Is this REALLY worth it?

[Salmanilla]

I have a 2020 Rubicon, M/T, 8.4" Uconnect, All the Bells and Whistles. I have put a Winch and a steel bumper on it. She has 46k miles on her. Gone off-road a few times, but not really big wheeling. Local Jeep dealership has a 2021 Sport-S with All the same options my Rubi has... BUT with the Diesel and Auto. Out the door is 7k plus trade. Sport-S doesn't have Lockers or Sway bar disconnect. Is it worth it?

Torn.

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[yoda13]

I would say the lockers are worth it...but you can add those to any Gladiator aftermarket. Personally, I would keep the Rubicon, but if you are happier with the diesel, it’s your money and you need to be happy!

 

[Salmanilla]

The diesel felt like it had a lot of torque. I do tow some, but not all the time. The Gladiator is an every day driver (this the high mileage). Concerned about the “feel” of the diesel.

 

[Professor_Chaos]

I'd probably go for it. Only If I planned on running the diesel until the wheels fell off though.

Doesn't make much sense to me if in 2 or 3 years you'll just be getting something else anyway. My thoughts.

 

[OldButStillJeeping]

No, it's not worth it.

Personally, I wouldn't touch a modern diesel. Had two, (edit (had 3 if one includes my wife's diesel BMW)) loved the mph and massive power, but when one $50 sensor goes out, you're stranded. Ask me how I know.
Current diesel emissions requirements are insane. The new Regen diesels burn the exhaust molecules down to something that will literally seep into the pores of your skin. I could go on and on.
Keep the bad ass Rubi. Unless your leasing it... take the hit and be happy.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

For a daily driver I'd likely keep what you have. What's diesel fuel cost compared to gas where you live - you can easily figure what fuel will cost over, say, 40,000 miles. Take into account the added maintenance items for diesel, emissions, and so on.
If you don't do a lot of towing, or a lot of off-roading it would almost seem to be a wash and then ask yourself "why" - why would you trade? What do you expect to gain? Is the 7K worth it to you?
As far as lockers and the sway bar disconnects, both can be added, the disconnects there are solutions for that you can install in short order in your driveway. Maybe not electric, but they still get the job done and are simple to disconnect and reconnect.

Are you just looking for something different - or is there a purpose for considering this?

 

[Salmanilla]

Feels like a really good trade in offer. Almost what I paid for the truck… and she now has a lot of miles. I drive a lot and my biggest complaint has been the lack of power. I have never owned a diesel daily driver.

 

[CerOf]

I’ve been loving my diesel daily driver. The power is excellent.

Know going in that things can be more expensive to repair if/when they fail. Budget accordingly, and enjoy!

 

[OldButStillJeeping]

Feels like a really good trade in offer. Almost what I paid for the truck… and she now has a lot of miles. I drive a lot and my biggest complaint has been the lack of power. I have never owned a diesel daily driver.

Diesels like to run long miles. Run and run.
My situation was a 23 mile commute to work and back, with some several hundred mile runs pulling trailers.

It sounds like you're set on doing the deal. So go for it. And don't look back.

 

[Gruffid]

So, I have a JTRD. I also tow a travel trailer that - for the gladiator is fairly heavy (5k+ lbs).

My wife has a JLUR with the 3.6L.

yes, I get about 8-10 MPG better than she does (she has the mud terrains, I have the A/T tyres). I have a crapload of torque compared to hers.

That said, if my gladiator had the 3.6 in it, I’d have $6500 (the price of the diesel upgrade) in my pocket to buy fuel with. It sorta makes up for the higher MPG of the diesel. The diesel also has a smaller fuel tank than the same gasser gladiator to make room for the DEF. So, overall range is about the same.

Additionally, I’d have between 1000 and 1500 lbs of additional towing capacity with the 3.6L in the gladiator.

lastly, if that doesn’t convince you to stay with the 3.6L, take the diesel over some bumps (speed bumps, rail road crossings, etc.), and don’t baby it. My diesel - and several other forum members have had suspension issues with their diesel gladiators.

If the diesel gladiator behaves like your gasser, and you’re happy with it, then trade in.

 

[Wageslave]

Diesels are cool and I love mine. That being said, your use case will matter a lot in whether you will be happy or not.

Running empty most of the time - Gas is probably slightly better due to lower maintenance costs, but at stock ride height and HT tires, the diesel can net you near 30mpg.

Towing a lot - Diesel will give you better power and less of a mileage hit while towing. Think 14-18mpg on Diesel vs 9-11mpg on gas.

Majority city driving - Definitely gas.

 

[AmishMike]

If it is the power that you want, go for it.
Don't do it for the mileage. The cost difference between a gallon of gas vs. diesel negates any mileage savings. Also, in the areas that you travel or plan to travel, is diesel readily available? Planning any long trips where getting fuel could be a problem? I have two diesel pick ups and still run into trouble finding fuel when I need it on a trip.
I keep a set of gloves in each truck just for fueling, because yes it stinks and sticks to everything. My wife hates the diesel part of the trucks. She hates the way they smell when warming up etc..
Eric (above) touched on the exhaust regen systems, yes they suck.

p.s. I have 45 diesels on the road daily, Cummins, Cat, Internationals etc..

 

[FutureOdin]

I traded my gasser in for a diesel, I wouldn't go back. The power just feels way better. Didn't really do it for any other reason than I wanted a diesel. Although it is cool to average 25 mpg.

 

[jjmstang]

Diesel maintenance is always higher than a gasser.....always !!!!

And hopefully your water separator will catch all the water in the diesel fuel ( attracts it like a magnet) and won't damage your fuel system. I know on the Ford's, GM's and Rams if water gets through the separator and into the fuel system it can cause severe damage ( $10K +) and warranty will not cover it.

 

[Hootbro]

It is never an economical case to go to diesel. Buy a diesel because it has the low end torque it offers.

There is trade offs to both gas and diesel and you have to live with either decision you make.

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