If you want a Jeep Wrangler, you either have to shell out the big bucks or go used. It is one of the most recognizable vehicles on the planet, but this is the case for some great reasons. Even a used Jeep Wrangler will hold its value over long periods of time because of its reputation alone. Regardless of whether you want to drive around town or go off-roading, the Jeep Wrangler is a great vehicle to have. This all goes without mentioning the vehicle’s deep history and how entwined it has become with American culture.
The road ahead is not impossible – it just takes some knowledge and understanding of used cars. There may be plenty of used Jeep Wranglers out there, but you should be looking for the right one, not just any Wrangler that comes your way. The following will give some more details about the Wrangler itself and how to buy one at the right price.
Brief Overview of the Jeep Wrangler
The Jeep Wrangler has a long history that involves contributions from multiple companies during its origin in World War II. At first, the vehicle was meant to be a lightweight, 4WD vehicle that could be easily transported for the war effort. Throughout the war, Jeeps were used for everything from pulling light artillery pieces to serving as fast scout cars. When the war ended, our GI’s wanted their Jeeps back home to use in civilian life.
As the years went on and the model was enhanced and altered, the Jeep’s popularity grew to the point of being an iconic American vehicle. The public could not get enough of the Jeep. It has come to the point where we now consider the Jeep fandom as a culture. This is the reason used Jeep Wranglers sell so well – they are a cult classic.
The title “Wrangler” was put in place after Jeep’s acquisition by Chrysler in the late 1980s. Chrysler also was able to take the Jeep Wrangler global. It is now envied in many countries across the world for its unique aesthetic and great performance metrics.
Why Even a Used Jeep Wrangler is an Excellent Choice
Jeep Wranglers are built for rugged use and are reliable for quite a long time as a result. Some have their expectations set quite high as to how well these vehicles will hold up. Although these vehicles are subject to the same challenges that other used vehicles face, the Wrangler’s fame for being long-lasting is not without merit. Today, Wranglers meet the same standards for ruggedness and reliability as they did in the original design.
The key point to know when shopping for a used Jeep Wrangler is that prices vary based on the car’s age and trim. The models with the iconic round headlights are going to have a higher price tag than those without. If you are hoping to pick up a Wrangler with all of the capabilities, but at the lowest price point, you may want to check out the YJ model, which was produced from 1987 to 1995. This is the same model that was used in the Jurassic Park movies years ago, which makes it easily recognizable by itself.
Another thing to keep in mind when looking at used Jeep Wranglers is how much you are looking to modify the vehicle. Wranglers are known for their customizability. If you know you won’t add many modifications, maybe you could spring for a slightly more expensive model. If you know you will be adding quite a bit, you could purchase a more reasonably priced model and still have money left over for tires, suspension upgrades, lightbars, lift kits, snorkels, or any other modification you desire. For Wranglers, there is an extremely large aftermarket, and you can do almost anything you’d like with yours.
How to Go About Buying a Used Jeep Wrangler
The first step to buying a used Jeep Wrangler is to make sure it is right for you. If you don’t plan to go outside and explore with your vehicle, it may not be the best bet for your next vehicle. Many Wrangler models don’t include a locking trunk, so it would be difficult to bring out for groceries and errands without that assurance. The vehicle is also made for utilitarians, so it isn’t very comfortable for long rides. This would be a dealbreaker for those with long commutes. While these may seem like put-offs, they may not be for those who it is actually right for.
In regards to the trunk, it is easily accessible without keys. This could be great for those who often go camping. It also has a minimalist design that is great for extra space for passengers and luggage. The engine is optimized for off-roading and tough terrain as well, so you won’t find yourself stuck in the great outdoors.
We can’t go without mentioning the aesthetics. The Wrangler look is honestly one of its main selling points. It also has a great height advantage over other cars, and it operates like an SUV and convertible combined. The lightweight design makes the vehicle easy to repair and modify, as mentioned previously. Finally, it is worth noting that the Wrangler heating system is quite advanced, too. In short, if you are seeking an off-roading machine that is optimized for such a task, the Wrangler is a great option.
General Tips on Buying Used
Hopefully, by now, you have determined if a used Jeep Wrangler is for you and which generation you are most interested in. Going forward, you will want to use proven tactics to buy used vehicles that are going to last you a long time without surprises. The fact of the matter is, many aren’t sure of the process or how it all works. The following will include information on how to buy a used car the right way.
The first thing you will want to do is ensure that the vehicle has been kept up with over the years. The common things you can look for are oil stickers and maintenance history. If these basic maintenance tasks have not been completed or logged, it will be difficult to make the case that the vehicle is ready to go for another five years.
Before purchasing a used vehicle, you should also consider the condition of the title. You should ensure that the title is actually in possession of the seller. If a title can’t be produced, then you probably want to move on to the next deal since you will need that title to transfer the vehicle into your name. The title should also show that there are no liens or obscure rules on it, such as the vehicle being forbidden for highway use.
The final step would be to check the engine, look for damaged components, and see if there are any leaks under the car. If everything up until this step seems okay and the vehicle runs well, you may be looking at a good candidate. Before going in to finish the deal, you should do a quick check online to compare the price to other Wranglers of the same model year and condition. If you follow these guidelines, you are sure to find yourself a good deal.
Are You Prepared?
Realistically, we all understand that the Jeep Wrangler is a great vehicle with excellent specs. It’s relatively common to see Wranglers with over a decade of wear and tear on them still cruising down the road. It’s a car that is easily recognizable and envied by off-roaders across the world, and if you want to be a part of the culture, it may be a great selection for you.
