Advice on buying a used JLU

[jsavvy]

I've been looking to buy a Wrangler for a long time (many, many years). I have always believed in buying a new one since that is the best way to ensure it hasn't been beat or incorrectly modded. The crazy rise in new Wrangler prices has pushed me into the used market. That being said I'd appreciate some advice.

I found a 2021 Unlimited Sport S in Sarge Green with just under 60k miles. It has the 3.6 eTorque with the automatic in it. It has the "Convenience Group" with Remote Start and Garage door opener; "Trailer Tow and Heavy Duty Electrical Group" with the hitch & wiring, and the Aux switches; unfortunately it also has hood graphics from the factory and someone installed an angry grill. It doesn't appear to have a lift or any other suspension mods.

Sarge Green is my color preference. I like the remote start and the tow package was on my "need to have" list. The only other feature I wish it had was heated seats.

The dealer has had it for a few months now and the price has dropped from $31k down to $28k. What are your thoughts on this price?

I have the 3.6 in my minivan and its fine but not sure about the eTorque. Also, I'd like to take the decals/graphics off the hood but not sure if the paint will be too new and shiny under those graphics. Anyone have experience taking off the decals after so many years?

I haven't looked it over in person or test drove it yet. I wanted to ask if there is any advice or checklist on buying a used JLU? I'll certainly be looking for scrapes and rust on the bottom side. What else should I be looking for? Any issues with the 2021 model year that I should be aware of? Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks guys!

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[Kbinspections]

Sounds like a fair price but you won’t know until you see it and drive it.

Hood graphics and grill are super easy to address, they should not be a factor to consider.

Good luck!

 

[The Fixer]

The price is ~meh~, only because it's got a lot of miles for the year (20K/year average if it's 3 years old and has 60K). That said, you're right to look at the frame for signs of rock rash/abuse. I'd also look carefully at the paintwork for bubbling around the hinges and other common areas because I don't know what kind of warranty (if any) you'll get in that regard. I'd also check balljoints and other front end items as they typically exhibit wear around that mileage.

FWIW, my son bought a loaded (leather, cold weather package, 8.4", Alpine, remote start, painted fenders and top, etc.) CPO '20 JLUR in October of '23 with 25K miles on it for around $40K.

 

[CJ_s3v3n]

For a point of reference, I just bought a '19 Sahara with 2.0t, 8.4", leather, cold weather, alpine, parking sensors, remote start, painted hardtop, ect. 25k miles for $32k.

A couple things to look for is "death wobble" (vibration after hitting a bump at 75+ mph) and loose steering. Mine ended having both. The local jeep shop checked it out and replaced the steering stabilizer which resolved the death wobble. The loose steering is not major but annoying for $32k vehicle.

 

[Ratbert]

No clue if it's a good deal, but make sure to check the spreadsheet in my sig before convincing yourself that you can't afford a new one.

 

[m3reno]

I would rather get a lower model new Wrangler vs a used Wrangler with 60,000 miles. It's alot of miles given it's only 3 years old. If you average 15,000 miles per year you'll be close to a 100,000 miles in two years!!

 

[m3reno]

If you don't mind travelling Mark Dodge in Louisiana is selling two Wranglers priced at over 51,000 for 43,000. 8,000 off of sticker and they are legit as I just purchased a Jeep Compass through them for 4,500 below sticker price

 

[CJ_s3v3n]

No clue if it's a good deal, but make sure to check the spreadsheet in my sig before convincing yourself that you can't afford a new one.

Very interesting thread and thanks for putting the spreadsheet together. I read pages and pages of the newer posts, wish poeple would post the prices and option packages they are getting.

Seems like the dealers are discounting but sounds like a JLU nicely equipped would still be in the mid to high 40s before taxes.

