Car Buyer Labs

Car Buying Advice, Tips, and Reviews

A yellow 2019 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon is shown from a high angle off-roading in a forest.

Why a Used Jeep Wrangler Can Be the Ultimate Adventure Vehicle

The Jeep Wrangler is an iconic vehicle that has been around for over 35 years. It’s a perfect car for adventurers because it can go off-road, through snow, and in the rain without issue. There are many used Jeep Wranglers on the market to choose from. Some have higher mileage but come at a significantly better price point, so you’ll want to do your research before heading down to your used Jeep Wrangler dealer and making any purchase decisions.

The Wrangler is an ideal car for anyone who lives in areas where there is bad weather because it can go through mud, snow, and dark nights with ease. It is the perfect vehicle to scope out your favorite off-road spot, and it can handle tough terrains like a champ. You’ll be able to get yourself and your friends to any location with ease when you’re driving a used Jeep Wrangler.

A red 2020 Jeep Wrangler is shown at the top of a mountain after leaving a used Jeep Wrangler dealer.

Affordability

One of the biggest reasons people opt for a used Jeep Wrangler rather than a new one is affordability. When you plan on spending all your time on money having amazing off-road adventures, you don’t want to drop tens of thousands of dollars on a brand new vehicle. Instead, it’s more intelligent to save some money and buy a high quality used vehicle and put that leftover money towards other things.

The difference between a new Jeep Wrangler and a used Jeep Wrangler has the potential to be upwards of several thousands of dollars difference. This means that you can save a lot of money if you decide to go with used rather than new and it can make a huge difference in your life. You’ll be able to put some more money towards savings or fun experiences instead of feeling like you wasted those extra dollars on a brand new vehicle, and don’t feel like buying a used Wrangler means you’ll be sacrificing fuel efficiency. Over the years, Jeep has established a reputation for building vehicles that get good fuel mileage, and the Wrangler is no exception to the rule. Whether you buy a Wrangler that is more than a decade old or just a few years old, you can expect to get a pretty good deal at the gas pump.

For example, when you opt for a 1989 Jeep Wrangler, you’ll get a fuel mileage of 16 MPG combined. While this may not seem like a lot compared to brand new commuter cars, for 1989 adventure vehicles, this was quite an impressive number. Almost a decade later, the 1997 Wrangler achieves up to 18 MPG. This trend holds strong all the way up to the newer Wranglers, such as the 2017 Jeep Wrangler that gets between 18 and 21 MPG.

Do you want to buy the Wrangler exclusively as a commuter vehicle? If you do, you get a decent fuel economy when you buy used. However, for just a backwoods adventure vehicle, the potential for fuel savings holds true throughout the years. There is no need to worry about wasting a ton of money on gasoline just because you went with a proven older model.

Capability

Buying a used Jeep Wrangler could potentially save you a ton of money, but will you be sacrificing capability? The answer is no. Over the years, the Jeep Wrangler has proven itself to be one of the most capable adventure vehicles on the market, and this doesn’t change just because you went with an older model.

What kinds of features do used Jeep Wranglers have that make them so capable? One of the best features of the Wrangler is under the hood. When you buy a used Wrangler, you have a high likelihood of being able to find a manual transmission which is highly desirable for those who want true control of their vehicles, even in the roughest terrains. As far as engines go, Wranglers have always come with engines that produce the highest amount of torque without sacrificing fuel mileage, making these vehicles capable of getting in and out of even the rockiest places.

Another one of the most notable features that older models have is removable doors. If you go with one that has this feature, it opens up a wide range of possibilities when it comes to where you can take your vehicle. There is no more worrying about not being able to fit in super tight spaces, or even worse, not being able to enjoy the great outdoors because you’re sitting safely inside of your steel cage. Just grab a friend and a few extra accessories, and you’ll be able to truly go anywhere.

Another advantage to going with a used Jeep Wrangler is many of them have the option for hard top or soft top roofs, which means that if you want to take it out on a hot summer day, you can do so with the freedom of being able to remove the roof. On the other hand, if you want to go take a day trip up into the mountains and sleep out under the stars, no problem. If you decide that you don’t want the hardtop or a soft-top roof, then it’s also possible to add a canopy that will protect you from both sun and rain.

Jeep has worked hard to add multiple driving modes to the Wrangler, and each mode is designed to accomplish different road conditions. From mud to snow and ice to steep and rocky terrain, there’s a mode for that. Even Wranglers that are several years old still come with this option, meaning you definitely will not have to sacrifice capability just because you decided to save some money.

A close up of the passenger side tires are shown on a blue 2019 Jeep Wrangler.

Room for Customization

When talking to true Jeep enthusiasts, they’ll tell you that their absolute favorite part about the Wrangler is the multitude of customization options. The Wrangler has one of the largest aftermarkets when it comes to custom parts and accessories, and every loyal Wrangler fan has explored these options to the fullest. While you don’t need to add any aftermarket accessories in order to enjoy a fully capable Jeep, there is plenty of room for adding your own personal touch to your vehicle. When you buy a used Wrangler, you’ll have even more money available to explore these aftermarket options.

What are some examples of some popular Jeep Wrangler aftermarket customization options? Some of the most popular Jeep Wrangler aftermarket customization options include:

  • Upgraded tires – Upgrading your tires can give you even more grip when scaling treacherous terrain.
  • Lifts – Achieve increased clearance for better off-road adventures.
  • Roof racks – Store all your gear without taking up valuable passenger space.
  • Front and rear bumpers – Upgrade bumpers for increased protection and mounting points. Additionally, adding a winch to your bumpers makes your backwoods adventures even more exciting.
  • Body armor – Protect your Jeep from any bumps and scrapes by adding skid plates and body armor.
  • Door steps – More easily reach your roof rack or roof tent with higher door steps.
  • Extra lights – Light up even the darkest forest with upgraded exterior lights.
  • Hood latches – No more lost hoods! Upgrade hood latches, so your hood stays put even on the bumpiest terrain.
  • Awnings – Stay out in the sun longer by adding an awning to your soft or hardtop.

As you can see, there are plenty of customization options that you can add to your used Wrangler. When you opt for a used Wrangler, you’ll have plenty of leftover money with which to enjoy a fun shopping spree.

Are You Ready to Change the Way You Adventure?

The Jeep Wrangler has been a favorite among off-road enthusiasts for years, and it’s easy to see why. There are few other vehicles on the market that can match its capability in rugged terrain. But before you buy one new, consider buying pre-owned instead!

You’ll save time because there won’t need to be any waiting for your vehicle (or financing), but you still get all of the same benefits as if you bought new – just at a fraction of the price. Visit your local used Jeep Wrangler dealer today and see exactly how a used Wrangler can change the way you adventure. Once you’ve seen what this vehicle has to offer, you’ll want nothing less than an authentic Jeep Wrangler from here on out.