2008 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 6 cylinder from North America
Summary:
If you're lucky and get a good one, you'll be happy with it
Faults:
Up until January 2013, I have loved my 4 door 2008 Wrangler. In fact, I've bought 8 Jeeps since 2004 (most for business use). However, a problem has developed with the heater core and water pump. Researching this on the Internet reveals that casting sand has been left in the engine during the manufacturing process. This eventually wrecks the heater core & other parts in the cooling system. There are reports of this particular problem all over the Internet, and yet Jeep refuses to recognize the problem and issue a recall.
Unfortunately, because I live in a small Alaskan town with no dealership, I have little recourse for repairs. We've asked Jeep to provide parts to repair; they insist we visit a dealership. Since this would require a drive of 600+ miles, or a 7-hour ferry ride (each way, and not inexpensive!), we thought them providing parts was a happy medium. Now I'm stuck with a vehicle with no heat in the dead of Alaska winter. Others online have reported taking their Jeeps to dealers, only to end up having to pay for flushing the system, repairs and parts... and still not having the problem fixed.
I no longer have any confidence in Jeep standing behind their product.
General Comments:
I have loved all my Jeeps, except as noted. Living in rugged Alaska means off-roading is a way of life. Add in severe winters, and the Jeep would seem to be a perfect vehicle, which it is... until you have a problem. The interior is fairly nice, noisier than most. It could use more cubby holes for storage, something I really admire in foreign cars such as Toyota. Leg room is merely acceptable.
The rear seat I find a little too shallow in depth on long trips, but fine on the short runs and around town.
The versatility and room are good, as you can fold down the rear seats to expand the cargo area.
Being this is only the second new car I've ever owned, and was ordered to my specs, I was very happy with it until the heater core/casting sand in the motor problem reared its ugly head.
I also have some concern with the fact that the NHTSA is investigating Jeeps catching on fire. You can find this at their website.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 20th February, 2013
9th Mar 2013, 08:30
Only 2012 models are having the clogged heater core problems. No other years with this exact issue. I am in all Jeep forums daily; I keep up. If you have a 2008 year Wrangler, you have a lifetime powertrain warranty as I do on one of my Jeeps.
So with one issue, and that heater core went with no problems for 5 years, that would make you upset? How many miles do you have?