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First jeep purchase. Advice needed

2K views 33 replies 17 participants last post by  Pay2play 
#1 ·
Local dealer has a 2007 jkux, automatic, black with 36k miles on it. Minor surface rust on parts of the frame and skid plate , but the body is clean, rust and dent free, completely stock.
I've wanted a jeep for a long time, and this is so clean at first look it is appealing to at least consider it. Price is $21k. I've always told myself to go for the 2012 and newer jku's but those prices are out of my budget yet. I've heard the 3.8 is underpowered and consumes oil. My jeep, whether it be this or another jeep will be used as a fair weather family fun car. A second vehicle. Basically a mall crawler in time that can play around at Silver Lake sand dunes.
Things I'd want to do to the jeep in time would be to add a set of rubicon or willy 's takeoff wheel and tires and a leveling kit of some sort got a better stance. Maybe a tuner if it helps the performance.
I'm asking for your 2 cents based on your experience with 07 to '11 jku's with the 3.8 v6. What do you think of the drivetrain and the base X package? Should I be looking at another trim level? I'm hoping for long term resale value as these things seem to be worth their weight in gold.
Thanks for sharing your knowledge!
Marc



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#6 ·
A brand new unlimited sport with auto, air and 3.73 gears stickers for $30,750, probably buy it for $27k. Put some wheels and tires on it and maybe a small budget boost lift and you have a fully warranted new Jeep that looks great. Much better than $20k for someone's 6 year old potentially oil burning problem Jeep.
 
#9 ·
Fair point. Definitely worth looking into that option. Reality of the 3.8 is an oil burning turd of an engine? That is really the biggest point of my post. The age really doesn't bother me. It'll be a second, fun car. Thank you!


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#13 ·
It only took 5 posts before someone said "buy new." This forum never ceases to believe me. Telling a guy to spend $10,000 more on a vehicle that he has already stated will be a weekend warrior, to get a warranty is just not solid advice........

Back on topic, the issue has already been stated above, 3.8+Auto tranny is a really bad combo. If you can drive a manual, you should go that route. If you can't drive a manual, you should learn, just to avoid that terrible auto transmission.

If you search for a while, you should be able to find a 2010, maybe a 2011 for 20-22k. That should be your target.

Final disclaimer. I would never, ever, ever buy an automatic wrangler. My hate for automatic wranglers is well document over the last year on the forum. That being said, others will agree that the 3.8+Auto was a really bad idea. If you have to have an auto, you should search for a 12+. That may mean you have to delay for awhile for budget reasons, or maybe your play budget has some latitude. I bought my JK with a plan to pay it off in a year as it just sits at my house for about 27 out of 30 days in a month. That set my budget and I bought used because of it. Don't exceed your budget. Most important rule to remember in my book!
 
#16 ·
Great advice on the auto vs manual. I'm getting rid of a cobra mustang convertible for the jeep. Driving the manual isn't an issue. I'll pass on this jku. I know I'll be happier with more options and deep down realize the Dana 44 axles with 4:10s will be a good idea in the long run. So, I'll probably wait it out and find the right rig when it pops up.
Hope my newbie questions weren't too irritating. Kinda needed to hear this feedback so I didn't make a bad decision on that clean jkux just because it was local and within financial reach.
Anyone want a mustang?



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#18 ·
I understand. I'll build savings and expand the budget. Best advice I got when I bought my first classic car was to buy as nice of a car as you can afford. It will save you money in the long run. For that old corvette, he meant paint, mechanicals, options. To me, for a jeep, it means the same with more emphasis on options. May as well have factory axles and gears that will suit my needs.
Thanks everyone for the feedback, I've got my head back on straight!


