JustinKir8

Hi there!

I am in the process of purchasing my very first Jeep! I was wondering if I could get some tips from everyone on how i should go about my purchasing procedure? I am looking to buy used, about $20,000 max, and looking for a black one. what year do you think I could get for this much money? I prefer to get a 2012 for the interior upgrade since 2011 along with the 3.6 engine. if I couldn't get a 2012 what would you think of a 2011 or 2010?

Any advice on Jeeps in general would be great!

thanks

Cutman

Welcome. The only advice I can give as a semi-noob, is try like hell to get a 3.6. And research everything to death so you only buy everything once. And don't forget to wave!

notnalc68

Look it over, really good. Crawl under it and make sure it doesn't look beat to hell, or wrecked. Drive it with windows down & radio off and listen for weird noises like strange squeaks in the wheels (bent axle shafts).

htm7765

I was there a few months back, same budget. I ended up with a 2011 3.8 manual trans 3.73. Put a 2 inch BB lift and 33 inch tires runs just fine... sure it lacks a little power up long grades on the highway but honestly I love my choice. Would I have preferred the 3 6 yeah has more get up and go but Jeeps are not quarter mile vehicles it comes down to what you like and can afford. For me it was color more then anything else.. What ever you chose I think you would be happy. Only thing I have read on the forum is early 2012 May have head issues but I believe they extended the warranty till 150k I am sure someone else can chime in on this part.. Good luck with your quest...

borderpatrolin

I was considering the same thing a couple weeks ago. I went to the dealer to look at a 2012 jk with 65k miles they had on their website. When I arrived the salesman told me the jeep was in the shop getting a new transmission installed but it was nearly finished. Soooo, I decided to wait and while I did I bought a 2015 jk....

borderpatrolin

Two weeks later.

RoysRig

If you get a 2012, make sure the heater gets nice and hot on both passenger and driver side. Expensive repair to have done on your dime.

Skidster

I agree, been there and done that but under warranty. Most definitely get a 3.6 and stay away from the 3.21 gears.