Hi, I am brand new to this site....so bear with me! I owned a 2010 2-door Wrangler Sport before and loved it, just tired of the 2-doors. Should have just changed to a 4-door but did not....and now I miss my Jeep EVERY day! Ha. So I'm back in the market for a Jeep Unlimited and am torn on a few things. I am looking at a 2008 Unlimited X with 85k miles, nice chrome accents, stone white color (which I prefer over the newer bright white), newer soft top, pretty well loaded. Manual transmission. priced at $16k. Then the other one I'm looking at is a 2012 Unlimited Sport with 60k miles, flame red color (prefer this red over firecracker), hard top, pretty well loaded. Manual transmission, priced at $23k. I have read that 2012 is a year to AVOID buying used due to recalls etc. But if the recalls have all been addressed do I really need to avoid that year? Then lastly, I'm considering a 2010 Unlimited Islander but miles are at 130k, loaded but an automatic transmission. Stone white, great shape, hard top. Islander badges, decals, and the Islander blue seats. I adore the Islander motif. But the higher miles and giving up manual transmission I'm just not sure. Tho there are def advantages to an automatic...especially since I'm not a spring chicken any more! lol Price on the Islander is $18k. Seems high, but any I have seen online nationwide are around that price. Flame Red & Stone White are def my fave color choices, but have looked at the bright white and deep red cherry colors too, so not ruling them out. Curious of your thoughts on the 3 diff models...years, mileage...pricing. Is a 2008 too "old" with such low miles and it being very well maintained, tons of regular service records. Is the 2012 really a year I should avoid? Is that cute Islander with higher miles and an auto transmission an okay deal? Anyone switch from manual to automatic and regret it lots? Or wish they had done it sooner? Okay....thanks for the read and any advice would be SO appreciated!!! Becky

 

As you've read, the 2012 has quite a few issues. It does have a better engine in terms of power.

I think I'd rather have the older model though.

 

I like the older models and you seem to have good prices happening there. My only concern with the 08 is oil consumption. I don't like the first year of anything and that's exactly what you'll get with the 2012. I agree the price on the 2010 is too high. Islanders were pretty limited but not enough to draw that kind of price when it's not checking asall of your boxes.

 

Thanks for such a quick reply! A 2012 does make me nervous, and I know the new engine came out that year.
The 2008 just seems in amazing shape, but I keep thinking...it's 12 years old!
The Islander is in great shape too...but automatic? Will I miss stick shift? Is 130k miles too many?
Aaaaaaaah. I'm so torn. Ha haa.

 

Right....if the Islander was a manual, it probably would be tied for first for me! You mention oil consumption for the 2008....was there a known issue?

 

Yep. Some 2008 models had high oil consumption. If I remember, it could more than a quart in 3000 miles.

 

I wouldn't buy the early autos, they were not particularly great, albeit much better than the 3 speed auto I had in my TJ.

In regards to mileage- 130k isn't "a lot", but at that price, I'd expect less. The 08 looks good with an understanding that you'd need to keep an eye on the oil or ask if the motor has any sort of warranty on- from your seller or otherwise.

Also recall that the interior modifications are limited on the 07-10 with the interior remaining pretty constant from 11-18.

 

Thank you both so much! I'm leaning toward the 2008 because it checks all my boxes, the price is so enticing, and it truly seems to be in fantastic condition and had been very well maintained. I'll do some more reading about the oil consumption.

 

The 2012's did have the cylinder issue. My 2012 JKUR, bought new with 60K miles, has never thrown the code! So if you're looking at a 2012 find out if the issue has been taken care of or hasn't occurred.

 

Thanks so much! The 2012 looks in great shape and had only one owner. Will ask about the cylinder issue and if they have any info on it for this particular Jeep. Love that Dozer color!!