artiedib

I have an '08 with 228K miles on the original engine and clutch. It burns oil - I consider it a perpetual oil change. I constantly keep an eye on things. No major issues except for DW which was due to elongated bolt hole on the frame mount for the track bar.

101gargoyles

Yes buy one.

Emptied Each Pocket

Go for it! In my opinion, the new Grands are just another soulless suv. Be prepared to put bumpers and maybe fenders eventually. Almost all kids wreck their first car (I and everybody I know did). When my son is old enough, I hope to be able to get him a jeep.

DunnyBunny

I agree here. Good idea going with an 07-08 to keep cost down. Why some parents buy there teenager a $30- $40k vehicle like a BMW or Lexus or a Rubicon or huge jacked up truck for their first vehicle is beyond me. It's just plain ignorant in every possible way especially since the kid didn't deserve it in most cases.

mfmjos

The 07 at least had a technical service bulletin about the timing chain cover. Apparently the metal that was used is porous and leaks. It's not a huge issue if you keep an eye on the oil level. There is a fix/parts kit for it, but it's pretty expensive. I don't plan to have mine fixed. I don't know if that applies to the 08.

Blanch2001

Great advice so far on the '07/'08 model years. My 2007 Unlimited X has 208,000 miles on it. The porous timing chain cover is a known issue on the 07's. The most common sign of this (in my case, and what I have seen in forums) is that the oil actually collects and drips towards the rear of engine from the transmission bell housing/inspection cover. So take a peak there on any '07's. Or, see if it has been replaced already.

Def, always keep an eye on the oil level. A peek every couple weeks at the gas station will keep you topped off, it has a tendency to "disappear".

In my experience, my catalytic converters needed to be replaced at 130,000 miles. I've heard the lifespan is about 125,000 to 150,000 miles. Cost about $1,100 at the dealer... don't know if others have had to do this.

At 169,000 miles I started losing some coolant. Turns out I had a warped head... but, I think this could be a result of not monitoring my oil level and not being aware that I also had the timing chain cover oil leak too; I was prob drier than I liked a few times. Knowledge is power!! For me, these were all fixed under my lifetime warranty but they are costly repairs out of pocket. I've gone about another 40,000 miles since then and now at 208,000 that Jeep still runs smooth and reliable.

If you do buy an '07, I would suggest seeing if you can find one with the 4.10 gear option (Pretty sure this was the only year you could get it in a non-rubicon). It gives the 3.8 the push power it needs. I have it and have hauled and climbed hills with no problems at all.

Good luck....

BROWNING3250CAL

Im never selling my 07. If something breaks, I'll upgrade it. When engine gets tired, I'll upgrade it.

gohard

The problems I had with my 2007 JKU X, (3.8 L) in the last 3 years

-engine replaced at 40 K due to burning oil
-steering box leak
- head gasket leak
-EGR valve
- new engine burns oil again although not a quart every 600 miles like the old one did

Got rid of it.

H8MUD

I have an 07 JK with lots of mods and 111,150 miles on it. Burns oil so I keep a close eye on it. Running 37" tires, 5.13 gears and PR axles.

Great Jeep, but as with all vehicles you have to do preventive maintenance.

Your going to get all kinds of opinions on the Internet. If you can do maintenance on the Jeep (or any vehicle), I'd say go for it. If not, get her something new, no matter if it's a Jeep or not.

This is my daughter driving my Jeep with the boys. Lots of fun for sure.