When it comes to off-roading, few vehicles measure up to Jeeps. These versatile vehicles handle rough terrain exceptionally well and can take whatever you throw at them from rock-crawling and trail riding to mudding and driving on snow. Additionally, Jeeps remain popular because of their reliability and low-maintenance coupled with their high resale value.
The last point is why you can still find used Jeeps fetching quite a high price. Add the great aftermarket support for Jeeps and the fact that most of the vehicle’s parts are replaceable, and you can understand why even used Jeeps remain quite popular and are highly sought-after.
Here are some useful tips if you’re in the market for a used Jeep:
- Check for rust. Jeeps are prone to rust thanks to the way they’re used. All that rough driving in water, over mud or snow, and off-roading can leave a mark. Rust is a cause for concern because it can spread and weaken the vehicle’s structural integrity. After giving the Jeep’s exterior a thorough once-over, check the doors, hood, main body panels, around hinges, and under-the-floor carpets and liners.
- Inspect the vehicle’s undercarriage. Most Jeep owners who indulge in off-roading will have put on skid plates to protect their vehicle’s undercarriage from damage from rocks, stumps, and other dangers on the trail. Inspecting the undercarriage will give you an idea of how well the previous owner cared for the car.
- Inspect the tires. While tires can be replaced, inspecting them can clue you in on the kind of treatment the vehicle has received. For instance, beaten-up tires, wheels, or rims could indicate carelessness and high abuse while uneven or abnormal tire treads can indicate issues with wheel alignment.
- Check for modifications. Jeep modifications are common especially if the previous owner was big on off-roading. However, some of the vehicle modifications may not be useful or valuable to you and you have to consider whether to replace or remove them or leave them as they are.
- What’s the vehicle’s service history? Check the vehicle’s service history to ascertain whether it was regularly taken for tuning, service, and maintenance. Any gaps in the history could mean that the previous owner neglected it and it may require money, time, and effort to sort out some issues.
- Take it on a test drive. Don’t agree to purchase a Jeep before taking it on a test drive. During the drive pay attention to how it handles on the road, how the transmission shifts and get a feel for the suspension, brakes, and accelerator.
Get Advice from the Experts
Whether you’re looking to buy a used or new Jeep, you want value for money.
We at Dixie 4 Wheel Drive are experts on all kinds of 4X4s and have worked with various custom builds and other 4WDs over the years. Contact us today and we’ll be happy to answer any questions you have.
