Homer Skelton Chrysler Dodge Jeep of Millington

Feb 19, 2020

Used Jeep Wrangler Homer Skelton Chrysler

If you’re in the Millington, TN area and looking to purchase a used Jeep Wrangler, you’ve probably already pictured yourself cruising down the road with the wind in your hair.

Maybe you’re dreaming about taking it off-roading or to a remote campsite. Your mind is probably racing thinking of all the activities.

Before you buy, make sure to do some research. Ask yourself these three questions when deciding if a used Jeep Wrangler is for you.

  1. What is the Exterior Condition?

When examining the exterior of your potential new jeep. Look out for these issues.

Rust

One of the biggest reasons you’re probably buying a used Jeep Wrangler is because it looks stylish. Most of us do not buy anything if it isn’t visually appealing.

You want your stylish Jeep Wrangler to be in great condition. Most used vehicles will have some wear and tear. Do a thorough check for rust.

Rust is a normal blemish to expect on used Jeep Wranglers; however, too much rust can threaten the function of your vehicle. It can also be incredibly expensive.

You shouldn’t worry about a little bit of rust or discoloration on the actual body of the Jeep. Problems can be spotted if the rust is on the under-carriage and severely corrosive.

Is the rust eating through major components on the vehicle? If the answer is yes, then you could end up paying thousands of dollars in repairs.

Leaks

Make sure to see the vehicle on a dry day if possible. Any wet liquids on the ground could indicate a leak. Cables and hoses could be cracked or broken.

A fuel filter could’ve rusted a small hole.

Because of the adventures a Jeep has probably seen, a seal or tank could have a serious defect or bust. Extreme caution and lots of questions should follow the discovery of any leaks.

Exterior 

After you’ve checked the rust status, it’s time to examine the rest of the exterior. Does the vehicle have chipped paint? Are there visible dents?

Small spots and dents can be buffed and fixed for a relatively affordable price, but make sure all the windshields, brackets, and frame rails are in good condition. The structural integrity should be the priority.

Modifications

A lot of people buy Jeep Wranglers because there are a lot of customizable options and accessories for the driver. However, not everyone is looking to do any rough off-roading or trail riding.

Taking off bumpers or rails shouldn’t be too difficult. If you want those accessories, then great. Your work has been done for you.

The problem with modifications on a Jeep Wrangler is that they can be installed incorrectly. Sometimes it’s difficult to determine if the installations were completed correctly.

A seasoned expert will be able to tell if the modifications are right based on their look. Take a friend who has done modifications to do an inspection before you buy it.

  1. What is the Internal Condition?

Once you’re done inspecting the outside, you’ll want to start checking these important elements.

Engine

The most important internal components are the engine and transmission. After making sure the Jeep’s exterior looks safe, you need to see under the hood. A good rule of thumb is to see if the engine bay is clean.

Most clean engine bays imply a well-serviced engine and transmission. Next, listen for the sound of an engine during ignition. Irregular sounds can mean there’s a problem.

A good tip is to ask to inspect the vehicle early in the morning. Vehicles generally sound better later in the day. Don’t get tricked into buying a Jeep with engine issues.

Test Drive

Once the engine and ignition check out fine, take the vehicle for a test drive. Pay close attention to the transmission. You want consistent shifting when changing gears.

Older Jeep Wranglers are known to handle a little “rough”, but your test drive should still feel stable. Take the vehicle over hills and on choppier roads to feel the suspension.

Listen to any unnatural sounds while driving especially during turns or stops. Shocks, coils, and brakes are components of the vehicle you want to be in good working order.

After the test drive, make sure the engine oil is the correct color. The vehicle overall should be the same as it was before you started driving.

Tires

It’s expected that there will be some wear and tear on the tires of a used Jeep Wrangler, but you shouldn’t see tires that aren’t road safe.

Completely worn tires should factor into the negotiation of a final price because the cost to replace four Jeep tires is very expensive.

Tires can also reveal other information about a vehicle. Uneven tire tread wear can mean the Jeep isn’t properly aligned. This will be another cost you’ll have to factor into your offer.

If the front tires are more worn than the back, you might need to have them rotated after purchase.

Carefully examine the tires and see if they tell a story about the Jeep.

  1. What is the Mileage of the Used Jeep Wrangler?

Low mileage must mean a low price and a great deal, right? The answer is maybe.

Be wary of a used Jeep with low miles and low sticker price. It’s possible the owner has driven the Jeep extremely rough on rugged terrain for short distances. A Jeep with more miles that’s only been driven on flat even roads might cost a little more but may also be worth it.

A Jeep with low miles and a great sticker price doesn’t always mean it’s been driven rough. Checking the items listed above is a good gauge of the Jeep’s overall condition.

Check Out That Used Jeep Wrangler

Asking the right questions can lead to making a great deal for a used Jeep Wrangler, but you have to take the first step and go check out the vehicle in person.

One way to get started is by contacting your trusted Millington car dealership.

It’s time to turn your dream of owning a Jeep Wrangler into reality.