Ike the title says I'm looking at buying my first jk this summer. This will be my 2nd jeep but first wrangler. I was looking for some tips as to what to check for when shopping for a used jk. Any spots prone to rot, cracks, leaks, that I need to be aware of? I will hopefully be in the 20-22k price range, so I'll be in the market for a 2011 and down.

 

That sounds like question for someone shopping for a CJ...lol

My advice would be to try to find a bone stocker sport and slowly build it just how you want it. Good luck.

 

• A lot of folks have had problems with the door hinges rusting--they are aluminum on steel door skins.
• The OEM balljoints are pretty short-lived. Unless the previous owner replaced them with aftermarket, plan to replace them yourself in the near future with aftermarket. Recommend check them and use that as a negotiating point to haggle on price if they are bad.
• Watch out for fake Rubi's. They are sadly common on the fly-by-night used car lots. Know how to recognize a real one.

 

Yea I've already found a "rubi" with a d30 in the front. I know better than that. Good call on the ball joints I'll have to keep that in mind.

 

Stay away from 07-11 automatics. Some of the very early 07 have a dana 35 rear axle. 07 models were available with 4.10 gearing and a rear locker in non rubi models as well as the front disconnect. Over 30,000 miles check the ball joints for wear. The 2011 have a different interior then the 07-10. I would stay away from 3.21 axle gearing. If you want an automatic look at 2012 and up with the 3.6 motor.

 

I would say to try and squeaze for a 2012+. I would think you could find one in that range. 2 door or 4?

 

12+ is best if you can squeeze one in. I just got a 12 unlimited sport with 14k miles for just at 26k. Definitely worth it having the extra power of the 3.6l.

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I'm staying away from autos all together. I want a jeep not a car. And as to 2 or 4 I'm not sure. I do like the 4 doors

 

Nothing wrong with a auto. Some people need it but sad when people think only manuals are real jeeps. They aren't muscle cars or certain tuner cars that really should only be made in manual. They are a jeep. However I would do the 12+ model though. Lot better than the 3.8L

 

Yeah I got my 2012 used with 23k for under 21