Potential new 2012 Wrangler Owner - Who has one that can shed some light?

[GiggityGiggity]

First off, FINALLY a Wrangler that I am not ashamed to line up against a mini van :lol:

With the new engine under the bonnet I think I am finally ready to make the leap to a Wrangler from my WJ. I have some questions for the current 2012 owner as I have been up and down the model line up several times and the option list is virtually limitless. Any advice, help, suggestions or info provided are appreciated.

1. Tank Mileage. I am interested in knowing your total tank mileage for both the unlimited and the regular Wrangler utilizing the 6 speed manual. What grade fuel are you using and what are your driving habits?
2. Unlimited VS 2 DR Wrangler. What were the pros and cons that made you decide one way or the other.
3. Upgrades. What are you "Must Haves" for the 2012 Wrangler.
4. Rear Differential. Limited Slip or No? Why? 3.21 or 3.73 gear for about 80% street use.
5. Can anyone answer this as the dealer "has been trying to find out" for a week now: Is the sport suspension and 32" tire package available on the Sahara?
6. Sport S owners with the sport suspension and 32" tires - likes and dislikes about this set up?
7. Accessories. Better to visit the aftermarket or use the dealer options? ie. black appearance package, step rails, light guards, bumpers, etc...


I am dying to buy a new Wrangler and am so close! Would love some feed back from the community. :thumbsup:

[starscream]

First off, FINALLY a Wrangler that I am not ashamed to line up against a mini van :lol:

With the new engine under the bonnet I think I am finally ready to make the leap to a Wrangler from my WJ. I have some questions for the current 2012 owner as I have been up and down the model line up several times and the option list is virtually limitless. Any advice, help, suggestions or info provided are appreciated.

1. Tank Mileage. I am interested in knowing your total tank mileage for both the unlimited and the regular Wrangler utilizing the 6 speed manual. What grade fuel are you using and what are your driving habits?
2. Unlimited VS 2 DR Wrangler. What were the pros and cons that made you decide one way or the other.
3. Upgrades. What are you "Must Haves" for the 2012 Wrangler.
4. Rear Differential. Limited Slip or No? Why? 3.21 or 3.73 gear for about 80% street use.
5. Can anyone answer this as the dealer "has been trying to find out" for a week now: Is the sport suspension and 32" tire package available on the Sahara?
6. Sport S owners with the sport suspension and 32" tires - likes and dislikes about this set up?
7. Accessories. Better to visit the aftermarket or use the dealer options? ie. black appearance package, step rails, light guards, bumpers, etc...


I am dying to buy a new Wrangler and am so close! Would love some feed back from the community. :thumbsup:

I'm looking to buy one myself. I've already decided on a 2-door. I used to have a TJ, and test drove both the 12 2 and 4 door and the 4 door just doesn't feel like a Jeep to me. The wheelbase is just too long. But, if you've never had a 2 door Jeep, you might not have had that feeling burned in your brain like I did.

My must haves are Connectivity Group and Power Convienence group. The connectivity I want for the easy access to the EVIC more than the other stuff. Poer is self explanatory. Most of the other stuff can be added on at a later date if you want to (like trailer tow, heated seats, remote start). Although it seems quite a pain to do heated seats later on because you have to take your apart, and a bigger pain to add a hardtop to a soft-top only Jeep because you need to install the wiring harness and rear windshield fluid line.

I'm looking at a Rubicon so rear differential doesn't have options for me, but I would say this based on everything I researched. LSDs are usually better to have than an open diff, it's just the factory one is not that great because the clutch packs will wear out in about 40k miles. On the otherhand it's a cheap option so you've got something for a little while. But if you're gung-ho about getting one, maybe your best bet is to not care what comes from the factory and upgrade to a Truetrac anyway.

