Looking for a used Jeep. What should I look out for?

C

crusader1988

New member
Hi everyone. I'm looking to pick up a used Jeep in the next couple of weeks and I could use some advice. I have my eye on two different JKU Rubicon's and seeking some advice on what to look for when viewing them.

The first one is a very stock (no mods at all) 2016 with 54k miles and the second one is a 2017 Recon with a small lift (not sure if factory), 77k miles, and $3k more.

Both are automatic.

When I go to look at them, what should I check for to avoid getting ripped off?

Thanks!
 
Sort by date Sort by votes
crusader1988 said:
Hi everyone. I'm looking to pick up a used Jeep in the next couple of weeks and I could use some advice. I have my eye on two different JKU Rubicon's and seeking some advice on what to look for when viewing them.

The first one is a very stock (no mods at all) 2016 with 54k miles and the second one is a 2017 Recon with a small lift (not sure if factory), 77k miles, and $3k more.

Both are automatic.

When I go to look at them, what should I check for to avoid getting ripped off?

Thanks!
Click to expand...
Crawl underneath and check for rust and oil leakage. Rust is difficult to imagine in Arizona but the Jeep may have been elsewhere. Wiggle the driveshafts and check for unexpected movements or noise. Wiggle the front tires by pushing on the front and top to see how they move. Have someone sit in the front seat and make small changes via the steering wheel while you watch front suspension parts to see if there is unusual slop/movements. Verify that the oil on the engine dipstick is clean.

Also check which engine they have. Others here can provide info on which engines are best.
 
Upvote 0
bobfriesenhahn said:
Crawl underneath and check for rust and oil leakage. Rust is difficult to imagine in Arizona but the Jeep may have been elsewhere. Wiggle the driveshafts and check for unexpected movements or noise. Wiggle the front tires by pushing on the front and top to see how they move. Have someone sit in the front seat and make small changes via the steering wheel while you watch front suspension parts to see if there is unusual slop/movements. Verify that the oil on the engine dipstick is clean.

Also check which engine they have. Others here can provide info on which engines are best.
Click to expand...
Thanks! I'll keep all that in mind. From what I've seen, they are both the 3.6L.
 
Upvote 0
crusader1988 said:
Hi everyone. I'm looking to pick up a used Jeep in the next couple of weeks and I could use some advice. I have my eye on two different JKU Rubicon's and seeking some advice on what to look for when viewing them.

The first one is a very stock (no mods at all) 2016 with 54k miles and the second one is a 2017 Recon with a small lift (not sure if factory), 77k miles, and $3k more.

Both are automatic.

When I go to look at them, what should I check for to avoid getting ripped off?

Thanks!
Click to expand...
Really this advice holds true for any used vehicle. Walk around the car and it’ll be apparent whether it was well cared for or was simply a way to get around. Are there service records? A well cared for high mileage car makes more sense than a low mileage vehicle that was neglected. I assume these are both private parties? If so were they going to trade them in? What are they buying? I’ve seen folks have to trade in beloved vehicles because they are having another kid and the current one just isn’t going to work. Look at the driver seat is it excessively worn from getting in and out compared to the miles? Lots of short trips can be bad news for engine life long term. Of course look underneath for leaks or hidden damage or shit rigged into place. Look for fresh paint underneath a clear sign of trying to hide either damage and or rust. Look at the current owner. Do they seem honest? Responsible? One of the key red flags when I was in the car business was airfresheners. Some folks just had to cover the smell I guess but pretty much always the car was trashed if it had a bunch of them inside. Ask if it’s ok to bring it to a trusted mechanic for an evaluation. Whether you take it or not is up to you but if they are hesitant it could be a red flag. Finally unless you need a vehicle right now don’t rush and make an emotional decision. There are millions of cars on the market so there’s always another one right around the corner. That said don’t get analysis paralysis a good deal is one you are comfortable with. Once you buy stop looking at ads!
 
Upvote 0
Ddays said:
I'd lean to the 2017. The Recon package does have some nice adds - the 4:56 gearing is nice and it does have a 1.5" factory lift so running 35" tires is not an issue. Paying for a regear would more than make up the difference. And honestly 35" tires will handle 99% of what you'd likely come across.
Click to expand...
ah, wasn't aware the Recon came with the 1.5" lift, good point on the gearing
 
Upvote 0
Ddays said:
I'd lean to the 2017. The Recon package does have some nice adds - the 4:56 gearing is nice and it does have a 1.5" factory lift so running 35" tires is not an issue. Paying for a regear would more than make up the difference. And honestly 35" tires will handle 99% of what you'd likely come across.
Click to expand...
I think he’s referring to a Rubicon Recon JK (2017) before the JL and its “Xtreme Recon” package, which for the JK was solely cosmetic and still had 32s and 4.10s like a standard Rubicon.

1748017844621.jpeg
 
Upvote 0
Ddays said:
I'd lean to the 2017. The Recon package does have some nice adds - the 4:56 gearing is nice and it does have a 1.5" factory lift so running 35" tires is not an issue. Paying for a regear would more than make up the difference. And honestly 35" tires will handle 99% of what you'd likely come across.
Click to expand...
The factory lift is nice and I like the Recon front bumper.
 
Upvote 0
GP NOIR said:
Take it to a good mechanic and have as leak down check done to see if the head is cracked or warped, any valves are burnt, head gasket is blown or rings are worn.
Click to expand...
They are at dealerships, so I'm not sure if they'll let me have it inspected unless I buy. Are burnt valves common on the 3.6?
 
Upvote 0
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top Bottom