What To Look For When Buying a Used Jeep JL Wrangler

[@DIRTROADCRED]

We hope this helps you find your perfect JL! Thanks for watching.

[@270billjones]

You are doing the Jeep community a good service - thank you!

[@DIRTROADCRED]

Thanks for watching!

[@rilopez825]

I literally just craweled under a jeep today. it was pourly wrapped in Green and scratches all over. underneath it had off road scratched. Its a 4xe and they wanted $62. LOL I didn't walk away I ran.

[@DIRTROADCRED]

Always good to give them a detailed inspection underneath!

[@user-vb9kd3lg1s]

Oh no!! Off road scratches on a Wrangler.....bruh

[@Starr0010]

⁠@@user-vb9kd3lg1sl😅l

[@LukeEdward]

2018, 2019, and maybe into 2020 - Look for galvanic corrosion on the aluminum to steel connections; i.e. the door and hood hinges. I had a service manager look me straight in the eye and warn of this. Also remember that Stellantis’ corrosion warranty is 5Y/100K, so it’s not a completely deal breaker if there stuff under the paint as they will be required to do the body work for you at no cost.

[@LukeEdward]

BTW - I have been without my Jeep for 52 days, total, because of this. It is an issue.

[@DIRTROADCRED]

Great input as always Luke, we are glad to have you here!

[@SantosProd]

I just picked up a 2022 whillys. When and how do I look for these? It's a new vehicle btw

[@BishopBrothersGarage]

Just a thought as well, if the Jeep has an oversized tire check the rear gate and hinges for play or rattles if they are not already replaced or reinforced.

[@DIRTROADCRED]

Great tip!

[@bobbyrob2008]

Matt my man….So glad you have your own channel been watching you for years. Great video packed with great information…When we’re ready we’re definitely calling you for our new Rubicon…Keep up the great content!!! 🙏🏼👊🏼🇺🇸

[@DIRTROADCRED]

Hey Bobby! Thanks for the kind words, I can't stress enough how much it means to have such a great follower group on this channel and from my past, I really am grateful for you and for stopping by to say hello! All the best, Matt

[@gilbertferguson1685]

Good advice. You didn’t mention looking under the hood for any potential issues. I Always checked the dipstick to see what the oil looks like. Old school maybe. 😀

[@DIRTROADCRED]

Definitely a great call!

[@ChrisMedici]

I’m looking at 2018 Sahara: carefully looked in, out and under the vehicle. Also, test drove it in the rain to see if the hardtop leaked. The Car fax is also helpful to see service history, ownership etc. Your tips are gold! Thank you 🙏

[@mdnazmul-vm9ib]

Did you got the vehicle?

[@Knenemeka]

Great video ❤ I just love how you broke it all down!!!! I bought a 2015 JK last year and I'm really enjoying it 😊

[@DIRTROADCRED]

Thanks for watching! Enjoy the JK

[@Summitauto]

Always important to look over the windshield for chips and cracks especially on a Wrangler. I would say 50% of the used Wranglers I see have some sort of damage to the Windshield because of the angle. Good vid.

[@DIRTROADCRED]

Good call!

[@69RT3X9]

Great video! I really appreciated your buying advice since I am actively searching for a 2-door JL Wrangler myself. I crawled under a 2020 Wrangler Sport S and the frame and all the metal support pieces were covered in a black grease. After first glance, I thought the underbody looked rust free, but after I touched a few spots and got grease on my hands, I was concerned it was a cover-up job. Have you heard, or seen, any 2020 Wranglers with a factory installed rustproofing coating. The dealership’s salesman told me that is what it was.

[@DIRTROADCRED]

The salesman is wrong, the wranglers have powder coated frames and skid plate assemblies, they would not have a coat of grease on them

[@miopera40]

That was one that blew the plastic oil filter cooler housing more likely, well known issue in the 3.6s

[@Princess-Yoda]

Thank you for this advice, much appreciated.

[@warhornz]

Amazing breakdown of all what is needed to know. Thanks a lot!

[@tokiwartooth]

Happy to have found your channel, love my jeepy.

[@DIRTROADCRED]

Thanks for watching!

