Thinking about making a change, need advice from like minded people (KJ owners)

[KJ604]

This is a bit off topic I realize but I seek the advice of KJ owners because I feel it makes us all like minded in the way that, even though we all want different things from our vehicles, we all ended up in a KJ. That is why Im posting here, if the powers that be feel this is not a good enough reason to post here please feel free to move it to a more appropriate forum.

I earned myself a company vehicle this year and with that Im thinking of possibly buying something new. With the bulk of my mileage going on a company truck, if I buy something new it will stay a relatively low mileage vehicle for its whole life.

The advice I seek is to help me pick between my two choices. If you were going to pick between these two vehicles, which one would win in your opinion?

My two choices for a new vehicle would be either a 2018 JL Unlimited Rubicon or a 2018 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2. The Rubicon would be manual trans, the ZR2 would be auto because no choice. I see the ups and downs to both and I just wanted to hear some other peoples opinions. What do you all think?

 

[Rich75043]

I bought my first truck about 10 years ago...I've had one ever since. It gives me a kind of freedom I didn't have with a car...like going to swap meets or shopping and not having to worry about how am I going to get stuff home. But that's just me lol obviously ymmv.

 

[Aceofspades]

Mmm a zr2 in Canjun red tint coat or a Rubicon.....

 

[u2slow]

Manual trans. Only. :gr_grin:

 

[LibertyTC]

2018 JL Unlimited Rubicon or a 2018 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2..
Best advise= test drive both of them (not 15 minutes either) and form a decision based on comfort firstly, convenience/options/fuel mileage.
Dealerships here may allow you take em home for a day and then u really get a chance to see which one may suit you better.

 

[kejobe]

As said, spend time behind the wheel of both to see which one feels better to you. Weigh your priorities. Do you need a truck? Will hooking a trailer up be fine with you if you need to haul bigger loads? Do you have a trailer?

Now, as far as the Rubicon, are you going to take it offroad? Do you need the lockers? Disconnecting sway bar? Lower transfer case gearing? If not, save the cash and get a "lower" model. There is no point to spending money on the offroad bits that'll never get used. You could take that savings and put it towards bumpers, sliders, wheels/tires, lift, whatever to achieve the look you like.

Ultimately it's your $$$ and you can spend it how you like. Both have their +/- but it comes down to what you and your needs prefer.

 

[Dave]

As said, spend time behind the wheel of both to see which one feels better to you. Weigh your priorities. Do you need a truck? Will hooking a trailer up be fine with you if you need to haul bigger loads? Do you have a trailer?

Now, as far as the Rubicon, are you going to take it offroad? Do you need the lockers? Disconnecting sway bar? Lower transfer case gearing? If not, save the cash and get a "lower" model. There is no point to spending money on the offroad bits that'll never get used. You could take that savings and put it towards bumpers, sliders, wheels/tires, lift, whatever to achieve the look you like.

Ultimately it's your $$$ and you can spend it how you like. Both have their +/- but it comes down to what you and your needs prefer.

^this......... I especially like the thoughts in the highlighted area.

But in the end, you need to get what is best for you. Also, you need a good test drive as mentioned by LibertyTC.

Dave

 

[angelis_digital]

A Rubicon...or...a Colorado. hmmmmm

Pretty nice either way you go but the Rubi would be mine after the deliberation. No IFS, solid axle, lockers...perfect for trail riding and travel. Get the Rubi.

 

[tommudd]

Two completely different vehicles , both 4x4 but from there out not even in the same class. Both have their pros and cons.
Like has been mentioned drive both, talk to other owners , and then decide what is best for you, no one on here or anywhere else can tell you which way to go.
For me , it would be neither one.

 

[HoosierJeeper]

2 door JK.

I do like the new Colorados and would probably take that over a 4 door JK.

 

[sota]

check the diff ratios on the various wrangler models. I remember driving a 2012(?) wrangler with a stick and being annoyed because the final drive was 3.21 or something ********, making 1st gear engagements an excessively clutch slipping event. I can see those just chewing through clutches on a regular basis if you're in any kind of stop-and-go traffic on a daily basis.

