Hello,
I am thinking about making a purchase of a new 2021 Jeep Rubicon. I do go off-roading and camping in California and Arizona. I try to avoid extremely difficult trails, but I do some medium rock crawling.
My concern is with Jeep reliability. I have viewed some of the Scotty videos regarding Fiat corporation. Another concern is that I see a lot of 2017 - 2020 used Jeep Rubicons with very low mileage for sale. Did people buy them and shortly afterwards realize the vehicle has problems?
Thanks in advance.
@sandiego
I have two JK Wranglers. A 2007 Unlimited Rubicon and a 2010 Sport with Rubicon axles. We do a lot of rock crawling with our Jeep’s. So far they have been pretty reliable. Most people don’t do a lot of crazy crawling thus really don’t need the Rubicon package and the extra price tag that goes with it. The 3.6 Pintastar engine has been fairly reliable but the new electric turbo is pretty new and has not been out long enough to determine its reliability. If I were to get one it would be the 3.6 version. Just my two cents
Many manufacturers have reports of excessive oil consumption issues on some of their engines. I would research the engine model in the Jeep you want to purchase and confirm it’s not a turd like my wife’s Jeep Compass.
@gasmonkey
the compass has a lot of problems just like the patriot. for the OP's decision, idk what i'd do in that situation. The cost of a new car VS the value it loses, has always done me in, and stopped me from buying.
I'd ask OP - why NEW?! first and foremost.
I have also been looking at used Rubicons, 2015 to 2020 year models. That's when I noticed quite a few newer real low milage Rubicons for sale. My thinking is why did they spend all that money for a new Rubicon and now they are selling it with only 10 to 20 thousand miles on it???? Is it that bad? Uncomfortable? Problems?
I have a 2017 Toyota Tacoma Off-Road model 4X4 that I am happy with. I am in no hurry for buy a Jeep.
They are fairly reliable. The new 2.0 liter turbo has been a hit or miss. I've seen brand new ones that needed the engine replaced and ones that have already been drive over 50K miles with no problems. The revised 3.6 liter V6 is an improvement over the previous design that often had valve train failure (damaged camshaft from failed roller arm bearing) and cylinder head failure (FCA has an extended warranty on the left cylinder head on certain models that came with the 3.6).
They aren't as terrible as some of their other vehicles. I'd say if you're looking for something to lease or trade in before 80,000 miles, go ahead. I think you will be tired of the poor ride and handling by then anyways (they are not highway cars!) 😛 But yes you're correct in saying that FCA quality is pretty poor. I live in the same city as the Jeep plant, so tons of people drive them here and I've heard nothing but horror stories from people who keep them past 6 digits on the odometer.
Have a 10 Jk, only has 40k and have done a lot of maintenance on it. And all started out of warranty LOL. You buy a Wrangler you get into a cult following. And mine has burned a lot of oil since new. But it ain't a Fiat!
Thanks everyone for your great responses.