Abu Dhabi Off-Road Club Forums

Hi All,

I want some help with deciding whether to go for Jeep 2008-2009 of FJ same model and since i have heard this discussion on almost all trips of club, i thought to get some feedback and help here.

My choice is primarily due to budget constraints and these two options are only some decent cars i can buy. My usage will be routine daily commute and weekend fun with the club.

I am already at intermediate level and would want to move up the ladder with due time. Currently i have 200 landcruiser which honestly is not very agile and there is serious lack of modifications available in the market or they very expensive.

Appreciate all the responses.

Thanks

The 3.8L engine in the 08-09 Wrangler is - from what I have heard - not that great for offroading. That doesn't mean it's useless, but compared to an 08-09 FJ I would expect to have noticeably more torque with the FJ.

I would also expect to be spending more money to maintain a 2009 wrangler vs a 2009 FJ.

I may be biased though, as I own a 2013 FJ.

Hi Redbeard,

Appreciate your response and suggestion, i am little biased to toyota also but the reason is i have never had any opportunity to drive any other brand. everyone at the club keeps mentioning like jeeps are the best for desert and that made me think whether to buy older model or jeeps or not.

Thanks

As a jeep owner, considering that you are asking for 2008 - 09 model, then go for Toyota, as for engines colleagues rightly said, 3.8L is not a bargain, but in later jeep models 3.6L pentastar is a different story.

thank you Abdoo, i guess i will have to wait for a little longer to have money to buy a newer model with 3.6L engine. one more question please, is it any difference to buy american specs or GCC specs? what is the cost/benefits of both specs. Also i believe from 2010 onward 3.6L engine is available, what model/spec is best to buy w.r.t price as my budget is very limited so i would like to buy the best option with lower price possible

The pentastar 3.6L is available from 2011 only.

For GCC vs US specs mainly I think it comes down to options for insurance and the resale value. Also GCC spec can have better rust protection, bigger radiator, better AC - but I have no idea how much of a difference it would be for wrangler specifically.