Buying advice for first timer?

[acs85]

Hi all.

I've had a few diesel 4WDs over the years (typical ones like LC, Patrol, Ranger, etc) and recently sold my last 4WD so now I'm looking at my options. Yep, they're different cars but I'm deciding up between a Hilux and a Wrangler JKU. I've heard all the campfire rumours about how Jeeps are terrible and unreliable, but after so many 4WDs it's become really obvious that all vehicles have their issues (D4D injectors, ZD30 hand grenades, etc) but I'm struggling to find what everyone says makes Wranglers so unreliable.

I've found a 2007 Wrangler JKU in my price range and it looks pretty clean, has 130,000kms on it. I'm pretty familiar with inspecting vehicles for obvious issues like leaks, wobbles or loose parts, strange noises, but it's been a while since I've been in a petrol vehicle and I've never been in a Wrangler.

I was hoping someone could offer advice specific to 2007 JKUs? All vehicles have their own issue and quirks, what should I be aware of with this one?

Is the 2007 6 cylinder an immature engine? Is it faulty? Is 130,000 kms too high? What kind of repairs could be expected at this point?

Appreciate any input you guys can give, thanks in advance!

Edit:
Just realised I asked a similar question in 2017 but completely forgot about it. I bought a 2018 Ranger in that time and sold it again pretty quickly, turned out it wasn't what I was after. Still keen to hear from people though

[timbotrog]

Ball joints, track bar bushes/mounts and the hand brake are a common problems but all are easily fixed.

The 2007 has the earlier 3.8 V6 and is reliable but a little under powered compared to the later 3.6 V6.

Service it, maintain it and they are actually quite reliable.

[Turismo07]

Further to what timbotrog says.

If it has a history of offroading (especially if it has bigger than stock tyres) check that the front axle is straight. They are on the weak side and heavy offroad on stock tyres or medium offroad on 35" tyres can bent the front axle fairly easily. Plenty of aftermarket support to straighten and build them strong though, or buy one of the many aftermarket front axle housings avail and never worry about it again.

If auto, the auto trans behind the 3.8v6 is the weakest link in the drivetrain. They really need to be looked after, make sure its been serviced, and if you're going to put the JK to work, then make sure you fit a big trans cooler (stock one is too small) and it'll be fine.

Other than that, they fine. No different to any other vehicle. No perfect vehicle out there, they all have their quirks. There are some lemons though that's for sure. Personally we are on our 5th Jeep now between my wife and I over the years with other vehicles in between etc and they're fine, great bang for buck and never had one 'break' on me, or nothing that I couldn't fix myself.

[acs85]

Thanks guys.

I had a look at the JKU this weekend and was happy with what I saw. There was no usual signs of offroad/beach driving which made me happy. The vehicle is completely stock as far as I can tell.

Does a manual transmission have or need a cooler?

[Turismo07]

Originally Posted by acs85

Thanks guys.

I had a look at the JKU this weekend and was happy with what I saw. There was no usual signs of offroad/beach driving which made me happy. The vehicle is completely stock as far as I can tell.

Does a manual transmission have or need a cooler?

No cooler needed on a manual trans.

If it starts to shift funny (notchy gear changes or slight crunch between shifts) then drop the rubbish Mopar fluid and replace with correctly specced quality fully synthetic (I have Redline in mine) and it'll shift like butter.

[acs85]

Thanks for all the info. I closed the sale today and am now the owner of a 2007 JKU. The drive home was pretty good although felt pretty floaty on the freeway.

[Kane96]

Welcome to the jeep club mate, you will not regret buying a wrangler, i've had so many cars but my favourite is the wrnalger by a long shot i've had 3 so far