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Jeep 101 - Need to get educated

4K views 17 replies 11 participants last post by  ctownjeepster 
#1 ·
I am seriously considering a used Jeep purchase and am trying to get educated on some of the pros/cons of different model years and trims. I am fairly convinced I need the additional space/utility of the Unlimited. Other than that, I am open minded. 80% use will be driving to the beach (I live in Charleston, SC) and around town, with 5% highway travel and 15% light off road use to get to good camping sites in the mountains.

Any known/common issues for certain year models or trim levels? Any specific maintenance items that I should specifically look for when examining used Wranglers? I want to go in as educated as possible… seems like there are 2 camps out there: 1) love their Jeeps no matter what, and 2) hate their Jeeps b/c of reliability issues. I don't need a constant headache… am I barking up the wrong tree?

Thanks for your insights!
 
#2 ·
Is your choice between YJ vs TJ vs JK or 2007 - 2015?

Rubicons are nice because they have lockers front and rear and lower gears which will be useful if you put on bigger tires. Saharas have the body colored fenders.
 
#3 ·
2012 or newer gets you the new interior that came in 2011 and the new engine that came in 2012. I would start there. The 2012's have been known for the early builds having a head gasket problem. If you can figure it out, try to find a later build 2012 with some mileage on it <50k miles for a good deal and hopefully any early issues have been worked out. Otherwise go with a 2013 or newer but at that point you might just want to start looking at new.

My vote though goes to a 2012 (as long as there's no ticking and everything checks out) with manual trans. I like the uConnect but it is not needed for me at least. MPG isn't too bad, right now I'm at 21 commuting to work. Mine came with Sirius as well and soft top. Might have liked the hard top but I can deal without it. If you're not all about needing the extra torque and power, you can go from 2008 up.

As for what to check, a big thing would be the CarFax. If you can get a one owner who had it has a lease, you should be golden. I was able to ask my salesman who the one owner was before me and he said he didn't know. When I was looking around, I saw there was a spot where a "Bulldogs Mom" decal was peeled off :rofl2: This was great news to me as it was still stock and well cared for. I recommend staying away from anything with a lift, bigger tires, any upgrades simply because 1.) I, like most, like to do ones own mods and 2.) You never know what the PO has done or where he has taken this rig.

Just my .02 - best of luck! :thumb:
 
#4 ·
The problem, CTown, is that you think your description of how you'll use it is accurate. But it may or may not be. If you buy something that is optimized for those activities (which could be the cheapest Jeep that has 4 doors) and then you "get a taste" you will have a long, expensive path ahead of you.

On the other hand, if you buy a Rubicon and never go any deeper into the outback than a gravel road to a car-camping site in the NC mountains, well, you spent more than you needed to. (But bear in mind, you'll most likely get that delta between Rubicon and Sport back when you sell, so in a sense you might be able to drive the Rubicon part of your Jeep for nearly free for three or four years. In this sense, it is very much unlike most luxury cars, where piling on 20 or $30,000 worth of additional options results in maybe 2-4k extra resale 4 years later.)

Anyway, if finances aren't a problem, or if you go through cars fast, ever couple/three years, I'd say get a Rubicon. You won't regret it for any reason except the expense, and if you can handle the expense you're good to go. When it comes time to sell in 2-3 years your Rubi will sell fast and easy, and for the most money.

But if it is a financial stretch to go Rubi, or if you know yourself really well and are just certain you won't get into the recreational side of off-roading (which means intentionally taking your Jeep to places it can't go, so you can discover this sad fact and rush home to pore over the internet and the Quadratec catalog and figure out how you can use the Plastic Wrench to order up a garage full of stuff that will, by God, allow you to get up that slope NEXT time) -- if you're SURE you won't get bitten by this bug, then a Sport with just the comfort items you'd want in any vehicle will do you just fine.

On the other hand, if you know yourself and you have a sneaking suspicion that you will absolutely get into this sport big time, and won't be content owning a factory built rig, but will want to pore over every option out there for six months and then start assembling the baddest assed Wrangler ever seen in your corner of the state, well, you don't want a Rubicon either, because you're just going to replace everything you paid extra for anyway. You'll swap out the 4.10 diffs for 5.13s, you'll change the lockers, you'll throw away the e-discos and replace with something hardier, you'll get bigger wheels and tires, you'll throw away the Rubi springs and shocks, the bumpers will have to go, and on and on and on.

