I am going to look at a 2008 Unlimited Rubicon this weekend, and before I purchase it is there anything I need to look for on this year JK? I want to give it a complete and thorough inspection, at least the best I can. Looking forward to hearing what you guys have to say, and thank you in advance!!

 

Look how bad the skid plates are banged up. It will give you an idea of how hard it was wheeled or if it was a mall crawler.

 

Check underneath for a lot of debris.
Be sure to check everything. Test the 4wd.

 

axle seals, tranny pan/oil pan & diff covers for leaks.
rear brake pads.
front end (especially) for lose/play in any of the steering/trackbar/control arm mounting points.
front & rear trackbar brackets for cracks/botched welding jobs.
under hood decals to see if any recalls/computer udates where done.

simple things like air cleaner/fluids.

 

Make sure it is actually a Rubicon. There are a lot of used Jeeps out there now that have a Rubicon sticker that are actually X's or Sahara's. I stopped at a Ford lot to look at a 4 dr Rubi and found out it was an X.

The easiest way to make sure it is a Rubi is to look for the locker and swaybar disconnect buttons located an the lower dash pannel behind the shifter. Good luck.

 

x2 ... that's what i looked for when buying my 08 rubi...

check to see if the steering damper has been replaced under recall...
and check for excessive play in the ball joints...

all the very best and happy jeeping...

 

Another 08 Rubicon owner!

Make sure the lockers engage and disengage, which requires putting the t-case in 4-lo. Also use the swaybar disconnect while in 4-lo. Watch the dash lights for each locker and the swaybar.

Check to be sure you have tire sensors in all 5 tires.

look underneath to see if anything is beat up. You can get recall verification from your local dealer after you've bought it because they will do any remaining recall work to bring your jeep current , for free...