First Jeep purchase, need some advice

[GeepTheJeep]

Joining this conversation late, but if you have not already purchased a Jeep, here are a few thoughts from my personal experience:

I looked at this listing (it is no longer available, so assume it has sold). While it is a great color, and from the pictures appears to be in decent shape on the outside, as noted by others I'd definitely have to see it or any other in person to make sure of the actual body condition. The interior, though, reflects a pretty high level of use that even the Carmax prep didn't really do a good job at concealing. Lots more wear and tear than I would want to accept, even at 5 years old.

Additionally, to put things in perspective, I bought my 2018 Sahara in 2019 when it was 1 year and 2 months old. It had listed for $51K when new (have no idea what the original owners paid), but I got it a year later for $37,900 and 10K miles, which was a great deal compared to everything else out there. It still looked and smelled brand new with no marks and only a tiny bit of internal use marks. Options included the LED lighting group, tow package, leather, 8.4" radio/nav, anti-spin differential, upgraded Dana rear axle, remote start, dual top option w/matching color hard top.

This Carmax listing does not have full LED lighting (headlights are halogen) or tow kit (which gets you the pre-wired aux panel, the hitch with wiring ready to go, and upgraded alternator). It does have the Sky One-touch and active safety group options, which released late in 2018.

I have attached the original window sticker for the Jeep in the Carmax listing so that you can see everything it had when new (You can do the same for any for any 2013+ Jeep and a bunch of other brands at this site using the VIN from any for sale listing: Window Sticker Lookup by VIN

For its age, the mileage isn't bad, but looking at the interior marks on seating and other surfaces I think it has been used heavier than it appears. Each person will have their preferences on what they are willing to accept. I don't need brand new-looking on a used vehicle, but do want something that has been taken care of.

As everyone on here will tell you, what you get is based on your preference and what you intend to do with it. I was really lucky to get the price I got, as Jeeps were getting snapped up in less than a week and it was nigh impossible to get to one before it sold. Mine happened to be a trad-in on a Chevy lot, so had not popped on the usual CarGuruss and other listings. Same is going on now, but if you are patient you'll find one you want somewhere with decent mileage.

I noted on a couple of different sites that Jeep Wranglers only shed ~21% of their value over 5 years, one of the lowest depreciation vehicles on the market anywhere (#4). When the three vehicles listed above it on the list are Porsche 911 coupe, Porsch 718 Cayman, and Toyota Tacoma, I'd say that's pretty good. Makes it tough on used Jeep buyers, though...

I would definitely recommend JL over JK. My brother has a 2012 JK and while it is great, the two are pretty different in overall ride and modern features. For me, the must-have features are the LED lighting group, 8.4" upgraded sound system, and tow package with the associated features. Your mileage may vary, but hope you find (have found) your perfectly-balance mix!

What are your thoughts on this one? Window sticker was $44k
https://www.carmax.com/car/25987293
https://www.jeep.com/hostd/windowsticker/getWindowStickerPdf.do?vin=1C4HJXDN0MW602673

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[ObiMatt87]

What are your thoughts on this one? Window sticker was $44k
https://www.carmax.com/car/25987293
https://www.jeep.com/hostd/windowsticker/getWindowStickerPdf.do?vin=1C4HJXDN0MW602673

This one looks much cleaner with nice low mileage, but it's a Sport S model. If you are just going to use this as a daily driver, never go off-road, and like the look/are willing to accept the stiffer ride around town, then something like this will work just great. It could still do some easy off-roading in its stock form (it is a Jeep, after all), but if you want to do anything more strenuous you'd want to modify it at least some or go for a higher trim line.

That said, other immediate observations are:

- It's got the Sky One-touch, which is clearly important to you and an expensive option. That's a plus for your search.

- It has the 2.0 turbo engine. Some live and die by the 3.6L 6-cylinder only, which is what I have and love it for its solid feel/reliability. That said, 2.0 owners generally love their engines and I drove a rental 4xe with it and it was fine for normal use. For a daily driver I would not make that my deal-breaker.

- No LED lighting group. You can change these out with good aftermarket LEDs front and back, but the OEM LED headlights are the best-looking of all the options out there, in my opinion. I really think you would regret having halogens, but some people are just fine with them. If I bought this one I'd change front and back lighting out immediately with something like the Oracle options.

