Is it worth getting the options from the factory, or adding myself afterwards?

[maSS-hole]

The two JTR's I am looking at are 7k different in MSRP. I THINK I could probably get them within $6000 out the door with the current incentives.

#1 has cloth seats, cold weather package, tow package and black 3 piece hard top.

#2 has leather, cold weather package, LED lighting, auxilary switches, tow package, front trail cam, steel winch bumper, and black 3 piece hard top.

I dont really care much about leather, thats not a huge factor. But is it worth getting the factory LED's, aux switches, and trail cam or is adding that stuff via the aftermarket cheaper, easier, and better? I know there is a huge amount of headlight upgrades for Jeeps. And I think I have seen front camera kits for $150 or something.

FYI, I do have a 12k lb Warn EVO 12S sitting in my garage that I would probably put on the Jeep. So I guess the winch bumper is a bonus but I also know there are a billion aftermarket options.

Sponsored

 

[Mr._Bill]

The front Trail Cam cannot be added after (it can, but it is a very expensive, tedious process), it is factory only. There is a cheaper option that connects to the Cargo Camera input, but it is SD and not HD.

LED lights and Aux Switches are better done if factory installed, there is additional wiring that is included with them. There are a lot of aftermarket options for both that are good.

If you have the time, I recommend ordering from one of the discount dealers with all the options that you want factory installed. You may find one close on a dealer lot at a great price. If so, then you just need to determine what must have options are missing, and if they can be added later.

I would go with option #2 and see how low you can get them to go. Visit them every week, but then leave, and delay purchasing until the end of the month.

 

[NVjeff]

From reading on here I've learned that you still need a winch plate to install a winch on the factory steel bumper.

https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/...edition-ready-for-a-winch.75640/#post-1233675

 

[Volt0]

Oracle flush mount tail lights would be better than factory.

 

[MattK]

From reading on here I've learned that you still need a winch plate to install a winch on the factory steel bumper.

https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/...edition-ready-for-a-winch.75640/#post-1233675

That is correct. It doesn't come with the winch plate even if you get the steel bumper from factory. I used Warn's winch plate.

 

[maSS-hole]

The front Trail Cam cannot be added after (it can, but it is a very expensive, tedious process), it is factory only. There is a cheaper option that connects to the Cargo Camera input, but it is SD and not HD.

LED lights and Aux Switches are better done if factory installed, there is additional wiring that is included with them. There are a lot of aftermarket options for both that are good.

If you have the time, I recommend ordering from one of the discount dealers with all the options that you want factory installed. You may find one close on a dealer lot at a great price. If so, then you just need to determine what must have options are missing, and if they can be added later.

I would go with option #2 and see how low you can get them to go. Visit them every week, but then leave, and delay purchasing until the end of the month.

problem is i want a diesel so I’m at the mercy of what dealers have now or are in shipment.

 

[Pilsner]

I really like the leather and led lights. I went Voswitch and they are an ok replacement for the oem aux switches. I like the steel front bumper but it does require $2-300 for a winch plate as mentioned. I've found the finish to be a lot longer lasting than after market steel, but in sure it won't take the same abuse. I like the fogs though and that limits after market choices some. I'd do it again personally, but I can see the reason for passing.

 

[lppd45]

Go for the better optioned one. You won't be sorry. One thing to add. I was also not worried about leather until I had the cloth seats for awhile. The cloth was difficult to keep clean. Ended up adding leather.

 

[Jeeper44mag]

IMO, unless you can only barely afford the loaded one, get it. I purposely waited until I found a used *LOADED* JTR at the right price rather than buy a cheaper one with less options. The following were "mandatory" to me... Rubicon (since I'm not going to replace the axles & go to 40's), hard top, LED lights, Cold Weather group, Tow package, Aux switches, and Front & Rear cameras. Now that I've had these options for a while I can't even imagine living without them. The front camera (so handy for parking), and the heated steering wheel are much more appreciated than I had even guessed.

 

[ecidiego]

None of this came on my truck, I added them all with factory parts:

Aux switches
Tow Package ( fan, alt, receiver )
Front Trailcam
Cargo rails
LED headlights, fogs, and DRLs. ( truck had rear LEDs from active safety group )
Rubicon steel bumper + bed sliders

...so I am a good person to ask. While I was able to add all of the above, I would have preferred the truck came with them. You don't save any money at all adding these things later. I just saw a truck on the lot and "had to have it". No patience for ordering.

The trailcam install is much easier now that we realized we don't need to install certain things in the factory location. It is, however, expensive. Adding the Aux switches is a total PITA and isn't even as good as factory - no inside battery lead and key-on lead - just the 4 Aux switch leads.

Trailcam took me like 14 hours but much of that was ordering the wrong CVPM, breaking interior clips and having to fix stuff etc. I know how to do it now though, given that and the new CVPM location guys are doing I could do it in less than 3 I think..

 

[nanook12]

The leather was worth getting on mine, it got rid of the ugly red dashboard highlights.

 

[Viper501]

Another benefit for the higher optioned one is that when you sell it you are selling a factory optioned one, not one that an owner has put together. A lot of folks will be put off by that aspect. Similarly, insurance claims at loss are going to be easier with the better options.

 

[Master_Cylinder]

I vote for #2!

 

[23Freedom]

I second the higher optioned JTR. With the incentives and negotiating going on right now, I don't think you could come close in cost by going aftermarket vs. factory optioned. Just think, you will likely be getting 30% or so off each of those options. IMO you will spend much more money trying to add what you want. Not to mention you'll find 100 other things to stay busy adding, it's a Jeep!

My Freedom has LED lights/fogs and I didn't really appreciate them until I had them. They are incredibly bright compared to standard that I test drove, covered by factory warranty etc. I can't speak for all after-market lights but in my experience outside of Jeep nothing beats factory for moisture seal and longevity. Also note I understand you will need a programmer if you add aftermarket LED headlight or fog to a factory equipped halogen, just like the tail lights. At least I noticed that option on my TAZER while scrolling through.

I also got the factory steel bumper. Really like it so far and I think (hope) finish will last a little longer than some aftermarket. I'm also mounting a VR Evo-12S. You will need a plate. I'm a Warn guy through and through but I found a deal on a Grimm Offroad plate I couldn't pass up. It was on sale for $240. It is a one piece design vs. the Warn that is multiple. Haven't mounted yet but rated for 14k lbs so should do the job.

Sponsored