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

[Zachanadandy]

100% YES on the LED's
100% NO on the aux switches
(Voswitch 800 is half the price and twice the capability)
Leather if you like the black or brown, but the katzkin is same price after the fact and can be customized

Labor isn't free, even if I do it myself. My time is valuable. No you aren't getting your voswitch or katzkin installed for half. In fact it's likely significantly more expensive with the install. Aftermarket parts don't add resale value but oem parts do. Comparing purchase price to factory installed price is shortsighted on many levels.

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[HooliganActual]

@maSS-hole

Hmmm...assuming that you have determined that "I KNOW that I want that option now or in the future, I think you really have to consider a few items:
1) Your electro-mechanical capabilities
2) Your willingness to wait for the later addition
3) Your current financial position
4) Your future financial position

I know this isn't a great answer to your question but I'll explain where my head is at. I currently own 2 JKUR's and a JTR. Neither of my JKUR's have leather seats, cold weather package; both have tow package; only 1 came with factory LED lights; and factory Aux Switches & Trail Cams weren't even available on the JKUR's. My JTR has everything that your #2 option has.

On the JKUR's I initially liked the cloth seats but realized they are hard to keep clean, especially when every trail in AZ is nothing but dust waiting to get into your vehicle. In order to put winches on both of my JKUR's, I had to buy and install winch bumpers and, because I'm a bit OCD, also had to buy the matching rear bumpers. Since I'm in AZ, I though it foolish to pay for cold weather package but in hindsight it would have been nice for cold mornings (which we have at certain times of the year) but more importantly for higher elevations or when I'm in other states. The first mod I did on the oldest JKUR was to swap the halogen headlights for LED (because the halogen lights on the 2016 were no better than my 1981 CJ7's were) and made sure I had those on the second JKUR. I have had to add aftermarket switch panels (Trigger 4Plus Controllers) to the JKUR's to account for the accessories I knew I was going to add; winch, rock lights, etc.

My JTR was loaded and saved me a lot of effort (BTW, I would have been comfortable undertaking those upgrades on myself) but that left me more time to work on non-factory option upgrades and go wheeling and camping.

With the background dispensed, let me address the above factors:

1) Your electro-mechanical capabilities - Do you have the skill, capabilities, tools, etc. to actually do the work to add those items aftermarket. Remember, you will not only have to buy the mods, but possibly even the tools, hardware, wiring, butt connectors, etc. There are always "hidden" costs to any project that you undertake.
2) Your willingness to wait for the later addition - If your answer to #1 above is "Yes, I'm down with all of that", then do you have the time to do it all? I'm retired, so I have no issues finding the time; but my wheeling buddy who is 15 years younger and still working and has a family of 5, can't always find the time to do the work, go wheeling, etc. as he balances his work and family obligations. If you said "Ugh, no I don't want to do this work myself" to point #1, are you willing to wait days, weeks, months for an offroad shop to get you worked into their schedule? I waited 2 months for the shop that did my JTR's lift.
3) Your current financial position - I know this is a poor financial thing to say but getting the more loaded one means you finance that $1000's over the life of the loan versus having to spend some portion of that amount within the first month or two of ownership (depending on what upgrades you want to do and when)
4) Your future financial position - You may know that you have some big financial obligations coming up in the near future, such as a baby on the way, a relocation, closing on a house or whatever. It could be when you are ready to install that Poison Spyder Winch Bumper you can't because one of those other financial obligations are pressing.

I am personally glad that I got things like the Aux Switches from the factory, they are well done. There is wiring inside the cab and in the engine compartment that make wiring options very flexible. You hands down won't get that with any aftermarket switch without having to run the wiring through the firewall. Before I get hated on for that statement, my point is that if you want to mount a compressor in the engine compartment, the wiring is already there. If you want to mount a CB in the cab, the wring is already there.

You could go with aftermarket LED headlights, etc. but just search this forum to see how many threads there are ironing out Oracle headlight issues versus stock LED headlight issues. Before I get hate from the Oracle owners, I'm not saying the lights aren't worthwhile or that some didn't have super easy, problem free installations; I'm simply saying that I see waaaaay fewer threads about problems with factory lights.

I could go on but my point is this, if you can afford it and it's an upgrade you want anyways, it might make more sense in the long run to have it factory optioned....not to mention, it would be warrantied and if you do have a problem, such as an issue with the factory headlights, the dealership will work on it to correct it.

