Eco diesel or 3.6 gas??

[Jteakus]

40K trouble free miles on my 2020 JLRUD. Steady 25-26 mpg on 35's with stock gearing. I like it so much I bought a 2022 Gladiator Rubicon diesel. Honestly, I wouldn't want a JL/JT without the diesel. My .02

Sponsored

 

[Reasoner]

A diesel on a Jeep just seems weird to me. I think someone that wants a diesel would be better off just getting a traditional full size truck.

Jeeps are all about being able to tackle tough trails and make it out in tact. Gas engine wins in that regard for simplicity and reliability. If you need more power while off roading, that’s what 4 low is for.

 

[Pwntiac]

I would like to take it from Arizona to Montana hitting some of the major National parks

+1 I hands down recommend the diesel (if the added costs are nonissue for you)

That being said if you’re going to use it mainly for wheeling/modding/toy then I would stick with the 3.6. Actually I’d be looking at a 2dr JL 3.6 just my $.02

 

[Dougstdig]

I test drove the Eco diesel for the first time last week. I was impressed with it but is it worth the added price and the extra costs associated with the higher cost of diesel, def fluid, and most importantly, reliability. Reliability is the big one with me. For the folks with the newest version, how has it been holding up??

I have almost 10k on mine…purchased in October with zero Diesel or diesel specific system issues.

 

[Gvsukids]

Where did I say anything like that?
I have no clue what you’re talking about.

Not the first time.

Gas engine wins in that regard for simplicity and reliability.

Definitely have to look at finding a diesel mechanic is there not always to be found. And over 100,000 miles parts and labor become more expensive than on a gasser.

 

[Trout Safari]

A diesel on a Jeep just seems weird to me. I think someone that wants a diesel would be better off just getting a traditional full size truck.

Jeeps are all about being able to tackle tough trails and make it out in tact. Gas engine wins in that regard for simplicity and reliability. If you need more power while off roading, that’s what 4 low is for.

The majority of the trails we run here were created by the most capable off road vehicle, the skidder. I have never seen one gas powered. Only makes sense to follow that up with the most capable off road street legal vehicle. For me that is the JTRD. Love my Diesel.

 

[AXISJT]

You don’t save with the diesel when you factor in the maintenance

I guess the depends on the person? The only maintenance I have had to pay for was for a oil and fuel filter that I did myself that I got from docs diesel for 70 bucks so for me in 31k that isn't the case

 

[BlueScapegoat]

Everything that the gas can already do

Everything that the gas can already do, but more efficiently and quicker.

 

[JET_83]

Everything that the gas can already do, but more efficiently and quicker.

There you go, I actually would love the diesel if it was as reliable as the gas, unfortunately it is not.

 

[ResurrectionManNH]

I’ve had both engines as well and love the diesel on my 21 Willys. The low end torque is a monster and feels like sports car quickness. I’m running 33s with a leveling kit and average about 24 mpg. Yes diesel prices are rough right now but in all honesty, those who can afford a $50k+ vehicle likely won’t go broke over an extra couple dollars at the pump. I have almost 13k miles and no issues whatsoever. The DEF costs about $20 every 3k miles and takes about 5 mins to add in your garage. Not sure why people think this is a big maintenance issue.

 

[JET_83]

I’ve had both engines as well and love the diesel on my 21 Willys. The low end torque is a monster and feels like sports car quickness. I’m running 33s with a leveling kit and average about 24 mpg. Yes diesel prices are rough right now but in all honesty, those who can afford a $50k+ vehicle likely won’t go broke over an extra couple dollars at the pump. I have almost 13k miles and no issues whatsoever. The DEF costs about $20 every 3k miles and takes about 5 mins to add in your garage. Not sure why people think this is a big maintenance issue.

Cost of repairs will be much higher in a diesel

 

[Almost]

I see a lot of debate about maintenance and costs so here is mine coming from an 09 JKU.

Cost to fill in NJ based on when I fill my tanks with todays costs in my area:
JT: $97 (16 gal @ $6.05)
JKU: $90 (19 gal @ $4.73)

Now with the JKU I would get about 280-320 miles per tank which is $0.28- $0.32 per mile. The diesel gets 350-420 miles per tank based on my usage which is $0.23-$0.27 per mile. Over 5k miles that is a savings of $250.

Making it simple since I change my oil every 5k for both.

JT: oil was $80 for two jugs from advanced auto and $40 for a filter online so $120 total.

JKU: oil was $23ish from Walmart and Wix/Napa filters were about $8. Total of $31.

So far we have a win for the diesel and win for the gasser with the diesel coming out on top with a net savings of $160 so far per 5k miles.

With Def I have bought 2 jugs over 6k miles so far but I have no idea what I paid for them, but I know it wasn’t $160 dollars. Fuel filters run about $45. I have 2 but I haven’t needed to change them yet.

So am I saving money? Yes. Is it a lot? No. Will you save money? Maybe.

Buy it for the smiles not the costs. At the end of the day if there was a hemi option and no diesel I would have happily paid extra for that and got even worse fuel mileage.

It doesn’t make sense to factor in maintenance costs as they’re all under warranty and you shouldn’t have to pay a dime for either. More so for the diesel since it comes with a 100k warranty. Inconvenience? Yes but so what. Gas engines aren’t immune to issues and my JK spent plenty of time in the shop as well for intake gaskets, head gaskets, transmission, and endless other things. It’s called life.

 

[2TH MVR]

These comparison threads are so funny. Everyone will have their own (OPINION) on what will best serve their purposes. No right or wrong. You want GAS. Don't buy the diesel. Simple.

Most here that own the diesel are not presenting "practical" reasons for owning the diesel. The numbers do not add up for the diesel. Especially a 1st gen ecodiesel in the JT. The issues with the diesel (whether the numbers are relevant or not) are well documented here.

People (myself included) bought the diesel because it is FUN. Low rpm torque works for commuting ...if that is your thing. I owned a diesel F350 4X4 in the past. BEST truck I've ever owned. Hands down. I've owned several gas trucks.

No right or wrong. OP. Just buy what will serve you the best.

 

[Gvsukids]

More so for the diesel since it comes with a 100k warranty

The discussion isn't about repair while under warranty, but rather once the warranty is up and the added cost of parts and labor.

 

[Almost]

I guess. I can’t wait for my warranty to be over so I can make it better and simpler like every other diesel owner. 64k miles is still a big difference and years of additional piece of mind unless you pay up for the extended warranty.

Most people don’t keep vehicles long enough to matter anyways. I drove my JK for over 13 years 230k and I plan on driving my JT until there is literally nothing left of it. If anyone should care about long term costs it should be me as it will probably be the last new vehicle I ever own. In 15 years it will owe me nothing so if I need to drop $8k on a new motor so be it.

Sponsored