- No tow package. Not a huge deal at all if, a) you never plan to tow anything and b) you never plan to add on any other lighting/accessories that a pre-wired factory aux panel would make easier. You can always add a third-party hitch, and you can work the wiring. Factory just makes it easier.

- No remote start. Again, not a big deal at all if you never use this feature. It's an easy one to go without, but still nice when you want it.

- The seats are cloth vice leather. Mine just happened to have come with leather. I would have been fine with cloth. Unless you are dying for leather, then no big deal.

- It has the 8.4" sound/nav system. That is a plus, in my opinion, as the sound is plenty decent for a Jeep. The sub makes a huge difference.

- It has a matching hardtop with the Sky One-touch vice black. I prefer the matching color, while others think it is too much color, but on Firecracker I think it looks great. The great thing about the One-touch is that you really don't see it unless you are up high enough.

- Can't see the tread on the tires, but I'm guessing by the low mileage these are the original OEMs, so at that mileage you'd be changing them out relatively soon. That said, it would be an opportunity to put on a slightly bigger, more aggressive tire IF you wanted such. Or you just replace with fresh OEM-equivalents for a quieter ride as a daily driver in town.

- The price appears to be right about in the ballpark of retail for a used Jeep with the loadout it has. I have purchased from Carmax in the past and in general I find them to be pretty solid. They do have a mark-up, but they also have pretty strict standards as to what they put out on their lots for sale and generally I'd say I trust them.

Bottom line: If the Sky One-touch is a major option you are interested in (I can see that being hand in Cape Cod), you don't plan to do more than easy off-roading on gravel roads or a little bit more, and this is more a daily driver/travel vehicle than anything else, then this looks to be a fair offering. Not a steal, but definitely not a rip-off, in my opinion.

Hope this helps. Know looking is challenging, and if you're in no rush you can certainly keep on looking. Firecracker is a great color (I prefer color in general vice silver, grey, black, white, but again, that is individual preference).

 

[Halxen]

What are your thoughts on this one? Window sticker was $44k
https://www.carmax.com/car/25987293
https://www.jeep.com/hostd/windowsticker/getWindowStickerPdf.do?vin=1C4HJXDN0MW602673

Beyond what Matt said above; For the budget you're looking for in a JL with SOT this is about as good of a find as I think you'd get. Looks pretty well taken care of and is clean. Nothing wrong with a Sport S for what you've outlined as your intended use case.

+ SOT
+ Mopar all-weather floor mats
+8.4" Uconnect 4C Nav
+ Rear back-up camera
+ Premium Alpine audio system w/ Sub
+ 2.0L Turbo will have better fuel economy and still has good torque
+ Reasonable milage for the age of vehicle (11k/yr is not bad)
+Vehicle history report is clean

EDIT: Only has the balance of 3yr/36k miles which is pretty much expired, however, you may be able to still get a Mopar warranty for it.

 

[GeepTheJeep]

Beyond what Matt said above; For the budget you're looking for in a JL with SOT this is about as good of a find as I think you'd get. Looks pretty well taken care of and is clean. Nothing wrong with a Sport S for what you've outlined as your intended use case.

+ SOT
+ Mopar all-weather floor mats
+8.4" Uconnect 4C Nav
+ Rear back-up camera
+ Premium Alpine audio system w/ Sub
+ 2.0L Turbo will have better fuel economy and still has good torque
+ Reasonable milage for the age of vehicle (11k/yr is not bad)
+Vehicle history report is clean

EDIT: Only has the balance of 3yr/36k miles which is pretty much expired, however, you may be able to still get a Mopar warranty for it.

you think the sport over the sahara? And you can buy a mopar extended warranty?

 

[Halxen]

you think the sport over the sahara? And you can buy a mopar extended warranty?

I didn't see the listing for that Sahara you linked earlier. It's about the same average milage per year; you're just sacrificing that lower milage for the bit of extras of the Sahara.

+Color matched fenders
+Color matched grill
+Running boards
+Leather Seats
+Bling Spot Monitoring / Safety package

That does tick more of your boxes and gets closer to what you're after. It does look a bit more dirty but nothing a good detailing couldn't resolve.


https://www.mopar.com/en-us/care/mopar-vehicle-protection.html

When can I purchase Mopar® Vehicle Protection?

