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For decades now, the Jeep Wrangler has been the quintessential off-road vehicle, leaving the vast majority of other options far behind in its dust. The great thing about the Jeep brand is that they hold up well throughout years of rough use, so choosing a used Wrangler is a terrific way to get an unbeatable trail-ready vehicle at a budget-friendly price. With so many amazing options to choose from, however, it can be difficult to know where to start your search and how to navigate through the models that are out there, so we have put together a simple used Jeep Wrangler buyers guide to help you find the right one.
Of course, even the best guide cannot answer every question you might have, which is why we are here to help you with everything you need. Finding the right vehicle becomes a lot easier when you have a knowledgeable and helpful person by your side to answer your questions, discuss different options, and make sure you get a fantastic used Jeep that will take you on numerous adventures for years to come. Whether you know exactly what you are looking for or you have a lot of questions, we are here to help. Come visit us at Orange Coast Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram today to learn more and see what we can do for you.
While the modern Jeep Wrangler, as we all know and love it, dates back to the mid-1980s, in spirit, you can trace it back much further than that – all the way to World War II. In many ways, the Wrangler continues the legacy of the original Willys MB Jeep. Following World War I, it became clear to America’s military leaders that automotive technology would replace horses and that they needed a standard vehicle. During the First World War, there were dozens of different motorcycles and automobiles that served the military, so knowing how to work on all of them was a hassle.
The development of the original Jeep came from a desire to have a single, standard vehicle that could handle a wide range of tasks for the armed forces. Numerous companies worked on creating a vehicle to meet the US Army’s needs, resulting in the Willys Jeep. This Jeep was so popular and instrumental to success in World War II that afterward, a lot of soldiers wanted to be able to own a Jeep for use in their civilian life – resulting in the development of the Civilian Jeep or Jeep CJ.
Originally released in the 1940s after the war, the CJ was quite popular and remained in production for more than 40 years, evolving and gaining several variants during that time. This brings us to the 1980s and the desire by the heads of Jeep to offer something new that would deliver incredible off-road performance. While officially not a continuation of the CJ, a lot of people consider the Wrangler to be a spiritual successor to the original Jeep, and it certainly takes design cues from that WWII workhorse.
In the decades since it was introduced, the Wrangler has proven itself time and again to be one of the most influential and impressive off-road vehicles in the auto industry. There have certainly been some changes over those years, such as the introduction of a four-door model, but throughout every generation, the Wrangler has remained true to itself. When looking at used models, it is important to keep some of these differences in mind to find the perfect Wrangler with everything you need.
Not counting the older CJ models, just looking at the Wrangler, there have been four generations so far for this amazing off-road monster. Going from one generation to another can include significant differences, so it is important to know what you are looking at with any used model. While you always want to look at the details of any vehicle you are interested in, here is a quick overview of what each generation offers.
The first Jeep Wrangler hit the road for the 1987 model year and immediately established itself as a bold new off-road machine. It was designed to offer a more comfortable ride than the CJ, making it a better everyday vehicle, though it retained the leaf spring suspension of its predecessor. During this generation, a 2.5L I-4 engine was standard, with a 4.2L I-6 as an available option until 1990. The 4.2L option was replaced by a 4.0L I-6 starting in 1991.
The development of this Wrangler started in 1990, but it took quite a few years to become a reality. Of note was that this generation brought back the classic Jeep CJ round headlights – the YJ models had square headlights – and the leaf spring suspension was replaced by coil springs. In 2004, near the end of this generation, Jeep introduced the Wrangler Unlimited, a longer model with more interior space and increased towing capacity.
Even though the larger Wrangler Unlimited was introduced in the second generation, the third-generation Unlimited models transformed into four-door vehicles. This marks the first factory option for four-door Wranglers, so keep this in mind if that is something you are looking for. The third generation also used an all-new platform and marked a full redesign for the Wrangler, with a wider track and longer wheelbase for improved stability.
The most recent generation for the Jeep Wrangler, these are the latest models with technology and options that surpass their predecessors. Redesigned for this generation, the modern Wrangler is reminiscent of the TJ models, with a similar front grille, and it continues to use a body-on-frame construction method. Once again, the Wrangler has been made larger for this generation, measuring over 2 inches longer, though it weighs less thanks to improvements in design.
While a used Jeep Wrangler from five or six years ago can be a great option to save money, if you want something newer, then you have some excellent options. A Wrangler just coming off a lease can include models from the current generation, including impressive infotainment systems, numerous speakers with stunning audio quality, and much more. These models also have impressive and powerful engines, including an available 2.0L turbocharged option and even a 3.0L EcoDiesel V6 for a great driving experience.
The most recent models have even more remarkable engine options, including the most powerful Wrangler ever built. This model, called the Rubicon 392, features a massive 6.4L HEMI V8 engine that produces 470 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque, delivering a driving experience beyond anything else on the trail. If you prefer efficiency over horsepower, then look for the latest Wrangler 4xe model, which features a 375 hp plug-in hybrid engine that gets an estimated 49 mpg while still delivering 470 lb-ft of instant torque.
As you can see, when you are looking at used Jeep Wranglers, you have a lot of different options to consider across multiple generations and nearly 40 years of incredible development. Here at Orange Coast Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram, we are ready to help you with everything you need. Our friendly and knowledgeable salespeople will answer all of your questions, discuss your options, and make sure you drive away in the perfect Wrangler. You will always know where to turn any time you need maintenance or have questions about your vehicle, as our certified service center is here with everything you need as you enjoy your Wrangler for many years ahead. Call or come visit us at Orange Coast Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram today to learn more and discover how easy and rewarding it can be to shop for your next vehicle.
