Should I buy a used Jeep?
There’s plenty of great reasons to buy a used Jeep—they’re sturdy vehicles built to handle rough terrain, so you know they’re made to last. But the question you need to ask is “What is the best second-hand Jeep for me?”
From the first CJ (or Civilian Jeep) model released in 1945 to today’s range of luxury SUV’s and off-road vehicles—Jeep is an iconic brand with a worldwide following.
Jeep Wrangler
The Wrangler is undoubtedly the most recognisable model in the Jeep marquee. If you’re looking for a used Wrangler that is primarily for off-roading, the second generation Wranglers (1997 to 2006) fit the bill perfectly. It’s fair to say these models don’t have much in the way of mod-cons like air conditioning—and not a great deal of storage space either. If you’re looking at a 20-year-old used Wrangler, expect to spend some money on maintenance, particularly the suspension if it's been used off-road a lot. The upside of these Jeeps is their simplicity – making them an excellent option for enthusiasts who are happy to undertake their own repairs and maintenance.
The third generation Wrangler (2007 onwards), is a much-updated model, with ABS, stability and traction control.
Jeep Cherokee
If you’re looking for a used Jeep with more on-road comfort and storage space—the Cherokee is the one for you. Designed as a ‘sports wagon’, the Cherokee quickly became popular as a station wagon replacement. Its boxy styling became iconic, and it has been called one of the 20 greatest cars of all time.
Jeep Grand Cherokee
The Grand Cherokee is the first Chrysler-badged Jeep and was released in 1992. As the name suggests, this vehicle is larger and better-appointed than the standard Cherokee. All Grand Cherokee’s adopted the newer unibody chassis, making them stronger and lighter than traditional body-on-frame construction. Early releases of the Grand Cherokee did exhibit a few technical issues—including some recalls to fix electrical problems, so it would pay to check these have been addressed before buying a used Grand Cherokee.
Jeep Compass
Need a more compact Jeep for around town? The Jeep Compass is known as a cross-over SUV, which means its primarily an on-road passenger car but can be used off-road. A variant on this model, called the Patriot, has more classic wagon styling. The Compass is probably the smallest Jeep available and offers better fuel economy and a lower price.
Jeep Commander
The Jeep Commander is the Jeep that can carry the whole family – with five and seven-seat options. The second and third-row seats are mounted slightly higher than the front seats, giving rear passengers better visibility and more interior space. This model was discontinued in 2010, so it’s fair to say it hasn’t been as successful as other Jeep models. Some Commanders were supplied with a 5.7L Hemi V8 engine, making them great vehicles for towing.
No matter which used Jeep you decide to buy—you can be assured that spare parts are plentiful thanks to Hi-Tech Auto parts.