Which Gladiator is the better buy?

[DADDI8R]

I wish I had gotten the Rubicon. Get the Rubicon. You won't regret it.

Sponsored

 

[joeym7]

You said, "light off roading". You don't need a Rubicon...

But like most of these decisions, there is a big emotional component, get whatever floats your boat/jeep.

 

[Gvsukids]

Get a manual.

 

[Jrap]

Simple - drive them both for a while, there will be differences in how they feel, drivetrain smoothness, engine pull, interior sounds and noises, etc. The differences will be a result of how they were originally built, treated and maintained over the years. If there's a notable difference, that's your answer. If the Rubicon drives worse, and your heart is set on a Rubicon, then go find yourself a different Rubicon. I have to imagine there's a healthy market of used Gladiators out there.

Also, if gas mileage matters, the Overland wins.

About 35 years ago I was looking at 2 used cars, I honestly didn't care which one I bought. Both were 1987 VW's - one a GTI 16V and the other a Scirocco 16V. Drove them both back to back and the GTI clearly drove and felt put-together better, so that's the one I bought! That GTI was one of my most favorite cars I ever owned. 35 years later I think that Scirocco may now be quite the collectors item, but oh well, lol

 

[Jackpaul]

Hey group, this is my first post here, and I'm looking for an opinion from other Gladiator owners. I'm looking at a couple of different used Gladiators for my son to drive, and can't decide which of 2 to pull the trigger on. This will be for mainly daily driving with some light off roading and camping and occasional towing close to 6K lbs, and both are within $1000 of each other:
1) JT Rubicon w/ 55K miles, loaded w/ trail cam, leather, cold weather group, etc. with good records and clean Carfax.
or
2) JT Overland w/ 35K miles, loaded w/ leather, cold weather, etc. No trail camera. Has good maintenance records and clean Carfax.

I know I want the Rubi, but is that worth the additional 20K miles for the same price? I would plan to keep for the next 10 years, so longevity is more important than resale. Your thoughts and opinions are very much appreciated!

Not sure why people are dismissive of the extra 20k miles! That’s a ton of extra mileage…like two years worth of extra driving. If a Rubicon is what you/son want, I would look for a lower mileage one, there are at least six+ used jeep gladiators at every dealership right now, the options and prices are vast.
Jeeps are quickly becoming the “Amazon Choice” based on the belly button nature of them, availability, and bias. If this is a DD for a family member, you might want to explore a more reliable truck. Most of us will always have a jeep JT or wrangler, yet those who do not have to use their toy as a DD have the best outcome. However, if you have deep pockets for the upfront and backend costs, get one or two

 

[John Lenheiser]

There are several models built on the Sport platform, which we all know is the base model for the Jeeps. I think you are either a 4-wheeler off roader, or not so this is going to help make your decision, the Sport models, or the Rubicon model. Now the question was, what is the better buy, I would say the Willys model for those who will be doing some off roading and the Freedom model for those who will be using the Jeep on paved roads most of the time. My choice is the stock options included in these packages, yes you will need other options, but things like the hardtop and radio upgrades may be all you need to have a very nice Jeep. I feel if you modify a Jeep the value goes down and your return on your money invested is not good, a stock Jeep will return the most on your investment, regardless of which model you buy.

 

[Artsifrtsi]

Which would likely be less tempting for a kid to do stupid shit offroad in? Even the best, most well behaved kid will succumb to peer pressure or "hold my beer" to impress once in a while...

 

[Sprinkler-Fitter]

Yes, both have the tow package. I also prefer the looks of the Rubicon (and the front camera) but can't decide if that makes up for the Overland with 20K fewer miles.

Isn’t the tow package just a receiver and trailer light plug? 3.73 gears is not the tow package

 

[Gvsukids]

Isn’t the tow package just a receiver and trailer light plug? 3.73 gears is not the tow package

No.
https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/...e-the-upgraded-tow-options.61198/post-1008367

 

[DirkG]

Many different thoughts here. My take:

• You seem to have your opinion. Ask your son his preference.
• I agree with a few others that 20K miles is definitely a factor.
  • As previously mentioned, that could be roughly 2 years of driving.
  • For me, when buying used, the less miles the better. The less miles the previous driver had to eff up the vehicle. Not just abuse, but fluid changes, general maintenance, etc. There are a lot of dipsh^ts out there.
  • The 1,000 miles or so of factory warranty is a last minute insurance policy in case something pops up.
• You have to ask yourself (and your son) what is the primary purpose of the vehicle. The Rubicon is built for a different purpose than the Overland.

If it were my son, I'd go Overland. Plus, he can work his way up to a Rubicon or Mojave in the future. The good news is that you really can't make a wrong decision here.

 

[Orange01z28]

Hey group, this is my first post here, and I'm looking for an opinion from other Gladiator owners. I'm looking at a couple of different used Gladiators for my son to drive, and can't decide which of 2 to pull the trigger on. This will be for mainly daily driving with some light off roading and camping and occasional towing close to 6K lbs, and both are within $1000 of each other:
1) JT Rubicon w/ 55K miles, loaded w/ trail cam, leather, cold weather group, etc. with good records and clean Carfax.
or
2) JT Overland w/ 35K miles, loaded w/ leather, cold weather, etc. No trail camera. Has good maintenance records and clean Carfax.

I know I want the Rubi, but is that worth the additional 20K miles for the same price? I would plan to keep for the next 10 years, so longevity is more important than resale. Your thoughts and opinions are very much appreciated!

Unless you're planning on doing lots of wheeling where you need a locker and a 4:1 t case the Overland is probably the better buy

 

[PsyRN]

We're missing an important piece of information here. What colors are they? It's probably the 2nd or 3rd most important thing when buying anything.

 

[HorneyBadger]

Yes, both have the tow package. I also prefer the looks of the Rubicon (and the front camera) but can't decide if that makes up for the Overland with 20K fewer miles.

Yea, tough one! The front camera is cool on trails and in parking lots! The only downfall in not getting the Rubi is if you get the bug and hit the trails more. I had a Overland and loved it. Had it dialed in but it was a lease and when it came time, the residual was so good I could get the Rubi for the same payment as rolling over the Overland. So I went for it. You can lose either way.

 

[CJ5w4wdSmokyOnMyTail]

Hey group, this is my first post here, and I'm looking for an opinion from other Gladiator owners. I'm looking at a couple of different used Gladiators for my son to drive, and can't decide which of 2 to pull the trigger on. This will be for mainly daily driving with some light off roading and camping and occasional towing close to 6K lbs, and both are within $1000 of each other:
1) JT Rubicon w/ 55K miles, loaded w/ trail cam, leather, cold weather group, etc. with good records and clean Carfax.
or
2) JT Overland w/ 35K miles, loaded w/ leather, cold weather, etc. No trail camera. Has good maintenance records and clean Carfax.

I know I want the Rubi, but is that worth the additional 20K miles for the same price? I would plan to keep for the next 10 years, so longevity is more important than resale. Your thoughts and opinions are very much appreciated!

Logic dictates you buy the Overland, based on intended use and lower miles. Emotion tugs you toward the Rubi. So you have to decide how much you will let emotion overrule reason. Me? Well, I can resist absolutely anything except temptations.

 

[XJADDICTION]

I don't get it, the answer is always a Mojave.....

i know right? I spend 98% of my time driving my Sport S MT jumping down sandy washed out roads… just wishing I had a Mojave… with just one locker… ??? One locker? What’s up with that?
No, I’m just kidding 100% of the time my driving does not need the Mojave stuff I would replace anyway. I am glad I don’t have a Mojave.

Sponsored