Cheers

 

[maSS-hole]

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.

I am not seeing 30% anywhere. If they are its because they are tacking on incentives for financing, which at 8+% is costing more in a few months than the incentive is worth.

These are maybe a little over 20% off. The more expensive on is discounted less $ actually, so I am going to have to talk them down to get the pricing right.

The aftermarket options for aux switches and the trail cam are not as good as factory as far as fit and finish. Quality led upgrades, by the time you do headlights, tail lights, and fender lights will cost close to factory and you have to do all the work yourself. Another thing nobody thinks about is resale. Aftermarket parts not only don't usually increase it, but some dealers are now reducing values do to modifications. In the day and age of trade in values being determined by pulling up a range in websites its pretty much exclusively based off oem configuration/ original msrp.

Good to know, thanks!

I was in the EXACT same situation with my diesel--it was actually my girlfriend that set me straight. When you're spending well over $50k for something an additional $5-10k to get exactly what you want isn't a huge stretch. I have compromised before in these purchases and have always regretted it. When a Rubicon came up with the diesel, trail cam, ACC, LED, cold weather, aux switches, katzskin leather with the top and fenders all in firecracker close to me I saw the price and said "no f-ing way" and looked at others that were more reasonable, but would always come back to the red one. Finally the GF spoke up and told me that if someone else grabbed the red one, I would be so pissed, and that I should just go and get it--and I did. Best. Decision. Ever..........as long as it doesn't break

I think im gunna have to convince the wife. She is a bigger cheapskate than I am and I am a cheapskate.

Leather interior also gives the back seat a flip-down arm rest with cup holders.

Thats a great point, thanks!

Sounds like, given the briefest description, that they are different trims... one possibly a Rubicon, and the other a Sport? If that's the case, go for the higher trim... it costs a lot to add the locking axles and the 4:1 transfer case if/when wanted...

No, both are Rubi's. I test drove #1, #2 is in transit to the dealer so I have not seen it in person, only the Monroney sticker.

I installed the aux switches in my JL. When I ordered the JT I checked the box.

Thanks!

Definitely get the LED. It's 1700 add now or 2600 if purchased later, and that's without install.

Thanks!

 

[maSS-hole]

@maSS-hole

Hmmm...assuming that you have determined that "I KNOW that I want that option now or in the future, I think you really have to consider a few items:
1) Your electro-mechanical capabilities
2) Your willingness to wait for the later addition
3) Your current financial position
4) Your future financial position

I know this isn't a great answer to your question but I'll explain where my head is at. I currently own 2 JKUR's and a JTR. Neither of my JKUR's have leather seats, cold weather package; both have tow package; only 1 came with factory LED lights; and factory Aux Switches & Trail Cams weren't even available on the JKUR's. My JTR has everything that your #2 option has.

On the JKUR's I initially liked the cloth seats but realized they are hard to keep clean, especially when every trail in AZ is nothing but dust waiting to get into your vehicle. In order to put winches on both of my JKUR's, I had to buy and install winch bumpers and, because I'm a bit OCD, also had to buy the matching rear bumpers. Since I'm in AZ, I though it foolish to pay for cold weather package but in hindsight it would have been nice for cold mornings (which we have at certain times of the year) but more importantly for higher elevations or when I'm in other states. The first mod I did on the oldest JKUR was to swap the halogen headlights for LED (because the halogen lights on the 2016 were no better than my 1981 CJ7's were) and made sure I had those on the second JKUR. I have had to add aftermarket switch panels (Trigger 4Plus Controllers) to the JKUR's to account for the accessories I knew I was going to add; winch, rock lights, etc.

My JTR was loaded and saved me a lot of effort (I would have been comfortable undertaking those upgrades myself) but that left me more time to work on non-factory option upgrades and go wheeling and camping.

