Buying used JL - Need your help

[Tdub0527]

Hi all,

I was hoping my first post would be a photo of me with a 2018 JL Sahara I went to buy today. Unfortunately, I left the dealer and I'm now here asking you all for advice. I apologize in advance for this post likely being in the wrong spot...if necessary direct me to where I should put it.

I had never seen the Sahara but pictures looked great and it checked every box for what I wanted in a jeep at this time. Went and drove it and fell in love. However, I did walk it in great detail and found some (what I consider decent size) paint bubbling at the 7/8 door hinges. The only reason I looked at the hinges is because I know they are a place rust can easily happen on the Wrangler. The sales manager said they can contact Chrysler to see if it would be considered warranty issue. He kinda brushed it off as a "wrangler" thing...I'm not so sold that this is normal. I said I'm not buying till I hear back. Should I stick with this vehicle or walk away and find one that doesn't have this issue. I saw a paint bubbling thread but it was 129 pages and didn't have time to check it out yet. Is this a 2018 issue? A normal wrangler issue? How long till this turns into rust? I am surprised a vehicle that is only a 2018 could already be getting ready to rust.

Pictures are posted below.:

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[HydroPaul]

I'd look at ordering a brand new one. You might get it for the same price. I traded in my 18 for a 22 and paid 400 bucks diff. Both sahara.
But yes, hi get are notorious for paint bubbles

 

[jaymz]

It’s definitely not normal, but it is very common.

 

[Heimkehr]

@Tdub0527
Well done for performing due diligence here.

What you observed is paint delamination occurring on aluminum door skins. It's been documented just enough times on this forum that the matter should indeed be on the radar of all current or prospective JL owners.

Some folks have obtained satisfaction via approved warranty claims, whereas a few other owners have been given the cold shoulder due to said delamination not being severe enough to convince FCA/Stellantis to approve the necessary repair work being done on their dime.

 

[Shibadog]

That is a problem waiting to happen, and if your “friendly” dealer doesn’t warranty repair it, it’s gonna be on your dime. I’d walk unless(1)it was a great deal and (2) they repair it and WARRANTY their work.

 

[JLanesey]

I’d pass on that. Those are going to look real bad when the paint finally starts to flake off. There are good used ones out there. Have to be patient and check a lot of dealers if that is the route your taking. I found prices were better at “non-jeep” dealers.

 

[Glovetown]

Hi all,

I was hoping my first post would be a photo of me with a 2018 JL Sahara I went to buy today. Unfortunately, I left the dealer and I'm now here asking you all for advice. I apologize in advance for this post likely being in the wrong spot...if necessary direct me to where I should put it.

I had never seen the Sahara but pictures looked great and it checked every box for what I wanted in a jeep at this time. Went and drove it and fell in love. However, I did walk it in great detail and found some (what I consider decent size) paint bubbling at the 7/8 door hinges. The only reason I looked at the hinges is because I know they are a place rust can easily happen on the Wrangler. The sales manager said they can contact Chrysler to see if it would be considered warranty issue. He kinda brushed it off as a "wrangler" thing...I'm not so sold that this is normal. I said I'm not buying till I hear back. Should I stick with this vehicle or walk away and find one that doesn't have this issue. I saw a paint bubbling thread but it was 129 pages and didn't have time to check it out yet. Is this a 2018 issue? A normal wrangler issue? How long till this turns into rust? I am surprised a vehicle that is only a 2018 could already be getting ready to rust.

Pictures are posted below.:

He blows you off now, wait till your need
Service. He just set the tone of the dealership. Run forest Run

 

[Tdub0527]

Is this problem occurring in all years of the JL? Is it kinda luck of the draw and some have the issue and some don’t?

I am going to look at a 2019 Sahara tomorrow but would love to know if this is something I should expect to happen eventually or if this is a production issue with the JL. Note: I have plans to read all 129 pages of that other thread tonight. And I greatly appreciate any and all insight you guys have! Been a lurker here for a while and can’t wait to be part of the jeep family.

 

[BXFXJeep]

Had zero bubble issues on my 2018, and 2015, my 10 year old 2007 started to bubble at the end, I used to wash that Wrangler once a year.

Those bubbles will gnaw at you, and can turn in to an eyesore.

Picture #2 looks like it's spread to the door as well.

 

[YippieKiYayMrFalcon]

It’s luck of the draw. Some jeeps from all years have it and some don’t. I’d pass on that one. Not something you want to have to deal with later.

 

[XJfanatic]

Is this problem occurring in all years of the JL? Is it kinda luck of the draw and some have the issue and some don’t?

I am going to look at a 2019 Sahara tomorrow but would love to know if this is something I should expect to happen eventually or if this is a production issue with the JL. Note: I have plans to read all 129 pages of that other thread tonight. And I greatly appreciate any and all insight you guys have! Been a lurker here for a while and can’t wait to be part of the jeep family.

It’s random. My 2020 JLU was an Oklahoma/Missouri rental has started to bubble on the tailgate, two doors, and just saw a bubble on the hood. I don’t think it ever saw road salt before me and it got washed regularly as rental companies do.

My 2020 JT has been driving in Indiana salt and brine since delivered in the fall of 2019. It definitely wasn’t washed much before I got it or at least well as I still am finding tree grime behind stuff. But it has no bubbles anywhere. It’s exactly what I would expect to cause them.

JL/JT doors are aluminum and even if the hinges are/were aluminum they would still corrode due to the exposed steel bolts.

 

[DaltonGang]

Hard pass on that one. The rust reached the panels, and is what I consider extreme.

 

[Tdub0527]

Would you recommend only buying one without any bubbling? Or should I be realistic here and know some small bubbles are likely? Trying to get a pulse on how picky I should be.

I’m trading in our 2018 Honda Odyssey for this and if I saw anything like this paint bubbling on my van, or any other car, I’d be pretty upset. Especially not that old. But if owning a wrangler requires a different set of expectations I want to know if I should adjust mine.

Before we left the lot I looked at two of other used JLs and didn’t see any bubbling (not the features I wanted). Just a lot to learn with the Wrangler I’m finding.

 

[Heimkehr]

Would you recommend only buying one without any bubbling? Or should I be realistic here and know some small bubbles are likely? Trying to get a pulse on how picky I should be.

Threads on the subject make plain that the potential for paint bubbling at the door hinges is possible on any JL-generation Wrangler. FWIW, the photos you posted are some of the worst I've seen, in terms of the sheer degree of delamination that is presently occurring.

The paint on my 2021 JLU remains 99%, but for a teency rock chip or two. That said, if the paint began to fail in any way at the door hinges, I'd be upset but not surprised.

As for the 2018 Sahara that you're considering, I'd want the paint issue fixed, or be given a generous price discount in recognizance of the issue, before proceeding with the purchase. Just my .02.

Best of luck here. ?

 

[TheBirdie72]

I think it all depends how much you dislike paint bubbles. ?‍ Or perhaps how much you take the doors off? Or maybe what kind of deal they will give you? I’d pass since you could probably find one in better condition elsewhere.

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