I'm thinking of trading my Ford Ranger in on a used Jeep Wrangler, 2015-2018 or so. Four door, hardtop and automatic transmission are about my only requisites. What else should I be looking for?

Any negatives to the Jeep that I'm not aware of? I realize they're rough riding and lots of road noise but that don't bother me.

Bought the one posted below, and it turned out to have a blown head gasket and possibly warped head. Dealer took it back and made me a good deal on a replacement. Not a hardtop and not a four door, but I really like it.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Todd Huffman,

Nope. You’re good.

I don’t know about rough riding. A little bouncy on bridges. AEV 2.5“ lift fixed that and better cornering for me.

Running Kenda 35x10.5” on 17’s.

You’ll smile every time you get in.

One thing to keep in mind is that 2018 is when they changed the model.
2007 through 2017 was the "JK" model.
2018 to present is the "JL" model.

Edit for correction: 2018 had both JL and JK produced. They overlapped.


So you're looking at stuff right around when the change was done.
Comparing a 2017 to a 2018 won't be a true apples to apples if you end up doing so.

The JL manual transmissions have a recall going on right now - but you're looking for an auto so you're safe in that regard. (The JL MT recall is a complete shit show)

The one I'm looking at is the JK, specifically a 2016 Sport Unlimited. I just about bought a different one yesterday, but the dealership started playing pricing games when they found out I wasn't financing through them so I walked out.

They are pretty solid vehicles.

Have two 2-door JKs. Both manual trans.

Oil cooler in the valley of the 3.6 can (or will) develop a leak, kind of a pain to fix. Seems to be in the 90k - 100k range.

Other than that, find one as unmolested as possible. Lots of builds using cheap stuff causes all sorts of issues.

Yeah, I second the suggestion on getting one as close to factory as possible. One of my nephews bought a used one that was around five years old that had been lifted, modified suspension and some other aftermarket crap done to it and he complains every time I see him about having issues with that stuff.

quote:

Originally posted by xanth:

Have two 2-door JKs. Both manual trans.

As they all should be.

I had 2 JKs 2010-2020. While there is plenty
of opinions about the basics of the platform, mine served
well as daily driver. Other than riding like a rocking horse
and handling like a lawn tractor, the unfixable
wind leaks and rain seepage finally wearied
me. I traded for a Ranger. While it better fits my needs
I do miss the JK.

Be very honest with yourself on what you need in the jeep. It's easy to watch all the videos and think, yea, I need all that. Then never use it.

Do you need lockers?
Do you need sway-bar disconnects
Lift? Big-ass wheels and tires?
Hard Top? Soft Top? Both?

We have a 2018JL Manual Sahara. It's a great jeep but whoever did the lift and put big-ass wheel and tires on it, didn't re-gear it or have the speedo corrected. So I get to have that done some time this year.

I know you said you want an automatic but just in case, avoid a JL with the manual. It's under a recall right now and they have no fix.

Loved my stock 2015 JK 2 door Sport with hard roof. Had automatic. Daily Driver. Had it 7 years with no problems. Wife bitched about getting in and out of it. Tried tp please with running boards and grips to help getting in and out. Oh well. Still miss it.

I've got 80K on my 2014 JKUR and it's been fine but there have been a number of fixes. I'd guess I've spent $2500 on some things that should not have broken. I do drive off road on occasion and for the first few years I didn't baby it. I've replaced the oil cooler, radiator and blend door activator, maybe a few smaller items. Mines on 2 1/2" lift with 35" tires, handles great.

quote:

Originally posted by Shaql:
Be very honest with yourself on what you need in the jeep.

Do you need lockers?
Do you need sway-bar disconnects

Floors?
A frame?

Oh yeah, we're not talking about my Jeep.

Get ready…

Just
Empty
Every
Pocket

Pulled the trigger today. Got exactly what I was looking for. Unmolested and all original equipment, 75000 miles on the clock.

Well done. Clean looking Jeep.

“Jeep Wave”

Nice. Very clean looking.

That’s a nice looking JK.

So you bought a Wrangler, what’s your first, second, and third mod you have planned?

Get some Ducks !

quote:

Originally posted by Beancooker:
That’s a nice looking JK.

So you bought a Wrangler, what’s your first, second, and third mod you have planned?

LED headlights and driving lights, and a few interior upgrades. Nothing drastic. Maybe some new wheels when I put the next set of tires on it. I don't usually do much to vehicles.

quote:

Originally posted by Todd Huffman:

Pulled the trigger today. Got exactly what I was looking for. Unmolested and all original equipment, 75000 miles on the clock.

Very nice! As my grandmother would have said, "You should drive it in good health."