[@markhawn4159]

I e been a Jeep owner for a year now I have a 2021 Willy’s 4 door wrangler glad your still doing Jeep videos your very informative and now I have the Jeep bug keep the good content going

[@DIRTROADCRED]

I appreciate it Mark!

[@matthewimperato1617]

Great video! Why no mention of the hinge, door and hood corosion issues?

[@DIRTROADCRED]

I should have made it a bigger point but I grouped that into the paint condition!

[@michaelbinkley5310]

How rare is the color Cosmo Blue..? Which happens to be the color of my 2011 JK….. Another great video. Good information!

[@DIRTROADCRED]

Cosmo blue is actually a very rare color, so is the 2011 Year overall! Plus your jeep is clean ! Thanks for commenting Mike, always glad to see you stop by!

[@robl6044]

Great video but you forgot one thing is the corrosion issue on the jeeps

[@DIRTROADCRED]

You’re correct, I think that falls under the paint condition!

[@billrobertson9370]

My 2018 jlu Rubicon going into the 3rd winter experienced a problem not turning to the left when temperatures dropped below 40 degrees 😒. Luckily I had an extended warranty and I got the upgrade cast steering box for only 100 dollars deductible. It drives awesome 👌 now.

[@DIRTROADCRED]

Glad you got it worked out!

[@kyle6703]

How much was your extended warranty overall?

[@billrobertson9370]

@@kyle6703 6000.00 bucks

[@mdnazmul-vm9ib]

​@@kyle6703still he didn't reply

[@joeslowy]

Listen for rear diff whine, hop under and see if the drive shaft moves. if so, rear diff pinion bearings are shot.

[@DIRTROADCRED]

Great call!

[@danschreibs]

Big fan of your channel! Especially love the videos of you building up Ryan’s 2 door. Question for you, would you consider a used JL with the 2.0? I am in the market for a used Jeep that I can build up to run some trails. Seeing a ton of used JLs with the 2.0 for decent prices, but can’t help but feel like the 3.6 will be more reliable.

[@DIRTROADCRED]

Heard from a mopar tech that the 3.6 has a lot of issues. Works on them constantly. Would recommend the 2.0!

[@danschreibs]

@@DIRTROADCRED thanks! I keep hearing good things about the 2.0

[@katieluvsu3000]

Wish I had done a better look over my 2007. Young and stupid. Now I’m on the search for a new to me preferably 2017 or newer. Thanks for tips.

[@DIRTROADCRED]

Always glad to help! We will be doing one of these for each generation, YJ TJ JK and JT

[@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel]

Good video :)

[@DIRTROADCRED]

Thanks for watching!

[@ryanh1444]

Wish they would bring Bikini & Gecko back! Great vid man.

[@DIRTROADCRED]

Love those colors!

[@LukeEdward]

I saw “Bikini & Gecko” in a small club in Miami in 1986!

[@domawi84]

Carfax and watch out for buy backs. Spent a month looking at wranglers. Can not believe how many of them were buy backs!

[@DIRTROADCRED]

That's a great call on the buybacks, I'm glad to have all these comments under this video helping out with even more ideas, it's what the jeep community is all about!

[@chilecayenne]

What's a "buyback" and why is that a red flag? Thank you in advance, CC

[@GoldenK9Campers]

Great stuff.. Thanks so much.

[@philipcouture4019]

Thanks for the pro tips! I’ll be sure to utilize them when looking for my Jeep! Will it be a major deal breaker finding a soft top that’s worn out? Is it super expensive to replace?

[@DIRTROADCRED]

Not super expensive, just something to help negotiate!

[@jasondixon9095]

This was great information Appreciate you for making this video.

[@DIRTROADCRED]

Glad it was helpful!

[@abim147]

Dang I’d take you with me every time I buy a Jeep 😊 you really know your stuff

[@DIRTROADCRED]

I’ll take you anytime!

[@abim147]

@@DIRTROADCRED can’t wait for the babes first Jeep

[@rdkLakota]

I have a 2008 that definitely has computer issues. Check engine light,EGR , speed sensor , leaks oil. Can I get anything for it? I’m 54 disabled and divorced. I don’t have a lot of money and I don’t have anyone to help me. I want just a four door with a manual transmission, lockers and black grey or green. Am I screwed? Should I try to have the 2008 fixed? Cheaper?