 

[Wbino]

E torque is a plus. IMHO

 

[Johnny B]

First things first. Start with a list of appointments/features you want in your Jeep. Because adding them later can be expensive, or really involved. Focusing on factory options that you would like to not do without (heated seats, color, model, and such). Keep in mind, some options can be had at much less than the factory option. Some, more. And you can even grab great deals on lightly used and not abused pieces (soft top, bumpers, tires, and the likes). Move on to a radius of where to look. We wasted a lot of time looking within 500 miles from home. Quickly went to 250, and ended up under 100 miles from home. Found 6 Jeeps, focused on 3, went to see two, and bought one cause it was too good a deal to walk away from. Good luck on your search...

 

[kah.mun.rah]

I found a 2021 Unlimited Sport S in Sarge Green with just under 60k miles. It has the 3.6 eTorque

That is a great year, engine, and color. I had a 2018 with a lot of issues and now have owned a 2021 with the eTorque for a few years and have had zero issues with it (other than retorquing the ball joint nuts).

 

[Punkn89]

I think you can do better on the price. I would say wait until the end of the month when they are trying to reach goals and get them to $25k. I doubt the Jeep is going anywhere.

 

[jsavvy]

Thanks for the help so far, everyone!

The price is ~meh~, only because it's got a lot of miles for the year (20K/year average if it's 3 years old and has 60K). That said, you're right to look at the frame for signs of rock rash/abuse. I'd also look carefully at the paintwork for bubbling around the hinges and other common areas because I don't know what kind of warranty (if any) you'll get in that regard. I'd also check balljoints and other front end items as they typically exhibit wear around that mileage.

I'll be looking out for corrosion around the hinges for sure and good call on checking the suspension.

No clue if it's a good deal, but make sure to check the spreadsheet in my sig before convincing yourself that you can't afford a new one.

Thanks for the heads up - I've been following that spreadsheet for a while. I wish the new prices were lower. There's certainly some good money off, but it's not going to get it down to my budget.

FWIW, my son bought a loaded (leather, cold weather package, 8.4", Alpine, remote start, painted fenders and top, etc.) CPO '20 JLUR in October of '23 with 25K miles on it for around $40K.

For a point of reference, I just bought a '19 Sahara with 2.0t, 8.4", leather, cold weather, alpine, parking sensors, remote start, painted hardtop, ect. 25k miles for $32k.

I think you can do better on the price. I would say wait until the end of the month when they are trying to reach goals and get them to $25k. I doubt the Jeep is going anywhere.

Are you guys talking about and Out the door price in your figures? Or are you talking about that price plus tax, title, etc?

I would rather get a lower model new Wrangler vs a used Wrangler with 60,000 miles. It's alot of miles given it's only 3 years old. If you average 15,000 miles per year you'll be close to a 100,000 miles in two years!!

This does give me some pause - hadn't thought about it that way.

First things first. Start with a list of appointments/features you want in your Jeep. Because adding them later can be expensive, or really involved. Focusing on factory options that you would like to not do without (heated seats, color, model, and such). Keep in mind, some options can be had at much less than the factory option. Some, more. And you can even grab great deals on lightly used and not abused pieces (soft top, bumpers, tires, and the likes). Move on to a radius of where to look. We wasted a lot of time looking within 500 miles from home. Quickly went to 250, and ended up under 100 miles from home. Found 6 Jeeps, focused on 3, went to see two, and bought one cause it was too good a deal to walk away from. Good luck on your search...

I love the advice - this is actually how I found this Jeep!

That is a great year, engine, and color. I had a 2018 with a lot of issues and now have owned a 2021 with the eTorque for a few years and have had zero issues with it (other than retorquing the ball joint nuts).

E torque is a plus. IMHO

Thanks for info guys. I was curious about the eTorque since I have no experience with it.

 

[hamiamham69]

Given the issues the JLU has - mechanical and corrosion - I would not buy one unless it’s still under the original warranty or you buy an extended one. Given your color preference - I think it’s a less common color? - your ability to negotiate might be limited.

Not going to be a popular opinion but - if I were to do it over again - I would wait for a great lease deal on the 4xe and lease vs buy.

 

[Punkn89]

Out the door with the $25k if you really want it.

Also, not sure where you're located, but I did a quick search on cars.com and found a bunch of wranglers under $30k with less than 20k miles.

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