5 Best Bargain Used Jeeps
Have big Jeeping dreams, but not much cash to spend? These 5 used Jeep models can help fulfill your off road dreams on basic budget.
1. 1984-2001 Jeep Cherokee XJ
Long before the current car based crossover Cherokee, the nameplate belonged to a highly rated and much beloved boxy SUV. The XJ Cherokee, built from 1984 to 2001, is particularly good at all the tinge you want a Jeep for - combining reliability with practicality, classic looks, and serious off road abilities. Thanks to their fantastic reliability and simple mechanicals, there are still quite a few XJ's still around today, and they can be had for pretty cheap as well - around $2,000-$3,000 in good condition. Unless you plan on major upgrades, look for one made after 1987 with the proper straight six motor, or even better post 1991 with the higher output 4.0 straight six.
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2. 1997-2006 Jeep Wrangler TJ
Jeep sold a metric ton of Wranglers between 1997 and 2006 as the TJ perfectly blended better on road capabilities, and modern drivetrains, with available hard core off road options. That popularity means that there are a ton of TJ's out there (some of which have never even been dirty), and a very healthy aftermarket. Parts are cheap, and so are TJ's themselves. It's hard to beat the value for money here either, as the TJ is a sturdy, go anywhere, versatile vehicle. You can expect to get a decent older TJ for $4,000 and a really nice one for $5,000.
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3. 2002-2007 Jeep Liberty KJ
Hardcore Jeep fans may scoff at the notion of buying a Liberty, but the unloved KJ represents great value for your money. The replacement for the Cherokee XJ provides a number of modern creature comforts and a nice combination of on road manners and off road capability. And because they are largely unloved in comparison to other Jeeps, you can pick up a really nice one for around $4,000.
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4. 1987-1995 Jeep Wrangler YJ
Speaking of unloved Jeeps, the YJ is definitely the most unloved Wrangler of all. It had the unenviable task of replacing the much beloved CJ, and Jeep purists hated the square headlights from day one. Other pet peeves were the long hood, and rectangular windshield, but the YJ had much the same rugged running gear the CJ did, which means that its and capable. The 258 cubic inch/4.2 liter straight six used prior to 1991 produced an anemic 112 horsepower, however, so you might want to hold out for a later model with the fuel injected 4.0 liter making up to 180 hp. Kelly Blue Book estimates a 1992 Wrangler should sell for between $3,000 and $4,000.
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5. 2004-2006 Jeep Wrangler TJU or LJ
The TJU (sometimes called the LJ), otherwise known as the TJ Wrangler Unlimited, is a long wheelbase (10 extra inches) two door Wrangler. The configuration was eliminated when the JK debuted offering 2 or 4 door models, but the extra room and off roading capabilities of the TJU make it a popular used vehicle even today. In addition to the stretched wheelbase, the Wrangler Unlimited featured a Dana 44 rear axle and Command-Trac 231 transfer case. Because of their popularity, the LJ is a bit more pricey than our other examples, around $10,000 for a good one, but it's capability makes it well worth the price, especially if you hate four door Wranglers.
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