Purchasing concerns and issues

[V8ForMe]

I am considering a 392 purchase but I have some issues about them. I don't want to buy into problems. I tend to overthink things. Examples, the transfer case issues and what it will take to deal with them, the very expensive windshield and its replacement, and everything else from gas to insurance. I have a very nice JT now and paring with it so I can have the ultimate Wrangler is not feeling good. Please help me decide.

 

[Robr651]

I am considering a 392 purchase but I have some issues about them. I don't want to buy into problems. I tend to overthink things. Examples, the transfer case issues and what it will take to deal with them, the very expensive windshield and its replacement, and everything else from gas to insurance. I have a very nice JT now and paring with it so I can have the ultimate Wrangler is not feeling good. Please help me decide.

Scroll through the problems and issues section on the forum. I had a small oil leak which I resolved myself. Almost 10,000 miles with some moderate off road use and no other issues personally.

 

[Uncommon Sense]

27,000 miles in 2 years. All I've had done is oil changes and tire rotations.

The only "issue" I've had is the OEM batteries seem to die quickly. My 392 will be 2 years old next month. The OEM battery seemed to not recover from a harsh cold snap back in Jan and was triggering a low voltage warning. I replaced the battery and problem solved.

Gas and insurance are no worse than on my Grand Cherokee.

 

[BarneyM]

I am considering a 392 purchase but I have some issues about them. I don't want to buy into problems. I tend to overthink things. Examples, the transfer case issues and what it will take to deal with them, the very expensive windshield and its replacement, and everything else from gas to insurance. I have a very nice JT now and paring with it so I can have the ultimate Wrangler is not feeling good. Please help me decide.

Had my 2022 392 coming up on two years. No problems whatsoever. It hasn't been back to a dealer since I picked it up! Are you planning to buy new or used? Have you had a chance to drive one?

 

[V8ForMe]

I am guessing that the 392s are just fine other than some design issues (windshield ) but dealers are not going to say much about them.

 

[DCWarGames]

This reminds me so much of people's fear over Porsche's IMS Bearing failure. So much unwarranted fear.

1. Transfer Case issue is blown up likely almost completely due to Trail Recon
   • Solution: Know your trucks weakness and strengths. I changed my Diff & T-Case oil at 8k miles knowing that 'factory fill' was a potential issue. It was not in my case they were all topped off but I still did it. I also run a Tazer JL to disconnect the front drive from the T-Case. I also refuse to do burnouts (except for occasions or making the gf giggle) unless it's in the rain or on sand. I hope you're picking this all up. Essentially every vehicle is going to have weak points, know them and account for them to mitigate as much risk as possible.
2. Windshield... I thought this was going to be an issue too (first jeep) and I got $0 deductable on comprehensive for just this occasion. Over 7 months into ownership and not a single ding on my window.
   • Solution: Don't ride people's ass and pay attention to what vehicle you are behind. I refuse to sit behind (at highway speeds) large trucks like 18-wheelers, diesels, lifted trucks, and definitely other jeeps.
3. Gas - I average 18-22mpg on the highway and 14-16.2 ish in the city. I ask other jeepers and if they are on 35+ inch tires with the pentastar they are getting the same if not lower mpg than me. I only run Shell Premium and have a Fuel Rewards card so I'm always getting at least cash price when using the CC.
   • Solution: there is a massive delta between MPG over 2,000RPM and MPG under 2,000 RPM. For long highway cruises where time is not critical, I keep the RPM just at or under 2k around 62-67mph. I've seen in some perfect conditions (flat, no wind) up to 28mph consistently. That's obviously feathering the throttle with MDS enabled.
4. Insurance - In SoCal with a pretty clean record (i think I've got 1 moving violation still on there from years ago and an accident thats about to clear after its 7th year) I pay $1,179.81 for 6-months which is less than $200/month on insurance and I've got every box checked, including 1MM/1MM on the medical side, 15% increased payout, GAP insurance, Towing 100miles etc.

I purchased the truck brand new with all options checked, with 0 dollars down, added a 7 year warranty, and was looking at 111,000 out the door (including all taxes). I pay about $1,800 month for the truck, $200 for insurance, $350 for gas. All in about $2,350 a month. A couple years ago, I was barely able to keep up with my rent at that price. Now, it's a different story. You gotta pay to play brother. You can stretch it to make it work but if you aren't in a comfortable place in life then fix that first. It's not the truck, it's you.

 

[ParadigmDawg]

I have around 12k miles. It is lifted and has 37s. I haven't had any issues at all and I offroad it pretty hard.

MPG is 9 and insurance just went up by 30% this year but it didn't have anything to do with the 392.

 

[Daveskers1]

I am considering a 392 purchase but I have some issues about them. I don't want to buy into problems. I tend to overthink things. Examples, the transfer case issues and what it will take to deal with them, the very expensive windshield and its replacement, and everything else from gas to insurance. I have a very nice JT now and paring with it so I can have the ultimate Wrangler is not feeling good. Please help me decide.