As far as ration, I've driven every combo out there in a 2-door with both auto and manual. The auto with 3.21 I would avoid, if possible. It's not that it's terrible, but 3.73 just felt much better. For a manual, I'd only chose the 3.21 if I had a 6-speed, was never towing, and really cared about getting the best possible MPG that I could. With a 4 door or an inkling for bigger tires, you want the 3.73.

The Sport S, Sahara, and Rubicon all come with 32" tires, stock. Same size on all of them, just different brands.

[BManz]

I just test drove a 2012 with upgraded tires, GoodYear Duratracs, and it felt fine with the auto trans and 3.21 gears. Sorry I forgot to check the tire size but if I was going to guess I would say they were 33-34". By "felt fine" I mean it scooted really good when I pulled out into 55mph traffic compared to a 3.73 geared and stock wheel equipped 2011 that had me white knuckled doing the same thing on a test drive last year. A 2012 with a 3.73 would only be quicker than 3.21 but I wouldn't expect it to be THAT much quicker given the other factors (3.6 fatter torque curve, auto trans better 1st gear).

[Broomecar]

I'm waiting on a 2012 Wrangler Sahara will have to let you know. The reviews were good.

[Jeep Creep]

1. Tank Mileage. I am interested in knowing your total tank mileage for both the unlimited and the regular Wrangler utilizing the 6 speed manual. What grade fuel are you using and what are your driving habits?
2. Unlimited VS 2 DR Wrangler. What were the pros and cons that made you decide one way or the other.
3. Upgrades. What are you "Must Haves" for the 2012 Wrangler.
4. Rear Differential. Limited Slip or No? Why? 3.21 or 3.73 gear for about 80% street use.
5. Can anyone answer this as the dealer "has been trying to find out" for a week now: Is the sport suspension and 32" tire package available on the Sahara?
6. Sport S owners with the sport suspension and 32" tires - likes and dislikes about this set up?
7. Accessories. Better to visit the aftermarket or use the dealer options? ie. black appearance package, step rails, light guards, bumpers, etc...


1. I typically fill up at about 19 gal and get 19 mpg. That gives me 361 Miles on a tank (auto, 3.21). Easy going, once in a while spirited driving, 87 octane (anything more is a waste, the engine does not require anymore than 87).

2. 4 door was the only way with a family of 5.

3. Limited slip. This is a jeep, you want some off road/inclement weather capability, such as snow. The limited slip adds greatly to that ability. I got the 3.21 gears, although i wanted the 3.73. The 0-60 time and acceleration across the band is still real good with the 3.21's. I just completed a 2000 mile trip from SC to Chicago and back. The foothills will cause the trans to cone in and out of OD. If i had the 3.73's, it would not be necessary. However, it was minor and did not bother me.

The engine will last longer with the 3.21's, as it will make less revolutions per distance traveled overall. It also lends itself to a quieter ride.

You do loose some official towing capacity with the 3.21's, although nobody seems to know why. I have a new 5x10 utility trailer, and I just lock the trans out of OD when I tow with it. I don't see why a driver just can't lock out OD and get the towing capacity of the 3.73's. Maybe Chrysler is planning for the average dumb driver?

5 & 6: no idea, I have the Sahara and did not pay that much attention to it.

7. I had the dealer install 6 accessories: Remote start, interior lighting, rubber floor mats, door sill guards, mud flaps and the front light bar. Satisfied with all. You can buy most yourself and install yourself. I recommend using the factory's remote start and letting them install it (you are stuck having them instal it due to programming that needs to be done). They give you 2 new keys with the system, so you end up with 4 keys (2 with remote start, 2 original without), great for 2 for the kids. It is also well designed and works with the factory alarm system.

The interior lighting is nice, albeit an expensive lighting option. The kids like it and i like having the extra lights in the floor to show the kids where they dropped their toys, etc.

I installed the factory 7 pin wiring harness myself. Not difficult at all. Search amazon for it, Steve something motors sells all that stuff for the cheapest.

Floor mats are thick rubber type, worth the money because they fit great.

