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TX, USA
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Posted: 4/18/2024 8:37:51 AM EDT
I’m looking at a 2012 Sport manual transmission 4x4 that looks great. Around 60K miles. I’ve always heard bad things about Jeeps but I figure a lot of that is brand “banter”.
Should I run away from Jeep products? |
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Posted: 4/18/2024 8:38:43 AM EDT
[#1]
Last good Jeeps we’re made in 2005.
TJ/LJ. I’d only trust a 4.0 vs the 3.8/3.6 |
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Posted: 4/18/2024 8:40:18 AM EDT
[#2]
For the most part they are very reliable. The people usually having issues are the ones that are going with massive lifts but aren’t taking care of the issues that come with the massive lifts. Gearing, etc.
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TN, USA
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Posted: 4/18/2024 8:42:25 AM EDT
[#3]
for the most part, if you use them like they were intended, and keep them mostly factory, they're on par with most cars.
if you treat them like a race car, put cheap lift and giant tires on them without upgrading the rest of the drive train, put tuners on the engine, etc and then wheel them through mud every weekend... lower your expectations |
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SD, USA
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Posted: 4/18/2024 8:43:35 AM EDT
[#4]
My '07 JK has been dependable.
I don't know how it would have done stock, I explicitly bought a mostly base model without a ton of mods so I could build what I want without undoing a bunch. Spent a fair amount of time fixing the previous owner's improvements, general maintenance items, and replacing some shitty FCA parts with quality aftermarket enthusiast parts. |
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USA
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Posted: 4/18/2024 8:44:30 AM EDT
[Last Edit: DirkericPitt]
[#5]
I have had three wranglers for the last 23 years.
Other than normal (new tires, brakes, oil changes) I have, replaced a pump on a 15 JK Gotten the paint fixed (under warrantee) on a 18 JL. I had over 100,000 miles on a 2001 wrangler, thats the one I put new rotors and brakes on. Edit to add, I might be an outlayer because I own 3 kimbers and never had an issue with them either... |
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Posted: 4/18/2024 8:56:01 AM EDT
[#6]
I should add that the girlfriend had an 1998 when I met her. She did oil changes once every two years and generally didn’t take care of it at all while she had it, and it just kept going. She decided she wanted a newer one and got a 2016 used that had a very slight lift and one size larger tires. It’s been mostly trouble free. Needed the seals on the top replaced and that took me about an hour. Then it had the check engine light come on for taking too long to warm up. Replaced the thermostat in about 20 minutes and problem solved. Overall they are like most cars and need basic maintenance. Overall through they seem to be pretty reliable and the maintenance is easy.
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TX, USA
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Posted: 4/18/2024 8:56:51 AM EDT
[#7]
Junk
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Posted: 4/18/2024 8:57:42 AM EDT
[Last Edit: Emoto]
[#8]
2017 Wrangler (JKUR) 77k miles. Only thing it has needed is brakes.
ETA: forgot that I had to replace a blend door actuator for the heater. $15 part on Amazon that took me a couple of hours to swap with the old one, but mostly because I had never done a job like that before. That was about 3 years ago. |
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Posted: 4/18/2024 8:59:34 AM EDT
[#9]
I believe the 2012 was powered by the three-point 8 L which was a complete dog.
You want the 3.6 penta star. It’s extremely reliable. My 2017 Rubicon has been bulletproof for 76,000 miles. Only thing I fixed outside of regular maintenance was one wheel sensor. |
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Posted: 4/18/2024 8:59:39 AM EDT
[#10]
I bought mine in 2001 and still drive it a few times a week. The valve gasket did start leaking recently though and I need to fix it.
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Posted: 4/18/2024 9:01:23 AM EDT
[#11]
Had 9 Jeeps in a row, from CJ's through JK's. I drive a Tacoma now.
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Posted: 4/18/2024 9:07:03 AM EDT
[#12]
Here is what you need to do, drive by several used car lots that sell trucks and SUVs and look at what is on the lots, that will answer your question.
