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Is the Rubicon worth the extra money?

22K views 33 replies 18 participants last post by  mpr131 
#1 ·
So I was set on a 2011 Sahara but for $700 more I can get a Rubicon (with all the same stuff)...is it worth the extra $$$? I am going for a test drive today...love the look and pretty excited about it. What do you guys think?
 
#2 ·
YES! There is no way (Trust me, I know) that you can add the things a Rubicon has to another Jeep for that little money. If you plan on wheeling it at all you'll love the lockers. As an example, I have a 2000 Sport. I bought it a little over a year ago and thought I couldn't afford a Rubicon. A year later I've spent 8K on upgrades ($1900 of which was for lockers, which are standard on a Rubi.). It'll be cheaper in the long run if you pony up the money now. I can't believe it's only 700 more. :eek:

BTW, my next Wrangler purchase will be a Rubicon. ;)
 
#3 ·
Normally, I would say a Rubicon is not worth it unless you plan on rock crawling but for only $700 difference it is more then worth it. Sahara's are becoming way over valued because of their bling and even though they are just as capable as a Sport their painted fenders are a detriment on the trail. There should be no reason any model comes close to a Rubicon because it's value lies in it's 4:10 transfer case, 4:10 gears, electronic disconnects, and lockers. It would cost 8 to 10 thousand to add these items later. So anytime you can basically get them for $700 then it would be hard to turn them down.
 
#20 ·
I ordered 2012 Rubicon; Tan all over; Auto; 3.73 gears (I was going to order 4.10 but the dealership advised me that since it will be a daily car, the 3.73 is just as capable and that it will save me 1 - 2 mpg). What are your thoughts? Is the 3.73 solid enough for off roading or should I get the 4.10?

Thanks,

Ayman
 
#6 ·
I'm biased as a 2011 Rubi owner, but the lockers alone make it worth a bit extra. I followed a guy with 35s around a trail and when we came to a pile of rubble, he had to take a few shots at it until he had the traction while I never spun a wheel with my stock Rubi. If you're going to be on a trail, the painted fenders won't be pretty after too long. I've rubbed a few trees and you can't tell.

I always hear on various forums how the Sport/X vs. Rubi isn't worth it because you can "turn a Sport/X into a better trail machine than the Rubi for less money", but for me, I don't have the time to put into wrenching or the money to pay someone else to do it all and pick the right things.

. I started out shopping for a Sahara, but after driving and comparing the Rubi vs. Sahara side-by-side, I was sold on my Rubi.
 
#8 ·
Thanks all for the responses! I am sorry for the silly questions but I am an uber newb and don't know shit...that's why instead of asking the dealer (who also doesn't know shit) I knew I had to have it come from the experts..you guys! Much appreciated as always guys, really. :wavey:
 
#9 ·
One other thing people aren't mentioning, YOU GET A DANA 44 UP FRONT!! That was important for me since in my '07 JK Sahara busted a half shaft since my Wife drove it in 4-high on dry pavement for a week! (which I was away :( )
 
#15 ·
One other thing people aren't mentioning, YOU GET A DANA 44 UP FRONT!! That was important for me since in my '07 JK Sahara busted a half shaft since my Wife drove it in 4-high on dry pavement for a week! (which I was away :( )

I highly doubt that would have saved you.
 
#10 ·
I was going to say only if you are going to use all the above mentioned goodies after reading the title of the thread. Now after seeing that it's only $700, it's a no brainer even if you don't get it dirty. Especially since you are already looking at the more expensive models already.
 
#26 ·
I'm going out on a limb here, but maybe 3.73's as much of a sin it would be to have in a Rubi would perform fine in a manual trans with 32" rubber. But, if any chance of increasing up to 35's with manual trans 4.10's should be at least tolerable. Even with stock 32's I wouldn't get the 3.73's with auto trans. JMHO I wish I had 4.10's with my 33's as it only feels like I lost mpg's according to my butt dyno.
 
#27 ·
:whistling: Yea, having had 4.10s in my '08 JKU Rubi I've lived with 4.10s and big 33" tires--a total PITA, O/D is relatively useless around hills and totally useless when towing-

My regearing has solved EVERYTHING !!

You'll discover your own comfort zone !!

:dance::rofl: JIMBO
 
#29 ·
:whistling: Yea, having had 4.10s in my '08 JKU Rubi I've lived with 4.10s and big 33" tires--a total PITA, O/D is relatively useless around hills and totally useless when towing-

My regearing has solved EVERYTHING !!

You'll discover your own comfort zone !!

:dance::rofl: JIMBO
My owners manual says to tow with O/D off. So I wouldn't know even with my inferior 3.73's. :rolleyes:But, then I don't have a tranny cooler added on....yet.
 
#31 ·
The sales people aren’t the ones to ask or take advice on things like that for your Jeep. Only True Jeepers like forum members will steer you straight so to speak. If you still can, change the order to 4.10s. There’s a reason the vast majority here say to get 4.10s.
:)
 
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