Gladiator Rubicon - buy now or wait?

[Minty JL]

Had a new 2024 Ford Ranger for six months that is built on the same line with the Bronco. The assembly quality was abysmal. Just a lot of little things you find over time that were missed like body plug covers on the bottom, painted over weld splatter slag, incorrect trim wrong door panel switches, and rear lower shock mount bolts backing out were a few things I found. Others have gotten missed match leather seats like Ranger Raptors getting lariat backseat. Also, the 2.7L eats phasers like candy with no improved part numbers for replacements.

First time build quality of Jeep JT/JL is leaps and bounds better than the Bronco/Ranger

What a shitshow

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[Hootbro]

What a shitshow

It is. With the exception of the 2.7L phaser issue, they are pretty well engineered, just 90% of the problems are lack of care by those putting them together. Mine ran and drove great.

 

[Watrmel0nBandit]

My first post here but I’ve been creeping for a while. I’ve wanted a gladiator for a long time, but couldn’t stomach the sticker price. Last night I decided to jump in and picked up a 2024 Rubicon. Sticker was around $61K and I walked out with it for $39k before taxes and fees. I even talked to them into giving me a free T-Shirt.

 

[ExpoGuy]

This is the cj4a.

Wow, this brings back fun memories. Mine looked similar. I'll have to find the photos I took
back in the 1980s and post some.

 

[ExpoGuy]

That was a 1948 CJ2A not 4A, great jeep , i miss mine.

Yes, thanks for the correction.

 

[ExpoGuy]

My first post here but I’ve been creeping for a while. I’ve wanted a gladiator for a long time, but couldn’t stomach the sticker price. Last night I decided to jump in and picked up a 2024 Rubicon. Sticker was around $61K and I walked out with it for $39k before taxes and fees. I even talked to them into giving me a free T-Shirt.

Holy Cow, that's one helluva good deal !

Congratulations and welcome to the forum.

 

[GoHack]

Interesting. Not listed anywhere on the options list, but it’s in the truck.

Looks like what I have on my mine.

 

[ExpoGuy]

Update...the 2024 Gladiator Rubicon I was interested is gone. I figured it would sell quickly.
But it didn't have the Cargo and Technology packages that I like. So I'm not bummed out.

I've been searching the net for 2024 Rubicons in the color & configuration I want without success.
But not all is lost. I learned a lot about Gladiators from you folks here. So now I'm shifting my
attention to 2025 Rubicons. Two things I like about the 2025 is the '41 military green color and
the increased towing capacity (2025 = 7,000 lbs, 2024 = 4,500 lbs).

I'm in no hurry. I'd like to buy a Gladiator before the end of summer. With some luck Jeep
will offer some good discounts. Keeping my fingers crossed.

 

[Wheelin98TJ]

Had a new 2024 Ford Ranger for six months that is built on the same line with the Bronco. The assembly quality was abysmal. Just a lot of little things you find over time that were missed like body plug covers on the bottom, painted over weld splatter slag, incorrect trim wrong door panel switches, and rear lower shock mount bolts backing out were a few things I found. Others have gotten missed match leather seats like Ranger Raptors getting lariat backseat. Also, the 2.7L eats phasers like candy with no improved part numbers for replacements.

First time build quality of Jeep JT/JL is leaps and bounds better than the Bronco/Ranger

Similar stuff happens with Jeeps. Beds that are crooked, loose bolts, 3.6L failures, etc.

None of us know how often it happens. It’s a subjective opinion when it comes to build quality and reliability.

 

[OLBIG]

Did jeep make that? it's beautiful! i have never seen one! Sorry for the correction.

 

[professorkx]

Did jeep make that? it's beautiful! i have never seen one! Sorry for the correction.

Are you referring to my cj4a Jeep/truck?

 

[van_tri]

Lighting has struck the JT lineup two winters in a row with leftovers.
The difference this winter is that the 2024 leftovers are the refreshed version.
I highly doubt this will happen again, so people better hop on this opportunity.

If you're not picky on colors, there are still over 750 Rubicon and Rubicon X leftover 2024 available.
For me, I wanted an Anvil Rubicon X and I'm glad I hopped on it because, less than a month later, there are only 6 left nationwide.
https://www.jeep.com/new-inventory....&sort=0&view=list&variation=Rubicon+X,Rubicon

 

[GoHack]

Here's my '24 Gladiator

OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT:
Anvil Clear–Coat Exterior Paint
Customer Preferred Package 24R
Convenience Group
Heated Front Seats
Heated Steering Wheel
Remote–Start System
Universal Garage–Door Opener
Technology Group
GPS Navigation
HD™ Radio
Connected Travel and Traffic Services
Uconnect® 5 Nav with 12.3–Inch Touch Screen Display
Integrated Voice Command
Alpine® Premium Audio System
Wireless Speaker
Forward–Facing TrailCam
Automatic–Dimming Rear–View Mirror
Steel Bumper Group
Winch–Capable Steel Front Bumper
Hardtop Headliner by Mopar®
8–Speed Automatic 850RE Transmission
Selec–Speed® Control
Transmission Skid–Plate
Black Freedom Top® 3–Piece Hard Top
Spray–In Bedliner by Mopar®

Update: Added a Warn Zeon 10S Winch during the holidays:

 

[ExpoGuy]

Here's my '24 Gladiator

OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT:
Anvil Clear–Coat Exterior Paint
Customer Preferred Package 24R
Convenience Group
Heated Front Seats
Heated Steering Wheel
Remote–Start System
Universal Garage–Door Opener
Technology Group
GPS Navigation
HD™ Radio
Connected Travel and Traffic Services
Uconnect® 5 Nav with 12.3–Inch Touch Screen Display
Integrated Voice Command
Alpine® Premium Audio System
Wireless Speaker
Forward–Facing TrailCam
Automatic–Dimming Rear–View Mirror
Steel Bumper Group
Winch–Capable Steel Front Bumper
Hardtop Headliner by Mopar®
8–Speed Automatic 850RE Transmission
Selec–Speed® Control
Transmission Skid–Plate
Black Freedom Top® 3–Piece Hard Top
Spray–In Bedliner by Mopar®

Sweet!

That's the way I want my Gladiator Rubicon - fully loaded.

 

[Pilsner]

I'm surprised the Jeep has better build quality than the Bronco.

Gladiators seem to have some build quality problems. Some minor, like visors breaking or window switches pealing, but some major like paint bubbling.

Between my F150 and my Gladiator, I'd say the F150 has better build quality.

I was too. Both hard tops leak, but Bronco is so bad it whistles unless I have the hvac on recirculate. The panel fitment is visably off. I've had to adjust one window a dozen times now. It will roll up then automatically back down. Once it warms up I'll have to pull the door and try to fix it permanently. Just lots of little stuff and the dealer has not been helpful. Also had some kind of 4wd software problem where it thought it was in 2wd but was stuck in 4. 60 mile highway drive home in 4wd when it happened. Dealer was able to fix that with a software update. I HATE electronic 4wd actuation and the electronic e-brake. What's wrong with a manual lever that I can fix?

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