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What model did you get & why?

10K views 143 replies 123 participants last post by  NDTransplant 
#1 ·
So on my birthday I've decided to treat myself with a new jeep and I've looked at all the models and I'm not quite sure which one to get. Deciding if I want to just get the sport s and build my jeep up with mods or if I should go for a model with more mods already included. What model did you end up getting, and what sold you on it and are you happy with the one you picked? (I know everyone has different opinions, just curious)
 
#2 ·
Sport S, because it had everything we need for a daily driver and occasional off road vehicle in Florida at a lower cost than the other trim levels. Honestly, we don't even plan to mod other than some more aggressive tires and nice wheels. The other trim levels, particularly the Rubicon, just had things that we would never use. We did consider a Willys Wheeler W, though, just because they are very cool at only a slightly higher cost.
 
#3 ·
Got the Rubicon as I knew I would want to mod it. Didn't know how far I wanted to take those mods, but knew for a few years it would be more or less stock. Wanted something I could play with now, and later. Also I figured I would always regret not getting the one I really wanted, and would always be in envy if I just got a sport. Worth it? Probably not, but I'd so do it again if given the chance
 
#5 ·
Sport S but only because I couldn't find crush orange in anything else (bought used). If I could have found a rubicon I would have gotten that


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#6 ·
My first one was a Rubi. I recently ordered another one, at first I was going to get a sport and build it up.....after looking at the cost of mods (although the mods would be better than a stock Rubi) I decided to get a Rubicon. This way I have the off-road goodies now and I can upgrade later on down the road. I didn't want to buy a sport and not be able to drive it for a week while it was being worked on.

In the future, I will go straight for the Rubicon again
 
#9 ·
Got the Willys Wheeler W. Debated between the Sport, WW and Rubicon. Ultimately the WW won on price point and options. I would have liked an option for the 4:1 transfer case and F&R lockers for the WW after taking it off road a few times and in the blizzard we just had... Still very capable and fun, I'd just feel more unstoppable. But being our daily driver, didn't feel it was worth the extra $5k for the Rubi.
 
#10 ·
This journey started out when I saw the 2016 Winter Edition in Xtreme Purple. It happened to coincide with the time we finally decided it was time for me to get a vehicle that would make it easier for me to haul both kids. Considered just trading in my super cab (jumper seat) truck for a quad cab and calling it good. Well...we've both always wanted a Wrangler. The more research I did, the more interested I became in Rubicon. I really didn't consider the Sport because we knew we wanted some of the creature features that get very expensive to add aftermarket. Then, when it came down to Sahara vs. Rubicon, I liked the fact I wouldn't "have" to upgrade to go bigger on tires, etc down the road and I'm just not a fan of the matching top and fenders (to each their own). In the end, we knew we want to eventually take this thing behind an RV, and we know we aren't the type to go drop a few K on aftermarket mods so ordering a stock Jeep that's very capable off road was appealing. My dream is to get an RV and start taking this thing all over the country exploring with the kiddos while they still wanna hang out with mom and dad.

Then we went to the lot and my wife discovered the Power Dome Hood..this became a "must have". So, it basically came down to Hard Rock vs. 75th Ann (but not really) at the time. Tried to order a Hard Rock in Dec. 2016...couldn't do it as we were too late. Learned about and waited on Recon.

Well worth the wait. I love the Rock Rail with integrated step. Even my 5 year old lil' bit daughter who can almost walk under the Jeep (added 2" lift at delivery) was able to crawl in and out last night without problem. After less than 24hrs of actually having this thing in my possession, I don't regret a thing.
 
#12 ·
Rubi....saw it and I loved it. Never seriously considered anything else. I built my first Jeep myself, and took it too far. It sucked to drive. Knew this one would be kept mostly stock, so I wanted the most capable out of the box. Plus at this point in my life I don't have the time to build it myself. Also knew the Rubicon would hold onto its value better than added on mods. I knew if I didn't get it, I would always regret it.
 
#27 ·
I built my first Jeep myself, and took it too far. It sucked to drive.
I wonder how many can't admit to this very sentiment? Often I'll hear people end up buying a "regular commuter" after modding... hmm.

I think some of it also depends on your $ situation. I purchased my Altitude cash, used. Not really planning on modding it much for a while till I really get to know it and use it like I plan. I don't have "mod-itis" too bad.
Others may bump up to a higher new model if they finance since the difference in payment is not all that much (depending on their paycheck) and they'll get a lot more features under warranty.

You buy a low model new, finance a low payment, and then throw $6-10K in mods you pay cash for that void the warranties?

Meh, your choice...
 
#14 ·
Sport S. it had everything I needed with uconnect/Bluetooth, hardtop, power windows, etc. and really was at the top of what I could afford anyway. I knew I wasn't going to wheel it or mod it much, so no point to a rubicon. I drive a lot of highway to work, so gas mileage was important. It's nice in the summer getting 22-23 mpg with the 6 speed.
 
#16 ·
Went in with blinders. Only saw Jeep. Settled on a Sport for price. Realized I got the Sport S. Should have done my research and realized the rubicon was the better way to go and ultimately cheaper in the long run since my gearing changes will take me to 4.10


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#26 ·
Same here.

Sport S - wanted the journey of modding and upgrading. Did not want to spend all that money on a Rubi ($34k-40k) when I was going to change out more than half of it. Already spent over 10k on my Sport S (build page coming very soon! stay tuned!) I wasn't going to spend that much modding a Rubi.

Yeah I know the limitations of lockers and the D30 up front. I can do the lockers later, and I am not too concerned about the D30 after strengthening it with the synergy assurance kit C Gussets, axle sleeves, skid plates, inner axle seals. I am not going above 35's (so I say now) , however it should be a solid build. Not concerned about powered doors , electronics, etc. My iPhone > than any radio component you can install lol!
 
#19 ·
Sport JKU (in Gobi). With premium soft top, connectivity package. I did not need all the features the Rubicon had, or the cosmetic features other models had. Just want the basics, what I needed. And I plan on making modifications as I see fit/need.....such as lift kit, different tires, cosmetic, little things here and there.

Also had to do with the price. Going with the Sport as configured above, was about $10,000 less than a Rubicon or some of the other editions.
 
#21 ·
Went with the Willys. Optioned out the the Sport, Willys and Rubicon. Hands down the Willys on price point and options. I would have liked to have a Rubicon sure but I didn't feel it was worth the extra $$$$$. Besides the Willys has 3.73 gearing and Rubi suspension. Got mine as a new build order for $28,083.00 out the door no trade (9% below sticker price of $30,690.00) The Willys has been referred too as the poor mans rubi and I agree with that.
 

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#32 ·
What model did you get & why?




Willys for me too. Rubi suspension, 3.73 gears, LSD, Rubi rock rails, black wheels, black front grill, and leather covered steering wheel. Perfect for snowy winters and infrequent / mild off-road. I'll never rock crawl or do serious off roading, so the hardware on the Rubi was superfluous for my needs. Hard top will come off for 3-4 months for the summer.


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#22 ·
Sport S JKU as I already had/have a 97 TJ for playing on the trails so the Sport would be my DD and occasional off roader. No plans to build it big. So far I've been able to follow my buddy's Rubicon which, after his mods, cost WAAAY more than my Sport. His looks nicer but I'm more about function than form/appearance.


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#29 ·
2017 Rhino Big Bear.

I waffled between the base Willys & the Big Bear. I couldn’t get the power convince group, heated seats, side airbags, or remote start in the base Willys; I went the next option up to Big Bear. It has all the options I really wanted and doesn’t break the bank.
 
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