Hello, I fell on hard times. Sold my Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sport 2017. Even though it's crazy in the world today, I am fortunate to be actively saving for a used Jeep. I am looking for a 4-door. Is there a guide or any knowledge I can gain here as to what to look for?

From my knowledge the best JKU Unlimited in the used range around 25k is the sweet spot in terms of "the vehicle took the hit, is still lowish milage". But at this moment, I wouldn't be afraid to spend 10k on a used one, and another 5k on a new / remanufactured engine (same engine) if that got it to daily driver status. (I saw someone on the forum quote that, and I'd pay that in a heartbeat to get my Jeep back. But that's just me.)

I worked from home pre pandemic. I put 7k miles on the car in a year and that included a road trip to Georgia. I am a soft top person, don't mind the noise and overall enjoy the off-road capability as my hobby's tend to take me down many a muddy Florida road.

 

Hello new here. It's time to start searching heavily for a JKU. Hoping to gain knowledge to make a solid purchase.

 

Welcome to the Forum.. JKUs were last built in 2018. Most prefer a 3.6L engine year (2012_2018). Florida JK Members will be posting up much info & suggestions. I would suggest that you "edit" your post and enhance it with more info on what specifically with your interests.

 

Thank you. To be honest. I am a no frills kinda guy. Lack of features were the sexiest component of the Jeep. I prefer a Manual, no power locks or windows and the soft top. I'd definitely need a 4 door but outside of that. As I said before I had a base Sport model, color was Black. New one doesn't have to be black but wouldn't mind that either.

As to engine as stated before, my research indicates if you get the 3.8L engine from the 2007-2011 era you don't get a very good engine. But I'd be open to engine replacement or an LS swap (someday) if the 2007+ were built solidly.

 

The 3.8L is a good engine; many posts indicate it is underpowered compared to the 3.6L .. there are many 3.8L in use & without many issues. It's all about the maintenance.. As to an engine sway, many posts say going from 3.8 to 3.6 is not easy.. and if need you would probably find many 3.8L in salvage yards and take outs from V8 conversions. Good to see you are back looking for another JK..

 

Thank you for your reply. I am not interested in getting a 3.8 JKU and swapping to a 3.6. I will clear up my wording. However, if I got a quote to swap a 3.8L with another 3.8L for 5k like I have seen recently on the forum. Again, I'd do that deal in a heartbeat if I owned another JKU.

I wouldn't rule out an LS swap someday either. But that is off topic.

 

So, I just post here?

Well, I just traded my DD(Hyundai Genesis Coupe, LOL) for a 2016 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sport 4dr, low miles no offroad use. Of course the original owner had the options added they wanted (nothing nice, bare bones) but oddly enough, the shell is riveted to the body. Anyway, I hope to learn some stuff from "yous guys". And at this point I am wanting to know what I can do to get out on the trails without spending a lot of bread and still DD it. I am in the Kansas City Area.

Thanks,

 

First, to avoid confusion, it would probably be best if you used the thread starter and created a new thread for yourself.

Second, "Get out on the trails" is a rather broad area of interest. Some of it depends on what you may have locally, as well as your interest in traveling. You should be more specific in your interest: Mudding? Rock crawling? Overlanding? Weekend camping in remote areas? Secret locations for hunting/fishing? That will help you find folks with similar interests and who are open to having someone new tag along.

Third, what you need to know and gear you need will be different depending on where your interests lie. And there is way more that you need to know than can be conveniently covered in a JKF thread. I recommend you search out some YouTube videos. And, depending on your interests, perhaps some professional instruction. For example, everyone hitting the trails would do well to be trained in wilderness first-aid: When help is delayed. If you're into overlanding, there are large gatherings (many virtual right now due to the pandemic) where some training is offered. And you'll have the opportunity to meet lots of people. Facebook also has groups (some private, some easily found) that feature specific areas. They can provide a great resource to learn about possible buddies, routes, dates, etc. And, of course, there may be a local off-road or Jeep-specific club.

Remember to wave when you see another Jeep, and if you're both parked, wander over and say hi and ask a few questions. Maybe you've just found that buddy!

 

Well, I own both a 3.8L JK and 3.6L JT. And that 3.6L motor is quite nice. Same tires on both rigs (35s), and the JK is geared 4.88 while the JT is 4.10. And that JT is way more powerful than the JK. However, the JK is overweight. Seriously overweight. And even before I fattened it up, it was still a slug compared to the JT. But that "don't get a very good engine" remark is not my experience. Mine has done quite well (see the video link of still phots below, if interested in how it's been used). 270,000 miles and I'm just starting to consider a replacement. Probably by 300,000 miles ...

 

Thats good to know.

So the general use for me will be mostly just errands. The occasional road trip. My hobbies (cycling, running, shooting sports) take me down many roads described at best a dirt road and at worst a swampy road on a good day.

What I read on the internet states the life line of the engine to be around 150-2000 for the 3.8 and more with the 3.6.

For example, could I pay 15k for a JKU from 2009 that has 175,000 miles and expect reliability from it to accomplish these tasks? What would I look for?