Trying to buy a Jeep. Need help.

[Splurs]

Good Afternoon All,

Apologies if this has been posted somewhere else.

I am new to jeeps, and am looking at getting a JK. The list of questions seems to keep getting bigger and bigger and bigger as to what to get what to spend, what problems to look outfor, and what is best.

So to answer some for you all I want something that is:
2011 onwards (I have read the are lots better comfort and style wise and the 3.6L is superior to the 3.8L),
Low kms as it will be my daily driver and I do quite a bit of highway driving, the kms will clock up quickly.
Manual.

I have just come from a diesel, and would like to stay diesel but have
seen that the price of them are quite expensive compared to the petrol.
So some questions for the gurus:
Is a diesel worth the extra cost?
What are common problems to look for, and at what kms do they start?

I know that the death wobbles are a problem, and cracking in the manifold (I think) are 2 main ones, drinking oil till the engine goes bang is another.

My main concern is buying a lemon and getting stuck with a lot of debt.

Any help would be great.

Thanks in advance.

[shep]

I wouldn’t be to concerned about KMs if it’s done a average of 15000km or so a year there is a much better chance that it’s been serviced correctly.
There are lots of low km cars out there that go many years between services.

[Nanook]

If you are looking at the 3.6 petrol then you need to look at 2012 and later as 2011 models had the updated interior but still had the 3.8.

The 3.8 is a good reliable motor but a little under powered especially when compared to the 3.6. It'll do the job, but a little slow up hills.

The early 3.6s had a few issues but it was quickly sorted out so if you are looking at a 2012-2013 then make sure it has a good service history and you'll be right.

As for the diesel, personally, I wouldn't touch the 2.8 with a barge pole but that's me. There are lots of owners on here that swear by them and have never had any issues. Just make sure it has a good service history.

Death wobble, I wouldn't be too worried about it unless the vehicle has been heavily modified. Those that suffered it usually had massive lifts and oversized tyres.

Jeeps have an unfair reputation for being unreliable in Australia. Like any make, if they are serviced properly and regularly you won't have a problem.

[limaynard]

Originally Posted by Nanook

If you are looking at the 3.6 petrol then you need to look at 2012 and later as 2011 models had the updated interior but still had the 3.8.

The 3.8 is a good reliable motor but a little under powered especially when compared to the 3.6. It'll do the job, but a little slow up hills.

The early 3.6s had a few issues but it was quickly sorted out so if you are looking at a 2012-2013 then make sure it has a good service history and you'll be right.

As for the diesel, personally, I wouldn't touch the 2.8 with a barge pole but that's me. There are lots of owners on here that swear by them and have never had any issues. Just make sure it has a good service history.

Death wobble, I wouldn't be too worried about it unless the vehicle has been heavily modified. Those that suffered it usually had massive lifts and oversized tyres.

Jeeps have an unfair reputation for being unreliable in Australia. Like any make, if they are serviced properly and regularly you won't have a problem.

Agreed, mine has issues but suspect it was previous owner issues. Slowly sorting through intermittent check engine lights. I thought I had fixed the camshaft position sensor problems them came back today but this time connector had come off. It is missing little red locking tab...

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[LeighP]

Personally, I'd look for a MY13 or later. If you're doing high kilometers, then the TD may be worth the extra cost and extra servicing cost....there is a significant difference in economy. I believe when I looked at either TD or the 3.6, I worked out you needed to be pulling at least 40,000km a year to make it worth the difference in cost. I don't come near that, so for me, the 3.6 was a no brainer. Very happy with it. 6 years with my JK, and I'm still enjoying it every time I get in.

[Splurs]

Thanks all, for your comments.
I have been driving a few now. And the 3.6L is lots better than the 3.8L.
The only issue i have found is there feels like some body roll in the cars, is that normal? The one I am currently looking at is a 2014, it has only done 50k kms, however it has a little bit of body roll still. Lots better than the 2011 i was looking at.
It does have a check engine light, the salesman is trying to tell me it is just from a flat battery. Any sugeestions if its true?

[limaynard]

Originally Posted by Splurs

Thanks all, for your comments.

I have been driving a few now. And the 3.6L is lots better than the 3.8L.

The only issue i have found is there feels like some body roll in the cars, is that normal? The one I am currently looking at is a 2014, it has only done 50k kms, however it has a little bit of body roll still. Lots better than the 2011 i was looking at.

It does have a check engine light, the salesman is trying to tell me it is just from a flat battery. Any sugeestions if its true?

Watch out for check engine lights.

Get the code and post it here before they clear it.

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