Buying my first Jeep! I need some advice

[Rod.D.]

Hi everyone,

So I've finally decided (or should I say 'convinced the wife'?) to buy a JK Unlimited! I've been wanting one for a long time and always tend to hear the "Jeeps are unreliable" arguments but I figured most of those people don't even own a Jeep, plus I think it's the most affordable and capable 4x4 out there. I'm won't be doing any extreme off roading (at least for now ) but enjoy my camping trips and beach driving once a month or so and would love to go on some 4x4 trips with a group (Fraser, Moreton Island, etc).

I'm trying to decide between buying new or used.

I've gotten the local dealership (Sydney) down to $41,990 (on-road) for a JK Unlimited Sport and after looking online it seems like a fair deal. Any thoughts? Are there any accessories/extras that I should get from factory instead of after-market later?

I like the fact that I'll get 3yr/100k warranty (I've had problems with my current car just out of warranty) plus they say that I can get another 3yrs/175k warranty on top if I service it at the dealer (I'm not sure if these dealer warranties are actually worth the paper they're written in though).
Also, I prefer just getting rid of my car as a trade-in and be done with it.

The second option is getting a 2013 JKU with between 15,000km to 50,000km for around $33k and sell my car privately (I don't think I'll get any more than $2k over what the dealer quoted as a trade-in).

Is buying a used JK worth the savings in the long run or should I just bite the bullet and go for a new one? I'm planning on keeping the car indefinitely, no plans on upgrading after a number of years.
There are not that many used ones that fit the criteria ( >2012 with Pentastar engine and <80,000km - preferably manual but not too fussed).

If I do look for a used one, is there anything I should look out for? Any faults, common problems, etc I should know?

I'm really excited to finally get my own JK and would really appreciate your advice!!

Cheers,
Rod

[Banshee]

While some people have had issues, I don't believe they are significantly different in reliability to any other vehicle. I certainly had more issues with my Corolla than I have had with my TJ & JK...

I believe most people will agree that the extended warranties aren't worth it, YMMV. Read the fine print carefully to see what it covers & for how long. Some have found they only allow for a certain value of work in addition to forcing it to be serviced by a dealer and they often only cover certain components.

[ToEasy]

My JKU unlimited is for sale.

Highly modified and fully engineered.

Is listed in sales section and will be going on car sales soon.

[Rod.D.]

Originally Posted by ToEasy

My JKU unlimited is for sale.

Highly modified and fully engineered.

Is listed in sales section and will be going on car sales soon.

Hahaha thanks but it's just a little bit over my budget! Good luck on the sale

[ToEasy]

Thanks mate

[Skinkis]

I'd go with a new one if I were you.
You say you want to keep it for a long time, having that 3yr warranty is good if there are any teething issues with the car, you will also know that the car is brand new, it hasn't had a hard life, nothing hidden etc.

The only thing I'd suggest to you, test drive an auto before you buy a manual.

[Rod.D.]

Originally Posted by Skinkis

I'd go with a new one if I were you.
You say you want to keep it for a long time, having that 3yr warranty is good if there are any teething issues with the car, you will also know that the car is brand new, it hasn't had a hard life, nothing hidden etc.

The only thing I'd suggest to you, test drive an auto before you buy a manual.

Thanks, that's what I'm leaning towards.

I drove an auto and am going to test drive a manual today.
Is there any particular reason you say that?