I thought this would be a great place to get some unfiltered views of Jeep Wranglers. We are looking to get a 2017-2021 4-door Jeep Wrangler, 3.6l v6. It would be a third car for fun. We live in Colorado so great to take the top off when we drive to the mountains, go hiking, etc. We want a four door for the space. My son (12) and I drive one and really loved it. However, when I read about the maintenance on them, it was pretty negative. I have friends with Range Rovers, and they seem like nightmares, but the maintenance review for Jeeps seemed even worse. Any thought or feedback would be greatly appreciated.
AKB: Jeep Wranglers - 4 Door
- Thread starter PSU1989
- Start date
I bought a 2012 Jeep for my son to drive to replace my 2001 Discovery that he was driving when it didn’t pass inspection due to rust on the frame. It was about five years old when I got it and about 40,000 miles on it. Honestly other than normal wear and tear stuff I have had no issues with it. My middle son is now driving it. Granted it is a different model and also a 2 door but I have no complaints. I am not hard on vehicles and always stay up on oil changes, tire rotation, etc. But my Jeep had been driven by two kids so it’s done pretty well despite them.
I have a 2021 JLUR (Jeep Unlimited - i.e., 4 door - Rubicon) 2.0L turbo, and love it. It's my second Wrangler. If you're not already aware, the 2018 is a new model from the 2017 (the 2017 is considered a JK). The best information I found for all questions Jeep Wrangler can be found in these forums:
Jeep Wrangler Forums (JL / JLU) - Rubicon, Sahara, Sport, 4xe, 392 - JLwranglerforums.com
Jeep Wrangler Forums (JL / JLU) - Rubicon, Sahara, Sport, 4xe, 392 - JLwranglerforums.com
I had a Wrangler over 20 years ago, and it’s the only “thing” I’ve ever owned that I missed when I got rid of it. I just bought a used 2009 this spring with barely 100,000 miles on it and have had so much fun driving it around town this summer. Yes, they rust a bit, and yes there is typical wear & tear maintenance, but the engines/transmissions will run forever.
Not sure if this helps you or not, but there is such a thing as the Jeep Bug, and if you get bit by it, there’s really no other “for fun” vehicle around.
Not sure if this helps you or not, but there is such a thing as the Jeep Bug, and if you get bit by it, there’s really no other “for fun” vehicle around.
My son got a 2019, 4 door Wrangler brand new and loves it (other than the gas mileage). No service problems and he has a blast with it. It’s been a solid vehicle for him so far. The add-ons are a bit pricey, but they make for good Christmas gifts.
Before you buy any Jeep, google Jeep death wobble. It happened to me, and I'd NEVER buy a Jeep.
My wife has a 2015 wrangler. She loves it! That said, at 118k miles she has had over heating issues and the dealer is saig that it needs a new engine for $11k! We are going to get a second opinion from a mom and pop garage. She still loves keeps though and is likely paying $50k for a similarly equipped new 4 door wrangler instead of a comparable 4Runner for $45k. Her had says 4Runner and her heart is calling for the. Jeep…
I had a CJ5. I can't believe I'm still alive. I wouldn't allow any of my kids to drive a Jeep.
The people that love them generally love them regardless of maintenance issues. If you don't off road it nor put huge àss tires on it, you will probably fare better than those who do. If you do, you kind of know what you are getting into.
Do what you feel, particularly if this is a 3rd vehicle for fun. They resale high so if you don't like it, you will have little trouble getting rid of it.
Do what you feel, particularly if this is a 3rd vehicle for fun. They resale high so if you don't like it, you will have little trouble getting rid of it.
I had a CJ7 back in the day as well. Todays wranglers are convertible SUVs with rugged boxy design. They were completely redesigned with a longer wheel base and greater stability.
I have a 2017 Sahara 4 door with 2” lift and 20” wheels and 35” tires. Love it. It’s my everyday driver. I live close to work with no highway driving, but I have taken it on longer trips. No issues. I love it. Taking the doors and roof off is awesome.
I’d buy this one:
We’ve owned 2 wranglers but the old school 4.0 variety. Nothing hotter than moms driving solo doors off to the gym
We’ve owned 2 wranglers but the old school 4.0 variety. Nothing hotter than moms driving solo doors off to the gym
I recently purchased a 2022 Gladiator Rubicon. So far, so good. I've had no issues after about 5 months of ownership. I do admit it is fun to ride around with the top off.
BTW - the Jeep wave is a real thing. This is my first Jeep, and I kept wondering why everyone in a Wrangler and Gladiator were waving at me. I understood once I looked it up.
Just don't wave to a Hummer. That's a real thing. I've owned both.
Have a 2013 2door Wrangler Sport, Penn State Blue. Only 7200 miles. It was my midlife crisis purchase when I turned 50. Wifey,the dog, and I love cruising up on the forestry roads in Bald Eagle State Forest! Just buy one and don’t look back.
Spot on with resale. I purchased a 13 year old Wrangler with just over 100,000 miles and a clear Carfax. With typical maintenance, I’ll have no problem selling it for what I paid in 5-6 years.
I had a 1989 Wrangler. Bought it new. Added a leaf spring and put 31 inch tires on it. For about 5 years in a row a group of us would drive from the LA area down to Baja to watch the 500. It was a blast. Travelled all across the Baja peninsula. Great memories of Mike's Sky Ranch, watching Big Horn sheep scaling cliffs while camping and running the sand dunes near San Felipe. Mostly Jeeps and Toyota trucks in the group. The only problem with my jeep was the carburetor. That dusty desert was hell on the carburetor. The jeeps ruled that terrain although the Toyota's were very good until we'd get into the rock climbing, The beds were always getting hung up on the rocks. I had it for 7 years and sold it to a kid for just a few thousand dollars less than I paid for it.
Biggest problem I’ve had with
The death wobble isn’t just a Jeep thing. I wonder if it has to do with suspension modifications.
My biggest issue are leaks, that them becomes mildew.
The death wobble isn’t just a Jeep thing. I wonder if it has to do with suspension modifications.
My biggest issue are leaks, that them becomes mildew.
For the record me n moms are debt free. Feels good man
I don’t own a Jeep, but a friend of mine nearly got killed in one. He had a Wrangler and was driving it one day with the top down when an elderly couple coming the other direction made a sudden, ill advised left hand turn in front of him. He couldn’t stop and T boned them. The Jeep flipped over and despite a seat belt and roll bars, his head hit the road and he skidded across the pavement head first. He sustained a head injury, among other injuries and was unable to work for nearly 2 years. The accident wasn’t the Jeeps fault, but I’m not sure another vehicle would have flipped over like that unless it was lifted? Regardless, always drive defensively. Life can change in a split second.
Understood and I def leave money on the table but it’s a lifestyle we embrace. It also stops me from buying absolutely stupid things, like a C8 ($85k, cash, stupid)
