A Used Jeep – The Steps to Buying a Quality Vehicle

Jeep is synonymous with off-road use, severe weather driving, and overall safety and reliability. There are numerous other 4-wheel drive trucks and SUVs that can be purchased. Some good, some bad, and others are good in one terrain and not for another. All around Jeep is the best vehicle that you can own for all terrains and all-weather situations.

Buying a used Jeep is not a task that you want to rush into. Before you go down to the dealer’s lot you need to know exactly what you are looking for. If you need a newer SUV style you cannot allow yourself to jump at the jacked-up Wrangler that is all pimped out. Know what you need before stepping out of the house and follow the steps below while looking at the car lot.

1. Undercarriage

It may seem like a pain to drop down to the ground and look underneath, but it is a necessity. You need to look up at the bottom of the rig and see if any leaks are apparent. You cannot go off the puddles that may be on the pavement under it. While underneath, look for areas of rust that may cause you issues. Check for skid plates that are installed and intact. Holes in the muffler or catalytic converter could cost you a pretty penny, so look it up and down. See if any wires are disconnected or hanging down.

2. New Paint or Updates

If the used Jeep has been recently painted, or a part has been replaced, you may want to run a check on the VIN number. These are signs that the vehicle may have been in an accident and was rebuilt to sell. Many people make a living doing this now that they are working from home. It may still be safe to buy the Jeep, depending on what it has been through in its past. A simple fender bender will not affect how the rig drives, but it may give you some leverage to get a better deal from the salesperson.

3. Visible Damage

This can be done while you are checking for the hidden issues above. The main difference is that it will be obvious damage, such as a dent in the fender or hail damage throughout the entire vehicle. Once again you will want to run a Carfax report to make sure that it was not in a serious accident. Either way, it gives you room to haggle the price.

4. Upgrades

One of the most upgraded vehicles on the roads are the Jeeps. They come off the line ready for action, but many owners want to modify them for heavy-duty use. These types of modifications are good because they will increase the value, and usability, of the Jeep. Be aware though, that those modifications could mean that the Jeep has been used for some heavy-duty off-roading or racing, so you will need to double-check for damage and issues that could come up.

5. Internal Damage

Sometimes it may be hard to tell if the Jeep has any issues by looking at it, or even by driving it. It is always a promising idea to take the vehicle to a trusted mechanic to check it over. You do not want to get stuck with a lemon that will break down after you use it for a few months. If the mechanic finds any serious injuries, keep looking. If they come up with a few small problems, use the knowledge to get a better price when you buy it, if you want to take the time to deal with the issues.

Buying a used Jeep is not like going down to the car lot to buy a used family car. If you are wanting to own a Jeep you more than likely will use it for daily driving, and for mountain trips. Even basic driving on a dirt road can cause wear and tear on a vehicle. Jeeps are good for all-terrain types, all seasons, and for the days that you want to disappear into the great outdoors for a day or two.