When people unload certain vehicles because of problems they end up on these mom-and-pop used car lots. |
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Posted: 4/18/2024 9:07:58 AM EDT
[#13]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Natty_Bumppo: Had 9 Jeeps in a row, from CJ's through JK's. I drive a Tacoma now. |
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Posted: 4/18/2024 9:08:43 AM EDT
[#14]
Had 2015 until late last year... for the last two years, it was in the shop A LOT!
The rear main seal leaked twice oil cooler leaked twice TCM board had to be replaced timing chain tensioners blew up radiator leaked |
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Posted: 4/18/2024 9:09:37 AM EDT
[#15]
If it’s mostly stock it will be as reliable as any other car made in 2012. Crappy lift and “custom” mods? Run.
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Posted: 4/18/2024 9:14:14 AM EDT
[#16]
The JL I had electrical issues and locker issues.
My father has had a bunch and he seems to like them. He doesn’t put very many miles on them though. |
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FL, USA
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Posted: 4/18/2024 9:20:43 AM EDT
[#17]
I had a 2015 JK I put over 100k miles on with no major issues and have a 2022 392 with 25k miles and no issues. Like someone said, don’t put cheap parts on it and neglect the problems they may cause.
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Posted: 4/18/2024 9:25:24 AM EDT
[#18]
Jeep people love Jeeps because they are easy to work on . But anything is if you get to practice every week.
Wife loves hers, it's her 3rd. I'm terrified to check this but I bet buying and operating costs are close to 1.00 per mile. Close to like 1.25 not .80 |
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NE, USA
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Posted: 4/18/2024 9:26:08 AM EDT
[#19]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By NachoDip: For the most part they are very reliable. The people usually having issues are the ones that are going with massive lifts but aren’t taking care of the issues that come with the massive lifts. Gearing, etc. truth 2017 with zero problems and mine is driven off road every single day |
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Posted: 4/18/2024 9:26:20 AM EDT
[#20]
Ive owned a '97 TJ Sport, an '07 JK Sahara, a '14 JK Rubicon, and a '15 JKU Rubicon.
The '97 was relible. No serious issues with the '07, which like the '97 was bought used. The '14 and the '15 were bought new and had to go back to the dealer several times for warranty work while I owned them. My most current vehicles are 4runners, and apart from the free oil changes/service have never had to go back the dealership. |
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WV, USA
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Posted: 4/18/2024 9:27:09 AM EDT
[#21]
Fun/mud toy:yes
Daily driver: no They leak. |
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Posted: 4/18/2024 9:27:39 AM EDT
[Last Edit: intheburbs]
[#22]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By ZuoZongtang: I believe the 2012 was powered by the three-point 8 L which was a complete dog. You want the 3.6 penta star. It’s extremely reliable. My 2017 Rubicon has been bulletproof for 76,000 miles. Only thing I fixed outside of regular maintenance was one wheel sensor. 2012 was the first year of the 3.6. For that reason alone, I'd probably look 2013-2014. There were some issues of clogged radiators due to improper cleaning of the blocks after sandcasting. Like any other used vehicle, service history/fluid changes are key. We have a 2016 Wrangler, bought new, has been flawless for 80k miles. Brakes, tires, fluid changes, airbag recall, and a noisy blower motor. That's it. Nothing else. We have a 2013 Wrangler we bought used with 80k miles. Previous owner had lifted it, and returned it to stock. That one's been a money pit, including $10k for a new motor. People dog on the 3.8, but we also have a 2010 Wrangler, and while it's certainly not as powerful, it's not a bad motor. Find one stock, no lift, and as rust-free as possible, with good service history. You're looking for a mall-crawler, not a rock-crawler. |
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Posted: 4/18/2024 9:27:53 AM EDT
[#23]
No 12 year old vehicle is dependable.