A month and a half into being a 392 owner and no buyers remorse here. I’ve owned two H2’s and some pretty terrific cars over the years, but this 392 is fun to drive and it’s an absolute head turner. If you’re pinching pennies, the 392 is probably not for you. If you can afford this beast of a Jeep, you won’t be disappointed. WARNING: If you have to get up early in the morning for your job, your neighbors will always awaken to the sound of your 392 coming to life each and every morning. That starting engine noise gets me every freaking time! Good luck on your decision.

 

[Bald Guy]

Buy a Toyota or Lexus or Honda if you are worried about reliability. I haven't had any major issues on any of my 392 rubicons. They just squeak and rattle but I guess that's the nature of them.

 

[Dral97]

You come off as a sensible person. A 392 might not be for you.

These vehicles deliver in the fun category but fall short in the sensible category. I've found that at least in terms of the automotive world, those categories are fairly mutually exclusive most of the time.

Is a Toyota Rav4 a sensible vehicle? Sure. Is it a non-fun boring dime a dozen road orb? Sure.

 

[DCWarGames]

You come off as a sensible person. A 392 might not be for you.

These vehicles deliver in the fun category but fall short in the sensible category. I've found that at least in terms of the automotive world, those categories are fairly mutually exclusive most of the time.

Is a Toyota Rav4 a sensible vehicle? Sure. Is it a non-fun boring dime a dozen road orb? Sure.

Don't know, he might be a perfect fit. He's already got a JT, but wants to add another truck in today's market. That's not a sensible decision unless the JT is going to his wife/daughter/son/etc. 2 cars with 90% the same intention and purpose just with different personalities is an unsensible and illogical purchase which is exactly what the 392 is regardless.

You'll fit right in OP! Let her rip, pay to play, and expect things to go wrong at some point but be prepared. And if things never do go wrong, all the better. Many here have multiple years of ownership with no mechanical issues (ie battery is a common complaint, likely solved by turning off the Proximity Sensor/Alarm/Doorhandle using a Tazer).

 

[JDP392]

I am considering a 392 purchase but I have some issues about them. I don't want to buy into problems. I tend to overthink things. Examples, the transfer case issues and what it will take to deal with them, the very expensive windshield and its replacement, and everything else from gas to insurance. I have a very nice JT now and paring with it so I can have the ultimate Wrangler is not feeling good. Please help me decide.

Are you looking to buy a new or used 392?

 

[392 Jeep]

My daily driver since bought new has been a 2010 Toyota Prius. Lifetime mpg for the 153k miles hovering around 51 (city and highway in Chicago climate). 3 cracked windshields (none in my Jeep). Money saved on gas has gone to pay for broken axle, dented wheel, and other issues solely from hitting potholes. So ownership cost comes out even. Lol

 

[Mouse]

Go on any forum for any vehicle brand or model and you will find threads full of issues. Life is too short to worry about what could happen. The only time you should really worry about flaws are if you buy an airplane or a submarine.

 

[Turboencabulator]

The only time you should really worry about flaws are if you buy an airplane or a submarine.

so true.... I remember my first instructor telling me years ago "If it floats, flies, or fools around, rent it don't buy it."

I am a practical guy, I drove the same little econo-sh*tbox Honda Civic for 20 years before buying my first Jeep (with a V8). Just like the OP I did a bunch of research before making this rather expensive purchase. Being practical I looked at it more like an acquisition and procurement process. What I needed/wanted was:

- a 4-door convertible that functions as a family car, can carry 4 kids and still stop at Costco.
- all weather and all terrain capable vehicle (snow, rain, salty roads, potholes, Detroit)

Well that narrowed the list to either the Jeep or the Bronco. Turns out nobody makes a 4-door convertible anymore! And no, panoramic roofs don't count as a real convertible.

Then to help decide between the Bronco and the Jeep I looked at engine options. The Bronco engines were the 2.3L or 2.7 EcoBoost (EcoBoring), while the Jeep just had way more options to choose from, you could get
- the spicy Turbo 2.0L eTorque from a Fiat (a quick, fun, cheep engine made by Fix It Again Tony)
- the ubiquitous Chrysler V6 Pentastar (built by Lee Iacocca in his basement)
- and Italian designed 3.0L EcoDiesel (a very well engineered EPA nightmare)
- or the big V8 392 which basically turns this jeep into a MOPAR Muscle car.

That wide selection on engines helped me finally understand that JEEPS are LEGOS! They are infinitely customizable, you can make it exactly what you want. And if something eventually wears out... well, great! Now you can upgrade it and make it even better, upgrade the suspension, stronger axels, better CV's, bigger tires, a more powerful engine, delete the MDS, etc... I started with a head start from the factory with the V8, half doors, SOT, but I am slowly getting to the rest of the stuff as things need replacing over time. I bought the MaxCare warranty to help ensure the key stuff works for 8 years down the road but based on my track record I’ll most likely keep this Jeep long, long after that.

