Seeking forum advise on purchase options

[paullatin]

Good afternoon forum members, kindly excuse me as this is a first time for me postins some questions

I am interested in purcahsing a Jeep Wrangler idealy from 2007 to 2012. My preference is Manual and diesel and if 2012 then 3.6 v6 is ok.

I read recently through other reviews that many jeep owners suggested that 2.8 T Diesel is an awesome engine and in a 2 door Wrangler as soon as you start to add kit eg: Snorkel, larger tires, Winch, B-Bars etc that the 2.8 T Diesel will struggle big time. and in an unlimitted even worse.

My main goal is longer life span, fuel economy and towing capacity. So am seeking advise please on:

Should I get a 5 speed or 6 speed box on 2.8 T Diesel; or
5 or 6 speed box on 3.6 V6;
Or Auto in either Diesel, 3.8 or 3.6?

Or just hit me later

[Nanook]

The 2.8 itself doesn't struggle but the auto transmission can overheat when pushed hard towing on hot days. You can buy a separate cooler though to get around this if it becomes a problem. Having said that, if you can get an auto diesel then it's better than the manual.

The interior was updated from 2011. There is nothing wrong with the older interior but it is very sparse looking and not as refined as the update so try and get a 2011+ if it's within your budget.

If you are getting a petrol, whilst there is nothing wrong reliability wise with the older 3.8, it's way down on power and a lot thirstier than the 3.6 which came out with the 2012+ model.

The auto is the better option in all cases as it will give you a lot better control when on sand or crawling through the scrub. Mine's a manual and even though I love it, the next one with definitely be an auto for that reason.

[Snotgoblin]

As Jamie said.. and then opened the manual vs auto can of worms.

Each have their good and bad points - personal preference and experience.
On the 6 speed manual topic - when they first started appearing many people tried to tow their horse floats and the like in 6th and effectively tore the gearbox to bits.. not sure how many JK's suffered this - but it was common in NZ on Ford Rangers.
But as Jamie said - towing and auto then a trans cooler is a must.

I was keen on a diseasel but they are like rocking horse dung it seems.
So decided on the 3.6 V6 and auto - but I don't intend on doing much in the way of towing.

Being a relatively fresh arrival from NZ - I still cannot get used to the fact that petrol is so cheap and cheaper than diesel.

[paullatin]

Thanks Jamie & Snotgoblin, awesome feedback. Will start to investigate what Auto coolers will cost in parts and fitting.

[Nanook]

Originally Posted by paullatin

Thanks Jamie & Snotgoblin, awesome feedback. Will start to investigate what Auto coolers will cost in parts and fitting.

Have a search through these forums there are numerous posts on diesel auto coolers. Depending on what you are towing and what's fitted to the vehicle you may not need one.

[paullatin]

Thanks Jamie