JKU Diesel or Petrol auto or manual

[Mako]

Hi looking at purchasing a second hand JKU around 2009-2010.

Wanting opinions on best engine packages. Like the idea of the diesel, currently drive a lifted Navara diesel, but after reading horror stories on here regarding blown motors. start thinking the petrol rubicon may be a better option? Seems more than even the 3.0 Nissan patrol blown motors! Looking at getting a diesel made before they added DPF 2011?

If we go a later model 2012+ it will be a daily driver for the wife, if we go older Pre 2010 it may not be daily driver.

Any advice or opinions is appreciated. Would do a 2.5 lift and probably 33 or 35 tyres if not already done.

Like the lower gearing in the diesel auto or rubicon.


Mark

[rjl3175]

You only read about the blown engines because people just don't bother posting non issues. Mine is over 120k and still running well, others have clocked many more.
I would not bother with the diesel unless the commute is over 100klms a day. If you go post 2012 petrol it will have the 3.6 petrol which seems to be a very good engine, pre 2012 it was the 3.8 and also very reliable if a bit heavy and thirsty.
If the wife is going to drive it go auto.
33 inch and bigger tyres place a lot of strain on front end components and drive train so you should re-gear and beef up. If 35s even Rubi gearing is a tad tall.

[MightyMouse]

If you can afford it - 3.6 ( petrol ), Auto, Rubi.

If your really considering a squeezel...... do a scroll back and count the CRD problems...... modern common rail diesels aren't the same as the old "built like a brick sh#$house" truck diesels. They have advantages on the older diesels but also have disadvantages - regardless of the manufacturer.

[Mako]

Thanks for the info. CRD Diesels in all manufacturers seem to have problems. I am leaning toward a petrol rubicon. Trying to find one not heavily modified and driven hard might be a challenge initself.

[LeighP]

I decided when looking for my current JK that I'd give the diesel a miss.....just due to the increased cost, reduced choice and the small likelyhood of potential issues....particularly DPF issues, which all manufacturers seem to have had becasue the technology basically sucks....though it seems that currently, they've got on top of the issues....but, that said, I don't drive enough kilometers to warrant the cost issues with a CRD.

I'd recommend a 2012 plus 3.6 auto......I really like my 2013 auto, a Rubicon would have been icing on the cake, but my car was way to good a deal to pass up at the time. The late model 5 speed auto is a gem.

[LSE3.9]

Like you Mako I too am considering buying another Jeep - this will be No.4 - and have one concern with the 3.6 Pentastar. This is the potential for the left hand bank cylinder head to need replacing. On a used/older Jeep this will likely be at owners expense. Some money set aside for this job might be handy but I have no idea what the cost would be at a non dealer workshop.........?

Similar thoughts here too Mako. I am gun shy of modern diesels regardless of brand due to the real possibility of things going awry and needing some big dollars.

[YamahaDOC]

The 2012 3.6 models had the head issues, I'd be looking at a 2013 and up 3.6 auto. I too was scared off the diesels with the problems I've read and gladness I didn't go with one.