Hello all !
I'm looking to expand my Jeep fleet soon and I was hoping I can get some tips from the group about what to look out for when looking at the used Jeep market. Other than the usual wear and tear item based on mileage, what else should keep an eye on?
I'm leaning on the 5.7 trail rated limited but, I am open to the 4.7 if the price/mileage is right.
I'd definitely do a pre-buy qualified mech inspection on any used vehicle, particularly a Jeep where some owners really maintain them and others beat the crap out of them and dump them.
It's ok for the interior to look like it has been lived in, and they do accumulate rock rash on the exterior, maybe some "honor stripes" on the skid plates, but typically a vehicle that looks like crap is owned by someone with zero pride of ownership and is best walked away from.
Any mech inspection has got to include underneath the thing where many lot detailers may just paint stuff or don't bother, but any signs at all of abuse are walkaways. Old worn, or worse mismatched tires are a bright red flag, particularly mismatched that the prior owner didn't deserve a Jeep any more than a certain commenter here.
A full compression test on the hemi is not out of line--they are not cheap to repair if someone hasn't taken care of it.
On the plus side, if it comes with a FSM, owners manual, good quality carpet/cargo covers, and looks like it has had good care, figure it will still cost you a couple grand to put it in shape or tune to your preferences, but well cared for Jeeps will last decades and decades.
For the electronic gewgaws, try for a auto company backed warranty instead of third party for at least a year. Some of the electronic stuff can cost about as much as an engine to deal with.
No matter how pretty, if you see repairs in the paint, body, crap tires, headliner torn, carpets from trailer trash, do not run, walk. Its probably a money pit.
