IMHO I don't believe they will offer a 5.7 or 6.1 engine for the JK because now they were trying to put a new pentastar engine in there.

I would say the 2009 was a good year to buy a used one but the 07's and 08s were really good as well.

 

Early modle 07's built in the first 6 months suck. My 2dr built in Oct. 06 has the junk D35 rear end. Bad front brake lines. The shift points wern't set right on the auto's its a simple fix. They just shifted up and down to much at HWY speeds. Mine has a lot of little things like the weight sensors in the seat dont work for the air bags/child seat.

Just don't get one from the first 6month production run. After that they are all good.

 

I would be more concerned with the condition of a used JK, than what year. I'd focus on what's available, and the condition, then go from there. All else is minimal.

 

I avoid first year models. Bought a new 2008 Rubicon and the only real problem was the engine light came on intermittently. Dealer replaced the computer under warranty and have had no issues since then except replacing the battery. I run it pretty hard and use it for my pipeline job. 71K and running strong. I love my Jeep!

Factory:
Detonator Yellow
6 speed
6 disc changer
Infinity speakers w/subwoofer
Power Group
Freedom Top
Tow Package

Aftermarket:
AEV 3.5 Nth Degree Premium lift w/ProCal
Goodyear 35X12.50/17 MT/R Kevlars
ARB Deluxe Bull Bar front bumper
Rugged Ridge XHD rear bumper w/tire carrier
Rugged Ridge 10.5K winch w/synthetic line
Rugged Ridge front skid plate
IPH 968 100w driving lights
Superchip
Stebel horn
Rugged Ridge rear cargo mat
Mopar front floor mats
Mopar Freedom Top bag
K&N air filter
Daystar dash top storage
Daystar center armrest
Painted vent and interior light bezels
Insulated Freedom Top panels
Pipe wrap dash filler
Wheel locks
Gas cap lock

 

first model year of any new model is risky, second not too much better.


speaking in general terms, you'd want at least an 09.

 

I have an 09, it has been flawless for 34000 miles. My favorite vehicle by far. No water leaks even in torrential Colorado rain or the carwash. Shoot, I am even still on the original tires and they have an easy 10k miles left on them. Value wise, especially since it was 8k off of MSRP and has a yet to be tested lifetime warranty, this is the best vehicle I have ever owned.

I don't know about the 07's - but I had an 05 WK in its first year of launch, and that will without a DOUBT be the LAST time I ever buy a first year model vehicle. Ever. I wouldn't care if it was half price. Electrical problems, transmission problems, differential problems, various mechanical problems, and on and on. When every single system is new, things just are not figured out yet. You can't put 10,000 things together and everything just works. Both of the front doors caught a wind gust (different times) and the hinges were not stout enough to hold. The doors no longer lined up and both whistled. I had random check engine lights that were intermittent, the airbag light would come on some times to indicate a problem and then disappear (makes you feel safe huh). First tires lasted 12k miles until two nearly simultaneous blowouts in the sidewalls. Plastic parts EVERYWHERE broke, vents, dash parts, grill insert, tail light, etc, etc. Overheated and boiled over when the fan broke. And then to top it off, the transmission started to completely break down at 80k miles. Would pop out of gear and go into limp mode at 80mph on the interstate, on mountain passes, in canyons, etc. Absurdly intesnse hot shudder in the brakes that was an engineered problem, new pads, new discs, service - nothing would solve it - they were just poorly designed and inadequate to slow a vehicle on Colorado passes. Random intense vibrations, squeaking parts, rattling parts. Uggg. Started out as a great vehicle, but too many things went wrong. Things that are probably figured out and refined now.

But, if it is used and IF you have an honest seller (no dealers by definition) then you could get a great wrangler. You could also get a figurative timebomb sitting on all first revision parts that is out of warranty and on the verge of having parts everywhere break. A great plus about the Wrangler would at least be there aren't as many parts and systems.

Personally I wouldn't buy an 07 or 08 at this point if I were you. You are buying a new year vehicle with all of the potential problems, and none of the warranty. You have to ask, why is this person getting rid of the vehicle when it is only a few years old? Some people rotate vehicles all of the time, most don't - and if you ask most people on here, they love this vehicle and will drive it until something (newer JK or wrangler) much better comes along. They are as a whole great vehicles. Chrysler hit a sweet spot and found a winner. So you have to assume that a much higher percentage of the recent year sales are going to be the junk. And 09, 10 is more likely to be someone that realized the vehicle just wasn't for them, or they couldn't afford it. Wait two or three years to buy an 07 when more of the common problems are apparent (if there are any).

 

Kelley Blue Book had an award given out to the "2009" year only from what I've seen as being the predicted highest resale value of any S.U.V. beyond 5 years. No big suprise for a wrangler but it makes you wonder why the 2009's. Wonder if it has anything to do with the addition of the hill assist for that specific year. That's a perk that I love about my jk.

 

i have owned 8 jeeps in my life.this is the best one after 23000 miles.some off roading and only dura tracs as an upgrade. sometimes when i read these treads i wonder if my jeep was bulit in another plant.it was built feb.09.

 

0 problems with my 09 ruby with 34000 on it

 

Guess you'll pay top dollar for an 09. I have an 07 Rubi w/ manual. Other than the "sneaker squeak" in the clutch (even after recall work) I have had no issues at 34K. No leaks. When the clutch goes, I'll get the Centerforce.

If you are going heavy on aftermarket accessories, I'd bank the difference of two years depreciation and put it in the parts.