3.8 vs 3.6

[safarimike]

looking at jks. the 3.6 is worth holding out for over the 3.8 right? not looking at one in particular yet, just pricing out. who has owned one or worked on one? looking for a 2 door and a stick.

[6DoF]

unless you get super lucky and find a serious deal ... the only real good way to buy a JK is a brand new base model. pick a color, search within 500 miles, go pick up the cheapest one you can find. should be able to get something in the low 20s.

best part is, you can drive it for a few years and if you put a few mods on it ... you can then re-sell it for the low 20s.

[nblehm]

I have worked on and driven both a bunch. I think the 3.6 is a better motor. Except the early ones with the valve seat issue. But with that I don't know if the difference is all that huge :dunno:

[Dennis]

3.6 is definitely the better engine. And like Jeepnski said, buying a JK new is one of those rare vehicles that are a better deal than a used one.

[Sir Sam]

3.6 is the better motor, pretty peppy and puts out pretty good mileage. Better deals to be had on new JKs than used. Its sick, but its true.

[Kurt]

Yep....get the 3.6. Plus, with the 2012 and newer you get a nicer interior IMO.

I ended up buying a 2015 Sport with connectivity package new. Had them put heated seats and leather in it and got it for 32K. I just checked BB value on it and its 33K. Go figure.

[Cobound]

I've had both, definitely like the newer interior and the 3.6 much better.

If you can get a good deal on a 3.8 it's OK...but if you're looking for bigger tires, more pep...look for the 3.6.

B

[safarimike]

ok so i have one on loan until saturday. they had a wholesaler who "needed" to look at my wj for max trade in value. its a 4 door stick base everything except the radio package. munual windows locks base wheels 3.21 gears. sticker is 30k. they have another one for 34k with power windows locks, same radio, tow package, 3.73s, 17 inch wheels. is that worth an extra 4k?

[MBood82]

The 3.73s and presumably remote locking (do all power locks come with a key fob now?) is worth something. Not $4k but with the way they do packages it may be the best you can do...

I wouldn't buy anything with the 3.21 gears though, regardless of anything else. Unless you were going diesel.

[safarimike]

Yea. I keep going back and forth about power locks and windows. I think I am going to hold out for the 3.73 gearing though since I will be putting bigger tires on eventually.

[Kurt]

I love the power locks and windows....cant stand manual. I think just for that, along with the tow package and 3.73's its worth the extra.

My JKU had 3.21's and it was a turd until I regeared.

[Cobound]

Oh good lord....take your time man. Manual - tranny or windows - NO!

You're going to spend $30k+ and get a base w/ roll down windows a manual trans and shytty gears :squint:

Listen, buy one w/ the bells and whistles you want, you're likely to have it for a while...and the resale price on these stays strong, so why get things that only cheapen it?

Personally, we were totally happy once we traded the '08 Sahara for the '14 Rubi...and later, I could've gotten a built 2007-2010 for cheaper than I got my '14, but I like the interior and 3.6 enough that I paid for it. No regrets.

If you're not getting a loaded 2012+ you can easily find an older one under $30k w/ all the wants you might have.

B

[nblehm]

I just put a clutch in a 09. I change my opinion they are slow :lol:

[6DoF]

$30k is way too high for anything anyone would consider calling "base" IMHO. plus the next gen should be coming out here soon, they should be on sale.

it's only like $1500 to re-gear, pay less for the crap gears and get what you really want later when you go big.

[Dennis]

$30k is way too high for anything anyone would consider calling "base" IMHO. plus the next gen should be coming out here soon, they should be on sale.

it's only like $1500 to re-gear, pay less for the crap gears and get what you really want later when you go big.Wranglers and CJs have never been discounted in the last 30 years when the new version came out. When the YJ came out CJ-7s suddenly got a dealer premium as the last round headlight Jeeps. TJs came out and YJs were marked up as the last leaf sprung/spray out the inside, Jeeps. JK came out and TJs were marked up as the last non-mom Jeeps. JKs might not get marked up, but there will not be a real discount for being the old model. Grand Cherokees on the other hand....

[Cobound]

Yeah, my buddy just sold his '08 X and got a '14 AEV and was blown away at the differences!

He was also floored at what he got for it. He bought the '08 X w/ 20k at a year old, manual windows, base model everything...racked it up to 98k, added an AEV hood, front and rear bumper, small leveling kit, new tires...purchased for $20k, sold for $18.5k :eek:

Anyway, you have a solid budget, buy something 2012+

[Dennis]

http://www.lindsaychryslerdodgejeepram.com/used/Jeep/2014-Jeep-Wrangler+Unlimited-manassas-va-28849cdc0a0e0a1768ab638b064cfb58.htm
There are deals out there. I saw this one the other day, the dealership owner's kid plays soccer with my oldest, he had it at the field. Seemed well built and in good shape. He said the guy traded it in for an AEV with the Hemi and didn't negotiate a thing. Might have to travel or ship for a good deal though.

[Cobound]

Dayum!