Looking ahead to 2012
 

As some of you know i am looking to buy a Wrangler Sahara unlimited. What i am on the fence about is waiting for the 2012 model with the highly anticipated new engine (which i only heard about yesterday in this forum). While I muddle that over, are there any other changes anticipated for the 2012 Wrangler lineup? The interior has been done this year so i suspect any additional changes would be exterior. I read a bit about a front end windshield redesign.
P.S.

Re: Looking ahead to 2012
 

The Pentastar engines are not going to be new production started on them in 2010. They are just going to be new to the Jeep. I personally would wait but that's just me. The highr HP and torque would be nice but really the original one isn't all that bad.

Re: Looking ahead to 2012
 

My 2 cents I don't think there will be a sheet metal change...that is just based on all the info I've followed on various web sites on this topic. Lots of hear say....perhaspe that's what makes it kind of fun to follow. However, the sites I read all predicted a interior change well before it was ever made public from Jeep...well, they were right on the money.

If you wait a bit you have the choice of the 2012, or if dealer inventory are high deals galore on the 2011 model year. Darn fence sitting :)

Re: Looking ahead to 2012
 

My opinion is .It would be cool that you would be the first 2012 owner on here.Post pics we love pics on here LOL

Re: Looking ahead to 2012
 

Hmmm...i have read that there will be some aerodynamic modifications esp on the front end. I hope they dont mess with it too much. I susoect Any major change to the windshield would likely eliminate the ability to fold it down. That would suck even if it is a feature not used too much.

Re: Looking ahead to 2012
 

If you want to see/feel what the Pentastar 3.6l take a Grand Cheroke for a ride. They already have it. You won't be impressed. If the motor is all you're worried about, don't wait. I think folks will soon find out that the 3.8 is a better motor.

Re: Looking ahead to 2012
 

dont think its the same try pushing a box thrue a wind tunnel.

Re: Looking ahead to 2012
 

The new Grand GVW starts at 6500lbs. The New Wrangler GVW starts at 4075lbs. That's a huge difference which is going to drastically skew the performance feeling of the vehicle.

Re: Looking ahead to 2012
 

I test drove the Grand Cheroke before. I think the Pentastar is great in terms of a more lively engine. I have been trying to decide whether to wait for the 2012. However, I took the plunge yesterday and ordered a 2011 Sahara Unlimited. I don't think you are going to see the same kind of incentive that is given to the Wrangler at this moment when the 2012 comes out.

By the way, the current incentive is $1000+$2250+$1500(employee rebate if you can pull that off).

Re: Looking ahead to 2012
 

Couldn't find the weight specs on the GC but 6510 lb seems to be an aweful lot of weight for a SUV thats suppose to get 32mpg highway with a V6. My old Dodge 1ton didn't weigh that much.
None the less there are other vehicles in their lineup that already sport the 3.6 Pentastar as well.

Re: Looking ahead to 2012
 

GVW is vehicle weight + load which is stated to be approx 6500lbs for the GC however 4075 is not the GVW for the Wrangler unlimited its the curb weight.

Curb weight is actual vehicle weight

2011 2wd GC w/ 3.6 = 4470 lbs
2011 4wd GC w/ 3.6 = 4660 lbs

http://www.allpar.com/trucks/jeep/specs-2011-grand.html

2011 JKU Sahara 4wd = 4180 lbs
2011 JKU Rubicon 4wd = 4315 lbs

http://www.automobile.com/2011-jeep-...er-review.html

Pretty close match for a test drive I'd say.

Re: Looking ahead to 2012
 

I always laugh when I see the stickers claiming to give one 30 mpg or 40 mpg. Thats not realistic 30 might mean 25 max, follow behind an 18 wheeler on the hwy, down a hill, with the shifter in mexican overdrive..
Still the best motor was the in line 6..
.

Re: Looking ahead to 2012
 

LOL...I've racked my brain but can't figure out what "mexican overdrive" is !! ??

Re: Looking ahead to 2012
 

Mexican Overdrive = transmission in Nuetral.

Re: Looking ahead to 2012
 

:alcoholic: Same Transmission? :lol_hitting: Even after the Pentastar gets swapped in, I would wait 2 years. Get a 2010-2011, enjoy it, use and abuse it. It's a Jeep thing.

Sorry to all the WRANGLER NON-Owners that think that a Cherokee/Patriot/Nitro is a JEEP, :lol_hitting::lol_hitting::lol_hitting: THEY AIN'T:banana::banana::banana::banana::SELLIT:

Re: Looking ahead to 2012
 

When does jeep typically release pictures and specs for the next production year?

Re: Looking ahead to 2012
 

You got a good deal.
I am sitting on the fence still....we can possibly get a really good deal as well on the 2011, but I just don't know whether to wait or not for the 2012.
I am really concerned about the gas mileage and the horses. Also, how much more will the 2012 list at?
Do you think there will still be incentives to buy later?
Also, I am afraid that if we buy the 2011 and the new 2012 rocks! what will happen to the value of the 2011's? I know jeeps do hold their value for the most part, but with a new engine?? more hp too?
Also, did your dealer confirm the 2012's will come with the new engine? and when?
The dealers I have talked too, play it dumb, or tell me that it won't happen, not likely till 2013.

