Wrangling Your First Jeep - Purchasing a Used Jeep Wrangler

lutey

Member
Joined
Sep 17, 2023
Messages
29
Location
Las Vegas
Hi everyone, i'm new to this group and am also a YouTuber. I'm in the process of searching for my first Wrangler, and am creating a video series about it. The series is targeting folks looking for their first used Wrangler. I will provide provide an overview of the different generations of jeeps and will also include an interview a jeep wrangler technician on the common issues with Jeep JK's and JL's, their symptoms and cost to repair. I will also be doing a comprehensive inspection with checklists. It's my hope that this series will help future jeepers..
 
I just went through this process and purchased my first Jeep Wrangler. Ill be curious to hear your thoughts and see if there is anything I missed in my decision making process!
 
  • Like
Reactions: lutey
Per your request in the video, here are my suggestions:

1) Budget. Obviously a major consideration... Interestingly, low mileage TJs in nice condition are holding their value. For me that was one reason to also start looking at JKs
2) Location. Looking for a TJ in a rust belt state is much different than in the South or West. Rotted out frames are a common theme here. A vehicle from another region of the county commands a premium (see #1). Future vehicle health should also be considered here as well.
3) Usage. Be honest about this with yourself. Daily driver or additional vehicle? On road only? Off road only? Summer only? You get the point. Don't leave out passenger consideration too... The JK I purchased is much easier for my wife to get in and out of vs. TJ (or even the new Bronco we had).
4) Future plans. This is closely related to #3. Keep it stock, upgrade it, or find one with with modifications already completed? Understanding of lift, tire size, gearing and how they relate since this is a common upgrade.
5) Research. Knowledge of the features and content through the years as well as on the various trim levels. I can't tell you how many Rubicons I see driving around in my area. I'm making an assumption here but would bet most of the drivers don't understand when, why, and how to use the lockers. Honestly they probably don't even care... This also includes common issues throughout the years which you said you would be covering.

I ended up with a 2dr JK Sahara 75th anniversary edition. It pretty much hit the sweet spot for me. Happy to share any details about my search.

Looking forward to your upcoming videos in this series.
 
  • Like
Reactions: lutey
I just went through this process and purchased my first Jeep Wrangler. Ill be curious to hear your thoughts and see if there is anything I missed in my decision making process!
Very cool. I'm looking for a 2015 or later JK with under 75K miles. Hoping to find one for around 20K. It's gonna be hard. Will be documenting the entire search as well as providing resources for others in the market for their first used Wrangler. Especially excited about getting help from the Jeep dealer who has agreed to help with the series !!
 
Per your request in the video, here are my suggestions:

1) Budget. Obviously a major consideration... Interestingly, low mileage TJs in nice condition are holding their value. For me that was one reason to also start looking at JKs
2) Location. Looking for a TJ in a rust belt state is much different than in the South or West. Rotted out frames are a common theme here. A vehicle from another region of the county commands a premium (see #1). Future vehicle health should also be considered here as well.
3) Usage. Be honest about this with yourself. Daily driver or additional vehicle? On road only? Off road only? Summer only? You get the point. Don't leave out passenger consideration too... The JK I purchased is much easier for my wife to get in and out of vs. TJ (or even the new Bronco we had).
4) Future plans. This is closely related to #3. Keep it stock, upgrade it, or find one with with modifications already completed? Understanding of lift, tire size, gearing and how they relate since this is a common upgrade.
5) Research. Knowledge of the features and content through the years as well as on the various trim levels. I can't tell you how many Rubicons I see driving around in my area. I'm making an assumption here but would bet most of the drivers don't understand when, why, and how to use the lockers. Honestly they probably don't even care... This also includes common issues throughout the years which you said you would be covering.

I ended up with a 2dr JK Sahara 75th anniversary edition. It pretty much hit the sweet spot for me. Happy to share any details about my search.

Looking forward to your upcoming videos in this series.
Thanks so much for sharing. Agree on the Rubicon thoughts.. so many folks with them that will likely never take them off road. Such a waste. I want to keep my jeep close to stock.. my wife wants huge tires and a big lift. We'll likely compromise somewhere in the middle. I'm so excited to be working with a Jeep Dealer on the series.. Should be really good stuff.
 
  • Like
Reactions: tJKrider
Very cool. I'm looking for a 2015 or later JK with under 75K miles. Hoping to find one for around 20K. It's gonna be hard. Will be documenting the entire search as well as providing resources for others in the market for their first used Wrangler. Especially excited about getting help from the Jeep dealer who has agreed to help with the series !!
That's what I was looking for as well... Mine had 76k on it when I purchased it so I was a bit over my target but everything else was good so I jumped on it. It was at a dealer and I had them do a compression and leakdown before we closed the deal.
 
  • Like
Reactions: lutey
That's what I was looking for as well... Mine had 76k on it when I purchased it so I was a bit over my target but everything else was good so I jumped on it. It was at a dealer and I had them do a compression and leakdown before we closed the deal.
Will the compression and leakdown tests check for the rocker arm failure. Probably not necessary, since the rocker arm failure is pretty easily checked just by listening for the famous ticking.. I'm trying to find some videos of the "regular" penestar injector ticking noise vs the rocker arm ticking noise. I think on early rocker arm failures, they may sound similar. Try as I might.. I can't find a video that focuses on that. Every wrangler I look at.. i'm now recording what the engine sounds like with the engine cover off.. so I can compare the sounds. I think I just might be just a little strange !!
 
  • Like
Reactions: tJKrider
Will the compression and leakdown tests check for the rocker arm failure
No, but it will for valve guide wear and/or seat recession leading to head replacement. This was a concern on early 3.6L engines and, while I believe the concern is in the past, wanted to be sure I wasn't an outlier on the wrong side of the statistics. 😀
 
  • Like
Reactions: lutey
That's what I was looking for as well... Mine had 76k on it when I purchased it so I was a bit over my target but everything else was good so I jumped on it. It was at a dealer and I had them do a compression and leakdown before we closed the deal.
Peace of mind is priceless !!
 
  • Like
Reactions: tJKrider