In the Jeep community, buying a used Jeep wrangler is a common thing. Why wouldn’t it be when there are so many things to love about the brand? Just look at Wrangler. It is an icon in the muddy terrains and is indomitable. And this car being a popular off-road choice means many want to get their hands on one. The good news is that it can withstand long years of use, so it is entirely possible for you to experience the offroad prowess of a Wrangler without having to pay for a brand-new one.
If you have your eyes set on getting a used Jeep Wrangler, you have plenty to choose from. But of course, even if the Jeep Wrangler is dependable, you must do your due diligence in selecting a used jeep. Make sure the features fit your needs and are well within your budget. Below are some tips to guide you in your Jeep hunting.
Decide on the Wrangler generation you want
Jeep Wrangler has a long history that dates back to the Second World War. Jeep enjoyed decades of playing with features with every release, so it can get overwhelming to decide which specific Wrangler you want for yourself.
To make the decision process easier, you have to get acquainted will all generations of the Wrangler and their strengths and weaknesses. You have the CJ, YJ, TJ, JK, and JL to choose from.
Make a list comparing all generations and see which has the features you need and like the best. Do you want two doors? Rectangular headlights? A three-speed transmission?
Knowing the features will help you decide which to choose in terms of budget, needs, and maintenance. It’s helpful to ask around in the Jeep community. Join forums. Ask what the usual problems are that they encounter with specific jeep models. Decide if these things are a deal-breaker or not.
Examine the car
Narrowing down your list to a few options using your budget and desired features will make the hunt easier. Once you have the list, start checking out listings on online marketplaces.
Check maintenance history
It is important to find out a car’s maintenance history to know if it’s still worth the money.
Check the exterior
It’s easy to gauge the overall condition of a used Jeep by looking at the exterior. Check for dents on the body, the alignment of the wheel, the condition of the bumpers, and more. You can also take note if the parts are stock units or replacements.
Check inside the hood
Examine the engine conditions and its other components. Inspect the quality of the wiring. Check if the engine is properly maintained. And don’t forget to check under the used Jeep, too.
Check the interior
You’ll spend most of your time inside the car, so make sure you are okay with the condition of the interior.
Check the performance
Take the Wrangler for a test drive to get a feel of its performance, acceleration, quality of the brakes, and so on.
Be ready for the maintenance
Used jeeps, just like any other cars, require more attention with the upkeep. It comes with old age that some components may fail on you from time to time. It can get pricey. It helps if you have a mechanic to trust in case a problem arises. We hope that we guide you about buying a used jeep wrangler.
