Hey there guys,
I'm an 18 year old, looking to buy my first vehicle, and I really want that to be a jeep wrangler unlimited. I found one in my budget with 180k (110 miles?) I just want to know how your jeeps are holding up? It's a rubicon with navi for 15,900

Thanks.

James.

 

I would look all over that Jeep and see what type of life it has had. First place I would look is the skid plate, if it looks brand new you might be in luck. If not be wary.

 

I was going to have it inspected by a mechanic buddy first.

It's either this or a 03 4runner. I'd really prefer a jeep but would like to know how they're holding up with the higher mileage.

Thanks,
James.

 

$15,900 sounds steep to me for 110k miles, but they do hold their value something absurd. Great buying new, less so used. What year is it?

You said in your budget, what does that mean? I am not trying to be a butt - but that means different things to different people. If that is CASH - go for it, and I have to give you props for saving that kind of cash already. If you mean budget as in a 7 year payment just doable, that is very, very risky IMHO.

At 110k miles, the vehicle is not going to simply disintegrate - but you are at the point where you have to consider expensive repairs. Transmission replacement in 20k miles? Maybe, maybe not. But since it would be out of warranty, you have to be prepared. The worst thing would be just barely affording it and having an unexpected (but at those miles it is probably reasonable to expect them) repair bill rip the vehicle out of your hands.

If your parents are willing to step in and help out, go for it for sure.

ETA - Looking at KBB I guess that is a great price. Go for the Jeep, but just be prepared and budget for a possible repair in the $2-3k range. And FWIW - the 03 Toyota is going to need those repairs sooner. All the hype over toyota is somewhat undeserved. Of the actual owners I know, they have all had major repairs at around 110-120k, but toyota owners are more likely to mark this up as "bad luck" instead of normal wear and tear. If toyotas really lasted 300k miles each and every time, they would carry a warranty guaranteeing the fact. Jeep owners on the other hand, love to complain. Just browse the forum and you will see that.

 

I would just keep looking around and saving.

 

In addition to the other comments, whether it's this Jeep or some other used 4x4:
I would want to see documentation / evidence of consistent oil changes every 3,000 miles along with transmission and differential services performed at least every 30,000 minimum.
I would walk on any used vehicle that I thought had not been serviced regularly and / or driven hard / abused.
Like already mentioned, you could face major repair(s) within short amount of time, or it could go another 100,000 miles without major problems and the difference could very well come down to how it's been treated.

 

VERY good advice. $15,000 does seem steep for 110,000 miles. My JK-X brand new was a hair under $19,000. Which is still a boat load of cash ( I was 22 at the time). I just had to have a NEW Jeep, regardless of the $350 a month payment. At the time I could afford it, having a job paying me way more than what they should have. But they I got laid off and that monthly bill is kinda scary now. You never know when life may throw you a curve ball, or two, or three...at the same time.
why didn't I go with the TJ the dealer had parked next to my new Jeep for less then half the price? Thinking back I should have got the TJ and saved the money....for mods!

 

I bought my 2008 JK-Unlimited X in October for $22K and it only had 30K miles on it.

I would definitely request a carfax report on it (Which I did for mine) to make sure that it was serviced routinely, and even take the VIN to a dealership to see if they can provide service records for it. I would also recommend taking it somewhere to have a 100-point inspection on it, because a buddy can sometimes overlook things....

 

Thanks for all the responses!

I would love to buy new. The insurance rates would not allow me to however.
I'm considering the less expensive jeep mainly for insurance, plus I would like some cash handy for repairs if needed. Sorry I said my buddy in the ad but he's a family friend who's owned his own garage forever.

I'd love to hear about some of the higher mileage jeeps and how they're holding up though!

Also the price is Canadian so it's a bit higher. I was also considering buying in the states to save some cash but can't find any great deals

Thanks

 

Also need to keep in mind the oil consumption issue that one too many JK's have been cursed with. Does that 110k 3.8 burn oil? Maybe, maybe not.. If so, how much? Remember there is NO warranty on a vehicle with mileage that high. You will most likely get 30 days and a guaranteed inspection sticker, but that's all! Be cautious.. If it were me I would definitely pay have a GOOD mechanic go through the entire vehicle.