Used Wrangler Unlimited Thoughts

[Sqdqo]

I'm considering a used Wrangler Unlimited for purely secondary use so it doesnt have to be a pristine vehicle but it needs to be reliable. My uses are hunting - fishing- forest exploration in northern Michigan during all seasons.
I am not a mechanic so my hope would be to find a well maintained vehicle that wont immediately start nickle & diming me.
Assuming I am looking at a well maintained properly serviced W/U at what milage do you start getting concerned about the mileage being to high?
Starting at 2007 and running up to say 2013 are there model years better than others? Years to avoid?

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[GreyFox]

I'm considering a used Wrangler Unlimited for purely secondary use so it doesnt have to be a pristine vehicle but it needs to be reliable. My uses are hunting - fishing- forest exploration in northern Michigan during all seasons.
I am not a mechanic so my hope would be to find a well maintained vehicle that wont immediately start nickle & diming me.
Assuming I am looking at a well maintained properly serviced W/U at what milage do you start getting concerned about the mileage being to high?
Starting at 2007 and running up to say 2013 are there model years better than others? Years to avoid?

Hmm, I want to say you want to look at 2012+... Isn't that when the JK was rebooted with the 3.6? Someone will chime in.

 

[multicam]

However many people respond to this thread, that’s how many opinions you’re going to get.

What’s your budget? I recommend looking at 2012 or newer, but make sure the ‘12 to ‘14 ones have had the lifter issue taken care of (others here can explain this better; I despise the JK so couldn’t care less what issues it had).

The ‘07-‘11 had the 3.8L V6 which was an absolute dog and ruined the JK for me. I hated that engine.

 

[BXFXJeep]

2012+, manual trans even better.

I had a 2007 JK 2DR was awesome, but then I required a 4dr, that's when I got the 2015 JK 4DR, my only complaint with the 2015 was it lacked the Alpine upgraded system. uConnect 730N was garbage.

 

[Rosco P]

Do not go older than 2012. The motor is horrible.

 

[SecondTJ]

The 2007-2011 is actually live able with the 6-speed manual transmission (especially with 4.10 gears) and an absolute dog with the 4-speed automatic.

Some early 2007-09 X models had an optional rear locker and e-disco sway bar package.

2011 was a bastard year stuck with the old 3.8 but new interior

2012+ received not only the 3.6 Pentastar as said above, but also a new 5-speed automatic (WA580 Mercedes unit)

A lot of improvements continued to be made in various years after 2012

i.e twill soft top, redesigned rear glass on hardtop, more comfortable front seats, LED headlights & fog lights

Really it all comes down to budget and what you want to spend.

 

[Shooting or Jeeping]

I think this is a consensus. 2012 or newer and the 3.6.

Now, that’s the official answer I have- but your budget is a different answer. If you are looking for a better price and don’t mind turning a wrench- you have a lot of options. Jeep is known for aftermarket, so basically anything works with the right knowledge.

 

[Strommen95]

The 3.8 in 2007-2011 was underpowered and guzzles oil. It's very reliable though and plenty of JKs from that time are at 150k+ miles with no engine issues. For a second vehicle I would definitely consider an older JK in good condition unless budget really isn't a concern for you. More importantly than anything I would look for a one owner Jeep with a service history that shows the owner took care of it.

 

[Almost]

My 09 has 199K miles on it with no engine issues, but I do take very well care of it and do as much preventative maintenance as possible. Slow yes, but has been very reliable and never once failed or start or left me stranded anywhere. Also helps that I have the lifetime powertrain warranty as well for peace of mind.

Edit - also, mine does not burn oil compared to what some others have experienced. Mine goes through about 1qt of oil every 3K miles. But it might also be leaking from the rear main seal.

 

[SoCalWrangler]

I'm considering a used Wrangler Unlimited for purely secondary use so it doesnt have to be a pristine vehicle but it needs to be reliable. My uses are hunting - fishing- forest exploration in northern Michigan during all seasons.
I am not a mechanic so my hope would be to find a well maintained vehicle that wont immediately start nickle & diming me.
Assuming I am looking at a well maintained properly serviced W/U at what milage do you start getting concerned about the mileage being to high?
Starting at 2007 and running up to say 2013 are there model years better than others? Years to avoid?

Will probably get some flak for this but I think a used toyota tacoma with a camper shell is your best option for your described needs.

For most people that are looking for a reliable jeep, considering that wranglers barely depreciate, youd be better off buying a new wrangler sport if you wanted to stick to the Jeep platform with a higher likelyhood of having a reliable rig.

 

[Rolling Ragu]

I agree with the above comment. Prices on anything in good shape and newer than 2012 were just too close to new prices for my comfort.

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