The Jeep Wrangler is an American icon. With a classic silhouette, bold grille, and unmatched off-road capability, it makes what is practical cool. The best part is this compact SUV doesn’t have to try very hard. The aura of cool is truly effortless. From its simplest to its most upgraded forms, the Wrangler is a joy to drive. Wrangler style and design go back to the battlefields of World War II, although they have been refined over the years. The modern Jeep Wrangler was officially introduced in 1987 and has always been a vehicle that brings value to its owners. As you look for a used Jeep Wrangler for sale, you probably want that same kind of value.
If you are on the hunt for a rugged off-road vehicle that is highly affordable but filled with modern features, then you will probably want to look for a used “JL” model Wrangler. The JL model was introduced in 2018 and incorporated several refinements. These include a more spacious interior, a more comfortable ride on the road, and a modern infotainment system. Off-road capability was also improved, thanks to upgraded axles, superior ground clearance, and more powerful engines. While an older JK series Wrangler can save you even more money, we think an early JL model is the sweet spot.
Due to a wide selection of trim levels, especially over the past couple of years, finding an affordable used Jeep Wrangler is easier than ever. What we’ll be doing here is running through a few of the useful, surprising, and fun details on the most affordable used JL Jeep Wranglers for sale. It doesn’t matter if you’re a loyal Wrangler fan and preparing to purchase your third or fourth Wrangler, a long-time Wrangler admirer, or brand new to the world of Wranglers. From the Sport and Sport S to the Willys and Islander, there’s a used Wrangler model to fit your needs and your budget.
The Wrangler Sport Is a Great Entry Point
When looking at a used Jeep Wrangler for sale, the entry-level Sport trim is recognized as a tried and true option. What makes it both an affordable and reliable fun daily driver? Since 2018, the Sport has come standard with a 3.6L V6 that produces 285 hp. During your search for a used Wrangler, you will be able to find options with a six-speed manual transmission or an eight-speed automatic. In terms of engines, other versions you may come across include a turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder with 270 hp but 295 lb-ft of torque.
After you’ve visited your local Jeep dealer, you might find yourself lucky enough to be presented with a choice between the Jeep Wrangler Sport or the Sport S. Both are affordable, with the Sport S typically being slightly more expensive than the Sport but not by a significant amount. The difference is that the Jeep Wrangler Sport S features extra amenities like a leather-wrapped steering wheel, automatic headlamps, and heated mirrors, among other additional features. Either way, finding yourself a used Wrangler Sport or Sport S is a great move.
Sticking To Its Roots
The Jeep Wrangler Willys harkens back to the roots of the Jeep brand in the 1940s and the vehicles built by Willys-Overland. This trim was introduced in 2020 and is known for being rough, rugged, and heavy-duty. However, that doesn’t mean Willys finds itself outside of the realm of affordable Jeep Wranglers. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. The Wrangler Willys is based on the Sport S trim but adds some special badging and off-road equipment like a limited-slip differential, rock rails, and upgraded shocks. For off-road lovers, the Wrangler Willys is the affordable Wrangler trim for you.
You’ll be able to tackle any off-road situation with 17-inch aluminum wheels and 32-inch all-terrain tires providing top-tier style and function. The Trac-Lok limited-slip rear differential improves traction whenever the surface you’re driving on changes and becomes more arduous, even if you don’t have four-wheel drive engaged. For those off-road trips, there are also steel rock rails to protect the body of your Wrangler. Finally, Jeep pays great attention to detail for the look of the Wrangler Willys with a special Willys decal and the imposing design of the grille and front bumper. For the perfect combination of affordability and off-road capability, the Wrangler Willys takes the prize.
The Perfect Ride for Your Beach Trip
The 2021 Jeep Wrangler Islander is the perfect vehicle to hop in for a drive to the beach. Like the Willys, the Islander is based on the Wrangler Sport S, making it reliable and affordable. However, this trim was only available for a single model year, and it is all about the looks. If you can find one, you are sure to stand out from all of the other Jeep Wranglers on the road. Of course, despite its unique beach-going vibes, this Wrangler is still locked into its off-road history, meaning rocks aren’t a problem either. While it might look a bit out of place on a muddy mountain path, the Islander is still a Trail Rated SUV with standard 4×4 and plenty of off-road features.
Distinctive looks are what set the Islander apart, and Jeep has managed to keep the Islander in an affordable range while offering stylish departures from the tradition. To start it off, the Islander is available with a stylish white three-piece Freedom Top hardtop that provides a sharp contrast with its festive body colors. Tropical Islander hood graphics and five-spoke polished aluminum wheels complete the look. The interior features its own special touches, including Islander logos and surf-blue accent stitching on the seats. The beautiful 2021 Jeep Wrangler Islander is a gorgeous SUV that will allow you to ride to the beach in style, and the affordability of this Jeep special edition only makes the ride even better.
A Jeep Wrangler Isn’t Out of Reach
The Jeep Wrangler is a hallmark of American vehicles. From the ability to remove the doors, fold down the windshield, and detach the roof to the iconic look that goes back decades, there is nothing else like it on the road. The Jeep Wrangler is sometimes considered an expensive model, but that is simply not the case. Over the years, Jeep has managed to offer countless variations of the Wrangler, and you don’t have to go back far to find affordable used models. As you look over your options at used Jeep Wranglers for sale, a quality vehicle should not feel out of reach.
More importantly, the Wrangler is available across many years and trims, allowing it to fit a variety of needs while remaining affordable. If you live close to the beach or just enjoy the feel of the beach, you’re going to love the 2021 Jeep Wrangler Islander. However, long-time admirers and lovers of the Wrangler are going to gravitate towards a used Sport or Sport S model. Similarly, off-roaders are going to find themselves in a perfect position on their favorite trail inside a Jeep Wrangler Willys. With so much variety, securing one of the most popular vehicles in American history is not only fairly easy but also extremely affordable.
