2008 4d Wrangler with 134,000. I don't know the service history and know nothing about Jeeps. It's 4WD.

Aside from an oil change and having the suspension/steering components checked (CV joints, tie rods, etc.) is there any other service I should do?

I'm thinking new plugs and coolant flush over the next few weeks, maybe a transmission fluid service of some kind. When you guys buy a used vehicle what are services that you do?

I would change all the fluids, including both differentials, transfer case and transmission. If it's an automatic, I'd also look at having the transmission fluid filter changed out as well.
Power steering and brake fluid, too. I'm a big fan of doing the brake fluid at 100K miles.
Then do the engine air and cabin filters.

It's more than a vehicle, it's a lifestyle. Be prepared to be waved at by other Jeep drivers.

I would also change the spark plugs and pcv valve ... and check the belts.

All fluids, and unless I can be convinced otherwise shocks, belts and battery get changed out. Leave cash for brakes, wheel seals, bearings, u-joints and the other stuff you discover, I always figure the previous owner stepped away for some reason.

Coolant flush. Change differentials and transfer case fluids I’m guilty of not doing that yet at 114k but have not really submerged the drivetrain components either.

On the transmission, drop the pan, replace the filter and REFILL the fluid, do not flush the transmission. I know there are dissenting voices here but from my experience of almost a half century of working in auto and truck dealerships the chemical flushes are usually a death sentence for an automatic transmission. My ‘12 Wrangler got a drop the pan, change the filter and refill only.

Also don’t believe in fuel injector flushes either. My first port fuel injected car I bought in ‘89, one of the techs at the dealership as I bought the car used did me a “favor” and performed a fuel injection service on it as a precaution about two months after buying it, car ran fine before. A couple days afterwards it developed a miss, pulled the fuel rail and injectors to inspect. The back flush dislodged some corrosion in the rail, final toll three plugged injectors that had to be replaced. Maybe that failure would have happened later than sooner, maybe never. Who knows?

While changing coolant I'd change all the primary hoses as well after 13 years. Not heater hoses probably unless pretty straightforward, but all others.

Three possible outcomes:

1. You'll drive the Jeep and discover its a Jeep, and you are not a Jeep fan.

2. You'll drive the Jeep and like it, but not really take it off road much and be happy with it as is.

3. You'll take it off road, get the goofy grin, discover that bigger tires would be nice, start researching lifts, lockers, axle swaps, bumpers, winches, recovery gear, roll cages, on-board air, armor, etc. etc. etc. Just Empty Every Pocket...

In all seriousness, for off-roading the biggest improvement for any Jeep is good tires. Learn to drive it stock before you make any other modifications.

Enjoy!

Todd

Enjoy it! Do all the stuff mentioned above then try and break it.

Edited to add: 2006 Wrangler owner.

So it's too late for a pre-purchase inspection, so I'd definitely take it asap for a post-purchase inspection.

I'd use a very reputable local independent garage/mechanic to give it a very thorough look over and inspection. If this runs to 2 hours of labor, it's still a bargain to get an expert opinion and advice on what is needed, and when, what needs done now and what will be needed later. Get the engine compression checked for sure.

Don't waste money on things that are not needed. Many of the things mentioned above may not be needed anytime soon. Definitely spend money on things that are needed. If it's a money pit now, meaning way too much is needed vs the worth of the Jeep, you could dump it.

Best wishes to you, and enjoy.
.

J ust
E mpty
E very
P ocket

If there is no documentation of brake fluid flush in the last 2 years, do that for sure. Modern brake components are $$$$ (Especially ABS components). A brake fluid flush at 3 years and then every 2 thereafter is directed by BMW and VW. I'm not saying CF is more or less fragile than those two. But i would take that to heart. Warning; some cars have specific brake fluid flush processes with ABS pumps and all. I'd do some research and consider having it done at the dealer. (I forget what brand, but basically they have to somehow electronically stimulate the ABS system to allow fluid to be flushed thru it and not dick anything up).

