X vs Rubicon?

[redvelvetroses]

Im looking to get a good 4 door off roading vehicle. Im new to this so I was wondering if it would be better to get a 07 Rubicon or 07 X and upgrade it myself. If I do upgrade an X myself would it be cheaper and better than a stock Rublcon?

Thanx
Victoria

 

[dave123]

Hello. I'm in exactly the same boat. Here is what I've kinda heard so far:

1. The Rubicon will hold it's value much better. Also, the upgrades are under warrenty. If you buy an X and start changing stuff, you will run a great chance of voiding the warrenty.

2. You can make an X as good or better than a Rubicon for cheaper than the Rubicon costs. Plus you are only changing what you want to change, as opposed to what Jeep thinks you want to change. Do your really need all of the stuff that comes with Rubicon? (I know I don't).

What it really boils down to is, what do you want? If your going to put a lift and tires only on the Jeep, using it only once in a while off road, an X would be the way to go. Why pay the premium for the upgraded Rubicon wheels (for example) only to replace them with bigger ones? If you are going to leave it mostly stock and are interested in the resale value, I would go Rubicon. If you are a hardcore offroader, rock climbing etc., the Rubicon is much better "out of the box" because of the sway bar disconnect, lockers, and 4.1 transfercase.

Also, try a google search for used Jeeps, comparing Rubicon to X, and you will see a large difference in prices.

I wish that the X could be had with the Dana 44 axel in the front, 4.10 gears, and the lockers, that's what I like the most about the Rubicon. I'm going to talk to the boys at Jeep this afternoon, I can give you their take on it tomorrow if you like. Of course this is all just my .02 and I'm no expert.

One other thing. You can get an 08 for about the same price as an 07 right now. I see no reason to even look at an 07 unless you are looking at used.

 

[Bounty__Hunter]

Depends a lot on what type of wheelin you do too. Do you really need a 4:1 transfer case? It's pretty low for general trail riding, and I've seen it be more of a hinderance on the trails than a benefit.

 

[mrfast]

Go for the Rubicon! It will hold up it's value (as all Jeeps do) and you will save money in the long or short run.

I don't have a Rubicon--wish I did though:?|

If you can afford it, I just don't see how you can go wrong with buying a Rubicon over a X model.

 

[firemanharry]

Don't bring the warranty into the equation, they'll do every thing to get out of it if you break something when you're wheelin' anyway.

 

[jonsolbe]

I like the 06 and older rubicon's myself. I think you'd be hard-pressed to do axle upgrades, lockers, and stouter T case and transmission for the money that can get you into a rubicon. Also, with the 07 and older, you get the bullet proof, tried and true straight 6 cylinder which Chrysler has been using since the 70s, which also affords greater torque with lower RPMs than does the new V6. It's also narrower which gets you down more trails than the newer and wider models. However, if you're going to drive it unmodified, then you absolutely can't beat the lifetime warranty of a brand new Rubicon.