There, hope I've sufficiently confused you!
 
#6 ·
Glad that NoGabiker is back!

I was dead set on a JKU Willys for over a year, I was going to go non-powered, manual doors, windows, mirrors, alarm (package 24K), but in the last minute decided to look at powered JKU Willys (pacakge 24W) and the ones I was seeing with a few extra options were only about $900 less than a base rubicon auto hardtop, so I decided to go with the rubi and don't regret it at all!
 
#7 ·
I was in the same boat all this past year. Couldn't justify the high costs of used. So, I got a bare bones sport, with the minimal requirements, ie: Auto and A/C, and then began the mods.
Hand crank windows, manual door locks, yet cruise control is standard? Go figure.

Anyway, I considered the warranty foremost.

$1,000 later and within a week, I had a set of 5 factory alloys and tires, less than 5 miles on them (take offs), floor mats, side steps, Pro-CAL, etc.
Getting there slowly.....
 
#8 ·
Thanks for the great replies… this is helpful and certainly getting my wheels turning. Sounds like a Rubi may be a good option - mostly b/c of resale value down the road. I also like the idea of looking for off-lease vehicles. I've seen reports that show 2008's have highest reports of reliability issues, but not sure how accurate those reports are… will definitely look for something as new as possible. Have heard that manual tranny is more reliable than auto (which is fine with me - I prefer manual). Not sure about soft top vs hard top. Which is less prone to leaking? Weather is pretty decent here most of the time, so I'm not too concerned about the elements… and I plan to drive with top down, doors off, etc as much as possible...
 
#9 ·
Soft top might be your best bet. There are new soft tops (although I don't know what year they started with the newer, more durable ones.) I am guessing around the time of the interior upgrade but again, only guessing. I enjoy the soft top for now but I haven't taken it through a nor'easter yet so this winter will be a good test. Only time will tell!
 
#10 ·
JumpNJeep - I kinda like that philosophy… and I may end up going that route. Buying stock, bare bones and modifying as I go along. Appears to be a nearly unlimited amount of aftermarket accessories out there. Sure would offer peace of mind re: warranty. I'll explore that option some more. In the meantime, i am enjoying checking out the used car market, as well - love seeing what others have done to customize their Jeeps!
 
#11 ·
Its not a bad idea to check dealers for 2011 & 2012 lease returns, keeping in mind the points johncmorgan raised about the 2012's.
 
#12 ·
Ahhh…. and alas I have changed EVERYTHING and went for an older model (TJ), 2 door, and with a few mods already. At least it appears so far to be in excellent condition. Just had oil freshly changed and asked the mechanics to give it a look over - clean bill of health. Rides great and looks even better. 2 days into ownership and I am HOOKED. Wife loves it too - that's always a bonus.
 
#16 ·
I am seriously considering a used Jeep purchase
Stop right there. Do you want a Jeep or do you want a vehicle to serve your needs? Jeeps are fun, period. But only for those who enjoy them. They have a personality that other vehicles just can't match. They have quirks and problems and irritating "things" about them that will drive most sane people nuts.

But Jeepers aren't really sane!

It is good to figure out if you can really live with / learn to love the oddity that is the Jeep Wrangler. Some cannot.


80% use will be driving to the beach (I live in Charleston, SC) and around town, with 5% highway travel and 15% light off road use to get to good camping sites in the mountains.… am I barking up the wrong tree?
I suspect a number of vehicles could easily handle this. Forgive me for not compiling a list for you but I'm not really that up-to-speed on the SUV market these days. You see, I'm a Jeep lover and for me that is the only choice for off-road use. Heck, it is my main choice for on-road use!


UPDATE - I see you bought a Jeep. And a sweet one at that! I have a JKUR that I love but I'm jealous over the one you have. It looks like so much fun just for bopin' around!
 
#18 ·
n1as - yes, I am happily a Jeep owner now. After months of research (on forums and in the real world), I feel like I have found a good match. I have owned many cars, SUVs, etc. but never a Jeep - and to be honest, this change is VERY refreshing. Loving life in the slow lane, love that I can tackle just about any terrain that I will realistically encounter, and love having a tough vehicle that I can enjoy with the kids for camping, fishing, beach cruising, etc. all with the top down, doors off, and boat in tow. Not too many vehicles offer this kind of versatility. We have our Yukon Denali XL for serious towing and long distance trips in comfort… but for my "around town" and off the beaten path adventures, this Jeep fits the bill.
 
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