New Vehicle plans can be purchased anytime within 3 years and 36,000 miles of the vehicle's warranty start date (the date the vehicle was delivered to its original owner). Surcharges may apply after 1 year or 12,000 miles. Certified Pre-Owned plans can be purchased on Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep®, Ram, FIAT® or Alfa Romeo vehicles with an active, Certified Pre-Owned Limited Warranty and an odometer that reads less than 75,000 miles. Traditional Pre-Owned Vehicle plans can be purchased on vehicles that are no more than 10 model years old and with an odometer that reads less than 150,000 miles, or less than 125,000 miles for vehicles with a 5-year/60,000-mile Powertrain Limited Warranty provided by the manufacturer. Your dealer will complete a Vehicle Inspection to ensure the vehicle is eligible for coverage. Convenience and Maintenance (non-mechanical) plans have specific enrollment rules. Please visit your local dealer for details.

 

[ObiMatt87]

I didn't see the listing for that Sahara you linked earlier. It's about the same average milage per year; you're just sacrificing that lower milage for the bit of extras of the Sahara.

+Color matched fenders
+Color matched grill
+Running boards
+Leather Seats

That does tick more of your boxes and gets closer to what you're after. It does look a bit more dirty but nothing a good detailing couldn't resolve.


https://www.mopar.com/en-us/care/mopar-vehicle-protection.html

Good points all by Patrick. Comes down to what you're really wanting features-wise. Between the two trim levels I'd prefer the Sahara, as it comes with a bit more standard, but you'd do just fine with either. I didn't note the fenders and grill difference, which I prefer the Sahara color match look. Some don't want it, especially if doing heavy off-roading, though I've gone through a good bit and the paint held up fine.

 

[GeepTheJeep]

This is more than I was hoping to pay but low mileage. I don’t mind the green. Thoughts?
https://www.thebestchrysler.com/inv...bicon-4wd-4d-sport-utility-1c4hjxfg7kw515543/

also found this black one which is one of two colors my wife does not want
https://www.thebestchrysler.com/inv...illys-4wd-4d-sport-utility-1c4hjxdg0lw271125/

 

[ObiMatt87]

This is more than I was hoping to pay but low mileage. I don’t mind the green. Thoughts?
https://www.thebestchrysler.com/inv...bicon-4wd-4d-sport-utility-1c4hjxfg7kw515543/

also found this black one which is one of two colors my wife does not want
https://www.thebestchrysler.com/inv...illys-4wd-4d-sport-utility-1c4hjxdg0lw271125/

Based on KBB, I'd say that's right in the "fair" price range for the Mojito (I'm biased, but it is a great color in person, especially in bright sun where you see the zinc in the paint). It's pretty much got everything you'd ever need, including the sky top. Going to be difficult for you to find anything newer that is cheaper than that, and the low mileage is definitely a plus. I would definitely consider it, but don't put yourself in a hole just over the top. There appears to be a good bit of interest in this one, so may go pretty quickly with that low mileage. It's original sticker was $58,350, so at that low mileage I'd almost definitely go for it. Appears to be well-maintained.

For me, black is just not something I'd consider due to a) there are too many of them, b) in south Texas that is not the color to have in 100+ degree heat, c) I'd rather have a fun color, and d) they show every dust/dirt/scratch/ding clearly right after you wash it.

 

[GeepTheJeep]

Based on KBB, I'd say that's right in the "fair" price range for the Mojito (I'm biased, but it is a great color in person, especially in bright sun where you see the zinc in the paint). It's pretty much got everything you'd ever need, including the sky top. Going to be difficult for you to find anything newer that is cheaper than that, and the low mileage is definitely a plus. I would definitely consider it, but don't put yourself in a hole just over the top. There appears to be a good bit of interest in this one, so may go pretty quickly with that low mileage. It's original sticker was $58,350, so at that low mileage I'd almost definitely go for it. Appears to be well-maintained.

For me, black is just not something I'd consider due to a) there are too many of them, b) in south Texas that is not the color to have in 100+ degree heat, c) I'd rather have a fun color, and d) they show every dust/dirt/scratch/ding clearly right after you wash it.

My only concern with the Rubicon is that I have no interest in offroading except on sand at the beach. Those tires seem like a $2,000 waste. Normal everyday driving on those seems not fun. Am I crazy?

 

[ObiMatt87]

My only concern with the Rubicon is that I have no interest in offroading except on sand at the beach. Those tires seem like a $2,000 waste. Normal everyday driving on those seems not fun. Am I crazy?

