Dreaming of the day you’re finally able to coast down the trails in your very own Jeep? It’s easy to get caught up in the thrill of adventure, forgetting about all the steps leading up to this moment. If you’re a first-time car buyer, you may not be familiar with the overall process, and it helps to be prepared as best as you can so that you’re able to have the most successful experience possible. Not only is budgeting extremely crucial to the process, but you’ll also want to be sure you’re teamed up with the right Jeep service center so that you’re able to enjoy your new Jeep for years. From what to expect with the sales process to perhaps one of the most important aspects, servicing your Jeep properly, it’s time to get some answers to some of the questions that may be floating through your mind.
Questions to Ask Before You Buy a Jeep
Before signing on the dotted line and driving off into the sunset, there are some pertinent details you’ll want to know. After all, when you buy a car, you don’t want to deal with unfortunate surprises. This is why we’ve compiled a list of a few questions you should ask before committing to a new Jeep.
Q. How Much Is the Monthly Car Payment?
A. Although drivers would love a specific answer to this question, it’s difficult to give you a general estimate, especially since there are so many factors that go into calculating this. Your monthly payment will depend on how much money you’re able to put down on the vehicle, whether you’re going to buy or lease, as well as the interest rate you’re able to get based on your credit score. We recommend that you get a headstart on this process by analyzing your finances and figuring out what you’re able to afford. Check your credit score and go through the pre-approval process with your local dealership so that you have a better idea of what to expect.
To give you an example, a 2022 Wrangler Sport 4×4 two-door model with 10% down and an APR of 4.68% for a 60-month loan will result in a car payment of approximately $530 per month. This number will fluctuate when adding in more features or choosing another model or trim level. The amount may also vary based on where you live, as well as any money you’re able to get by trading in your current vehicle. As you can see, there are many elements that go into calculating a monthly car payment, so preparing as best as you can before stepping into a dealership’s showroom is highly advised. Many dealerships offer tools on your website to help you calculate the potential monthly payment for the specific vehicle you want before you visit.
Q. What Documents Do You Need to Bring When You Buy a Car?
A. You’ll also want to gather the necessary documentation prior to beginning the car buying process. Items that are important include:
- Driver’s license
- Insurance information
- Pay stubs (if necessary)
- Credit score (not required, but helpful to have)
- Payment/down payment funds
Having this handy will allow you to go through the process seamlessly, without the need to run back home and find what’s required.
Q. How Do I Choose the Best Jeep Model?
A. There’s no doubt about it; narrowing down the right Jeep for you can be tough. After all, there are many outstanding options to choose from, ranging from the rugged Wrangler to the capable Gladiator, the fan-favorite Grand Cherokee to the distinctive Renegade. We recommend making a list of what your needs are and also the primary uses of this vehicle. You’ll want to discern whether or not you’ll be using your Jeep for work, road trips, off-roading, or everyday errands, and you’ll also want to take a close look at your finances to figure out what you’re able to afford.
Q. How Much & How Often Do You Need to Service Your Jeep?
A. Another huge factor to consider when buying a Jeep is your service schedule. Let’s face it; Jeeps are capable of greatness, which means that you need to keep them in peak condition. Depending on the model, as well as the year and your driving habits, your Jeep will need to stick to a set of services performed on a schedule to ensure it’s operating at its best.
For example, sticking with our 2022 Jeep Wrangler, under normal driving conditions, service should be performed starting at the 4,000-mile mark. This will include engine oil and filter change, tire rotation, plus inspections inside and outside, a battery check, and a brake system check. The same will be recommended at the 8,000-mile mark, as well as the 10,000, 12,000, and 16,000-mile mark. The 20,000-mile mark will add in suspension system checks, as well as additional fluid checks. We suggest checking your owner’s manual for a specific breakdown of scheduled maintenance services for your vehicle so that you’re able to stick to a maintenance plan and keep your Jeep running optimally.
How to Maintain a Proper Jeep Service Schedule
Planning ahead for service will allow you to effortlessly fit regular maintenance into your lifestyle. This is important, especially if you’re embarking on a trip and want to ensure your Jeep is performing properly, which means adding this onto your schedule before you leave for your road trip is advised. It’s a good idea to have your service scheduled in advance and add these appointments into your phone or planner so you’re able to work around them. The great thing is that servicing your Jeep doesn’t take a lot of time out of your day and when you work with a reputable service center, you’re able to take advantage of flexible scheduling options, as well as a team that will help you stay on track. Having a dedicated service team advising you will allow you to maintain your Jeep so that it continues to perform for you for miles.
When you know exactly when to bring your Jeep in for service and what services are going to be performed, you stay on track with maintenance, but sometimes, life gets in the way. You may have to cancel your appointment due to a scheduling conflict, or you may accidentally forget your appointment. If this happens, simply reschedule it and get yourself back on track. Don’t skip service appointments, as these are imperative to your Jeep’s performance. You’ll also want to be aware of how your Jeep is driving, paying careful attention to a sudden change in performance, strange noises or odors, as well as reduced efficiency. All of this could mean that something is amiss with your vehicle, which calls for a trip to your local Jeep service center.
You’ll want to plan for service from a financial standpoint as well. Although new Jeeps come with complimentary maintenance services through the Jeep Wave program, eventually, service will become your financial responsibility. This means setting aside funds so that you’re able to pay for service. The key to ensuring that you’re staying on track with your Jeep’s maintenance needs is having a service center to partner with that can help you every step of the way. This takes all of the guesswork out of your vehicle’s service and allows the pros to handle it while you focus on other aspects of your life. Having your Jeep’s service performed at the same facility each time will allow you to get familiar with the team, as well as help the team get familiar with your vehicle.
The Jeep Life
There are Jeep owners everywhere just waiting to welcome you into the Jeep family, and when you’re prepared for this iconic moment in your life, you’ll have an all-around better experience. From getting an idea of what it costs to buy a Jeep to learning about your particular model’s maintenance schedule, there are a lot of pieces to the puzzle of vehicle ownership. That’s why we recommend partnering with a dealership that can help you throughout all aspects of the process, from the initial purchase to regularly scheduled maintenance. Make the most of your travels in your new Jeep, and do so with the peace of mind that your vehicle’s needs are being handled by professionals.
