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An Ode to Wrangler Value

Rusty Shovel

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I read complaints about the cost of new wrangler JL’s, so I offer today’s experience as a counterpoint to all that negativity.

I always said I would never sell my beloved TJ Rubicon until Jeep got serious and made a diesel variant.

I’m a couple years late, but I finally put my money where my mouth is and ordered a 2023 JLU Diesel. After adding a few comforts (I’m not a teenager anymore) it came to a whopping $64k.

After recovering from my fit of hysterics, I found a dealer willing to sell at 9% below MSRP (Chapmans in Scottsdale), but it is still, by far, the most expensive vehicle I’ve ever purchased.

But today, a stranger flagged me down to ask if I’d be willing to sell him my 18-year-old rubicon.

This has happened to me before, I was never willing to entertain the thought. This time, I said yes. He offered me $19k cash.

while cleaning out my car, I found the old window sticker stuffed in with the manual. 2005 price? $31k, which I’m sure felt absurd at the time too.

so I’ve driven, and enjoyed the hell out of my rubicon for 18 years, then sold it for almost two-thirds its original Value.

Even at todays prices, I think Wrangler’s present one of the greatest values in the automotive world.
Jeep Wrangler JL An Ode to Wrangler Value 537AF35A-D5DA-4A89-AA48-5775D1A6998C

Farewell old friend!
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Pic18

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Nice looking Jeep!
 

Opus

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From that pic I see why you've been flagged down for offers. You've kept it in excellent condition.
 

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Rusty Shovel

Rusty Shovel

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Wow... that had to hurt.
Yes. It felt like losing a family member.

I have so many fond memories in that Jeep.

My children actually called to console me. (All except my 15-year-old, who felt it was his birthright and is very angry with me— LOL).
 

Smoke ‘Em

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Congrats on the new diesel. Beautiful TJ!
 

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Rusty Shovel

Rusty Shovel

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Should have kept it.
In a perfect world, I would have. But I’m not in a financial position that allows for a play car. Without selling the old, I couldn’t afford the new.

…and my new job requires I drive to Vegas and back twice a month. The diesel will better suit my needs.
 

five9dak

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About 40% retained real value when accounting for inflation, after 17 years of service or 3.5% depreciation per year in real terms. Still very good.

Jeep Wrangler JL An Ode to Wrangler Value 1661872502114
 

deserteagle56

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Yup. Believe it was on TFL (one of their recent videos) where they said the old straight-6 Rubicons are rising dramatically in value - selling prices $25-30,000 not unusual.
 

aldo98229

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Everything old is going up in value —SJs, XJs, TJs.

The reality is that the exorbitant prices of new vehicles make it easy for many to justify buying an old one and restoring it.
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