Re: Looking ahead to 2012
 

I agree. That was a tough decision. However; look at the following:

1) My bet is that the Pentastar is going to be on the JKU definitely ( as this is what the CEO of Chrysler has announced). Now he explicitly said Unlimited, but no mentioning of the 2 door version. So there is a possibility that if there are 3.8 leftover, they will still produce the 2 door with the 3.8 until it runs out.
2) Judging from what they have done with the Grand Cherokee, they are going to raise the MSRP of the 2012 wrangler. Also, incentive would be much reduced. After one year, the Grand Cherokee still only have 1.99% for 36 months and thats it. You know, 1.99% for 36 months amounts to over a grand per month for payment. (Making downpayment does not make sense as you would not be taking advantage of the low interest fully).
3) The incentive for wrangler is unheard of since Chrysler start producing the YJ ( which I own a MY89 before). We have better incentive that the U.S ( for a change :-> )
4) What I have heard so far is that the Pentastar is going to produce 260 hp. With the extra hp and torque, of course it rocks. I test drove the Wrangler right after I test drove the Grand Cherokee. In fact, I test drove the Wranger 2 more times after that. So, I know what I am going to miss with the Pentastar. However, money rules and my decision is based on a $7000 discount plus prime rate financing for 84 months. You know, even if we calculate the interest rate to be 5.99% instead of 3%, you would be paying $4000 more in interest on a 84 months term.
5) One extra factor you should think of is that there is a consumer choice financing from Chrysler. What it means is that they amortize the wrangler for a 90 months. Based on the black book value, after 36/48/60 months,they calculate your monthly payment. In my case, I would be paying the same amount for a 48 months walk away at 4.49% or 84 months at 3% (which is approx $402 per month).

So there was my logic. By the way, you cannot place order for a 2011 wrangler anymore. You pretty much have to take from stock. The production for 2012 starts at July.

Re: Looking ahead to 2012
 

1 dealer i spoke to said the new engine is definitely in. A second dealer mentioned that some of the late 2011 production wranglers may have the new engine. I tend to not believe the latter. Mentally i have made the decision to wait and see the new wrangler. At that point the 2011's should still have a good incentive should a choose thatbpath. The great thing about wranglers i am finding is that you can add any option you want pretty eaily after the fact. Except maybe leather seats.

2 questions on options...

1) is there any difference between the black roof and the same colour roof? I like the look of the matching roof. But if it is a lot heavier or allows more noise in then it may not be worth it.

2) i am thinking of leather seats. Would they not be more conveniant then the upholstered ones? If they got wet or muddy it would be far easier to wash. Thoughts?

P. Slayer

Re: Looking ahead to 2012
 

Hi Dennislai
Thanks for your response
You mentioned that your drove the Cherokee then the Jeep twice...thoughts on the power (HP)?
Do you think it's going to make a big change in pick up and go, with a 5 speed Auto vs. 4 now, would the gas mileage be way better? Or not so big of a deal?
Your right about the pricing right now...
we can possibly get in to a JKU loaded 4 door, leather, nav, dual top etc...possibly going to forego the soft top, I think it's a bit of a pain, it's sits in a bad position, cuts down on space, for ball bag, golf clubs etc.. (demo has 2,000km) for around $31K plus Txs. We know this is a good deal. I'm just not sure about the HP and gas later, will I be sorry?
Thanks
Cyndi

Re: Looking ahead to 2012
 

The Cherokee is a heavy car so I don't feel that the pick up is that strong. However; it is reasonable and the delivery is very smooth. The power delivery of the Wrangler on an automatic does not come until you hit 3000 rpm. I drove a minivan before with the same engine and it did not act that way. So I think the transmission has a lot to do with it. More up-to-date transmission with the Pentastar is going to make a big difference no doubt. Thats why it is a tough decision.

However; I order the manual so the electronics does not play a major part in shifting. Still the Pentastar would be nice. Power-wise, I am not concerned. Gas mileage can be made equivalent by spending a couple of hundred dollars and buy a programmer. I've heard from forum members that they increase your mileage by 2-3 mpg.

The choice is yours. Have it now and enjoy the summer or wait for the new one.

Re: Looking ahead to 2012
 

Leather probably better, easier to clean.

Re: Looking ahead to 2012
 

Going to go test drive it again....? DECISIONS...LOL...

Re: Looking ahead to 2012
 

Hey, let us know what you decide to do after that.

Re: Looking ahead to 2012
 

Test drove the Jeep Cherokee and the Wrangler 4dr. today, what a difference!
You can certainly feel the power in the JC, the wrangler has more lag when accelerating that is for sure. Don't know what to do? I even think the increase in horses on the 2012 on the wrangler might?? be too much, but doubt it. Take off is going to be quicker for sure.
Personally, I would like to wait, as we are not in a rush. But it also depends on a whether dealer gives us a good deal or not.
Still the wrangler 2011 runs quite nice, it's definitely truck like for sure, but not bad at all.
Would be nice to have both the JC for the luxury and power and the Wrangler for the fun and sport of it. But who can afford both?? Oh well, back to trying to decide, wait or buy now?

Re: Looking ahead to 2012
 

I am basically in the same boat .I want to trade my 07 Sahara +Wrangler with 80K on it, the waranty expire in Nov this year. So should I wait for the 12 with the 3.6 and the 5 speed auto or buy one of the lot now with good incentive? I sure would like to put my hand on the new Mojave edition but I d'ont know if we will get it in Canada! What worries me is the exterior changes for the 2012, a more angle windshield and facia! This might ruine the Jeep Look. I also heard that the 2012 will be available at the end of July so, 2 months of waiting I old my breath! One last thing, the color issue, I heard there is a restriction on paint color because of the Japan disaster, some ingredients of the color come from there.
:confused:

Re: Looking ahead to 2012
 

If you are looking for a Mojave edition, one of the better place to find them is the Dodge dealership on Yonge and Steeles. Auto plaza on the north west side. A couple of weeks ago, they still have 4 black-ops and 2 70th Edition. However; I don't think you will see any Mojave until late June.

I ordered mine eary April and the jeep is in the dealer's lot last Friday. Took a test run on it Saturday so I can tell them what to PDI. Hopefully, I will pick it put later on this week.