I don't know about the bumpers, not going to change mine out.

Let me know if you have any other questions.

[Broomecar]

"Jeep Creep" your Jeep looks nearly identical to the one I am waiting for. Thanks for all your information. I think I messed up on the remote start. DUH I thought it came standard on a Sahara. Should have played around on this site before ordering. RATS!

[Jeep Creep]

"Jeep Creep" your Jeep looks nearly identical to the one I am waiting for. Thanks for all your information. I think I messed up on the remote start. DUH I thought it came standard on a Sahara. Should have played around on this site before ordering. RATS!

Have them install it after the fact. It cost me $259. It takes less than a day. In fact, have them install it before you take delivery. The dealer is more than capable, and are more than willing.

Make it part of the deal.

[Broomecar]

Is it worth installing the remote start. I'm sorry this is the first time that I am not purchasing used...I guess I may be selfish here, but I did want a few bells or whistles. LOL But is it worth it?

[bosquemdh]

I have remote start on my current SRT Charger and I am pretty sure I can't live without it now. I know it's not really "Necessary", but it is really great when it's cold outside or hot outside. It's nice to be able to just start your car and know that the temperature in the vehicle is going to be where you like it. Again it's not necessary, but definitely an awesome Bell and Whistle!!

[Jeep Creep]

I have remote start on my current SRT Charger and I am pretty sure I can't live without it now. I know it's not really "Necessary", but it is really great when it's cold outside or hot outside. It's nice to be able to just start your car and know that the temperature in the vehicle is going to be where you like it. Again it's not necessary, but definitely an awesome Bell and Whistle!!

What he said...

[oliver_jeep]

"Jeep Creep" your Jeep looks nearly identical to the one I am waiting for. Thanks for all your information. I think I messed up on the remote start. DUH I thought it came standard on a Sahara. Should have played around on this site before ordering. RATS!

You cannot install remote start on manual transmission because the clutch has to be pressed in while starting. Unless there is some sort of aftermarket work around but I would imagine it would be a mess with the CPU and you better hope it is in neutral with the parking brake on before you remote start it lol...

[Broomecar]

True that...didn't even think of that. DUH. Because I truly never thought of getting it but after hearing so many folks post about it - it sounded neat - but yeah that would be bad seeing as how I always leave it either in first or reverse depending upon the incline I am parked on. (and the brake of course)
But the heated seats......now thats a perk I should have installed.

[oliver_jeep]

I am loving my heated seats. I am glad I waited on that feature it adds some time to the build because they are done at a separate facility but totally worth it!

[Broomecar]

Well I actually found time to figure out how to turn off the annoying beep on the key fob, when you lock the door. So now I just hear the locks go down and the lights flash - seriously I hate that horn going off. All gone now.:)

[parisandrews222]

I would recommend the Rubicon model...I just took possession of a 2 door black, 6 speed manual MW3 Call of Duty 2012...I love it...the new Pentastar engine is great...along with the new interior it's a slam dunk...much better than my 2010 Rubicon...you should get about 300 miles a tank give or take...I have the 32" tires...I like them...the Sahara is solid but nothing is like a Rubicon...

[Broomecar]

Rub it in. :) My wallet ran dry I really thought the Arctic was pretty sweet too. Well my son gets this Jeep in 5 years so I have time to save up, but I agree the Rubi is very nice. Post some pics of your Rubicon.

[oliver_jeep]

Rubicons are very nice vehicles. But unless you plan on really taking them into some harsh offroad its kind of a wash on the money you spend. Lockers, swaybar disconnect and im sure there is more than that but Its things I don't really need. I will take my jeep offroad but only to get back into the woods not actually going to go rock climbing.

[Broomecar]

I'm more of a woodsy person too - kinda have to go with my surroundings. Loved the idea of the swaybar disconnect - not sure why only standard on the Rubi but hey it's all good. I love my Jeep. I'll have to continue to rock climb with my own 2 feet.