WranglerVirgin wants to buy a Jeep

[WranglerVirgin]

Hi, thanks for your interest. I have always had a soft spot for jeeps, the time has come to get one. Am looking at 2012 3.6l Unlimited Rubicon, under 100ks, though the price seems too steep and out of reach.

Since I am no mechanic I need something reliable, not for hardcore off road but a trip to Uluru and weekend trips into the bush... I do like comfort hence the Rubicon choice.

I'd really appreciate hints and tips on what to look out for when looking at potential purchase. And yes, I know there are other options but I like the Wrangler for roof- and doorless driving fun... and my research also indicates they are strong and steady offroad...

Any helpful input is appreciated, even which year Wrangler was a good one.., just looked at 2012 as new and more economic engine was put in... also: wranglers appear to have issue with leaks- how do i spot if the car I'm looking at has this problem? Thank you

[rjl3175]

If you are not going to use the Rubicon features why go that way? Rubicons don't really have much more than a sport as far as comfort is concerned.
The 3.6 engine seems to doing very well apart from some early head problems.
As for leaks, well just about every convertible has this problem so just google the fix and do it.
Avoid cars with cheap lift kits, if it has a lift find out who's lift it is and who put it in.
Good luck.

[WranglerVirgin]

Thank you rjl, have read about issues of engines put in pre July 2012... so am bearing that in mind. What lifts do I need to stay away from, can you drop names? Biggest concern is me being a girl with little knowledge and sellers wanting to take advantage gotta be as knowledgable as i can... crash course

[LeighP]

If you're looking at a bit of fun off-roading and comforts, I'd be looking at an Overland model (what the Americans have as a well equipped Sahara model) rather than the Rubicon. You'll pay a premium for the hard core off-road pieces on the Rubicon when the rest of the vehicle is pretty much as per a Sport.
Any 2012 3.6 should have shown up the head issue by now, if they were going to.
Look at service history, have the recalls been done, there are a couple of them.
Some lifts are harsh riding when unladen, and you'd want to make sure that if it's lifted more than 50mm that the lift is engineered......if you buy it, and it isn't engineered, then that becomes your problem.
You would be well served having the vehicle inspected by someone who knows JKs prior to purchase.
Good luck with your purchase.

[WranglerVirgin]

Thanks Leigh, had read about Sahara but couldn't find it here, so I understand you correctly that the Wrangler Overland is the Aussie version of the Wrangler Sahara?
Thanks for clarifying the lift.
Unfortunately I don't know anyone with Jeep knowledge... am a bit of a rare wildcat in my circles... but that should not hold me back now should it...

[rjl3175]

Just throw up your choices on this site and I'm tipping you will be guided in the right direction.
The Australian Mopar kit as fitted by dealers is not too flash for one.
Are you looking for a two door or four door? Two door is much fun in Rubicon, wish I still had mine and not got such a big boat.

[LeighP]

Yes, the Overland is the equivalent of an "upspecced" Sahara.....we get quite a lot of optional stuff built into the Aussie delivered Overland package.