With the background dispensed, let me address the above factors:

1) Your electro-mechanical capabilities - Do you have the skill, capabilities, tools, etc. to actually do the work to add those items aftermarket. Remember, you will not only have to buy the mods, but possibly even the tools, hardware, wiring, butt connectors, etc. There are always "hidden" costs to any project that you undertake.
2) Your willingness to wait for the later addition - If your answer to #1 above is "Yes, I'm down with all of that", then do you have the time to do it all? I'm retired, so I have no issues finding the time; but my wheeling buddy who is 15 years younger and still working and has a family of 5, can't always find the time to do the work, go wheeling, etc. as he balances his work and family obligations. If you said "Ugh, no I don't want to do this work myself" to point #1, are you willing to wait days, weeks, months for an offroad shop to get you worked into their schedule? I waited 2 months for the shop that did my JTR's lift.
3) Your current financial position - I know this is a poor financial thing to say but getting the more loaded one means you finance that $1000's over the life of the loan versus having to spend some portion of that amount within the first month or two of ownership (depending on what upgrades you want to do and when)
4) Your future financial position - You may know that you have some big financial obligations coming up in the near future, such as a baby on the way, a relocation, closing on a house or whatever. It could be when you are ready to install that Poison Spyder Winch Bumper you can't because one of those other financial obligations are pressing.

I am personally glad that I got things like the Aux Switches from the factory, they are well done. There is wiring inside the cab and in the engine compartment that make wiring options very flexible. You hands down won't get that with any aftermarket switch without having to run the wiring through the firewall. Before I get hated on for that statement, my point is that if you want to mount a compressor in the engine compartment, the wiring is already there. If you want to mount a CB in the cab, the wring is already there.

You could go with aftermarket LED headlights, etc. but just search this forum to see how many threads there are ironing out Oracle headlight issues versus stock LED headlight issues. Before I get hate from the Oracle owners, I'm not saying the lights aren't worthwhile or that some didn't have super easy, problem free installations; I'm simply saying that I see waaaaay fewer threads about problems with factory lights.

I could go on but my point is this, if you can afford it and it's an upgrade you want anyways, it might make more sense in the long run to have it factory optioned....not to mention, it would be warrantied and if you do have a problem, such as an issue with the factory headlights, the dealership will work on it to correct it.

Cheers

I can handle wiring and installations. I've pulled motors, built HID projector headlights for my Liberty CRD, did the timing belt job on my Liberty, and done all major repairs on all of my cars. That I am not worried about.

Its more a matter of if I want to. With two young kids and my wife and I both working, there's not a ton of time anymore to mess around in the garage.

 

[HooliganActual]

I can handle wiring and installations. I've pulled motors and done all major repairs on all of my cars.

Its more a matter of if I want to. With two young kids and my wife and I both working, there's not a ton of time anymore to mess around in the garage.

So there you have it and believe me, I was there once too. When my kids were younger (they are adults now) and I traveled for work, we wanted to optimize the time we had together as a family to go wheeling with that new Jeep or go camping for that 3 day weekend.

If you can afford the more built JTR, buy it and take the family camping. Your skill set can be used at a later time to add different mods or troubleshoot/repair the current configuration.

EDIT: a hundred years ago (it seems) I used to play rugby in Park City, lol

 

[Zachanadandy]

I can handle wiring and installations. I've pulled motors, built HID projector headlights for my Liberty CRD, did the timing belt job on my Liberty, and done all major repairs on all of my cars. That I am not worried about.

Its more a matter of if I want to. With two young kids and my wife and I both working, there's not a ton of time anymore to mess around in the garage.

I'm an electrician by trade, wiring is easy. The time involved in tearing apart the interior is the deal breaker for me. Having switches installed with wiring available both inside and under the hood is a huge time saver.

 

[nanook12]

Did you get the saddle brown leather?

yes…

 

[Hootbro]

yes…

Kind of figured as getting the black leather will get you the red Rubicon dash. Saddle deletes it for some reason.

 

[Erievon]

Its more a matter of if I want to. With two young kids and my wife and I both working, there's not a ton of time anymore to mess around in the garage.

For this reason alone, #2 is what you want. Sure you can purchase and add all these things, but if they're already there...party on, you're not spending time bringing the initial options up to what you wanted them to be, you can concentrate your limited time moving forward on other things you may want.

 

[nanook12]

with the saddle leather…

 

[23Freedom]

I am not seeing 30% anywhere. If they are its because they are tacking on incentives for financing, which at 8+% is costing more in a few months than the incentive is worth.

These are maybe a little over 20% off. The more expensive on is discounted less $ actually, so I am going to have to talk them down to get the pricing right.

