3.8L or 2.8L ?

[EVOLVD]

Hi guys
Im looking to buy a JK. My budget permits something around the 2009 region so will need to be a 2.8 diesel or 3.8 petrol. Would love the 3.6 but not in my budget.
Ive read a lot of posts but all a quite old. Given most will be around 200kms would the 3.8 be more realiable?
Would love the diesel but ive seen they have heating issues.
Thanks guys 👍

[st_za]

I don't know that anyone except mechanics who work on both could give you a good answer. The way that I would approach it is to instead investigate what on each engine really affects its longevity and what maintenance work is expensive to do, because that work would more likely get left for the next owner to do (i.e. diesel injectors) and might not be apparent unless you check for it.
Edit: Anecdotally because I hear of less issues from high km 3.8 owners, that would be my guess as to the most reliable.

[humdingerslammer]

Yes well my JKU Rubi 07 (manual) has done 256000km and no problems with the 3.8L motor. There is a youtube video with a JK mechanic from the US who says that the 3.8 is ok and that he knows of some that have done 380000 MILES!! There are 30million of these engines powering vehicles of all sorts in USA and they seem a "can't kill" engine if you look after them.

[jkjeep1]

I am a 2.8 owner. 2.8 for sure.

1. try to get early 2.8 without the DPF (2007-2009)
2. try to get one where injectors have already been replaced
3. put stage 1 tune in and the Jeep will fly
4. no need for regearing when putting in larger tires as 2.8 has enough torque.
5. also, 2007 2.8 came with a 4.1 ratio, in my view this is the ideal year if you are planning to run 35s.
6. 2.8 has a risk of the bottom end blowing up etc, but this can be easily fixed by replacing the bearings. the reward is >>>> this risk.

however, it is like a drug, when it's going well it's awesome. when it's bad it's really bad. keep 3-4k aud backup in the bank to fix it when things go wrong.

I would consider 3.8 if it's a Rubicon because getting 2.8 then upgrading to Rubicon/after-market front axels, the transfer case will cost a lot of $.