Reliable? Cool with cold weather? What's your experience?

[JLBoucher]

Hello, interwebs. It's that sassy Quebecer posting with an approximative english again. Bonjour.

So it turns out my wife really, really, really, really likes my 2DR Willys Wrangler and...basically wants me to sell her my rig. Like, she's bugging me with it. You know how it can be.

Bad news is: I also love my rig. Good news is: she gives me a green light, in theory, to shop around for a new car. And you know, since we're on this forum, what's up with my shopping spree.

So.

I really, really, really, really miss that diesel clatter and that torque curve from my old rusty '94 Jetta TD. And i'd gladly pay 10k$ CAN to have a diesel in my Glady.

But I have questions. My dealer told me there's strong reliability issues with the diesel and that he really doesn't recommend it. But see...he's in the business of making spend my money and he told me he didn't sell a lot of diesels. Which means, in my mind (and I might be wrong)...that he simply cannot get diesels in the lot, which is why he's pushing a 3,6 on me. Don't get me wrong: that Pentastar engine is awesome. But it's not a diesel. So I guess my questions are:

1) Is the engine reliable? By reliable, I mean "will it break on me once a year like a piece of crap"?
2) What's your experience in the cold (if you live in a block of ice like me in Quebec with regular -30C during the winter)?
3) Should I just order one, look at my dealer in the eye and say "i'll just wait for it, get me a fu**** diesel"?

What's your two cents?

Sponsored

 

[ilovebikes99]

There's a class action lawsuit pending for the 3.6. Not to step on anyone's toes just be aware of that.

 

[JLBoucher]

There's a class action lawsuit pending for the 3.6. Not to step on anyone's toes just be aware of that.

So I guess you don't have answers for my questions?... Bummer.

 

[raypla]

I live ~10 mi North of Albany, NY. Not quite as far North as you but, the only issue I had was my DEF system gave a warning one day. It didn’t stop me from going anywhere, I put some more fluid in and hasn’t came back since. There is an factory option to put a block heater so you can plug it in, but the spot is on the block of all of the 3.0’s and you buy the pigtail to plug in.

 

[JLBoucher]

I live ~10 mi North of Albany, NY. Not quite as far North as you but, the only issue I had was my DEF system gave a warning one day. It didn’t stop me from going anywhere, I put some more fluid in and hasn’t came back since. There is an factory option to put a block heater so you can plug it in, but the spot is on the block of all of the 3.0’s and you buy the pigtail to plug in.

No reliability issues as of yet? Everything's good?

 

[Mr._Bill]

There are some issues reported here, but the engine seems to be okay. This revision hasn't been around long enough to determine how reliable it is going to be. Just be sure to add the block heater option to the order, and get a Mopar/Jeep Extended Warranty to go with it.

 

[raypla]

14,000+ mi and that has been the only thing. I suggest trying a different dealer, the 3.0 is light years ahead of the 3.6. Mine uses about 1 gal of def every 1000 mi, max torque is just off throttle compared to redline of the 3.6, options are good but the 3.0 is the engine the JT deserves.

 

[KW80]

Whether or not it is a fit for you depends on your use case and risk tolerance. For example, IMO if you aren’t giving it a steady diet (I would say at least an hour or 2 per week) of highway miles to clean the DPF through passive regens, it will likely be more problematic.

Vs the 3.6, maintenance is going to cost you more money and you will have more parameters to monitor/manage; regens, DEF, and temperatures (mostly in extreme operating conditions) to name a few. In return you get a power plant that makes the JT feel light/sporty and gets relatively good mileage at the same time.

I have 10k miles on mine and haven’t had a single issue related to the engine or after-treatment. Obviously that could change long term but until it happens I will be driving around with a big smile on my face effortlessly accelerating while listening to that diesel clatter.

 

[Tacos]

I live in Iowa winter was no problem with Maximus. I have the block heater option and never used it once. With the cold weather grow cover and remote start and plenty of power service.. biggest thing I think is to make sure you use good quality fuel best diesel around here is Kwick Star/Kwick Trip

 

[Jteakus]

After having a 2020 JLURD for two years and 40K trouble-free miles, I placed an order for a JT rubicon with the Ecodiesel. Waiting patiently.

 

[ilovebikes99]

So I guess you don't have answers for my questions?... Bummer.

I have 4500 miles on my November 2021 build and no issues ya snarky knob. There's literally 10 other topics with the same question.

 

[Josh00333]

Garaged kept or out side?

your biggest issue on a diesel ref cold will be the def freezing.

there is a “new” def tank heater vs 2020 that may have solved the issue. But a lot of reports of issues w the def system in sub 10 def F weather.

a garaged kept rig may never have that.

scrolk down read the diesel section. Keep in mind for every reported problem there are 100’s of no problem rigs.

 

[Josh00333]

Oh lol in the D section, keep ready! Lots of great info here.

 

[redrider]

14,000+ mi and that has been the only thing. I suggest trying a different dealer, the 3.0 is light years ahead of the 3.6. Mine uses about 1 gal of def every 1000 mi, max torque is just off throttle compared to redline of the 3.6, options are good but the 3.0 is the engine the JT deserves.

But having the diesel type power delivery from a gasoline fueled engine is the holy grail. For that reason, I consider the diesel a stop gap measure at best. M2C.

 

[jeepin48]

If you will park it in a garage....... +1
If you will drive at least 20 minutes of highway speeds a week or more ........ +1
If you have already owned a jeep and know that tops leak .....+ 1
If you are already knowledgeable if diesels and their added cost ..... +1
If you have a backup car to drive in the off case you need a dealer to look at it ........ +3

I think you need a 4 or higher to pass.

Sponsored