[@crowell4training603]

Keep the content rolling. We are going to blow up you channel

[@DIRTROADCRED]

THANK YOU!!! It means the world to have such a great support team, trust me I don’t forget those that stick it out with me!

[@Dmh06178]

Hey guys - good info. Thanks

[@DIRTROADCRED]

Thank you Dawn!

[@Lwaeyy]

Love the video , what mileage would you recommend staying below for a first time buyer looking for a daily suburban monster?

[@DIRTROADCRED]

I would recommend below 60000 if the warranty is still in play!

[@Kyle-cr4gw]

Anything to really check on the brakes? Is a vacuum leak in the brake booster a big expense on the JL to replace? Can it be done typically DIY? I ask because I just looked at a used 2020 2-door that was hissing air often when pressing the brake pedal.

[@gmsems]

Self start battery seems to be crud. I just bought a 19 rubi. 2 days after I got it home the ssb alert came. Seems to be common.

[@DIRTROADCRED]

Interesting!

[@dennisr7452]

Good info, thanks. 👍

[@DIRTROADCRED]

Thanks Dennis!

[@Ksweezy96]

How'd you get the most money when you sold yours? I'm trying to get rid of my 2020 gladiator now but I'm getting such low offers for mine

[@DIRTROADCRED]

Quick tip is searching used gladiators in your area and selecting the trim then going price from HIGH to low and see who’s selling them for the most , then try there!

[@williamh6547]

Good advice for people, 👍👍

[@DIRTROADCRED]

👍

[@Wayfinder_JT]

Don’t forget corrosion on the door hinges, all of mine are starting to bubble.

[@DIRTROADCRED]

That’s a good call!

[@MotherHubbard76]

Did they fix that for the ‘23 and newer? It’s kinda concerning me when a ‘24 order placed.

[@darlagordon5133]

Would you recommend buying a Jeep? I am in the market 41 and I hear so much mix review question.

[@alexkip3015]

Hey! I know this is a year later and probably won't see this but in the case you do. You said in the video it's much harder to source a hardtop after a soft top, well how would one go about that? (Would be first time jeep owner here, goin to look for one Sunday, and found the perfect minus the top situation. It's the trim I want, colour I love but it's soft top. Thanks!

[@DIRTROADCRED]

Just a bit harder to find a 2 door hard top, soft tops are very cheap to find!

[@baselmusic]

Now what about the acceleration upon first starting the vehicle. Should it rev up a bit? (Automatic Transmission) 2020 JL 2 Door

[@DIRTROADCRED]

It will typically idle a little higher when starting up!

[@bobclapper2672]

Thanks for these vids. I’m starting to think I should call you about a New 23 Base 2 door. If I can get a New Wrangler in the low 30s , why pay over 20 for a used ? Many used ones are as much as New ! Don’t know what they went thru , was upgrades done right ?

[@DIRTROADCRED]

Thanks for watching Bob!

[@unclebilly1353]

I have never been a jeep fan. I more of a toyota fan. But I'm forced to buy a jeep. I need to buy a vehicle to flat tow behind my RV. Unfortunately, toyota does not fit that bill. As off roaders, and people who enjoy the back country. A jeep rubicon looks like it my work for us. I just don't have a lot of faith in jeep,doge, Chrysler being owned by Renault. I'm used to getting three hundred thousand miles out of my vehicles. Its a quality thing. I guess I should plan on selling my jeep when we are done living out of the RV.

[@nathanbritton1019]

Is that the Gladiator grille screen on your High Velocity?

[@DIRTROADCRED]

It’s the larger openings due to the front camera!

[@nathanbritton1019]

@@DIRTROADCRED Learn something everyday! Thanks!

