Thinking about trading in my Tacoma for a Rubi…

[Dryfly24]

I'm a lifelong Toyota guy and reliability pretty much trumps everything with me. I almost bought a Gladiator when they first started rolling out but the reliability question and the initial delivery issues made me stay in my comfort zone and I bought my ‘19 Tacoma Off Road instead.

Fast forward to now, these things have been around a couple years and I’ve been hearing some good reports. There have been some issues but nothing terrible that I know of. I’m now considering trading in. I’m especially encouraged by the outrageous prices used Tacos are selling for.

Can you guys give me an honest assessment of your trucks as far as off road capability and reliability concerns go? I’m looking for an off road ready truck right out of the gate. I think with a lift and some 35’s the Rubi will do everything I need it to. My Taco is also very capable with its OME lift and 33’s but I can’t help think I’d be even happier with the Rubicon.

Here’s my Taco in current configuration. I’ve done a bunch of stuff to it to get it where I want it but it seems like there’s always something else I need to do to it to get it there. I don’t think I’d have that problem with the Gladiator Rubicon other than the aforementioned lift and 35’s.

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[TYJ]

I’ve had my 2020 Overland since August 2019. Got 30k miles on it now. No serious issues. I’d buy another in a heartbeat without hesitation.

 

[Dryfly24]

I’ve had my 2020 Overland since August 2019. Got 30k miles on it now. No serious issues. I’d buy another in a heartbeat without hesitation.

When you say no serious issues, do you mean there were some not so serious ones?

 

[TYJ]

When you say no serious issues, do you mean there were some not so serious ones?

Minor recall issue that was quickly taken care of under warranty. Not an issue for later builds. Mine was one of the first.

 

[ThatStinging_Jeep]

I'm a lifelong Toyota guy and reliability pretty much trumps everything with me. I almost bought a Gladiator when they first started rolling out but the reliability question and the initial delivery issues made me stay in my comfort zone and I bought my ‘19 Tacoma Off Road instead.

Fast forward to now, these things have been around a couple years and I’ve been hearing some good reports. There have been some issues but nothing terrible that I know of. I’m now considering trading in. I’m especially encouraged by the outrageous prices used Tacos are selling for.

Can you guys give me an honest assessment of your trucks as far as off road capability and reliability concerns go? I’m looking for an off road ready truck right out of the gate. I think with a lift and some 35’s the Rubi will do everything I need it to. My Taco is also very capable with its OME lift and 33’s but I can’t help think I’d be even happier with the Rubicon.

Here’s my Taco in current configuration. I’ve done a bunch of stuff to it to get it where I want it but it seems like there’s always something else I need to do to it to get it there. I don’t think I’d have that problem with the Gladiator Rubicon other than the aforementioned lift and 35’s.

DO IT I came from a 3rd gen taco with actual full long travel suspension front and rear,
but I honestly like the jeep better cause I can get more flex of course it's not gonna beat the taco when it comes to the rear cause I had a 14inch shock but boy it's not bad
the biggest thing that made me get the jeep is 1 the solid axles front and back,2 it has a metal bed compared to the composite one on the taco,3 suspension is cheaper in a way when it comes to how much flex you can get,because for the tacos your gonna have to spend like 3 times as much just to not even beat a jeep when it comes to flexing, 4 I wanted a jeep Lol 5. I just fell in love with the looks if the jeep man

 

[Dryfly24]

Minor recall issue that was quickly taken care of under warranty. Not an issue for later builds. Mine was one of the first.

Thanks. Recalls do not bother me in the least. I consider them a good thing really because it’s an issue the factory is owning up to and trying to make right. It’s the ones they won’t own that bother me.

