Buying a used car can be very valuable; it can save you a lot of money since so many vehicles drop precipitously in price the very moment they’re driven off the lot. You might also score a deal with a reputable used car or truck, especially if you buy one that’s been well cared for and has a history of reliability.
You could definitely do worse than buying a used Jeep Wrangler. They’re some of the most popular vehicles in the country and they have been ever since they were released. Although the modern Wrangler line only traces back to 1986, they emulate a style that has been popular since Jeeps were first introduced to the military, starting in 1941.
So why a used Jeep Wrangler, and what should you look for before you pull the trigger?
Why the Jeep Wrangler Is (and Has Been) Popular
So let’s take a look at some of the reasons why the Jeep Wrangler is so popular and why it promises to remain popular for a long time into the foreseeable future. The following are some of the most commonly encountered reasons that Jeep Wranglers for sale still command a healthy demand.
Versatility and off-roading capabilities.
If there’s one thing you need to know about Jeeps (that you don’t know yet) it’s that Jeeps get top marks for their handling on rough terrain. These are some of the best off-roading vehicles that money can buy.
Are Jeeps well known for their top speeds, fuel economy, or sports car-like handling? Definitely not – but they make amazing off-road vehicles that are exceptionally versatile. You can take them mudding, trail riding, rock-crawling, even out on the sand of the beach. Jeep Wranglers also handle famously well on snow and in other adverse conditions. You can even tow with them.
Reliability.
The Jeep Wrangler is also really well known for its reliability and low cost of maintenance. Because these are vehicles that were built to take a beating and keep on rolling, overall, there’s a general consensus that the high sale prices associated with them are well worth it in the long run.
They hold their value amazingly well.
One of the common gripes about Jeeps is how much it costs to buy them, and there’s a grain of truth in this. New Jeeps (not just Wranglers) are almost amusingly expensive. They’re unique for this in their class.
This extends beyond the value of new Jeeps, and it’s very common for used Jeeps to command really high prices as well. There are still Jeeps out there from the early 1990s that are selling for anywhere between 1,000 and 5,000 dollars. If you can name another vehicle that holds its value like that, we’ll wait.
The takeaway here is that while a used Jeep Wrangler will cost a pretty penny, they hold their value well and you may get back a decent amount of that equity in the eventual resale value.
What You Should Check
If you’re starting to get serious about buying a used Jeep Wrangler and actually have some individual vehicles picked out, make sure you check the following features of each before you go through with the purchase.
Look for rust.
Rust anywhere on a used vehicle may be cause for concern because rust spreads and once it is no longer a cosmetic issue it can threaten the structural integrity of a vehicle. This may be a valid concern for any that intend to buy a car or truck, but given the way Jeeps are typically used, they’re alarmingly suspect to rust.
Give the exterior of the vehicle a once-over and check the main body panels for rust; open the doors and hood and check for rust around the hinges where moisture gets trapped and would be hidden from view. You should also make it a point to check under the floor liners or carpets.
Also, make sure you check for rust (and other damage) to the undercarriage (see below).
Inspect the undercarriage.
The condition of the undercarriage will tell you a lot about how the previous owner cared for the Jeep. Rust damage should throw up a big red flag.
Many Jeep Wranglers have skid plates, heavy steel plates that protect the undercarriage of the vehicle from rocks, stumps, and other hazards of the trail. Inspect these for damage, as they can give you a pretty good impression of how well the Jeep has been cared for.
Tires
Tires can be replaced, so they shouldn’t represent a make or break issue – but – the tires can tell you more about the vehicle’s backstory.
For example, if the tires or alloy wheels are really beat up, there’s a good chance the rest of the Jeep’s been abused as well. Also, look for wear around the edges of the treads, which may indicate an issue with alignment, and something else that costs money to fix.
Check for leaks.
Bring along a small blacklight and shine it under the hood of the Jeep as well as at the undercarriage when you inspect a Jeep prior to sale. The blacklight will help you detect any signs of leaking fluid.
