Hi, folks. New to the forum. I usually hang out on your sister forum, cherokeeforum.com. I'm an XJ guy. But one of my sons is looking at a 2008 Wrangler with about 205k on it. I dunno anything about them, so I thought I'd see what kind of feedback I can get from my Jeep "cousins"..

It's at a small dealership, so there's no info on the previous owner. It's been modified a bit, but nothing radical. I don't think it's even lifted. Front shocks are shot (leaking), the oil pan is leaking more than a tiny bit, and the diff has a slight seep. Other than that, it looks pretty clean underneath.

It's a V6 with a stick.

The hood has some louvers which were butcher installed. Somebody with a grinder and enthusiasm, and no skill or concern about doing things neatly. It's pretty bad, but probably not structurally unsound. There is some aftermarket electrical that I couldn't trace in the dark, but it looks to have been professionally done. There are some nice KCs on a bull bar up front. And of course, it has a useless "cold air intake", and a modified exhaust. That's about it. But at least that tells us that the PO wanted power.

I'm wondering if 205k is too much on one of these engines. On a 4.0 I wouldn't worry about it, but I don't know the reputation of these newer engines. And, given the cold air intake and the exhaust, it's probably been driven hard. Maintenance? No way to know.

Whatcha tink? Worth a shot or walk away? And how bad is a clutch job on one of these?

Anything in particular to look for?

 

The 2008 has the "minivan engine" not known for power, but its an iron block with iron heads and a basic push rod engine design. If it isn't smoking, the engine is likely ok. As for the clutch, dropping the transmission isn't particularly hard in one of these. And from what I hear the manuals are decent transmissions. It has 205k on it, so it will need love. All the bushings will be shot, the suspension will be shot, and things will be leaking. Keep oil and fluids in it. Look long and hard for rust and rot. The frame and cross members. In my opinion that will be most important. And know you are getting a 205k mile Chrysler product. Pay appropriately. For the right price, it's fine. Good for him to learn on.

 

Yup, all about the price. that 3.8L was underpowered, but it was a good and reliable engine for the most part. many old members had 250-350k miles on em. the 3.6L has bit more pep ('12+), but it's still a "mini-van engine" too.

 

Thank you, gentlemen!

That's exactly the kind of feedback I was hoping to hear.

It's a bit on the pricey side, so he's decided to walk away from this one. We both appreciate your time and effort in responding!