They had the capability, they made it better, stronger, faster...

[Gatorized]

Get the manual trans you want and get it in the Rubicon so you get the max tow axles. If you aren’t towing 7k+ now why worry about it. It may well be the last chance to get a MT in your lifetime. Look at the buying guides and configure what you want then think about what you can add cheaper aftermarket and what you would rather have from the factory. Even some factory options are available as takeoffs typically at a discount. Get the hardtop and the Bestop Sunrider for the best of both worlds.

Sponsored

 

[lcoff]

I went through this too, trying to decide between a Rubicon, Max Tow or Overland. I finally decided to get everything that I could possibly regret not getting and was unable to install at a later date. IMO, the Overland offered the best bang for the buck. I made sure to get the safety packages, cold weather package, remote entry and 8.4 audio.

Got the diesel, just because.

 

[Alans17]

Part of me regrets not getting the Rubicon for the lockers and front sway bar disconnects, but then the practical part of me kicks in and remembers I’ve never off roaded before and don’t expect it to be a big part of how I use it.

I got the max tow in order to justify it as a work-capable truck even though I’m just a data analyst. I figure if I change my mind about off roading in the future I can still add the lockers. An electronic sway bar disconnects may never be in the cards but, I see that it’s really a convenience feature more so than a capability feature. Probably just one more thing to break.

 

[futzin']

My rationale for the Rubi is that I do plan to off-road it some, and the long wheel base needs all the help it can get! YMMV.

 

[B-RAD]

I went with the Sport S
Regular tow pkg
Heated seats and wheel
Manual transmission (it’s awesome)
Bed package (probably not worth it)
Skip the soft top it looks ridiculous
7” screen (don’t get the 5” unless you plan to upgrade it)
Down the road get take off rubicon wheels and tires for like $1,200-$1,500
I miss the proximity key entry
Ohh and I got the spray in bed liner and a torneau cover.

 

[MrKnowitall]

All else equal, there’s only about 5 grand between a Maxtow Sport S and Automatic Rubicon.

 

[Alans17]

All else equal, there’s only about 5 grand between a Maxtow Sport S and Automatic Rubicon.

I was wrecked when I first realized this after buying my max tow. But then I realized that’s $5k I could use on other upgrades that aren’t lockers such as a better bumper, winch, air compressor, recovery gear, etc. This also allows me the opportunity to really gauge how much wheeling I’ll be doing, and I can always add lockers in the future if I find I need them. Probably won’t, though.

 

[andrew8404]

I would have loved to get a Rubicon but the cost is crazy on those. Your at least 42k and up. I got my Sport S for 35k. Have already put about 7k into it and all that is left is gearing and lockers. When all is said and done I’ll have a way more capable rig then the Rubicon for cheaper.

 

[smlobx]

Or at the very least they gave it a cool bed.

So right around the time when I get to give my wife the small car (she works in Brooklyn) and I get to have the big one, Jeep decided to do the thing I've been waiting foreevvvvvvveer for. I do a little contracting, I'm an outdoors guy who likes to go off-road and I'm toting little ones. I'm so ready for them to TAKE MY MONEY NOW!!! (and take this stupid Escape away from my property)

So I have a question. I want to buy as stock as possible then buy things and customize my jeep as I go, because, that's just how I want to do my Jeep. I also know from experience there are certain things I regret not getting from the dealer and that there are a few items on the Jeep list I should probably get from the factory.

You're me, do you:

A) Buy a Sport S and sink $15,000 into the aftermarket
B) Buy a Rubi or Mojave and just call it a day because factory upgrades just work and are good value

I understand a bit about the tradeoffs from a work-perspective. I would like to fill the bed up with compost and other earth-things as well as potentially hook up a landscaping trailer from time to time so it seems from what I'm reading I may want to be sure to get a Sport S with the tow package. Is there anything else that's just a "No really, you should just get this from Jeep." kind of option?

Thanks all. Could be the last time I ever feel like a kid at Christmas. Jeeps have beds. JEEPS! BEDS!

I went with option B and could not be happier. The Jeep engineers have a lot of expertise in designing their off-road vehicles and I believe their cumulative knowledge outweighs mine..

 

[JkJT84]

At the time I was looking it was about 8k more for an automatic Rubicon. For 5k I would have got it over my Maxtow, 8k was too much for me.

 

[RacerX00]

So far the top tip I've gotten coming out of this are, "get the aux switches no matter what if you're going to do things."

Other than that I've narrowed it down to Sport S with Max Tow or Rubicon. So, still on the fence. I'm probably going to sign on the dotted line on the fence I guess...

 

[kahuna357]

So far the top tip I've gotten coming out of this are, "get the aux switches no matter what if you're going to do things."

ABSOULUTLY must have!
As for the rest, decide what you want to do with your JT, what can you afford, will you do the mods or pay a shop and go from there.

 

[rr11]

Get the aux switches, my JT did not have them and I regret it. Will make your life simpler mod wise.

 

[Gvsukids]

Factory installed options come with factory warranty. My wife said no to the Rubicon so we went Max tow because we tow a boat and then added factory goodies to the JT so we didn't have to install them later.

 

[brianinca]

?? So you tow more than 3000 lbs without a weight distributing hitch?

Seriously, tow something with a JTR and get back to us.

Just my opinion, no figuring involved.
The Rubi squats more with weight on it, for one thing.

Sponsored