Jeep Wranglers have long been associated with any type of off-roading activity, whether they hard tops or soft tops it is commonly the first vehicle that people envision when they hear the term off-roading. Purchasing a used Wrangler allows you to choose the year and model that you feel will make your off-roading adventure even more exciting. They are also favored among off-roaders because they tend to be less expensive than their newer counterparts. But anytime you purchase a used vehicle there are risks, we are going to try and help you minimize those risks by providing you with tips to make the purchasing process easier.
When you begin the search for a used Wrangler you should select sellers that are close to your location. You can often find used models at local Jeep dealerships, but if they don’t have the model you are looking for you can scan local ads in the newspaper or online. If you find model that you are interested in learning more about, contact the seller to set up a time that is convenient for both of you. When you arrive to look at the vehicle you found you should carefully evaluate the model. If you are interested in a model that features a hard top, remember that they tend to be more expensive to replace and often require more than one person to safely remove it from the Jeep. A soft-top model is another option; this model allows you to easily change an older, worn soft top to a new one.
The next step in the inspection process is to ask for ownership histories from dealers and a maintenance history from a private seller. It may be more difficult to obtain this information from a private seller, but more often than not, private sellers tend to keep thorough records of maintenance if they have used their Jeep for off-roading. You may also want to obtain this information from an online site, these sites tend to charge a fee, but you will be provided with information about the vehicle including any damage.
While inspecting a used vehicle it is important that you take a close look at everything. Take it for a test drive using a route that includes all sorts of road surfaces. This will allow you to see how the vehicle handles on multiple types of driving surfaces. You should also take a look under the hood looking for any type of damage or improperly fitting hoses and belts. It is also important that you check the tires, steering and the engine to the best of your ability paying particular attention to any areas that show signs of damage or repair.
You should also check the recall history of any Jeep Wrangler model that you are interested in purchasing. There have been more than 250,000 Wranglers recalled for brake problems during the years 2006-2010. In the case of a recall, the dealership should have made any and all necessary repairs on the vehicle for free; however it is up to you to determine that the vehicle you are purchasing actually received those repairs. If you are ever unsure of the quality of a used vehicle that you are interested in purchasing, you always have the option of having a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle for you. They will know what to look for and can point out any problems with the vehicle.
