The legendary Jeep brand continues to thrive as it heads into its 77th year. The most popular and iconic Jeep model is the Wrangler, with 240,032 sold in 2018. The Jeep Wrangler is a vehicle some dream to own someday. One of the easiest ways to obtain that dream is to look at used Wranglers, but there are many things you will need to consider before you buy. Discover all the things you should know before buying a used Jeep Wrangler.
Price
The most important thing you need to consider is how much a used Jeep Wrangler goes for. A used Jeep Wrangler typically costs from $5,000 to $40,000, with many factors dictating the price. You should find out the reasons behind the price before you even consider the used vehicle. One feature that can drastically alter the price of a Jeep Wrangler is whether it’s manual or automatic. Manual transmissions are typically cheaper, and most Jeep Wranglers are stick shift, so you may need to learn this skill if you want to purchase the vehicle.
Mileage
Jeeps, in general, are known to reach high mileages, with some going up to 400,000. The ability to reach a high mileage with any car is about taking good care of it along the way. This is also another feature that can dictate the price on the used Jeep, which means it’s something you should strongly consider. Checking the mileage on any vehicle can give you an idea on how long it will last if you decide to purchase it.
Rust
With age comes rust, and it can limit some things you can to do your Jeep. While most times you can remove rust, there are some cases where it might be too late. The undercarriage, for example, is a good place to check, and it will give you an idea of what to replace. If the Jeep’s frame is all rusted up, however, you won’t be able to lift it. Rust may also intervene with your plans, such as adding Jeep Wrangler off road parts, which is why you need to check critical areas for this issue.
Previous Owner
When you buy an older vehicle, you inherit the work and care the previous owner put into it, along with any problems there may be. In some cases, you may get to meet and negotiate with the previous owner. Ask questions about the vehicle’s history, such as whether it has been in an accident, if there any major repairs done to it, and if there are any current issues. This information can give you a great idea on the condition of the used Jeep Wrangler.
Model Year
Besides the rust and mileage, an obvious sign of age and depreciation is the model year. You will likely find a cheaper Jeep Wrangler based on age, but this may also mean you need to put in more work. The great thing about Jeeps, though, is that it can still be worth the price at 20 years old.
Future Repairs
A major thing to consider when buying a used Jeep Wrangler is how many repairs must go into it. If you can, before you buy, ask the previous owner for a list of repairs that need to be completed on the used vehicle. You can also take it to a trusted mechanic and have them check it out. You will want to know all the repairs that need to be done to factor that into your budget and the negotiating price.
How it Drives
Whenever you consider a used vehicle, you always want to take it out for a test drive. This gives you an opportunity to see if you enjoy driving the vehicle, and more importantly, you can listen to anything that may sound or feel wrong. A good thing to play around with as you test drive are the brakes, the lights, and the wheel alignment.
Exterior
While the interworking’s of the Jeep are the most important things to look into, you still want to make sure the car looks good. Inspect the Jeep’s exterior, and look out for any bumps, scratches, dents, and rust on the car’s exterior. The car’s cosmetic damage won’t be too difficult to repair, but it’s still something that may influence the price.
Interior
Another part of the car you need to look at is in the inside of the Jeep. Nobody wants to inherit a dirty car, and it also gives you another indication of how the previous owner treated it. It may be another bargaining chip on your side when you negotiate, because you may have to get a major detail updated if it’s necessary.
Safety
Another important part of looking at a used vehicle is making sure the safety features work properly. Besides the brakes, you need your air bags, safety belts, and locks working, so you know it is safe enough to drive. Driving is still one of the most dangerous ways to travel, and you want to be as safe as you can on the road.
Room for Upgrades
Everyone who owns a car does things to make it their own in some way. Jeep Wranglers are one of the most customizable cars on the market and almost demand upgrades. Many owners also like to use their Jeeps for outdoor activities, such as off-roading. Check to see what kind of upgrades you have room for and if the vehicle can handle what you plan to use it for.
Where You Get It From
There are a few ways you can get a used car. It can come from a dealership, a private seller, or through the Internet. You want to keep this in mind if you actually purchase the Jeep Wrangler. A used Jeep Wrangler from a car dealership, for example, may be a newer model and could result in monthly car payments. On the other hand, getting an older Jeep Wrangler directly from the previous owner may require more repairs, and there’s a better chance you’ll pay the entire cost up front.
