Hello all,

I'm looking into a 2007 JKU "X" (even if the guy said it was an 08 over the phone, while his ad says 07 haha) with 211000kms (131 miles). Its a salesmans vehicle, thus had lots of highway driving. Its never been offroad (apparently) and has a new safety inspection on it as of last week (had two wheel bearings replaced). Its pretty much bare bones except a/c and bluetooth haha. He said he wanted 12G (cdn) and I would look into trading my 05 Dakota QC for it too (not sure what he will offer me for the Dakota). I've been out of the Jeep scene for a few months after selling both my modded WJ and ZJ (baby was priority). Assuming it was well maintained with regular maintnance and fluid changes, what would be its weak points? Is the 3.8L a good design? The 4.0L was pretty much bullet proof, but could tick for 150000 miles haha. The auto trannys in the ZJ's were notorious to needing a rebuild after anykind of abuse....

So what are your guys thought on the 3.8L and the AUTO tranny in a 2007 JKU?

I've used the search function, but would rather have the info one thread. If its been done before, please bash me down and I'll keep looking for the thread haha.

Cheers

Derek

 

Check the oil level. Many 07's are oil burners

 

Got 95K on my 07JK. I havn't beat on it though. Only major repair ( under warrnty ) was a leaking exhaust manifold gasket. I still trust it completely.

PS: I change my oil every 5K miles weather it needs it or not. And I don't check the levels inbetween.

 

That's a lot of miles for that year. You need to gauge if you think the dealer is shady or not, but they usually are. Also, verify the cost analysis for what it is worth for that year vs what he's charging.

Maintenence? Verify spark plugs, tire condition, filter condition, rotors and brakes, and steering components.

Hope that helps.

 

Thanks for the input, I can't wait to see what it looks like inside out. Hoping it will be a decent trade...

 

I'm not sure about the auto tranny, but I think the 3.8 is a good motor as long as it's not one of the bad ones

In my opinion, at that mileage the motor should have proven itself. My 3.8 has 121K miles on it, and it runs like a top. Strong, starts right up, no funny sounds, gets decent mileage in my JK. It does use oil, but I just keep on top of it. Usually have to add oil once a month or every 1,500 miles. 'Not bad' as far as I'm concerned. Only thing I had to replace was the water pump (recently) because the gasket was weeping.

 

I've got 72k on my 07 and my buddy has 123k miles on his. Neither have had any issues, but they are right some are oil burners.

 

So is the oil "issue" prone to the 07's specifically or most early 3.8? My old 5.2 had monthly oil changes without pulling the plug haha

 

A large number of the 3.8's in general. But more common in '07 and '08 models

 

Also just check and make sure its a 4x4, they did make some 2wd jkus in 2007 and 2008