Modifications
You should also investigate used Jeep Wranglers for modifications. While these might have been a selling point for the previous owner, they might not hold any value to you.
History of service
Make sure you ask for a service history for the used Jeep Wrangler in question. If there are no holes in it and the Jeep has been regularly tuned up and services, there’s a good chance the previous owner took good care of it.
On the test drive
When you take a Jeep out for a test drive, avoid plating any music and make it a time to feel out the vehicle. See how the transmission handles shifts; feel the suspension through the road to see how smoothly the Jeep rides. Try out the brakes and the accelerator. These are your chances to check up on mission-critical features and avoid getting lost in the cosmetic niceties of satellite radio and navigation systems.
A Word on Recent Used Jeeps
One more note – if you’re going to buy a used Jeep Wrangler, you probably shouldn’t buy a Jeep that’s so young you might as well buy a new one. They hold their value so well it might be more worth your while to get a new one than to buy one that’s only two or three years old.
Contact Us
Whether you’re looking for a 2016 Jeep Wrangler or would like to save some money with a model that’s a little bit older, contact our customer service team and we’d be happy to help you out with any questions you have – we’ll even help you figure out financing.
Give us a call at 206-502-2821 or come on down to visit us at our location in Burien, Washington – we’re at 14650 1st Ave, South!
Posted inUsed Car Knowledge|No Comments »
As an avid automotive enthusiast with a deep understanding of the used car market, particularly when it comes to off-road vehicles like the Jeep Wrangler, I can confidently shed light on the critical aspects involved in purchasing a used Jeep Wrangler. My expertise extends beyond general automotive knowledge, encompassing the specific intricacies and unique characteristics of the Jeep Wrangler.
Now, delving into the content of the article, let's break down the concepts discussed:
-
Value of Buying a Used Car: The article rightly emphasizes the financial benefits of purchasing a used car, highlighting the rapid depreciation of vehicles once they leave the dealership lot. This is a well-established fact in the automotive industry and a key consideration for budget-conscious buyers.
-
Popularity of Jeep Wrangler: The article touches upon the enduring popularity of the Jeep Wrangler. Drawing on historical context, it mentions that the Wrangler's lineage traces back to the military Jeeps introduced in 1941. This historical perspective contributes to the Jeep Wrangler's iconic status.
-
Reasons for Jeep Wrangler's Popularity: a. Versatility and Off-Roading Capabilities: The article underscores the Jeep Wrangler's exceptional off-roading capabilities and versatility, highlighting its suitability for various terrains and activities such as mudding, trail riding, and rock-crawling.
b. Reliability: The reliability of the Jeep Wrangler is emphasized, noting its durability and low cost of maintenance. This reliability is attributed to the vehicle's robust design, built to withstand challenging conditions.
c. Resale Value: The significant resale value of Jeep Wranglers, both new and used, is highlighted. This is a key factor for potential buyers, showcasing the enduring demand for these vehicles.
-
What to Check When Buying a Used Jeep Wrangler: The article provides a comprehensive checklist for potential buyers, emphasizing the importance of checking for rust, inspecting the undercarriage, assessing the condition of tires, looking for leaks, investigating modifications, and reviewing the vehicle's service history.
-
Test Drive Tips: The article offers practical advice for the test drive, suggesting that potential buyers focus on the vehicle's performance and critical features rather than getting distracted by cosmetic elements.
-
Caution on Recent Used Jeeps: A noteworthy point is made regarding the consideration of not purchasing a Jeep Wrangler that is too young, as their exceptional resale value might make buying new a more cost-effective option.
-
Contact Information: The article concludes with a call to action, encouraging readers to contact the customer service team for assistance in purchasing a used Jeep Wrangler, showcasing a commitment to customer support.
In summary, the article effectively combines practical advice, historical context, and a focus on the unique attributes of the Jeep Wrangler, providing a valuable resource for individuals considering the purchase of a used off-road vehicle.
