[MRX]

Well, it's time for the new vehicle... worried that the old 2003 POS car won't last the winter without $1500 worth of work.
Want a new Jeep (leery of used 4WD), and can afford one.
Just found out the wife (who works for the UN) may be getting us transferred overseas...not really a surprise, I had actually been expected the west coast of Africa - Senegal... to where the Jeep would have been fine and practical - only real restriction is that the car needs to be less than 5 years old. About $1500 to ship over. Now, however some new countries have been added to the list... Indonesia being number one, and for whatever reasons, Indonesia is ridiculously hard to get any foreign cars into - fees run to over $90,000 USD for a $30,000 Wrangler, if you can handle the red tape.
So now the problem - we need a new vehicle and I know that JK's are excellent at holding there value, yet all new cars lose about 30% of there value when they drive off the lot. We leave in August, so the Jeep would get around 8 months of use here in the states.
Here's the quandary...
Do I get the new 2011 JK Sport that I've got a really good price on and gamble that we can import it ourselves... or get a decent resell value on in August?
Or do we get a newer used JK (2008-2010) of which I'm not 100% sure of the history, risking all sorts of factors, but taking less of a hit if we do have to sell it in August?
Anyone know how much we'd get reselling the JK when we've got 8 months of decent use one it? I've been seeing used 2008's to 2010's ranging from $2500 less than the price I've got on the 2011 to $4000 more for similar trims. We've got a line on a 2011 JK Sport Unlimited automatic/hardtop for around $26,100. I'm seeing used/certified 2010's for more than that and a few for a bit less.

Any speculation, facts, info, experiences, and general BS appreciated!

 

[bobjenkins]

I've got to say that must be exciting! gods luck on the new living situation! As for the jeep you looking for a base model or saraha/rubicon?

I wouldn't worry too much about history of a the year old vehicle, but thats me

 

[MRX]

I've got to say that must be exciting! gods luck on the new living situation! As for the jeep you looking for a base model or saraha/rubicon?

I wouldn't worry too much about history of a the year old vehicle, but thats me

base model... not a fan of electronics, and can't afford a rubi...

Why wouldn't you worry about the history? Most of the decent priced ones I've seen were rentals. I beat on rentals. I'm sure most people renting a JK probably ran over something big and nasty....

 

[bobjenkins]

base model... not a fan of electronics, and can't afford a rubi...

Why wouldn't you worry about the history? Most of the decent priced ones I've seen were rentals. I beat on rentals. I'm sure most people renting a JK probably ran over something big and nasty....

Because a couple years is relativly short , make sure you inspect it well and test 4wd. But more importantly (and I don't know having never bought a vehicle newer than 8 years old) don't certified used come with warranties? 500 miles later engine falls out on the highway thats under warranty. I'm probably not helping much asking more questions though hehe. But wranglers are tough, if you were buying a sentra (or something else that fallsl apart right off the lot I would be weary.

 

[rics1997]

Well you take your biggest hit on a new vehicle the first year and have a chance of paying to sale it. The best thing about a used 2009 or 2010 is that value is already used up. Just make sure to look under the Jeep to see if you see damage from offroading and make sure it wasn't a rental.

If you do get a used one just estimate how many miles you expect to drive in 8 months. Lets say 10K. Subtract that from the base 36K warranty and buy something with no more then 2 years on the warranty and 26,000 miles on it and you will at least have a factory warranty if something does go wrong and you will at least be able to sale it at the end without taking as bad as a hit as a new one.

 

[daggo66]

It seems like you answered your own question. Wranglers do not take the typical hit in value that other vehicles take. Mainly because most owners aren't interested in selling them once they get their hands on them. You'll find out once you start driving it. Resale value means nothing when you plan on driving it until it dies.

 

[mistert]

Used....

I'd suggest purchasing a "good" (be sure it hasn't been run hard and put up wet), used YJ, base model (less potential electrical problems), standard transmission, again, less potential problems and if your going to be in a country that cold weather isn't an issue, I'd go soft-top. Depending on how long your stay is in that country, you might think about selling it there when you move....Good Luck!

 

[daggo66]

He said the ONE restriction was it had to be less than 5 years old, not 25 years.

 

[tchaap]

I think the last thing I would do is buy a new vehicle(any vehicle jeeps included) if I knew there was a chance I would have to sell it in 8 months. This is a receipe for losing money quick!

I think buying a used JK is the best way to go. It's a win-win for all your scenarios:
1. Have to sell it in August. Fine, you won't take the new vehcile hit
2. You can move it with you. Fine, you took your time and found a great used JK and it kicks butt...and you didn't pay "new" price.

I bought a used TJ about 6 months ago. I took my time and looked at a number of jeeps until I found the one I wanted that was in the shape that I wanted. The thing had 100K miles on it and it drives perfect and was in great shape! Of course, I bought it as a second vehicle to wheel and mod buy you get the picture.

 

[roxbury29]

I think the last thing I would do is buy a new vehicle(any vehicle jeeps included) if I knew there was a chance I would have to sell it in 8 months. This is a receipe for losing money quick!

I think buying a used JK is the best way to go. It's a win-win for all your scenarios:
1. Have to sell it in August. Fine, you won't take the new vehcile hit
2. You can move it with you. Fine, you took your time and found a great used JK and it kicks butt...and you didn't pay "new" price.

