- 1). Find sellers close enough to you to have a look at. Many Jeep dealerships offer used models; licensed dealerships will generally sell late-model Jeeps with some time left on warranties. Alternatively, call around to local independent dealerships to see who has the models you want. Auto superstores often offer fixed prices and large selections, while many gas stations also have a side business in used cars.
The riskiest, but often cheapest way to find a used car is through classified ads. Use auto ad magazines or go online to their websites. - 2). Evaluate the model. The hard-top is more durable but more expensive and it can take several people to lift off. Buying a soft-top and installing the hardtop later is also an option. The 2010 model has a revamped vinyl soft-top that is easier to remove. The Rubicon is tuned for off-roading and isn't great for road driving, while some later models are more commuter-friendly with upgraded interiors. Some earlier models were very prone to rust, while newer ones are either galvanized or coated in plastic.
- 3). Get ownership histories from dealerships and perhaps a maintenance history. Private sellers are not reliable for the same information. Online search services charge a small fee and will be able to tell you if the vehicle has suffered fire, flood, or accident damage and alert you to odometer fraud.
- 4). Check over thoroughly any Jeep you are considering buying. Take it for a test drive on a route that includes all kinds of driving, from highway to rough roads. Look under the hood. Watch the tailpipe with the engine on. Check the tires, steering and the engine to the best of your knowledge. Look for interior and exterior damage or signs of past repairs.
- 5). Check the recall history of any Jeep Wrangler you are buying. More than 250,000 Wranglers of the 2006-2010 model years were recalled for potentially dangerous brake problems. 2005 Wranglers were also recalled for transmission problems, while models from the late '80s and early '90s had recalls for brake line and airbag problems. In all cases, dealerships were obliged to repair the Jeep for free, but you must check the individual vehicle's history to ensure that the fix was actually made.
- 6). Shorten your list down to a top three based on the condition of the vehicles and the prices you are being offered.
- 7). Contact a trusted mechanic to look over your top choices. It will cost money, but may save you thousands in repair bills.
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