If you buy a little econo-sh*tbox i've found that it's just not worth upgrading anything, drive it, throw it away, buy another. Some folks want that, Mrs. Turboencabulator is one of them.

Since then I have learned the second key to Jeeps is.... the people. Turns out I'm Jeep people, whodathunkit . I do the Jeep wave. I carry around ducks in the glove box to give away. I like tinkering on my Jeep and going on here and meeting new folks, getting new ideas. I look forward to taking the SOT top off and put on the half doors and soft top in the spring. It marks the seasons, like taking down the storm windows on the house and putting up screens. I even decorate my Jeep for Christmas. I did none that with my Honda, it was just a box that I took to/from work, that's it. A Jeep will take you anywhere.

 

[V8ForMe]

Thanks so much to all the great people here. I am a lifetime 4x4 guy. 1st new car was a '70 Bronco I bought new for 3600 in '70. Everything I have owned has been 4x4. Now at 72 and retired I can do what I want with nothing and no one stopping me. I sold a '14 Wrangler all modded to get my 22 Gladiator that I have really modded out. It really does everything I want to do well. I love the sound of the 392 but is it worth the $100K and then what would I do the the JT? There will be a new Wrangler in my future but perhaps a newer version will be worth waiting for. If I had done it a year ago I would have no regrets but today there are some things I want to do, like next year the Moab EJS. I'll keep my money in the bank for now as the economy could put many 392s on the market at a great price. I am sure that many are in my shoes and the info here will be used by many. In the end the 392 is far from perfect to me so I am just f\going to keep my JTR slug for now and keep playing with it.

 

[Robr651]

Thanks so much to all the great people here. I am a lifetime 4x4 guy. 1st new car was a '70 Bronco I bought new for 3600 in '70. Everything I have owned has been 4x4. Now at 72 and retired I can do what I want with nothing and no one stopping me. I sold a '14 Wrangler all modded to get my 22 Gladiator that I have really modded out. It really does everything I want to do well. I love the sound of the 392 but is it worth the $100K and then what would I do the the JT? There will be a new Wrangler in my future but perhaps a newer version will be worth waiting for. If I had done it a year ago I would have no regrets but today there are some things I want to do, like next year the Moab EJS. I'll keep my money in the bank for now as the economy could put many 392s on the market at a great price. I am sure that many are in my shoes and the info here will be used by many. In the end the 392 is far from perfect to me so I am just f\going to keep my JTR slug for now and keep playing with it.

Or use some of the money you have banked for a Hemi swap on the Gladiator.

 

[Fast-n-Furious]

Thanks so much to all the great people here. I am a lifetime 4x4 guy. 1st new car was a '70 Bronco I bought new for 3600 in '70. Everything I have owned has been 4x4. Now at 72 and retired I can do what I want with nothing and no one stopping me. I sold a '14 Wrangler all modded to get my 22 Gladiator that I have really modded out. It really does everything I want to do well. I love the sound of the 392 but is it worth the $100K and then what would I do the the JT? There will be a new Wrangler in my future but perhaps a newer version will be worth waiting for. If I had done it a year ago I would have no regrets but today there are some things I want to do, like next year the Moab EJS. I'll keep my money in the bank for now as the economy could put many 392s on the market at a great price. I am sure that many are in my shoes and the info here will be used by many. In the end the 392 is far from perfect to me so I am just f\going to keep my JTR slug for now and keep playing with it.

A wise man made a wise decision. Back to 2 years ago when I bought my 22 XR, it was 78K before any fees and tax (2K below MSRP from a small local dealership), I would not consider the 392 today for 100K.

 

[V8ForMe]

I have called Epic and AMW about a Hemi swap. About $40K. BUT, there is no way to register it in California and I don't want to play the out of state reg game.

 

[1CJ1ZJ2JK2JL]

Thanks so much to all the great people here. I am a lifetime 4x4 guy. 1st new car was a '70 Bronco I bought new for 3600 in '70. Everything I have owned has been 4x4. Now at 72 and retired I can do what I want with nothing and no one stopping me. I sold a '14 Wrangler all modded to get my 22 Gladiator that I have really modded out. It really does everything I want to do well. I love the sound of the 392 but is it worth the $100K and then what would I do the the JT? There will be a new Wrangler in my future but perhaps a newer version will be worth waiting for. If I had done it a year ago I would have no regrets but today there are some things I want to do, like next year the Moab EJS. I'll keep my money in the bank for now as the economy could put many 392s on the market at a great price. I am sure that many are in my shoes and the info here will be used by many. In the end the 392 is far from perfect to me so I am just f\going to keep my JTR slug for now and keep playing with it.

That's not a bad plan. Best time to buy a vehicle is when you aren't looking.

I've had a lot of Jeeps too and these 392's are damn fine. Factory 4.56's and all the power I would want, she barely notices that she's sitting on 38's now.

I picked my 392 up with a few thousand miles on it and let someone else pay the "new" tax. Then got with Granger and set up the warranty out to 100,000 miles so I didn't have to worry about anything going wrong.