First off, i havent posted in a while here because i have had a 98 TJ the last many years. I am finally looking to get back into JK game. Was looking at 07-11 rubicons but they out of my price range(at dealers) and underpowered (well, compared to 12 jk, compared to my 98 2.5l they are wayyyyy overpowered) looking to keep my loan as low as possible, hopefully, 16-18k. depends on what i can get for my trusty TJ!


so i found a 12 jk for 20k with 39k on it. the sunburnt orange color. I love it, and its as base as it gets.

I was almost about to buy it, but wanted to be smart and do research. the little research i have found has shown many issues with drivers side head.


now that this jeep is out of warranty, should i avoid this purchase??? It is not a recall that i could find. i didn't listen for ticking but the jeep drove pretty well. Will listen if its still there when i am back on monday! worriedmaybe at 60k or 100k that i may hear a ticking and need to spend out of pocket big dollars.


worth the gamble?

-cormac

 

Drive train is 5 year 100K.

 

^^ What he said. 5 year 100K drivetrain. Unless you think you're going to put heavy miles on it quickly, that should give you at least a few years.

I'm not sure where you're located, but when it comes to affordability you may want to compare finance rates between new and used. Where I am it was actually cheaper for me to buy new than used because used car loans were so much higher for rates. Obviously I pay more overall, but when I'm done I should have lots of years left of no payment driving.

 

Thanks!! yeah i have a 5.4% rate- my credit is mediocre. Maybe i should look at new, but no good incentives etc and then i take a hit on value immediately.


5 year 100,000k is what i thought it was!! the dealer told me warranty period has expired. as always, i knew way more about anything than they did. ahhhh. Now i need to decide whether to trade in the ole TJ or sell privately!

thanks guys

 

With it having 39k on it already I would think the head has already been replaced. On average the head replacement happens between 12-24K.(Mine was replaced at 18K) I have a 2012 JKU with only 26K have had the head replaced and the trans and power steering lines replaced. Driving better now then the day I bought it! The Drive Train
5yr 100K would cover anything that happens with the motor and trans so... Why waste the money.

Bottom line BUY it and enjoy!!! Oh and don't forget to WAVE!!

 

I own an 11 but my company van is a 2012 dodge grand caravan which has the pentastar. I picked it up with 8 miles and it broke down on me twice before I hit 500 miles. A co worker of mine had his head replaced after it dropped a valve.

 

Go for it. It looks like you'll be trading up.

 

the thing is i am used to my 3 years with a 2.5l 4 banger haha. i dont mind it its so fun to drive. but that extra grunt is nice!


thanks for input guys- i am less afraid, curious if anyone has had to replace one out of warranty or at higher mileage yet.

any idea on cost? im sure the part alone is alot!

i have heard chrysler is being "better" and could possibly even replace out of warranty, but i highly doubt it haha.

 

Just FYI, sticker price on my 2012 brand new was only 23,500

 

My 2012 rubicon with 16k miles loaded from a dealer was 27k

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