New to Jeeps - looking at JL Wrangler Sport S

[YBABRAT]

Ok, never had a 4x4 before and thinking of trails with some climbing later on. Main reason for my pick is novice and don't want to go over my head with over the top higher level options. From what I gather exhaust and electrical are problematic. Exhaust can be redone but it seems having a dual battery option.

Anyway... are there key areas to look over on used JL Wranglers?

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[Flip]

I would suggest: decide between a 2 door or 4 door, 4 cyl or 6 cyl, hard top or soft top, whichever suits you best. I noticed the JL has quite a few bells & whistles compared to the TJ's. I may have missed it but I've never read or heard anything about exhaust related issues.

Welcome to the forum and best of luck in your decision buddy.

 

[Ratbert]

Check the spreadsheet in my sig once you basically figure out what you want. With those discounts you might be able to afford something new.

Note that there's currently a $2k rebate and another $1k code available from jeep.com, but those expire quickly.

 

[Bill_BCNtoNY]

Some things I may be randomly remembering from spending too much time here in the forums:

• Electrical issues are almost always tied to the ESS motorcycle-sized battery setup (very easy to fix) and/or the inconsistent durability of OEM batteries (not a crazy expensive fix either)
• Look out for rusting around all hinges - often can be fixed under warranty but can be difficult to fix well and expensive if not covered by warranty
• When considering the different powertrains, pretty much each has a very distinct character IMHO
  • 3.6 v6 is the basic/“simplest” option which is potentially easier to fix/better known than any of the other options
  • 2.0 4cyl turbo has more pep and better fuel economy. A must if you live or wheel at altitude
  • 4xe is great for short commutes and a toss up on whether you get a lemon or a good one. Plenty of fun and feels more planted given fhe battery weight and location.
  • 392 is the most fun and thirsty… an icon!
  • 3.0 Turbo Diesel - fantastic torque and mpgs, but you have to deal with troublesome emissions equipments if you do short rides often vs long times with engine at operaring temps
• As per equipment, trims only matter up to a point - Wranglers are the Mr. Potato Head of cars and you can retrofit almost anything you want with enough time and money. The options are endless!

Good luck with the search and welcome!

 

[KCSgtMaj]

If you’re a youngster go for the stripped down model. Basic everything. After you get some mileage under it, then you can either mod it or trade it in for something more capable. I bet you could purchase a stripped down new one for about the same money. Hell the first Jeep I bought new didn’t even have a radio. Bare bones and you can’t go wrong.

 

[The Last Cowboy]

A base Wrangler may be all the capability you need. It’s far more capable than almost anything else you can buy.

As far as exhaust issues? I’ve never heard that. Not on JKs or JLs anyway.

 

[YBABRAT]

Hi ya'll... thanks for all the input. I have made a plan based on cost effectiveness and personal tastes. My needs are simple, so a 2 door hard top with v6 automatic in sport s trim is what I am shooting for in the used market. The 4 door or any soft top seems plentiful. So it seems my pick is very limiting for availability.

As for what I know... yep the oem batteries and their sizes. Discovered that issue with Honda forums on the 8th Gen Accord I4 owners. Their fix was to drop the oem battery and mounting for the v6 battry option. Also there was ground enhancement mods to help with aftermarket electrical upgrades.

As for exhaust... the muffler and pipe seem lower than expected. For stock lift, I expect a rock to take out parts of my exhaust if not careful.

Right now being a city boy with a country heart... I have moved into the mountains and see the JL as a nice option that can be fun and limitless for my needs. I could have picked any suv with 4 wheel drive, but they don't give much for freedom of upgrades and pleasure of sporting around. They seem to give a hotel feel rather a camp out feel when taking on the trails. I learned that with my Accord coupe v6. Plenty of power but desert mountains of Utah and Nevada proved challenges are buffered or candy coated until stuck. Ha! Yep four wheeling in a sporty front wheel drive had its moments with steep inclines on pea gravel. The fun of GPS maps made my day.

One thing... a low milage used JL can make the purchase a diamond in the rough. Basic nessisary upgrades and some wear and tear can point you in choosing or walking away from a deal. Contrary to buying times... slow periods in sales may prove to be a good choice. Planning on my purchase over the Memorial Day weekend. My interest rate will be around 5.5% with my credit union.

Will keep the forum informed once I grab a JL for myself... which will be by next month.

 

[Speed331]

2020 sport s 2.0t
Where it started:

Where it is now:

Put ~ 3k into her not counting tires.
Rubicon take off: 2.5" lift for $150
Apex quick disconnects
Bumper
Winch
Rock rails
On board air
Trail radio
Dead pedal
And a few other odds and ends.
75k miles without a hiccup.
Drive her every day to and for work.
Take her to the dirt whenever I can and she will tackle anything I've a mind to challenge her with.

It really doesn't take much to build a solid capability upgrade. Unless you plan on doing trails where lockers are a must - 6+ rated - The built in BLD will take you a lot further than you think. You can get more bang for your buck this way then springing for a Rubicon.

Four years on...I still smile every morning when I get behind the wheel. And that is priceless...

 

[Ratbert]

As for exhaust... the muffler and pipe seem lower than expected. For stock lift, I expect a rock to take out parts of my exhaust if not careful.

This isn't the Honda world. Very few people screw with their exhaust.

A couple years ago I rented a JKU in Moab with a fart can exhaust. It got squished on the first drop.

This isn't the Honda world.

 

[YBABRAT]

Honda, Chevy and what ever... there are issues shared at times with electrical and clearance. Exhaust issues with clearance was a concern not tuning for hp. You took my info and turned it into a tuner issue.

 

[S2k Chris]

I would look very closely at what a Willy’s cost over a Sport S comparably equipped if you plan to go off-road at all. For me, the difference is a couple grand equally optioned, and then you get better tires and a rear locker which is all most people will ever need. I had a Sport S, and it was great, but if it had had a rear locker I’d probably still be in it.

 

[Ratbert]

Honda, Chevy and what ever... there are issues shared at times with electrical and clearance. Exhaust issues with clearance was a concern not tuning for hp. You took my info and turned it into a tuner issue.

Sorry, but Wranglers don't have the issues you're describing. It's not a Honda. It's not a Chevy.

Edit: very few modify their exhaust. Those that modify it primarily do that for the sound. The exhaust-related mods would typically be putting skid plates underneath the entire Wrangler (including exhaust).

 

[wcjeep]

Recommend used V6 auto minus the mild hybrid system. We wanted simplicity. Bought ours new with zero E Torque . They are out there. Expand your search to neighboring metro areas or close to an airport. Most used JL have optional Air Conditioning. Wasn't standard until recently.

Be patient. Get want you want.

 

[Drakon21]

I would look very closely at what a Willy’s cost over a Sport S comparably equipped if you plan to go off-road at all. For me, the difference is a couple grand equally optioned, and then you get better tires and a rear locker which is all most people will ever need. I had a Sport S, and it was great, but if it had had a rear locker I’d probably still be in it.

I would agree with this only if they are looking for a 2024 model, otherwise no locker on the Willy’s, and I think I read earlier this person was looking for a used model

 

[S2k Chris]

I would agree with this only if they are looking for a 2024 model, otherwise no locker on the Willy’s, and I think I read earlier this person was looking for a used model

Oops missed that good call ?

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