I bought a used TJ about 6 months ago. I took my time and looked at a number of jeeps until I found the one I wanted that was in the shape that I wanted. The thing had 100K miles on it and it drives perfect and was in great shape! Of course, I bought it as a second vehicle to wheel and mod buy you get the picture.

I agree ^^^^
however, finding a 08 to 2010 with low enough miles for a year of 2 of warranty left will be very difficult to find, and if its clean a base 2011 sport will not be much more expensive.. / if you do find one - and you had to sell it in less than a year a used one will likely help you lose less...

 

[TexasJeepGuy]

If your not on a strict budget but more so looking for good value when considering all options and not to get hurt on resale, I think I would go with a TJ, 2003-2006. All the dealers want way too much for late model JKs, so much so that your better off getting a new one for a couple grand difference. And its not like you find many late model JKs that have been babied. Jeep owners buy Jeeps to use them. Also, I am worried about the JKs taking a depreciation hit when the Pentastar comes out in the 2012s. It is less than a year away. I think the TJs will hold value better and I personally like the exterior better (though I like the JK interior better). You can find them with 40-75k miles on them in pretty good shape, some with well done mods and some not. Wholesale/private party value around $12k and full retail dealers are trying to get $16k. I think you can get one at the lower end if you take your time and work at it.

That's my two-cents, and, what I am planning to do waiting for the new engine to come out......

 

[navret]

i'd fix whatever i was driving and wait to see where you are going. nothing worse than a great jeep that you can't take with you.

 

[JeeperJake]

"sin in haste; repent at leisure"

Every rig built eats money one way or another. Life is short and times uncertain enough that the 'pleasure vs fiscal quandary' is tilted to the side that attracts your interest the most.

I wouldn't feel comfortable making any plans based on what the UN might decide.

What about short term lease?

 

[[email protected]]

Buy a used one, and make sure it is a certified preowned. Jeep preowned Certification includes:

From original in service(first sale date)

Extra 3 months 3000 bumper to bumper (total 39 months/39000 miles)
for 2008 and 2009
the powertrain warranty is 6 years/80000 miles.
for 2010 the 5 year/100000 powertrain stays with the Jeep.

It's good nationwide(I know you will be overseas), but for 8 months or so any issues, you can pull right into any Jeep dealership. And while you are here, you get roadside assistance, car rental allowance and trip interruption allowance.

Just so you are all aware the certification fee that the dealership has to pay Chrysler is under $400. this is on top of any repairs that need to be done for it to pass the certification inspection.

One last thing, rental vehicles can be certified as long as they meet the criteria so I wouldn't rule out a rental if you can get it certified.

 

[MRX]

Thanks for all of the advice. Some of it quite useful. I am thinking of going the certified route. I can't do an older Jeep like a TJ, because of the 5 years or newer restrictions of several of the countries under consideration. The idea of a long term lease goes counter to what i believe in regarding a 4WD, I want to drive it off road.
I am finding a few certified that may fit the bill - 2010's mostly with 25,000 miles or less for around $21,000 - $23,000. Shame because I got a great price quote on a new one that I liked.

 

[bobjenkins]

Thanks for all of the advice. Some of it quite useful. I am thinking of going the certified route. I can't do an older Jeep like a TJ, because of the 5 years or newer restrictions of several of the countries under consideration. The idea of a long term lease goes counter to what i believe in regarding a 4WD, I want to drive it off road.
I am finding a few certified that may fit the bill - 2010's mostly with 25,000 miles or less for around $21,000 - $23,000. Shame because I got a great price quote on a new one that I liked.

Hope it works out.

I've never heard of 5 year restriction, not that I don't believe you but I have to ask, what is the reason?

Thanks I'm really curious

 

[MRX]

Hope it works out.

I've never heard of 5 year restriction, not that I don't believe you but I have to ask, what is the reason?

Thanks I'm really curious

Senegal and The Gambia and some other West African nations have a five year or newer restriction for vehicles coming into the country as it is quite common for Euro's (and others I suppose) to drive cars and junkers down from Europe and dispose of them - this keeps some of the crap out. I think that you can still get them in... depending on the bribe.

 

[[email protected]]

Thanks for all of the advice. Some of it quite useful. I am thinking of going the certified route. I can't do an older Jeep like a TJ, because of the 5 years or newer restrictions of several of the countries under consideration. The idea of a long term lease goes counter to what i believe in regarding a 4WD, I want to drive it off road.
I am finding a few certified that may fit the bill - 2010's mostly with 25,000 miles or less for around $21,000 - $23,000. Shame because I got a great price quote on a new one that I liked.

Just because a Wrangler isn't advertised as certified doesn't mean it can't be. if you see one you like ask if they will certify it for you. some dealers don't certify the preowned Wranglers ahead of time it helps keep them competitive with other listings. don't rule out anything you see that you like until you know if it can be certified.

 

[MRX]

Just because a Wrangler isn't advertised as certified doesn't mean it can't be. if you see one you like ask if they will certify it for you. some dealers don't certify the preowned Wranglers ahead of time it helps keep them competitive with other listings. don't rule out anything you see that you like until you know if it can be certified.

Excellent to know this. You come to NY, I owe you a few beers.

 

[[email protected]]

Excellent to know this. You come to NY, I owe you a few beers.[/QUOTE


Don't worry about it. I forgot to mention the warranty that comes with the certification transfers to a second owner, so resale value should be better as well.