Daughter buying a JK

[Colm]

Hey Guys,

Looking for a bit of advice,
Daughter is looking to get into a Wrangler, well it was a toss up between a Wrangler and a Jimny(as she has always wanted one of these).
Anyhow after we went for a test drive in a Jimny the other day, that is out the window, Jezz those things are small in them, I was leaning up against the drivers door and was still brushing off her, all be it I am 130odd kgs but still very small. No room and No storage. Coming from a GC and an A5, we both really noticed the lack of space in there.

Anyhow the Question, she is looking at spending 18-20k, she has a car spotted in Perth at a dealership for 19K, MY10,2011 JK sport 3.8petrol with 114k on the clock.
Is this expensive, what do they generally go for?
what should we be looking for with that kinda milege?
what is the real world MPG for these, will be doing mostly on road driving?
She could push the budget out another 10-12K to come up a few years, but that would only get her as far as a 12/13 maybe a 14, would it be worth the extra money. ?
Also pros and cons of 3.8 vs 3.6 vs 2.8 ?

.

[jkjeep1]

I am a owner of a 2.8 and ex owner of 3.6 Jeep Wrangler.

For the 3.6 model, ideally, you would want to get an MY14 ( or later. The MY12 and MY13 versions had some issues with the engine cylinder head. However, the 3.6 drives like a car in a straight line.

The 2.8 model has a lot of power but can have major problems with injectors. Injectors may need replacing around 200,000 kilometres, and it is expensive. The ideal model years for the 2.8 are 2007 to 2009 without the Diesel Particulate Filter. In my view, it's the best engine, the tractor-like sound is awesome.

An automatic transmission is better for both on and off-road driving.

Fuel consumption is measured in smiles per kilometre, so it does not matter which Jeep Wrangler version you choose.

You should also consider the TJ model, which is way more fun than the JK model.

[humdingerslammer]

Mmmmm...there seems 2b a lot of young women driving Wranglers on city streets. Why? It's got me beat.

I think the price u r stating is high and even more so given its dealer price. An 07 probably wld b worth about 13 - 15K max. I would think a JKU Rubicon wld be worth about $20K depending on mileage etc. That's what I would want for my 07 manual. Which at agreed market value is insured for $13K (top amt insurer allows).

Manual gears in 07 - 12 probably better for off-road work; auto for onroad city driving.

Fuel consumption? Well I have never returned better than about 6.5klm per litre and as low as 4.8Km/l in a head wind. Ave about 5.4k/litre petrol.

If she is not in a hurry I wld wait a few months as used car prices come down even more because of a supply glut. I reckon there wld b better options for her than a wrangler...

[eksjay]

The 3.6L does drive like a car in a straight line. I can vouch for that. If you are thinking JK instead of JKU, it might be an OK daily driver. But a JKU might be difficult to park in tight city streets and spaces because of its turning circle. A reversing camera would be helpful.

I have a 2016 JKU that has been very reliable and has travelled some long distances.

[Colm]

Thanks for the input guys, I will relay the info too her.
She is not looking to buy today, for time probably sometime in the next 3-4mths.