The Jeep Wrangler is an iconic vehicle that has been satisfying its owners’ need for adventure for over three decades.

The Wrangler is made to take on the paths less traveled and excels in any area where the pavement disappears. Legions of loyal Wrangler fans have given this vehicle a cult-like status and created a very healthy used market. If you’re looking for a used Jeep Wrangler, keep reading to discover some issues to consider.

Which Jeep Wrangler Should You Buy?

There are four generations of used Jeep Wranglers available. The most recent three generations are the ones you’ll most likely encounter at your local dealership. The first generation is the Wrangler YJ, and it ran between 1987 and 1996, so it’s quite old and more difficult to find. The YJ was quite basic without any complex electronics or modern safety features. It also had a leaf spring suspension, which yields a rougher ride than a coil spring suspension. The next generation was the TJ, and it was upgraded to a coil spring suspension but was still pretty basic overall.

More modern features were also added, including airbags and more comfortable seats. The TJ was made between 1997 and 2006, and it is probably the Wrangler generation with the most loyal fans.

The two most modern generations are the JK, which was made between 2007 and 2017, and the JL, which is the current generation. If you want more modern features as well as stronger safety features, then the last two generations will probably be your pick. It’s also important to know that the four-door Wranglers are only available in the most recent two generations.

Check For Rust and Abuse

Buying a used Jeep Wrangler isn’t the same as buying a regular used car or SUV. If you’re looking at the older generations of Wrangler, it’s very important to check thoroughly for rust. Both the YJ and TJ were known for developing excessive body rust that can spread to the frame and make the vehicle undrivable.

As the Wrangler is primarily an off-road vehicle, it’s also very important to check any generation of Wrangler for signs of off-road abuse. You’ll need to check the transfer case, differential, and all the suspension parts to make sure that they’re still in good order. It’s a good idea to check tire tread wear as well. A set of new Wrangler tires will be pretty expensive, so it’s better if you can buy a rig with plenty of tread left.

Check the Hard Top or Soft Top

Used Jeep Wranglers usually come with either a hardtop or a soft top. Some specific models might even come with both. If you’re looking at an older model, it’s important to check for leaks in the hardtop. Any model with a soft top is prone to having leaks or cracks if the top is approaching ten years old. Leaks are most likely to form in areas where the top connects to the vehicle. It might also happen around the windows or other areas that are sealed.

Always Test Drive

It might be more important to test drive the Wrangler vs. any other vehicle. This is especially true if you’re new to Jeep Wranglers. There’s no doubt that these vehicles aren’t for everyone, and it’s a good idea to make sure that you won’t mind the rougher ride or the limited space that’s in a two-door model. The test drive can also help you identify any suspension, transmission, or engine issues.
Regardless of which Jeep Wrangler model you pick, you’ll be getting one of the most iconic and fun vehicles ever made.