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Posted: 4/18/2024 9:32:05 AM EDT
[#24]
Just Empty Every Pocket
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Posted: 4/18/2024 9:38:39 AM EDT
[Last Edit: Karankawa]
[#25]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By FuriousYachtsman: No 12 year old vehicle is dependable. We have four Toyotas that have have been perfectly reliable going back to 2000. Headlight problems on one but only because of feds mandating DRLs after it was designed without them so basically a patch. 125k-189k miles. Never had to go in for service aside from maintenance and I do all that now. All we have done is tires. |
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SD, USA
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Posted: 4/18/2024 9:40:19 AM EDT
[#26]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By FuriousYachtsman: No 12 year old vehicle is dependable. Older vehicles are as dependable as the service and maintenance done on them. Until I parked it to start the rebuild, I would have put my '97 GMT-400 pickup up against anything rolling out of Mexico and off the dealer lots for reliability and dependability. |
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TX, USA
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Posted: 4/18/2024 9:42:18 AM EDT
[Last Edit: Abbysdaddy04]
[#27]
I purchased a 2015 JKU 3 years ago with 60k miles on it as a second/vacation vehicle. I had to correct some crappy “upgrades” the previous owner did, but it’s been fine otherwise. I have had to replace the thermostat, a wheel sensor and recently the oil cooler housing, but it’s now got 115k on it, so some things are to be expected. Never left me stranded, and we’ll be taking it to Colorado for the 6th time in July. I plan on owning it for a long time. Love it, but I’ve had Jeeps for 40 years so I’m biased.
If you do have mods done, have a reputable shop do it and don’t cheap out on the components. I put a small (2.5”) Metalcloak lift on it and it rides better than stock. My wife’s 2012 Tacoma finally blew the motor in February at 330k miles and was the best vehicle we’ve ever owned. I don’t expect that kind of longevity from a Jeep (or any other brand for that matter) we replaced it with another Taco. |
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Posted: 4/18/2024 9:42:51 AM EDT
[Last Edit: Alacrity]
[#28]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By ZuoZongtang: I believe the 2012 was powered by the three-point 8 L which was a complete dog. You want the 3.6 penta star. It's extremely reliable. My 2017 Rubicon has been bulletproof for 76,000 miles. Only thing I fixed outside of regular maintenance was one wheel sensor. Core powertrain, JK and JL, the stuff that kills rigs and wallets, is very solid. Not just my experience and opinion tho.  Attached File Attached Filehttps://www.dashboard-light.com/vehicles/Jeep_Wrangler.html They have some issues at various times in the run - water pumps, heater cores, manifold cracks, intake gaskets - and quirks tho. Overall pretty decent. |
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Posted: 4/18/2024 9:43:25 AM EDT
[#29]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Finslayer83: Last good Jeeps we’re made in 2005. TJ/LJ. I’d only trust a 4.0 vs the 3.8/3.6 Last TJ with the 4.0 was in 2006. Mine has 190k, and still going strong. Not trading. I don't even like riding in anything else.  
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Posted: 4/18/2024 9:44:53 AM EDT
[#30]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By jaime1982: Junk Jeep should make triggers. |
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Posted: 4/18/2024 9:49:39 AM EDT
[#31]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Natty_Bumppo: Had 9 Jeeps in a row, from CJ's through JK's. I drive a Tacoma now. I've had a few as well. The whole fleet is now Toyota. |
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Posted: 4/18/2024 9:50:05 AM EDT
[#32]
My wife's 2014 has been reliable in that it has never left us stranded. It has over 80k on the odometer. It has had several of the normal JK issues that I have had to address. I've replaced the driver's window regulator twice and the passenger side once. While the oil cooler housing didn't fail the sending unit did fail so I replaced it with an aluminum housing along with new sensors. At the same time I replaced the radiator and the thermostat housing as both had developed the standard JK cracks.
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TX, USA
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Posted: 4/18/2024 9:51:09 AM EDT
[#33]
Didn't that time frame have lifter failures or something on the 3.6L? I would look for a repair on a Carfax if no records available.