Funny question. I bought our first one back in '77. Yeah, 1977 because I wasn't born in 1877 and they weren't making jeeps then. Had at least one ever since, often 2. My sons seem to have more sense and don't own any currently. But then I have better vacations than they do. You will soon be amazed at what a jeep can do. The above advice is good so far. You need to learn how to work on your own jeep. Paying others is both foolish and expensive. Besides, the hired help doesn't really care and won't do as good a job as an invested owner.

Lets talk grease. Go buy a grease gun, one with a flexible nozzle, or buy the gun and the hose. Get up and personnel with your new toy. I bought my 86 on the floor, under it at the showroom. Couldn't buffalo the salesman, he was a seasoned jeeper too. Soon you will need to decide if jeeping is for you and dump the troublesome thing or get fully invested. There isn't really much partial involvement.

There are things called jeep clubs. Some call themselves 4wd clubs, they allow pussies as members. Its OK, you'll soon find out who is who. Your best days are the ones where it snows asshole deep on a 9 foot indian. Normal folks are happy to just get home on the day it snows, you can't wait to change clothes and go driving.

Your wife will want to borrow your jeep to go shopping. You'll be scared she'll hurt your jeep. First thing you should buy is a good tow strap. Not too thick, you want it to stretch. Then locate a chain. 3/8ths is a good compromise. Remember, you'll probably be the fool carrying it. 5/16s works too. Then look at your jeep for attachment points. Never hook up to anyone else's vehicle. Hand them the other end to hook up. Run from tow straps with metal hooks, they come loose and fly back at your jeep.

Join the jeep club. They may be full of idiots, but you'll soon figure out who the ones to listen to are. Then pay attention. Don't waste money on glitter. Cheap chrome rusts, avoid it. Jeeps rust enough as it is.

My wife bought a new Wrangler last year. She has always wanted a Wrangler (she had 2 Compasses) and finally bit the bullet as she approaches retirement.

In a year, we have spent 40%-50% of the new vehicle cost on upgrades: tires, step-ups, lift kit, winch, recovery gear, skid plates, etc. They can be expensive!
Mind you, this is a new Jeep!

Join a club and get to know your Jeep! It's her Jeep and I don't drive it on the trails. This is her daily driver and I don't want to be responsible for breaking anything. I will say, she has been excellent on the trails. I'm the co-pilot and she listens (mostly) to the directions I provide to avoid the worst parts of the trails.

We had a lot of rain in S. NH this summer. She got her Jeep muddy lots of times, and, my job is to keep it clean! LOL Also be prepared to use lots of car wash and water if/when you decide to go off-roading. Like reloading, it's part of the fun!

P.S. Her Jeep is white

Good luck to you!

Usually when someone buys an old Jeep, the first thing I recommend is they buy a welder.

But in my world, a 2008 anything isn't old.

Get a Hilift jack. Now days they ain"t cheap but if you plan on doing ANY off highway driving it will pay for its self real quick in more ways than you would believe. In the 1970" had a 1942 Willis Jeep / 4 cylinder / 4x4 / narrow non-directional military style tires / roll cage / Aluminum cab / warn winch. When I got it had a generator for charging and the 1st time having to use the winch the generator could not keep up to the point having to walk about 2 miles cross country across the summer tundra to get another battery. Then replaced the generator with a GM alternator from a salvage yard and no more problems generating enough voltage to operate the winch. That little Willis would take me places that I would not or could not have been able walk. And at times it out preformed newer jeeps and trucks with large v-8 motors and large off road tires. ................ drill sgt.

Put cardboard under it when parked...



Sorry and old joke about all jeeps leaking oil.

Be prepared to lose the 2nd belt loop on all your jeans.

Drill Sgts post brings back memories. My HS friend had drivable, fairly decent shape 1960s Jeep. This would have been 1972 or so. He put it up for sale for $350.
No takers. He finally gave it to a farmer.
Now price a Wrangler Rubicon...

Also, Jeep is short for:

Just Empty Every Pocket