 

[Dryfly24]

DO IT I came from a 3rd gen taco with actual full omg travel suspension front and rear,but I honestly like the jeep better cause I can get more flex of course it's not gonna beat the taco when it comes to the rear cause I had a 14inch shock but boy it's not bad,and the biggest thing that made me get the jeep is 1 the solid axles front and back,2 it has a metal bed compared to the composite one on the taco,3 suspension is cheaper in a way when it comes to how much flex you can get 4 I wanted a jeep Lol 5 I just fell in love with the looks man

We think a lot alike. I just wish they still offered them in Gobi…

 

[JTBurns]

Make the move, you won't regret it. Gladiators are crazy on the used market too, not sure there are great deals on new ones now, but my Sport S is worth more now with 16k miles than when I bought it a year ago.

Can't guarantee you won't have issues but most find them to be very reliable and it'll get you anywhere you're looking to go especially a Rubi with a lift and 35s. Your only mistake is thinking that's all you'd do to it. Prepare to open your wallet!

 

[Awhitebuff]

Traded in my 2012 sport access cab manual Taco for a new JT. They gave me $16700 for it! AC didn't work, front end damage from a deer, door damage and they really didn't care. Loving the JT so far. And the best thing is the frame shouldn't rust out! Oh and the rear springs work. And reverse gear is usable.

 

[LostWoods]

Came from a 2018 TRDOR (had a 2004 SR5 in the past as well) and until I moved, wheeled exclusively with other Tacos and 4Runners. It's not even close. Went out with the old group who is mostly on 2-3" lifts and 33s (mix of 2.0 and 2.5 Fox/King/Bilstein) while I was bone stock on 35s and I just walked through stuff that crossed a few of them up. It's a night and day difference off road even in my Sport S.

The huge benefit for me is the value aspect of upgrades... I mean the wheel travel and articulation I have now out of a $2500 3.5" Metalcloak lift is beyond even what the Taco guys are getting with long-travel suspensions at 2-3x the price. Coils all around provide a much more compliant ride than rear leafs as well. Plus 37s don't require chopping half your fender off.

The one downside is that speedy off road isn't as stable and you're much more susceptible to bumpsteer on trail. Anything that hits one tire will be felt across the axle vs in IFS that can soak up independently. If you can deal with that inconvenience, the difference in slower stuff more than makes up for it.

Reliability has been good for me... had the steering box replaced and no issues there since. Definitely not as sharp as the rack and pinion Taco but typical Jeep steering now.

 

[Red-Paint]

I had aTaco as well. Hated it.. 5K mi and traded it. Love the JT. 20K no problems.

 

[Dryfly24]

Came from a 2018 TRDOR (had a 2004 SR5 in the past as well) and until I moved, wheeled exclusively with other Tacos and 4Runners. It's not even close. Went out with the old group who is mostly on 2-3" lifts and 33s (mix of 2.0 and 2.5 Fox/King/Bilstein) while I was bone stock on 35s and I just walked through stuff that crossed a few of them up. It's a night and day difference off road even in my Sport S.

The huge benefit for me is the value aspect of upgrades... I mean the wheel travel and articulation I have now out of a $2500 3.5" Metalcloak lift is beyond even what the Taco guys are getting with long-travel suspensions at 2-3x the price. Coils all around provide a much more compliant ride than rear leafs as well. Plus 37s don't require chopping half your fender off.

The one downside is that speedy off road isn't as stable and you're much more susceptible to bumpsteer on trail. Anything that hits one tire will be felt across the axle vs in IFS that can soak up independently. If you can deal with that inconvenience, the difference in slower stuff more than makes up for it.

Reliability has been good for me... had the steering box replaced and no issues there since. Definitely not as sharp as the rack and pinion Taco but typical Jeep steering now.

Exactly the type of info I need to help me decide. Thank you for that. And thanks to all of you for your insight, it’s much appreciated.

 

[iammacey]

I have a Launch Edition Gladiator. Delivery in June 2019. I shopped Toyota, Ram, and Ford trying to decide on what truck I wanted. Size, reliability, power output, petrol or diesel, versatility, towing, etc...

While shopping, I was also watching the Gladiator, Bronco, and Defender rumors and spy shots of camo'd vehicles.