 

[KJ604]

Manual trans. Only. :gr_grin:

This would be the hardest part of buying the ZR2. Ive driven manual my entire life. The work truck ive been given is an auto and i adjusted to it ok thats the only reason im considering the ZR2. They are a very cool little truck besides the fact that they are auto only, and maybe i wouldn't miss it as much as i think i will. Or maybe i will...

2018 JL Unlimited Rubicon or a 2018 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2..
Best advise= test drive both of them (not 15 minutes either) and form a decision based on comfort firstly, convenience/options/fuel mileage.
Dealerships here may allow you take em home for a day and then u really get a chance to see which one may suit you better.

Good advice, thank you. I definitely plan on taking both vehicles on a long test drive.

Two completely different vehicles , both 4x4 but from there out not even in the same class. Both have their pros and cons.
Like has been mentioned drive both, talk to other owners , and then decide what is best for you, no one on here or anywhere else can tell you which way to go.
For me , it would be neither one.

Dont worry Tomm im not going to run out and buy either one just because someone on here told me to. Ive just been hearing my own thoughts bounce around in my head so much i wanted to hear some outside opinions. IF you were choosing between these two vehicles, which one would it be and why? just theoretical.

I think the ZR2 is a little closer to the Rubi than some folks realize. From the factory a ZR2 comes 3.5" wider and 2" taller than a stock colorado. Comes with a beefed up rear end and beefed up A-arms in the front. Comes with rock sliders. Comes with front AND rear lockers. Also comes with very trick Multimatic spool valve dampers. That is the part that interests me because it allows the on-road manners of the truck to be much better than a traditional off roader.

No matter which vehicle I choose, I will be using it. I will be taking it on adventures and seeing what it can do. The rubicon is off road king and will remain more capable than the ZR2 however i think the ZR2 can do 95% of what the Rubi can off road and the ZR2 will be much more fun to drive on the road. even though i enjoy off roading, as my main vehicle I still need to spend alot of time on the road.

 

[adamkrz]

Check youtube for comparisons - That ZR2 is alot more capable than I thought.

 

[KJ604]

Check youtube for comparisons - That ZR2 is alot more capable than I thought.

exactly.

 

[angelis_digital]

yup. You haven't mentioned that the Jeep is a convertible and the pick up is well, a pickup. There are days like today that is Jeep weather. We have a lot of Jeep Weather around here in Texas. Another thing you didn't mention is the diesel engine the Colorado gets.

 

[tjkj2002]

1st are you ever going to modify it? If your going to wheel it then most likely you will want to mod it.

The ZR2 will have very limited aftermarket support compared to the Wrangler.

And if you happen to modify it always buy the base model,cheaper and your removing all the parts you just spent more $$$ on to begin with.

 

[KJ604]

1st are you ever going to modify it? If your going to wheel it then most likely you will want to mod it.

The ZR2 will have very limited aftermarket support compared to the Wrangler.

And if you happen to modify it always buy the base model,cheaper and your removing all the parts you just spent more $$$ on to begin with.

I will want to mod it but given the sticker price the vehicle would stay stock for a while.

 

[tommudd]

Id wait to see what all happens when the Ford Ranger comes out
should be some very interesting packages to beat everyone else in the off road game

As far as what I would choose if I had to, would never be a Wrangler , too many cookie cutters out there already, I like to have something different :gr_grin:

 

[tommudd]

yup. You haven't mentioned that the Jeep is a convertible and the pick up is well, a pickup. There are days like today that is Jeep weather. We have a lot of Jeep Weather around here in Texas. Another thing you didn't mention is the diesel engine the Colorado gets.

When I was in my 20s having the old Jeeps with no tops, the CJs with removeable tops, the Early Broncos with soft tops was fun.
As I got older the thrill wore off driving home in the rain......:happy175:

 

[ltd02]

Id wait to see what all happens when the Ford Ranger comes out
should be some very interesting packages to beat everyone else in the off road game

I'm waiting for the Ranger. I've had one for the past 20+ years.

Not a GM guy and really never cared for the newer Wanglers. Only middle aged men and women seem to drive them to the mall around me... :gr_grin: