The Jeep lineup is not short of options, with rock-crawling off-roaders such as the Wrangler and luxury SUVs such as the Grand Cherokee. Jeep also produces compact and affordable SUVs to compete in this hot segment with the Renegade. Any outdoorsy adventurer dreams of owning a rugged SUV with four-wheel drive. A used Jeep is a great way to get this popular brand and experience unique styling.
Buying a used Jeep is an appealing choice for those who can’t wait to get their hands on the brand’s appeal of a Jeep since dealer stock on new cars is limited nowadays. Considering their performance, interior, safety, and styling, here are five used Jeeps owners recommend buying and five best avoided.
10/10 Owners Recommend Buying: 2003 Jeep Wrangler X
The Jeep Wrangler needs no introduction, as this model has been consistently on every “best of” list. The Wrangler is an excellent choice for those who want to take their Jeep off the beaten path.
The Jeep Wrangler is one of the most popular off-road vehicles on the market, and for good reasons. It’s reliable, rugged, and capable of handling just about anything you throw in its way. The 2003 Jeep Wrangler design is reminiscent of the original Jeeps, with rounded headlights.
9/10 Best Avoided: 2015-2018 Jeep Renegade
The Renegade is the cheapest way to get into the Jeep culture. Even with diminutive packaging, the Renegade still offers Jeep character. However, it’s not always a good idea to buy this used subcompact SUV.
2015 is notably one of the worst Renegade years. The car had severe engine issues that caused many headaches to owners. In addition, honest previous owners would not recommend this model year due to transmission problems in the 2015 Jeep Renegade.
8/10 Owners Recommend Buying: 2014 Jeep Wrangler Willys Wheeler Edition
This special edition model is one of the best Jeep models to buy, as it holds a special place in Jeep’s history. It gives Jeep enthusiasts a chance to own something special from the used market.
The 2014 Jeep Wrangler Willys Wheeler edition design resembles the Jeeps made for World War II. Based on the Wrangler Sport body, this baby is one-of-a-kind with its excellent mechanical features and styling. It received a lengthy list of upgrades to make it more rugged and look like the original Willys.
7/10 Best Avoided: 2006-2007 Jeep Liberty
According to Consumer Reports, the 2006 and 2007 Jeep Liberty models are the least reliable options on the market. These models also ranked poorly in specific categories, such as engine and transmission problems.
It’s important to keep these findings in mind if you are in the market for a used Jeep Liberty. However, it’s also worth noting that there have been significant improvements in the Jeep Liberty in recent years. The newer models are much more reliable and offer a better driving experience.
6/10 Owners Recommend Buying: 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8
Jeep renewed the Grand Cherokee SRT8 in 2012, resulting in a tanned, rested, and ready beast that could put the hammer down. The mighty 6.4-liter Hemi V-8 cranks out 470 horsepower when those passing lanes open up.
Despite this car’s incredible performance, it also features Fuel Saver Technology, which is good news for those seeking to own a used Jeep. It can cruise only on four cylinders while the rest stay idle up to speeds of 82 mph when you feel a little eco-friendly.
5/10 Best Avoided: 2006 – 2010 Jeep Commander
The 2006 Jeep Commander is one of the ugliest SUVs. The car came from a Jeep Grand Cherokee with a few blown-out dimensions, a few changes to the styling, and a useless third-row seat.
Owners get poor fuel economy on these massive units, not to mention the terrible interior dimensions. Although it’s only two inches longer than the Jeep Grand Cherokee from which it originated, it was over 400 lbs heavier. Users would advise avoiding these disastrous SUVs based on their bad experiences.
4/10 Owners Recommend Buying: 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee
World Report and U.S. News named the 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee the second on a list of the best off-road SUVs. It had enough power for any terrain you might dream of crossing, and fitting luxury for any drive, be it taking someone special on a date or taking a business associate to a meeting.
The 2016 Grand Cherokee received an updated design, slightly more horses for the base V-6 model, and better fuel economy; thus, most owners would recommend owning one.
3/10 Best Avoided: 2008 Jeep Wrangler
The 2008 Jeep Wrangler is one of the Jeep vehicles to receive the most complaints. Topping the list are complaints about faulty electrical systems and a poor suspension setup. Most previous owners probably ran into issues with airbags and seat belts.
This used Jeep model is one of those previous owners would advise a potential owner to avoid. Some reports show that these cars can randomly stall in traffic due to transmission and engine problems.
2/10 Owners Recommend Buying: 2010 Jeep Wrangler Islander
The Wrangler Islander marked the return of a trim package last available in 1990. The Islander is a Jeep enthusiast’s ticket to get a special edition Jeep on the used market. In 2010, this car featured added trim features that saw a price increase of $1,120.
The model has the “Tiki Bob” decal on its hood and map coordinates representing the location bearing to the Islander theme of the vehicle. Side steps and the popular 17-inch wheels fitted with 32-inch tires also come with the trim package.
1/10 Best Avoided: 2007, ’08, ’12, ’14, ’18 Jeep Compass
CarComplaints.com places the 2007 Jeep Compass as one of the worst compact SUVs. No surprises there, as this was the first generation of the Compass. Spoiler alert, Jeep’s first attempts aren’t always the best.
The most common problem with these cars is the control arm, where the bushings fail easily. The 2008 version was not a big improvement, as it had similar problems on top of engine stalling issues. A used Jeep Compass from 2012 can have excessive brake wear issues, engine problems, faulty power windows, and other electrical faults.