The Gladiator was revealed and that was it. Small truck, capable, good towing, removable roof, removable doors, large enough bed to fit a motorcycle, SFA.

The only thing I had to mentally get around was perceived Jeep reliability. The 3.6 is one of the most used engines in the Chrysler lineup. Not the highest of outputs, but adequate, high numbers produced, and low failure rate. The 8-speed Auto is great. I would have preferred a manual, but wanted the towing and the Launch Edition was Auto only.

I did some lurking on Jeep forums. Looked up reliability reports and issues. And also went to look at some JLs to assess build quality with regards to fit and finish.

I have had one recall for the Drive Shaft. Serviced and replaced with no difficulty.

Installed the Mopar 2" lift with 35s. Added Steer Smarts front end. Sitting at almost 18k miles with no other issues to report. Although I will be following up on the steering box recall.

I don't believe there is a more off-road capable truck available. I would encourage you to drive one. On varying terrain, specifically at speed on the interstate.

Get your elbows out in the cabin. It can feel like a small space, which I prefer.

Issues happen. Plenty of owners on here have had them. Faults. Electrical issues. Transmission issues. Engine issues. They do happen. And many dealerships lack providing exceptional customer experience. If you have several dealers around you, shop their service and parts departments.

Ultimately do what's right for you. If you hit up your Taco forum with the same question, you'll get the same type of bias. Obviously the bias here is to get the Gladiator. Do what's right for you based on what you'll enjoy, your use, and what makes financial sense. Don't hold off on the decision due to concerns on reliability.

 

[Dryfly24]

I have a Launch Edition Gladiator. Delivery in June 2019. I shopped Toyota, Ram, and Ford trying to decide on what truck I wanted. Size, reliability, power output, petrol or diesel, versatility, towing, etc...

While shopping, I was also watching the Gladiator, Bronco, and Defender rumors and spy shots of camo'd vehicles.

The Gladiator was revealed and that was it. Small truck, capable, good towing, removable roof, removable doors, large enough bed to fit a motorcycle, SFA.

The only thing I had to mentally get around was perceived Jeep reliability. The 3.6 is one of the most used engines in the Chrysler lineup. Not the highest of outputs, but adequate, high numbers produced, and low failure rate. The 8-speed Auto is great. I would have preferred a manual, but wanted the towing and the Launch Edition was Auto only.

I did some lurking on Jeep forums. Looked up reliability reports and issues. And also went to look at some JLs to assess build quality with regards to fit and finish.

I have had one recall for the Drive Shaft. Serviced and replaced with no difficulty.

Installed the Mopar 2" lift with 35s. Added Steer Smarts front end. Sitting at almost 18k miles with no other issues to report. Although I will be following up on the steering box recall.

I don't believe there is a more off-road capable truck available. I would encourage you to drive one. On varying terrain, specifically at speed on the interstate.

Get your elbows out in the cabin. It can feel like a small space, which I prefer.

Issues happen. Plenty of owners on here have had them. Faults. Electrical issues. Transmission issues. Engine issues. They do happen. And many dealerships lack providing exceptional customer experience. If you have several dealers around you, shop their service and parts departments.

Ultimately do what's right for you. If you hit up your Taco forum with the same question, you'll get the same type of bias. Obviously the bias here is to get the Gladiator. Do what's right for you based on what you'll enjoy, your use, and what makes financial sense. Don't hold off on the decision due to concerns on reliability.

Now if I could just find a reasonably priced Rubi somewhere I’d trade my Taco. That’s the other problem, prices around here are ridiculous. I can’t find one for under$60k and most are significantly more than that.

I don’t mind buying out of state at all. As a matter of fact I love road trips and seeing new places anyway so it may turn out a win-win for me f I can find an honest dealer that won’t try to bait and switch me.

 

[iammacey]

There are some great dealers in TN. Take a look at some of the recommendations here.

Tri-City. Gupton. Beaman Jeep. If you're up for a ride, you have a ton of choices. Just means working the phones and email.

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