Need some thoughts, wranger to gladiator

[norville]

Hello all, it's been a while I'm not new to forum, I'm not new to gladiators and not new to Jeeps, but I do find myself in a indecision situation.

Here's backstory I picked up a gladiator sport in 2020 upgraded that to a 21 Mojave and then thought that I wanted a four-door Wrangler, and I swapped that for a sweet 2023 Rubicon XR pretty much loaded. It's been 2 years and I absolutely love the look of my Wrangler. But I'm on the fence, as there's not a week that doesn't go by that it would be a lot easier if I just had a gladiator again. I did pick up a 3/4 ton four-door truck but then I find myself working on that instead of driving my Jeep. And I do not under any circumstance need a 3/4 ton truck.

To get back to the question at hand I'm thinking about swapping my 23 Rubicon for either a 26 Willys sport or a 2024 Rubicon. I'm really kind of torn between the two, the 2024 Rubicon is about six grand cheaper with 20k miles. The 26 Willys is brand new and a great deal. I put about 15k miles a year on them. I have never used the front lockers or sway bar disconnect on my Rubicon. I pretty much know what I want out of the Gladiator and 33s with a level kit is about all I need for my daily commute. The only negative on the Willys is it does not have the premium sound system the rubi does. Which I know how to fix that.

I guess the question comes down to a used rubi or do I go new willys sport? Thoughts? $6k won't break me , or is it better to have it and not need it.

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[WambliSka]

If you KNOW that you do NOT need a Rubicon then it just becomes a badge exercise. Do you just want a Rubicon badge on your Jeep? Thee Willy's is a very nice trim package and personally, not knowing the history on the used Rubicon (some are mall crawlers but some get used HARD) I'd rather go with the security of a new Jeep and the warranty that comes with it.

 

[DylanM]

Tough call. While the Willys does come with a full factory warranty, you could purchase an extended warranty for the Rubicon and still have a good portion of that $6k difference sitting in your pocket. Looking farther out, the Rubicon is likely to keep a bit more of its value as well. On the flip side, you may like the updated tech in the Willys and it's always nice to own a vehicle from new, as that way you know for certain how well it's been maintained and treated.

If it were me, the decision would come down to which of the two appealed to me more after a decent test drive in each.

 

[WilldWilly]

For the amount of money you are talking, I would go new. Used gives you things you admit you don't use, it is three years old, has 20k on it by who knows who, out of bumper to bumper, so you either eat repairs, or you add a warranty which shrinks that 6k difference almost in half. I would go new all day long. Full warranty, no miles, better rates on financing, and that new car smell. George LeBay can tell you how good that new car smell is.

 

[norville]

Thanks guys I appreciate the input. I haven't pulled the trigger yet I'll be taking one of them for a ride on Monday so we'll see. A lot depends on what I get for my current Jeep.

I have to give it to Jeep the Willys trim is really hitting the mark for me, it's what I've been looking for since they came out. The only negative I would say was give us the 410s or let us choose 456's in that trim.

And not to muddy things up but I could get a sub 40K max tow with the 410s but it's really a stripped down model. And running 285s with 3.73 vs 4.10 I didn't notice much of a difference on my way to the grocery store. LOL

 

[ChrisNLA]

I'd go for the new Gladiator if you are happy with the Willys trim. I prefer to start new with Jeeps rather than used.

Now personally - if I ever get another one - I am springing for a Rubicon or Mojave next time. I have a Sport S Max Tow that I ordered new for myself, but next time around I just want a stock truck on 33s that I don't have to do anything to other than throw on some phone mounts, bed organization, and lights.

Also want the power leather seats

My first Jeep was a Jeep JK Willys though so I'm fond of the Willys package even if its never been on my shopping list for JT's...

 

[Bandit’s Lair]

Go with the Willys and build it into what you want over the long haul. You’ll be happier with how it turns out and you’ll know the components.

 

[SCJ Zach]

I would go with the Willys for the updated interior. My Jeeps don't stay stock long, and adding a front antirock and locker is simple.

 

[SummertimeCarl]

I'd vote for brand new.

I'd like to start a spreadsheet tracking people who complain about Jeep reliability issues. It seems like the majority of those complaints come from people who bought slightly used. Of course, those vehicles were once new too, but I think your chances of getting a lemon go up significantly when buying used.

I once bought a Jeep Compass with 13,000 miles on it. It didn't have any MAJOR issues, but every quirk, squeak, or creak had me thinking, "I bet this is why the previous owner sold it so soon."

Some people are different, I know. But I can't imagine selling a truck I like after only 20k miles. However, If I got one that seemed like it was built at 4:59 on a Friday, I'd trade it in.

The updated dash screens in the 2026s are a nice everyday upgrade over the 2023s, too.

 

[ChrisNLA]

I'd vote for brand new.

I'd like to start a spreadsheet tracking people who complain about Jeep reliability issues. It seems like the majority of those complaints come from people who bought slightly used. Of course, those vehicles were once new too, but I think your chances of getting a lemon go up significantly when buying used.

I once bought a Jeep Compass with 13,000 miles on it. It didn't have any MAJOR issues, but every quirk, squeak, or creak had me thinking, "I bet this is why the previous owner sold it so soon."

Some people are different, I know. But I can't imagine selling a truck I like after only 20k miles. However, If I got one that seemed like it was built at 4:59 on a Friday, I'd trade it in.

The updated dash screens in the 2026s are a nice everyday upgrade over the 2023s, too.

My desire to buy JLs and JT's new (aside from the cost used being too high compared to discounts available now) is that I don't want someone else molested vehicle. I don't want mods I didn't want, stuff I gotta fix, etc. JL/JT lends itself to buying other peoples poor taste/choices. I'm not too worked up about the reliability side.

We have been looking at used Grand Cherokees for the ole lady. I'd buy one of those no problem. Nobody tends to tastelessly mod those

 

[norville]

Thanks all for the input. The dealer with the used 24 was playing games and lost. I ended up finding a 25 Rubicon with 3,000 miles that was used by the dealership owner. I am glad to be back in a gladiator.

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