No, you're not crazy, and the reality is that that version of the Falkens will probably generate more noise due to the tread pattern and lugs intended for off-road. You can deal with it until time to change them out, but they actually look like they have plenty of tread depth yet. That said, they'd do great in the sand! I would recommend going and checking it out personally, then doing a real test drive on multiple road surface types, and especially at highway speeds. That may make up your mind for you pretty quickly. That is a great vehicle, though, no doubt. The low mileage is amazing, which means it was taken pretty good care of, methinks, and barely used.

 

[GeepTheJeep]

No, you're not crazy, and the reality is that that version of the Falkens will probably generate more noise due to the tread pattern and lugs intended for off-road. You can deal with it until time to change them out, but they actually look like they have plenty of tread depth yet. That said, they'd do great in the sand! I would recommend going and checking it out personally, then doing a real test drive on multiple road surface types, and especially at highway speeds. That may make up your mind for you pretty quickly. That is a great vehicle, though, no doubt. The low mileage is amazing, which means it was taken pretty good care of, methinks, and barely used.

Found this one and 3 year/36k Mopar extended warranty is $4,500. Thoughts?

https://www.hillerchryslerdodge.net...dford-ma-967e6b970a0e0a9449acb98ea37e250a.htm

 

[ObiMatt87]

Found this one and 3 year/36k Mopar extended warranty is $4,500. Thoughts?

https://www.hillerchryslerdodge.net...dford-ma-967e6b970a0e0a9449acb98ea37e250a.htm

Price is certainly lower. Starting mileage would be higher than what I would personally go for, as that is approaching an average of 18K a year. Seems to be pretty well kept for that age and mileage. Granite is a nice color. I can't see myself paying $4500 for the extended warranty, but to each his/her own. You'll find many threads on said subject here. Always a roll of the dice. One major issue could repay the cost of that warranty, but my personal experience with all the vehicles I've ever owned is that I haven't needed one as long as I kept them maintained and garaged.

As long as the One-touch top is your driving factor, you're going to have the challenge of finding one with a low price. That is just an expensive option. That said, for your stated purpose of daily driver and nothing but light gravel road off-roading at most, a stock Sahara is probably your best bet, as you'll find more of those with the top and creature comforts in a decent price range. I'd probably focus there as your primary group. Sport models are fine, but tend to be more stripped down on the extras, and the Sahara has more standard. It's a nice balance if you are mainly on the road vice off.

 

[GeepTheJeep]

Price is certainly lower. Starting mileage would be higher than what I would personally go for, as that is approaching an average of 18K a year. Seems to be pretty well kept for that age and mileage. Granite is a nice color. I can't see myself paying $4500 for the extended warranty, but to each his/her own. You'll find many threads on said subject here. Always a roll of the dice. One major issue could repay the cost of that warranty, but my personal experience with all the vehicles I've ever owned is that I haven't needed one as long as I kept them maintained and garaged.

As long as the One-touch top is your driving factor, you're going to have the challenge of finding one with a low price. That is just an expensive option. That said, for your stated purpose of daily driver and nothing but light gravel road off-roading at most, a stock Sahara is probably your best bet, as you'll find more of those with the top and creature comforts in a decent price range. I'd probably focus there as your primary group. Sport models are fine, but tend to be more stripped down on the extras, and the Sahara has more standard. It's a nice balance if you are mainly on the road vice off.

I just imagine that fixing the sky on touch would probably be $5k alone…really the only reason I’m considering it.

I just test drove it. Seemed to be in good condition but suspension seemed to shimmy a bit and my wife said the engine idle seemed to be very loud. Honestly it’s my first Jeep experience so I’m not sure if this is normal.

 

[Heimkehr]

...my wife said the engine idle seemed to be very loud. Honestly it’s my first Jeep experience so I’m not sure if this is normal.

It does sound loud, in the sense that the idle seems high. What engine does it have, and was that filmed immediately after a cold start?

 

[GeepTheJeep]

It does sound loud, in the sense that the idle seems high. What engine does it have, and was that filmed immediately after a cold start?

2.0–Liter I4 DOHC DI Turbo eTorque Engine
https://www.jeep.com/hostd/windowsticker/getWindowStickerPdf.do?vin=1C4HJXEN9KW511851

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