I posted on this in another thread... it depends on your approach. If you plan to pay cash why not finance with dealer to get the extra $5-$6k off, then pay off? Dealer may ask you to make X number of payments to get max discount from MSRP, mine asked for six (costing +/- $800 in interest in my case at 6%). Not required but a gentleman's agreement. That is where you will find the 30-35% off discounts and most require you to call, they won't advertise that. With that said, a quick new JTR search nationwide on Autotrader just found over 3800 leftover '23 models. Many advertised at 30% off or better. There are dealers not on AT so more than that out there. You may have to travel, deliver (what I did), negotiate and pick your second choice color but deals are there.

If you plan to finance, I used an example of 6% (probably best in this market) vs 8% at dealer to show that on common terms (60 months) you will spend another $2-3k at minimum payment in interest but save another 10% ($5-6k) on Jeep. Of course, if you are able pay double or triple payments to really save on MSRP discount when dealer financing. It goes without saying you have to watch BS dealer fees, etc. and add those to the equation.

Time, money, kids and all other things considered I think it will be cheaper to get the options you want from the factory, go fully loaded and find a dealer tired of looking at it. Good luck!

 

[fourfa]

(drifting from the thread topic a little...)

When I bought mine, I was 100% ready to pay cash. But there was an extra 1% discount for using Jeep financing. With some negotiation I found that I could still qualify if I made a minimum of six payments, and up to 75% of the principal on the first payment. At the interest rate of the time, that was less than paying cash and forgoing the 1%. Probably not any more. Definitely need a proper spreadsheet or loan calculator to track this; it's easy to see why they make their money on the financing. Anyway - just be aware that number of payments, and size of payments, are negotiable

 

[Teqsand]

Labor isn't free, even if I do it myself. My time is valuable. No you aren't getting your voswitch or katzkin installed for half. In fact it's likely significantly more expensive with the install. Aftermarket parts don't add resale value but oem parts do. Comparing purchase price to factory installed price is shortsighted on many levels.

Try reading again... for simplification, you can get a voswitch 800 for about 250.00, (there is even a 20% off code in forums), the factory 4 gang is over 500.... even if you paid someone to put in the voswitch, charging over 250 for that would be theft... so you get DOUBLE the capability ...(if you need more than factory 4, guess what, more $$ to install the capability you got with the voswitch 8)

As for the leather, i never saidit was half (reading comprehension) , factory is 1900.00 and are made by Katzkin, if you go to Katskin site, you can customize the leather to your liking and the price is 1500 -1700 installed, and you get the same EXACT PRODUCT as OEM is....

Is this crayon simple enough?

 

[Zachanadandy]

Try reading again... for simplification, you can get a voswitch 800 for about 250.00, (there is even a 20% off code in forums), the factory 4 gang is over 500.... even if you paid someone to put in the voswitch, charging over 250 for that would be theft... so you get DOUBLE the capability ...

As for the leather, i never saidit was half (reading comprehension) , factory is 1900.00 and are made by Katzkin, if you go to Katskin site, you can customize the leather to your liking and the price is 1500 -1700 installed, and you get the same EXACT PRODUCT as OEM is....

Is this crayon simple enough?

Go ahead and price up getting the Vos switch installed and get back to me. Some on here have even damaged the wiring harness trying to add aux switches through the fire wall. They saved -$500 to $1000 after getting that portion of the wire harness replaced and now have no warranty on their electrical as is documented with the dealer that they damaged the wiring. As far as the seats, you have to pull them and send them in, wait for them to come back, and then reinstall unless you have a local installer. Even still you have down time waiting for the local guy. Your crayon math isn't mathing. And you're still ignoring the fact that resale value is Vin based these days and your aftermarket parts aren't included.

 

[Teqsand]

Go ahead and price up getting the Vos switch installed and get back to me. Some on here have even damaged the wiring harness trying to add aux switches through the fire wall. They saved -$500 to $1000 after getting that portion of the wire harness replaced and now have no warranty on their electrical as is documented with the dealer that they damaged the wiring. As far as the seats, you have to pull them and send them in, wait for them to come back, and then reinstall unless you have a local installer. Even still you have down time waiting for the local guy. Your crayon math isn't mathing. And you're still ignoring the fact that resale value is Vin based these days and your aftermarket parts aren't included.

Ok, so we know you don't know how to install a voswitch, bringing in the wiring to the switches is simple, doesn't go through the firewall....
As for the leather, I've seen the installers do the set in a day.....
Funny now you're moving the goalposts with "downtime", "warranty", VIN based value" to try and make your case..... (BTW, you lose value the moment you drive it off the lot, or did you leave yours at the dealer to protect the value?)

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