Cancel 3.6 Gas order for a new 3.0 Ecodiesel order?

[armd.offroad]

I ordered a 3.6 JTR on Feb 8th and it is due to be delivered on March 13th, but I can't help myself and and I keep reading forums and watching videos about all these people who have traded in their gasser's for the ecodiesel's for the extra power / torque. I did drive both before ordering and even though I liked the ecodiesel better, I weighed my pros and cons and decided on the 3.6. However, now after weeks of waiting, I am reconsidering and thinking of cancelling my order and placing a new order for an ecodiesel. Am I crazy? My main reasons for choosing the 3.6 are reliability, simpleness, and the ability to do a 4 link rear (3-4.5" RK X Pro) and ditch the rear track bar. I am fairly new to offroading and this will be my first Jeep build, but not my first Jeep. The purpose of the JTR will be daily driver, weekend trail runner, and camping rig for the family. I live in AZ but we plan to take the Jeep on multiple road trips to visit friends and do some offroading along the way. I was very indecisive about this decision along the way, so any friendly advice either way would be appreciated.

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[Trout Safari]

I have owned many Jeeps, My first being back in 1980. I have loved them all so I am sure whatever you decide you will be happy. I cannot speak from owning a Diesel long term, but I received mine last week. I was impressed the first time I stepped on the gas pedal. I would suggest anyone thinking about a Diesel to take one for a ride yourself. All your thoughts and questions will be answered in a couple seconds.

 

[jeepin48]

You named all the important reason for sticking with the gasser. IMO stick with the gas. You are in a hot climate which is potential for the ecodiesel to derate, you value simple reliability which the diesel is more complex and with more things to break, and the short runs of daily driving can aggravate the emissions equipment in the diesel. Keep is simple and stay with what you ordered. my opinion comes from ordering the diesel and honestly I am on the fence weather I should have.

 

[869 KPH]

I'd say don't second-guess yourself. Have you spent time with a 3.6 before? I came from an old Magnum 360 and I think the 3.6 is a better experience all around. It's allll relative. I found the 3.0 fun to drive .... but to me so is the 3.6, lol.

I wanted 4A (not available on EcoD) and emissions simplicity. It was an easy choice for me from there.

 

[whiteglad]

Don't forget that the diesel oil and filter are expensive and harder to find, and maintenance schedule is more intense.

 

[NC_Overland]

I wouldn’t buy one for the reliability issues alone. It’s funny, it used to be if you owned one for long enough, you’d break even eventually with the increased mpg. I did the math back when I had my Canyon on the gas vs diesel and I was at like 200k miles before I broke even. I can’t imagine owning one of these modern diesels at 200k miles. They aren’t reliable when new and they have so many complex, super expensive emissions components that are prone to failure. I know that I did the math on a different vehicle, but I doubt that it’s far off.

That 440lb ft of torques is tempting, but I wouldn’t own one out of warranty. Just like I never owned a BMW or Audi outside of warranty or CPO warranty. Love em, but I ain’t rich and can’t afford to pay thousands every time it goes in the shop.

 

[MARSSIVPilot]

I wouldn’t buy one for the reliability issues alone. It’s funny, it used to be if you owned one for long enough, you’d break even eventually with the increased mpg. I did the math back when I had my Canyon on the gas vs diesel and I was at like 200k miles before I broke even. I can’t imagine owning one of these modern diesels at 200k miles. They aren’t reliable when new and they have so many complex, super expensive emissions components that are prone to failure. I know that I did the math on a different vehicle, but I doubt that it’s far off.

That 440lb ft of torques is tempting, but I wouldn’t own one out of warranty. Just like I never owned a BMW or Audi outside of warranty or CPO warranty. Love em, but I ain’t rich and can’t afford to pay thousands every time it goes in the shop.

This exactly! I owned the 3.0 EcoDiesel in a RAM 1500. I won't own another modern diesel again for all the reasons previously stated. Believe the days of simple, reliable, and durable diesels in passenger/general consumer vehicles is over. The complex/very expensive emissions systems have taken this option off the table for me. Not worth the trade-off (gas milage/torque) in my opinion. Not even close...

