Buying used JLU be aware of?

[Blip]

I know I might get blasted for not searching the forum but if someone knows off top of their head it will save me days of searching and possibly finding out the hard way.

I currently have a JK with 3.6 and auto and I have test driven a JLU the new 8 speed makes the engine feel stronger So i plan on staying with what i know and not going down the 3.0 or 2.0 route. Im looking to purchase a used JLU sport 3.6 auto trans what years should I look out for what problems?? ANY and all help will be greatly appreciated.

Sponsored

 

[Heimkehr]

@Blip
Prior to model year 2021, the JL-generation Jeeps were fitted with an aluminum steering box that didn't always provide a satisfactory steering effect. That was true even if the tires were correctly inflated, and everything else with the vehicle's suspension and alignment were in order.

Beginning in 2021, a black [cast iron?] steering box was installed at the factory. It is well-regarded for the observably improved steering feel that it provided. IIRC, there was a TSB that provided for replacement of the aluminum steering box with the newer one.

That's something to keep in mind, depending on the model year(s) that you're considering. Know also that there are anecdotal reports from owners about some CDJR dealers being unwilling to replace the aluminum steering boxes with the newer, improved unit...despite the issuance of the aforementioned TSB.

-------------

I also vet the seller, no matter if they're commercial or private. Are maintenance records available? Does the tidiness, or not, of the sales location crosswalk to the general condition of the vehicle? And so on.

 

[roaniecowpony]

As mentioned above, check for the later steering box. The old one is light gray/silver bare aluminum. The new one is painted black. Drive it on the freeway and hit dips and bumps at high speed (70+ ) while in a curve, if possible. Look for a shimmy in the steering wheel.

Listen to the engine at idle, for a rocker arm clatter. Bring a cheap Harbor Freight stethoscope or a piece of PVC pipe to place on the rocker covers to listen. Move it along the length of the rocker covers. If something is wrong, it'll jump out at you. Check the engine, transmission, and transfer case for impact damage on the bottom and leaks.

Look for impact damage on the driveshaft, and axles.

Make sure the HVAC system works fully, on every setting, hot, cold, etc.

Check tires for wear.

Look closely at the backing plates of the brakes for signs of gear oil. A leak isn't the end of the world, but it does take a good bit of shop time and at least $100 in parts.

Look for the dreaded paint blistering on the doors, hood and tailgate, but pretty much everywhere.

 

[Blip]

"Look for the dreaded paint blistering on the doors, hood and tailgate, but pretty much everywhere."

are the paint blisters on hinges and stuff covered if jeep has warranty remaining?

 

[roaniecowpony]

"Look for the dreaded paint blistering on the doors, hood and tailgate, but pretty much everywhere."

are the paint blisters on hinges and stuff covered if jeep has warranty remaining?

I don't know for sure. My 2018 has it, but I'm past the warranty.

 

[NeilP]

are the paint blisters on hinges and stuff covered if jeep has warranty remaining?

Corrosion is covered for 5 years from the date it was first sold & unlimited miles. It doesn't matter how many owners there's been.

 

[kah.mun.rah]

My 2018 had a lot of issues. So far my 2021 has been great.

 

[Blip]

My 2018 had a lot of issues. So far my 2021 has been great.

did you have same engine in both?

 

[kah.mun.rah]

did you have same engine in both?

3.6L in both. 2021 is the eTorque version. All of the issues in the 2018 were non-engine related though.

 

[Cashley]

I know you said you wanted to stay with the 3.6L but a few months ago I bought my wife one with the 3.0L Ecodiesel and we absolutely love it!!

 

[Ratbert]

Check out the spreadsheet in my sig. With the discounts you might be able to spec a brand new one for a similar price.

 

[rcadden]

When buying a used Jeep, you should generally prioritize finding one that looks bone stock. You want something that's never seen so much as a dirt parking lot, ideally.

It's tempting to buy a Jeep that's already lifted and modded out, but it's *generally* not a great idea.

• The previous owner is going to attach value to those mods, which you may not value equally. If it's a dealer, they *know* people are going to gravitate toward the lifted Jeeps, so they're going to charge more. You'll get a much better deal buying bone stock.
• There may be mods you don't want, or low quality (Rough Country, Cheap Amazon stuff, etc). It's going to cost you time and money to remove/replace those, so why would you pay for something you don't want?
• You don't know who installed those mods. Were they installed by a shop (and a good shop?) or were they installed by Jim Bob and Cletus in the driveway with a 6-pack of beer? What shortcuts and workarounds were they willing to accept that you're not, etc?
• Modded Jeeps are either Mall Crawlers or Offroad Toys. If it's a mall crawler, it's more likely to have cheap parts that are just for show vs quality mods. If it's an offroad toy, then you have to consider *how* it was used offroad - how hard was it abused (and why is the current owner selling it....)

You avoid all of that if you get a bone stock Jeep and mod it yourself.

 

[aldo98229]

...what years should I look out for problems??

2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024.

All other model years are perfectly fine.

Good luck! ?

 

[Blip]

2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024.

All other model years are perfectly fine.

Good luck! ?

lol yah too bad we cant retrofit the 8 speed into a JK

 

[Blip]

Check out the spreadsheet in my sig. With the discounts you might be able to spec a brand new one for a similar price.

thanks for info im reading over the thread trying to make sense of it all now!

Sponsored