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Buying a Used JK

12K views 46 replies 27 participants last post by  Colorado_native 
#1 ·
Hi everyone

I am in the market for a used 2007 or newer, Automatic Unlimited. I'm going to be financing it and my budget is somewhere under $22,000. My concern is, it seems that for around my budget, everything has high miles. If I do purchase a vehicle that has 80,000 miles or more, is there anything I should be careful with, will I have an engine that will reach 200,000 miles if I take care of it, or will I be purchasing something that's just going to let me into problems and having to replace the engine (which would be something I would really wouldn't be able to do)

Thank You in advance
 
#2 ·
@StormHunter, have you considered a NEW Sport model?

They can be obtained at a price that's not too far (numerically) above your budget.

It might me smarter to go that route and use it as a platform for improvement/modification/customization than to obtain a potential headache.

Just my 2 cents.
 
#12 ·
Thanks! I had thought about that. But wouldnt an Unlimited Auto put me over $30,000?
Keep an eye out on the used ones. I got mine with 18,500 miles for $25k out the door. Granted it's a 2dr but still.

MSRP on a new 4dr starts at $26,500.
A Jeep buddy of mine that has always had TJs, purchased a JKU for his wife NEW in 2007...he lifted it, winch and bumpers, tires and wheels, and wheeled it. He took very good care of it service wise...and he got the oil problems that we keep hearing about. (Leaks and consumption) He got his wife a "newer" GM SUV and has since bought 2 more TJs (he now has three)..he buys his Jeeps to wheel and until the Pentastars get more "affordable" he is "skeptical" about dropping that much money on any more wheeling RIGS....and his wifes SUV is serving the purpose of "family transport"......the "second two TJs" are for his wife and daughter to wheel and drive topless or in bad snow. He DDs an Avalanche, his TJ is a little twitchy, running the 350 on propane with 40"s and Hydro steering for the street.

If I were in your shoes I would only look for a '12 or newer.....if you know a "good" car salesperson, ask them to find ya a '12 or newer JKU with low miles in your price range..it might be stripped or ugly color but you will have one!! GOOD LUCK!!
 
#9 ·
MSRP is in the ~30k range, but street price is typically lower, and the negotiated price is usually lower again.

I suspect you can get a '14 JK for ~$24-25k if you shop it hard enough.

Secure your own financing (via your bank or credit union) then walk into the dealership and make them earn your business.
 
#7 ·
Well the ones im looking at are certainly not cheap. For example yesterday I test drove an 08 Sport unlimited auto the 3 inch lift, 33 wheels with 78k miles on it and they would sell it to me for around $22,000 the monthly they presented to me was just a bit to high, really didn't make sense but if they would drop it a bit I would of probably make the deal right then and there and be driving it by now. But I was also thinking in the back of my head, what if in the next 10,000; 20,000 or even 30,000 miles it craps out on me... thats my real concern. I just want to know if an engine thats been taken care of goes well beyond 100,000 miles.

Thanks
 
#8 ·
Well the ones im looking at are certainly not cheap. For example yesterday I test drove an 08 Sport unlimited auto the 3 inch lift, 33 wheels with 78k miles on it and they would sell it to me for around $22,000 the monthly they presented to me was just a bit to high, really didn't make sense but if they would drop it a bit I would of probably make the deal right then and there and be driving it by now. But I was also thinking in the back of my head, what if in the next 10,000; 20,000 or even 30,000 miles it craps out on me... thats my real concern. I just want to know if an engine thats been taken care of goes well beyond 100,000 miles. Thanks
First - Id highly recommend you NOT buy a lifted Jeep.

Second - Id highly recommend you save a bit more money and get yourself a new 15 with no miles and a warranty. December is a great time to buy. Also, chrysler capital is currently offering no payments for 90 days thru 12/2 (I think).

Third - if you buy used, get a mechanics rider attached to the sale. That will allow you to bring the used Jeep to YOUR mechanic and have him check it out. If he thinks it needs some repairs you can have the dealer either agree to cover the cost, split the cost, or return the vehicle within a set date (usually 5 business days). Or have your mechanic check it out before you buy it. If the dealer balks at this, find a different dealer.

