacoma MT isnt refined, but it's fun. I've driven a lot of manuals, with the best being the s2000 for just about everything about it. The Tacoma is no where near as good, but I'd actually rate it second behing the Honda for enjoy ability.

 

What gremlins are you really talking about sir? I will LOVE to hear about them!

 

I’ve recorded them on here many times. But since you ask...

My truck has 1,500 miles at the moment:

1. A slight driveline shudder between 10-30 MPH, either accelerating or decelerating —I’ve been ignoring it
2. An automatic transmission that refuses to downshift unless you mash the gas agaisnt the floor, at which point it overreacts and downshifts too far —I’ve been told to check the transmission fluid level. However, that’s easier said than done since I discovered there’s no physical way to check the fluid level
3. Engine runs out of breath when passing on two-lane roads. The motor loses its composure easily the moment you need some power, instead you get harsh vibration and noise. —I’m told that’s just how this engine is
4. Uncomfortable seating position: the seat is too low and unsupportive, and the steering wheel too far. I just can’t find a comfortable position. My right leg was cramping up after 45 mins. I stuffed 1/2” worth of washers under the seat rails; appears to have helped
   
5. A harsh driveline vibration accompanied by a weird noise when the truck goes over 75 MPH. —heard it this week for the first time. Have to pay attention to where it may be coming from
6. Loud groans, creaks and clicks when on Crawl Control or Hill Assist kicks in —apparently that’s how it’s “supposed to work”
7. Can’t recalibrate the speedo for 265/70-17 tires —still waiting for Hypertech to break the code for 2019 Tacoma
8. Beeps, beeps and more beeps! —sometimes the truck goes hysterical beeping non-stop; it’s very frustrating. The other day it went totally nuts; I couldn’t figured out what the f*ck it wanted. I simply got out of the truck, closed the door and walked away. It eventually shut up. If I had my gun I would have put a few rounds through it

The truck also has its good points:

1. It feels solid, refined and well built. The interior does not rattle one bit
2. The truck drives quietly around town; drives fine and refined as long as I keep things under 6/10ths
3. It is fairly capable off-road —notwithstanding the annoying groans, creaks and beeps
4. It is much easier to drive on the freeway than any of my Wranglers —I arrived to the trailhead much less fatigued than on my Jeeps
5. Excellent value - I saved $20,000 on a TRD Off-Road with Premium and Technology Packages vs a comparably equipped Wrangler
6. It is a good looking truck overall
   
7. I still have to take it in for service. But the local Toyota dealer gets much better reviews than the Jeep dealer

 

The JL 6 speed is manufactured by Toyota/Aisin.

 

Humor me and have a little patience. Give it 4000-5000 miles. And maybe fill up with a couple tanks of premium fuel. See what happens.

 

My vote is for the Jeep (considering the choices). Why trade a third gen for a third gen...? Ha