Firstly, I LOVE jeep's. I always have, since I was little. I own a 1989 xj laredo, it was my first (running and operational) vehicle. after 50,000 miles (it's got about 200k now) it's started giving my lots of issues that individually I wouldn't mind, but collectively give me concern for the safety of myself and my passengers. For an 800 dollar investment (originally) it's gotten me to a lot of places, I've had my fair share of fun and work using it, and I've gained lots of experience with vehicle maintenance and ownership. When I was younger I would continue to love working on it, and dealing with all it's little perks but fact of the matter is I've grown weary of that and very much have grown to appreciate a vehicle that will turn over every time I turn the key, that won't kill the engine at 65 mph on the highway or 10 mph in the parking lot, and a vehicle that works all the time, not just some days.

So when I decided I wanted a new vehicle I decided, why not a new wrangler, Like I've always wanted?

so I started studying the jk's. I am not a man of financial wealth at all, so with that in mind I looked at the 2007 jk's, slightly used but to my mind only beginning to be broken in. I went to the website, looked at the different submodels, decided I'd have to go with a base model "X". Because I do intend to have this vehicle a LONG time (and operate it mostly on road) I decided I want the unlimited (also because I intend to make it very hummer/military like in appearance and the longer wheel base suits this, :p) as well as carry passengers and general stuff. The vehicle I chose had to be able to tow a decent amount as well. The jk fits this, at first glance, how I did some studying, read the following reviews and articles:

http://www.topix.com/forum/ce/TC1KNU...HM/p5#lastPost

http://www.caradvice.com.au/3050/jee...alling-issues/

http://www.internetautoguide.com/aut...ler/index.html

and with all the complaints, several recalls for service and one site even labeling jeep as "The most unreliable brand".

Considering my foremost consideration is reliability this greatly concerns me. I won't allow my love of jeep to blind me in this situation, for when it comes to money of this quantity I am deadly serious and I refuse to make a foolish move. So, with these concerns in mind I came to this site, with it's tens of thousands of members, and see many people who love their jk's. It is you guys, my fellow jeep lovers, who will (hopefully) help me come to a conclusion to this.

I understand every new generation vehicle has it's flaws, but I need to know whether these have all been addressed by the manufacturer and repaired (more than satisfactorily) by recalls and mandatory dealership maintenance for the 2007 year, or has it been fixed the the 08's have a clean bill of health, or what? these answers I have not been able to find and I sincerely hope the members of this website can answer them.

Because I'm sure the question will be asked, financially I'll be hard pressed to even buy one. I am capable, but I'm sure obtaining a loan will be difficult, as I make only a meager 1.2k at my paygrade thats not enough income for most banks and credit unions. However I have next to no expenditures (being in the military) so half or more of my income can go towards vehicle payments and I'll still put money in the bank.

I thank you for any advice you have to offer and any knowledge you care to share.

 

I have an 07, I have had no issues besides leaking A/C fluid, which i didnt discover for probably 6 months at least after it happened, cause I almost never use it. It was an easy fix and I have had zero other issues, its a April 07 build and i just purchased it after leasing it for two years.

I believe that a lot of the bad reviews come from ppl who bought a JK after a hummer, explorer, grand cherokee or some other big SUV and expect the JK to be exactly like those cars. Its a convertible, and will always have more noise/leaks etc. than other SUVs, especially since im sure jeep said more than once "its a wrangler, people expect that", so I strongly believe its a much better vehicle than some soccer moms may believe.

that being said, there are some real issues, mostly with the hard top, especially on the 07s. jeeps supplier for the tops was on the edge of going bankrupt, and I believe cheaped out on a lot of testing for the older tops. Some people have had other issues, but overall, besides the hardtop, I think its fairly normal issues.

In general, the JK is a very capable, dependable vehicle that is a major step up from any previous wrangler, and I believe will meet all your needs. Most people do not have issues with their stock jeep, especially if you get the softtop

If you are buying used, make sure you figure out why it is being sold, so that you don't inheret someones lemon, but I think you will find the JK to be exactly what you want and a lot of fun.

 

i don't intend to keep it much stock, but I won't be messing with the drivetrain besides (mostly) bolt-on engine applications.

I don't mind dealing with suspension issues, so long as it runs and I don't have to live in the fear of it dieing in the middle of the highway, it's a fairly terrifying experience, and though I know well enough how to deal with it (now) it'd still prefer it never occur in the first place.

I once attempted to deal with a tj's soft top and I have to admit I'd rather have the hard top from what I hear of the ease, though the leaking issue does warrant some cause for concern, is their any way to combat that? would a newer hard top not have that issue, or perhaps an aftermarket alternative? cheap home remedies are my favorite though, for the record,

 

No.

 

what is your other choice ?

 

havent searched anything else yet. if I cant get a JK I'll likely got some sort of car, :/

 

you could get this CAR (there might be couple recalls-made in china)Attachment 22323

 

I'm a new JK owner (since November) but I love my Rubi. I never thought I'd find a suitable replacement for my trusty XJ but this is it. Having had two Wranglers in the past this one fixed all my previous issues. I'd advise trying to find a used 08 if you can in order to avoid the before mentioned hard top issue, or get one with a rag top and buy the hard top later.

 

Remember that Jeep owners tend to frequent owners forums more than the many less interesting run-of-the-mill brands, so you're bound to hear a couple more sob stories when they get a dud - every manufacturer makes a few.

You'll find way more positive articles and posts so join us.

My first Jeep is now 2 years young, and lovin' it

 

i have an 07 also. no problems with it at all. driven for up to 8 hours at a time and she made it just fine. if you like the jk get one. you wont be happy with a car. just my ofcourse