If it's my money I'm not dropping north of $20k on a vehicle with high miles or a lift...just my .02
 
#11 ·
If you want a 2 door you can probably get it none stock for somewere in the kid 20s I think I paid like 29500 for my 2014 jku. Sport s package hard too and power windows. The few extra bucks is worth not having the headache
 
#13 ·
Keep in mind if you are thinking monthly payments that you will see a huge difference in interest rates (lower) on 2 year old and less vehicles than you would on older models. That alone could get you a much newer Jeep with lower miles for a similar price. Call your lending institution and get ball park rates.
 
#16 ·
I looked for weeks to find my used 08 JKU, and only bought it after crawling underneath, checking skid plates, frame etc. I figured mine had never been off-road since it looked as clean as new without the used car lot "armor all paint job". I know it's a crapshoot buying used, but there are good ones available, you just have to look. Also remember, there are good Jeeps and inexpensive Jeeps, but virtually NO good, inexpensive Jeeps. Just my .02
 
#35 ·
I bought my immaculate 2010 JK Sport in 2012 with only 9100 miles on it for $19,900. It was stock, came with a hard top and owned by an older couple who never took it off road. The wife didn't like driving a manual so they traded it in for an automatic. I was in the right place at the right time.:iamhappy:
 
#18 ·
I bought mine in July '13, had 73k miles on it and paid 18k out the door (from a dealership). I think I got a pretty good deal, but time will tell if the extra 8 or 9 grand would have been better spent on a new 2014. I'm very happy with my Jeep, there's NOTHING about it I don't like, so that's where I'm at now. I also found it a LOT easier drilling, cutting, modifying and trail scraping a new one, rather than a brand new unblemished one.
 
#21 ·
Keep looking! after a few months I found my '12 JKU with 28k miles and larger/aftermarket wheels & tires for $23k. Still under factory warranty and 'certifed' by the Jeep dealer I got it from. It's a stick, but the point is there are some decent deals out there if you look..and keep looking..Then look more..
FWIW, i personally would never buy from a private party because you don't know what you're getting.. Your concern is durablity so getting a 'ceritfied' from a dealer and/or still in factory warranty should be high on your list.
 
#33 ·
Although im really am looking for the unlimited because of the extra space I was offered this one here for $25,000... what do you guys think? UsedUsed 2013 Jeep Wrangler For Sale | Aberdeen MD
Looks like a good deal, but is that what you want? 2 door (no space!!) and soft top (too loud!)..
Check the avatar I have both......I can see/ argue both sides of HT/ or ST and JK/ or JKU. It is a "personal preference" thing IMO.

As for if it is a "good deal" IDK for sure, but I think I would be comparing it to a NEW ONE for price difference......that would give you a good idea....it SEEMS a little "high" to me compared to what I paid for my '12 with ST BRAND NEW,but everyone talks about how Jeeps hold their value. GOOD LUCK!!
 
#24 ·
Im ok with the a Soft Top, especially that one that looks to be a Best Top (from what I see its the best one out there, I might be wrong) the 2 door thing is what is holding me back... the idea would be on nice summer days going to the beach or etc with the family and on a 2 door there seems to be no space at all for that
 
#26 ·
Took me 2 years to find the JK I really wanted.
Yes it's painful but well worth it when you do find the "one".

Some may cry blasphemy but Superbowl Sunday might be a great day to get the lowest possible price on a used car.
Most dealers are desperate to sell anything at all that day.
No sales managers working to blow the deal. Start early get home by 1/2 time?

Another option is contact your local Jeep dealers and tell them you are looking to purchase a used 4 door automatic JK for around 20K.
If they don't have anything in their dealer network ask them to find if any are coming in from lease return.
They can look up what's out on lease and when it's due back.

Typically lease returns will have less than 12K miles, be less than 1 year old and probably close to the $20K sales price your looking for.
Depending on model and options of course. Factory warranty is still valid and most are dealer serviced and unmodified.

Good luck!
 
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