 

[The Welsh Griffin]

If money is a major factor and you wont be hauling weight , stick with the 3.6. Fuel mileage a concern ? The 2 litre turbo an option ?

 

[armd.offroad]

If money is a major factor and you wont be hauling weight , stick with the 3.6. Fuel mileage a concern ? The 2 litre turbo an option ?

Fuel mileage is not a concern, I didn't buy a Jeep for MPGs. I'm not towing anything but I am concerned with increasing tire size and weight (bumpers, etc.) on the 3.6 vs the torque of the 3.0. 2.0 is not available on the gladiator.

 

[The Welsh Griffin]

There are some really good numbers posted on bigger tires and fuel mileage by some members that have done the research. Do a quick search on that and then check the Math against your persoal mileage, maintenance and upgrade costs. For me I grabbed the 6 year bumper to bumper 120,000 km warranty with 10 oil changes since I have a toyota to do the work commute. ( The oil changes paid for the extended warranty where I live, $330 cdn per change.)

 

[Lost_In_The_Woods]

Personally, if you already have a 3.6 on order I would just stick with that. The 3.6 is a good reliable engine that has more than proven itself. JT's with a 3.6 also have a higher GVRW. I have the 3.0 and have zero regrets about getting it. The power and torque are addictive and it does get great gas mileage. I did a 4,600-mile trip this summer and with a rooftop tent sticking above the cab, I averaged almost 21 MPG on a stock rig.

However, there are some downsides to having the 3.0. There is the added cost and hassle of dealing with DEF. I was camping in the mountains of Colorado, started the truck in the morning, and got a message stating I could only drive for 423 more miles before the truck wouldn't start due to the DEF being low. Now we were planning on going through a few towns that day and it was easy to pick up some DEF, but it was a little disconcerting. You also mentioned being in Arizona. The diesel does have a problem with overheating. When this happens Jeep has programmed the truck to reduce the power. I only ran into this once so far but it was when I was passing a semi on a two-lane road in Utah last summer. I made it about halfway past it and all of a sudden there was nothing. I did get by it but it took a lot longer than it should have and I could tell the power just wasn't there for about five miles or so until things cooled down.

FYI for anyone thinking they are going to eventually pay for the upgraded cost of a diesel with better fuel mileage. I hate to burst your bubble but it ain't gonna happen. The oil changes and DEF alone will keep that from happening.

 

[Geoarch]

I ordered a 3.6 JTR on Feb 8th and it is due to be delivered on March 13th, but I can't help myself and and I keep reading forums and watching videos about all these people who have traded in their gasser's for the ecodiesel's for the extra power / torque. I did drive both before ordering and even though I liked the ecodiesel better, I weighed my pros and cons and decided on the 3.6. However, now after weeks of waiting, I am reconsidering and thinking of cancelling my order and placing a new order for an ecodiesel. Am I crazy? My main reasons for choosing the 3.6 are reliability, simpleness, and the ability to do a 4 link rear (3-4.5" RK X Pro) and ditch the rear track bar. I am fairly new to offroading and this will be my first Jeep build, but not my first Jeep. The purpose of the JTR will be daily driver, weekend trail runner, and camping rig for the family. I live in AZ but we plan to take the Jeep on multiple road trips to visit friends and do some offroading along the way. I was very indecisive about this decision along the way, so any friendly advice either way would be appreciated.

I recently ordered a 3.6L Rubicon. I did drive both (both automatics), but I've always had manual transmissions (10 4X4s since 1968). I was impressed with the diesel auto, but the MT did it for me. I would have liked the greater torque, however.

 

[armd.offroad]

I recently ordered a 3.6L Rubicon. I did drive both (both automatics), but I've always had manual transmissions (10 4X4s since 1968). I was impressed with the diesel auto, but the MT did it for me. I would have liked the greater torque, however.

Thanks, but I have to have an automatic, unless it's in a specific sports car, and even then I probably still prefer an auto.

 

[Fastwake]

In the long run a 3.6 gas is the best bet. I owned both. Just my 2 cents

 

[armd.offroad]

In the long run a 3.6 gas is the best bet. I owned both. Just my 2 cents

Wow, you are the first that I have heard from that has owned both and said to go gas. Most that have owned both said they will never go back to gas and said to go diesel.

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