Buying New Rubicon Ulimited (advice)

[Navara STR04]

Hi there Jeep Lovers,
I am in the midst of sussing out a new Rubicon Unlimited for the missus. She has been very specific! She only wants the petrol 3.8 V6 (not waiting for the promised diesel unfortunately!) and probably wants it a lot quicker than it will happen! I am a 2001 GU 3.0L turbo Patrol owner and fan, and don't know a hell of a lot about the new Rubicon, 'cept that they have diff locks, swaybar disconnects, etc. I want to gather us much info as I can (good and bad) for a car that I will too love (and try to modify!) but will mostly be an everyday to-and-from-work car.

So come on Jeep lovers, show me what you got for me!

Foxy.

[stets]

mate i am a patrol owner, and if i was in the market for a new car, you couldnt get me past the 4 door rubicon, a mate has one and these things are pretty darned good off road for the money, they come standard with all sorts and there is little to do to them to make them even better, a little lift, front bar, winch, and some good rubber. but like most people the list wouldnt end there.
my mates rubicon goes everywhere i have been and i havent found anything that it wont tackle yet, i am still working on it though!!!! :)

[hillsjeep]

They've been available for a while now in the US and I don't think any inherent weaknesses have been identified as yet. Some people say there is too much plastic in them and that the original front bar looks like crap, but I'd still love to get one.

[Dan96XJ]

all i can say is, im jealous....LOL...they are weapons, the Rubicon model has a heavy duty transfer case with lower gearing and diffs with 4.1s- which are stronger than the standard model (HD D44s front and rear). (you already know about the factory selectable diff locks and swaybar discos). apart from having more fun with her top off, a standard 2-3" lift will accomodate 35s...more accesories than you can poke a stick at...ARB is just the beginning, and NOT the first place i would look...its stylish, capable and strong...what more do you want...chicks know best...Jeep chicks know better...LOL

[tasar]

they are buy far the best 4wd on the market - the standard stuff on them is second too none

they are only really limited due to the fibreglass hardtop - but you don't have to pay $2k for a sun roof - cannot put any weight on the roof

you'll find the wrangler addictive - will always want to do something too it, because you can
snorkel, bar, suspension, tyres

the interior is a jeep interior and will get used too it

have fun looking

[cac]

go for it on the condition she lets you take it wheeling :)

[CHRISMAV]

Go for it mate, would have to be one of the most capable vehicles off the shelf ever. Only downside is fuel consumption and touring range with the standard tank, but thats not what they were built for. As a weekend fun machine and city commuter nothing could be finer.
Haven't had any back in for any major warranty work, and the driveline is near bomb-proof.
2" inch lift will see it with 33's on it and check out American expedition vehicles gear. There front bar and wheel's look hot.

[grimbo]

do you really need the Rubicon version just for commuting purposes. Why not get the diesel Sport version

[Navara STR04]

Thanks everyone! Love your thoughts "cac"! I have already locked that one in! hehe. I know Grimbo, I am a diesel fan through and through, but the missus wants what the missus wants (and NOW!) lol.
Cheers guys, Have fun.
Foxy

[Waynegler]

Don't forget to post some pics when you've bought it.

[tasar]

there is an Option available on the CRD now

its called the offroad package

gives

3.73 ratios
rear electronic diff lock (need to do after market front one)
Electonic disco's
32 in tyres std

Basically the same as the rubicon for $3000 extra on the crd renegade

hope this helps

[BLU-125]

"Basically the same as the rubicon for $3000 extra on the crd renegade", except it lacks the Dana 44 front axle, 4.11 axle ratios, 4.1 transfer ratios........, but I guess you may want to forgo these for a commuter, although I wouldn't. :)

[tasar]

Blu - CRD doesn't need the lower gears mate and ratios would be good with 3.73 - the bigger diff is better though

not sure what the European ribi's are setup with - may have to go the UK site and have a look as can't read german ;)

[BLU-125]

Taser, If you believe your statement, "CRD doesn't need the lower gears mate and ratios would be good with 3.73", then it is unlikely our paths will ever cross off-road. :)

Just because an engine has a lot of low down torque doesn't mean lower diff ratios, especially combined with lower transfer case ratios, won't make it better.

[tasar]

will have a wheel at the jambo in september ;)

not saying its better just saying is the best std option available - without mods
the crd has some great benefits over the petrol even with the rubi setup

[BLU-125]

I look forward to meeting you in Newcastle, Tasar.