I’m looking into purchasing my first Jeep, a 95 Wrangler. The one i’m looking at has 89k, which seems to be just breaking in from what people tell me. Is there anything specific to this model that I should look for during the test drive/inspection? Are these vehicles prone to any certain problems?
Anything specific I should be sure to check when purchasing a used Jeep Wrangler?
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Check for the following:
-First and most important find out why such an old Jeep has such low mileage.
-Engine for leaks
-Oil Leakage
-Check for past accidents
-Check for past repairs
Make sure it has tires.
4 of them.
MAKE SURE IT HAS GAS LIKE MEEEEEEEEEEE
Your life insurance – that is not a particularly safe car – it is unstable.
Take it for a test drive.
It’s not just breaking in. 89k is a lot on a Jeep. I won’t go into all of the details, but Jeeps have more than their fair share of reliability problems, most notably in the suspension, transmission, and engine seals.
Make sure to check in and around the engine for leaks. Look for oil splatter in the front by the radiator fan which is indicative of a front seal going or gone. Look to see if there is wet oil on the back and bottom of the block (rear seals go a lot on these). On mine, a rear seal was $10 and the labor over $600 as the transmission has to be removed to access it.
It’s important to ask why such an old vehicle has such low mileage for its age (89k is a lot on a Jeep, but something isn’t right if it only has that in 14 years, which comes out to 6,000 miles/year or so). Was it wrecked? Were there expensive repairs that had to wait? Are there repairs needed now and they’re finally selling it? Obviously, this thing was sitting for awhile.
Check out carsurvey.org
it’s all user submitted reviews from unpaid people. Look up your car make and model and read what unbiased, uncompensated people are saying about it.
Jeep owners have a little saying. "Just Empty Every Pocket".
I’d say first thing to do is read up on Jeep Wranglers and make sure it’s really what you want. They are NOT comfortable vehicles! They are not made to be comfortable. They are rough and tough so make sure that’s what you’re looking for.
Second, I would be sure to have a professional check it out before committing to the purchase. One that YOU hire by the way, not one they have paid off, I mean hired
Why would you want or need a Jeep? They are a gas guzzling piece of junk.
On your way to the dealer or wherever you’re buying the car, swerve left at your nearest car dealer and buy something else. Anything, even a … OK, not a range rover, but almost anything is more reliable than a jeep
safecar.gov will give you the crash test ratings, jeeps have been known for rolling over and in many occasions, air bags didn’t deploy. Beware
Is it the 4 or 6 cylinder. Not very familiar with the 4 cylinder but know some people with over 300k on the in-line 6. A very good engine. Be sure to have it checked out by a qualified mechanic before buying.
Link to common problems on the 95 Wrangler
http://autos.msn.com/research/vip/Reliability.aspx?year=1995&make=Jeep&model=Wrangler
check for the rusting holes through the floor.
First, It’s a Jeep, Not a Car. so expect a very different ride.
Second, get on the ground and LOOK at the underside of the vehicle for dents in the Drive lines (signs of hard 4 wheeling)
Third, take it to a mechanic you trust.
Jeeps are tough, but become (like all vehicles) a POS if Not maintained.
Good Luck and have Fun!
(I’ve owned many a 4×4, currently a 1972 Ford F-250 4×4)
Do some searching on YJ jeeps. If you are in the UK check for independent experts in your locality – Chrysler dealers are very expensive places to visit.
I recently parted from a 93, and the reason was chassis rust around the front and rear spring shackles – weldable, but I started getting concerned about how well attached the steering box really was!
They are fun to drive, especially the 4 litre which has about 50 bhp more than the chassis can handle. The suspension is unforgiving, and this is not the best choice for regular long commutes, but a brilliant fun machine.
Have the transmission tested if it is a manual. They are junk.
If you are looking for a tough vehicle this is it. They are damn near indestructible. They do ride like crap though.