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#22 ·
I think buying used is a good thing if you are wanting to get into one for less dollars, but I would be looking for a vehicle that was owned by and little old lady or man who just drove it the church on Sunday and went to Walmart once a week to buy their goods. Also they parked in handicap parking so the spaces where wider and other couldn't bump their vehicle. Maybe a little extreme, but I can tell you in the DFW area where I live, probably 75% of Jeep Wrangles have never seen off-road other then an unpaved parking lot and there are hundreds for sale.

trainman
 
#24 ·
We ran with a dude in a brand new jku sport yesterday at easy Tahuya, and he needed a lift, more aggressive tires, and skid plates. Also, this will not be a popular opinion with many of you, but lockers are next to godliness. Everything is so much harder without them.
 
#25 ·
I LOL at the people that LOL at people that say buy new....
It's your money, your jeep.
I would never spend $21K on a ~10 year old JKU...
 
#28 ·
I had a 08 JKU-X and it burned about 1 qt every 1000 miles. There are a lot of posts on here about the burning oil issue. It seemed to plague 08-09 JK and JKUs the worst but may have been in all 3.8 V6s. I am not handy so I hope this isn't wrong, but if I remember correctly it was something to do with the PCV valve.
 
#29 ·
This won't equate for you, but I paid $23,900 2013 2 Door Sport loaded with 24,500 miles, I found JKU's with around 35k miles for about $2900 locally at dealerships, I have found the best deals for vehicles over time on off brand lots.

As for the engine the 3.8 is underpowered hands down, I drove a 2008 JK and then drove the 3.6 and was amazed how much more power it had, so wait it out and get the 3.6.
 
#30 ·
I have always told myself that the 2012+ jk's were the ones for me. I was lured in by the condition and affordability of this particular jeep. But, just because it's within reach, doesn't mean it's a good decision. I'm heeding your advice and waiting for the right one. Still going to test the market and see if I can move the Cobra to a new home. Nothing like an empty space to light a fire...always drives my wife crazy!
 
#32 ·
There's another option, provided to me by a long time 4X4'er (is that a word?) I bought a JKUS new for a lot less than 30. Pulled the carpet and put ACE rails and a front bumper with a winch plate on it. Next (this fall) will be better tires (32-33") for better grip and a little more ground clearance. Next, a winch. Then, I'll drive the crap out of it. I'll learn its strengths/weaknesses, and determine what I need for me and my conditions. In the first year I've determined it's already a very capable 4X4. Then, when it's out of warranty, I'll turn it into what I need it to be. A little at a time, paying as I go.
 
#33 ·
I think that price is too high for that Jeep, personally.

In 2011 I was researching and wanted to buy my first Jeep. I was not willing to go over budget and was very particular about what I wanted.

I wanted an 07 for various reasons. It had to be 4 Door, had to be a rubicon, had to be 6 speed, and had to be dark forest green. Oh, and it had to be doccer mom driven, bone stock, in like new condition.

Well, in early 2012, I found that exact Jeep at a Chrysler dealer. Certified used, fully serviced, inspected, cleaned, and all recalls were already completed.

It had 40,000 miles and I paid about $18,000 USD.

I have barely had any issues with it at all. It did consume lots of oil but I now use strictly 5w-30 conventional, added an oil catch can, aev Dry flow air filter, new plugs, pcv valve, and recently egr valve. I also added a new cheap magnaflow 4 inch muffler diy.

The oil consumption is a fraction of what it was. I found a bullydog gt gas tuner on CL and have it on performance setting.

With 6 speed and 4:10 gears, its plenty powerful enough pushing 37s for the last several years.

I will Regear eventually but theres no drastic urgency.

I'm super happy with it and have no regrets. Thats my story and maybe it will help you with your decision. You have to be 100% sure. Having buyers remorse or going over budget will lead to unhappiness.

Good luck.
 
#34 ·
Glad to hear that. I was assuming the oil eating was a ring issue, not a bypass issue. I will still pass on this one being the X model. If I consider a pre 3.6 jku, I'll keep my eyes out for a rubicon with the 6 speed knowing it will need egr and catch can updates. I know I'll be happier in the long run. Thanks!


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