[@onebridge7231]

I have a 2020 Rubicon Gladiator I bought in 2019. Been trying to get the to replace aluminum steering box under warranty and so far they won’t do it. It also vibrates at idle that is irritating. Poor quality engine or transmission mounts. I feel it in seats and center counsel. Most likely transmission mounts, but to dealership no code no problems. 😞

[@DIRTROADCRED]

Some of the key words are “steering wander” try to state that

[@josephfarrow2685]

The TSB states if owner experienced steering wander then replace the steering box. Does not have to show any codes. Print out a copy of TSB and take it to the service manager. Had it replaced on my 2019 wrangler and 2920 gladiator.

[@areseepea7461]

How do you determine if the keep was a “buy back”?

[@DIRTROADCRED]

Sometimes it will show up on the carfax, other times it’s up to the dealer to tell you!

[@m.salemss8402]

Thanks 🙏 👍🏻👍🏻

[@DIRTROADCRED]

Thanks for watching!

[@dani9david]

My 2020 Sahara with one touch has a leak in the trunk on the left side. What could be the issue? Any fix ?

[@DIRTROADCRED]

I would go to the dealer, haven’t had much experience with the one touch!

[@stevegarciaa]

I have a question and maybe you or someone in the comments can help me. I have a 2021 Jeep Wrangler Sahara and I want to get 35” tires but want to keep the stock 18” wheels. What is the exact tire size numbers I should be searching for ? I do have the Mopar lift kit ready to be installed so ride height isn’t going to be an issue :) Any help is much appreciated!

[@DIRTROADCRED]

You can do a 35x12.5x18 they are just harder to find!

[@davidantonio4823]

What do you think of a jeep 2021 what are some Thing to look before buying it ?

[@DIRTROADCRED]

I’d say pretty similiar to this video, there shouldn’t be too much damage or wear and tear on a 2021

[@davidantonio4823]

@@DIRTROADCRED thank you so much!

[@Paul-yd6rr]

Great tip to look under for off road wear. Lots of Jeeps are lovingly abused and then dumped. Personally, I would never buy a hard top. #old-school #2door

[@DIRTROADCRED]

👍👍👍

[@Ultraone-x9o]

Avoid JL at all costs. Curious if anyone here 2025 wranglers have different hinges.

[@patwashington403]

Know

[@DIRTROADCRED]

😡

[@bud1lite]

lol corrosion on every JL …..of course even if they don’t have it,they all will eventually

[@superglidemustang]

*** Buying Used From A Non Jeep Dealer Tip *** I bought my first Jeep ( A used 2019 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 2.0 ) from a Land Rover dealer and while they probably changed the oil before selling ( Oil looked clean ) they probably didn't use the proper 5W-30 Full Synthetic Oil and used any old brand of non synthetic 10W-40 Weight. I thought the engine sounded a little noisy but assumed it was the way the engine was supposed to sound. I thought about changing the oil right away but never did. I drove 4K miles before servicing with the manufacturer recommended Pennzoil Platinum 5W-30 Full Synthetic oil and noticed a significant reduction in engine noise. When buying used consider changing the oil right away for peace of mind ! See Below: Engine Oil Selection - 2.0L Engine For best performance and maximum protection under all types of operating conditions, the manufacturer only recom- mend engine oils that are API SN PLUS certified and meet the requirements of FCA Material Standard MS-13340. An equivalent full synthetic engine oil can be used if it meets API SN PLUS Certification. If SN PLUS or equivalent oil is unavailable then please contact your local dealership for recommendation. 
Engine Oil Viscosity (SAE Grade) - 2.0L Engine Mopar API SN PLUS Certified SAE 5W-30 Full Synthetic Engine Oil which meets the requirements of FCA Material Standard MS-13340 is recommended for all operating temperatures. This engine oil improves low temperature starting and vehicle fuel economy. CAUTION! Failure to use the recommended SN PLUS or equivalent oil can cause engine damage not covered by the vehicle warranty. The engine oil filler cap also shows the recommended engine oil viscosity for your engine. For information on engine oil filler cap location, refer to the “Engine Compartment” illus- tration in this section. Lubricants which do not have both the engine oil certifica- tion mark and the correct SAE viscosity grade number should not be used.

[@DIRTROADCRED]

Thanks for the comment!

[@superglidemustang]

@@DIRTROADCRED Thank you for this channel.