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USA
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Posted: 4/18/2024 9:52:05 AM EDT
[#34]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By FuriousYachtsman: No 12 year old vehicle is dependable. I currently drive a 2007 (167K) Tundra and 2008 (135K) Jeep Grand Cherokee prior to a couple years ago had a 2002 (225K) Silverado other than normal maintenance tires and brakes and minor other repairs they have all been very reliable. Rust is what kills them where I live not mechanical issues. Wife had a 2016 (45K) Honda CRV. I would get in either and drive across the country and back today. Maybe I should. 
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Posted: 4/18/2024 9:52:09 AM EDT
[#35]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Ulster: Last TJ with the 4.0 was in 2006. Mine has 190k, and still going strong. Not trading. I don't even like riding in anything else. https://i.postimg.cc/qqrg3cyr/IMG-1170.jpg Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Ulster: Originally Posted By Finslayer83: Last good Jeeps we’re made in 2005. TJ/LJ. I’d only trust a 4.0 vs the 3.8/3.6 Last TJ with the 4.0 was in 2006. Mine has 190k, and still going strong. Not trading. I don't even like riding in anything else. https://i.postimg.cc/qqrg3cyr/IMG-1170.jpg Correct, morning brain fog. Sold my LJ last year, built it for the Red Clay Rally.  |
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Posted: 4/18/2024 9:52:41 AM EDT
[#36]
My 1997 wrangler had over 275,000 on the original motor. 2 transmissions were replaced as the big ticket items.
My 2011 wrangler unlimited has 220,000 miles and no major issues. |
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WA, USA
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Posted: 4/18/2024 9:53:32 AM EDT
[#37]
My wife has a 2014 JK with the Mopar bumper to bumper lifetime warranty. Things that have been replaced under that warranty include the head unit (twice), both diffs, all four cams, the alternator and we're picking it up today with new head gaskets. It would have gotten a new ABS controller, but the it's been backordered for a year; I guess Jeep has decided older wranglers just don't need ABS any more.
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Posted: 4/18/2024 9:54:08 AM EDT
[#38]
My 2012 has only needed oil changes, brakes, new battery once.
I put a locker in the front and grenaded the front differential once. Other than that I have had no issues. 89,000 miles on it. |
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Posted: 4/18/2024 9:54:40 AM EDT
[#39]
That is a bad year for the 3.6
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Posted: 4/18/2024 9:56:17 AM EDT
[Last Edit: Ulster]
[#40]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Finslayer83: Correct, morning brain fog. Sold my LJ last year, built it for the Red Clay Rally. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/164007/A6D8EB3D-0F68-4E17-93A3-9AAB52FF2704-2407960.jpg Nice! TJ's are awesome.  
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AZ, USA
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Posted: 4/18/2024 9:56:52 AM EDT
[#41]
I had a couple of newly purchased Jeep Wranglers over the last decade and was not pleased with their reliability. Have since moved over to Toyota, generally 4Runners, with my only thought (or regret) being that, "I should have done this sooner." Of course, YMMV. Good luck with whatever you choose OP.
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AL, USA
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Posted: 4/18/2024 9:56:56 AM EDT
[#42]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By KingNine: Just Empty Every Pocket Also, they leak. Hard top or soft top, there is a reason many, many Jeep owners keep them garaged. |
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OH, USA
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Posted: 4/18/2024 9:59:44 AM EDT
[#43]
I had a 1997. Wish I still had it.
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Posted: 4/18/2024 10:01:13 AM EDT
[#44]
I've had several.
A 2008 JKU for 10 years and over 100k miles. Never had a problem with it. The 3.8L engine was slow but reliable enough. A 2019 JLU. No problems. A 2021 JT Gladiator. Had a leaking rear axle seal fixed under warranty. No other problems. We've also had other Jeeps. I have a 2001 XJ Cherokee. Runs great. Daughter has a 2005 Liberty. Same. Wife has a 2021 Cherokee. No problems with it either. Go to any vehicle specific forum and you will see horror stories about that vehicle. Doesn't matter what it is. |
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Posted: 4/18/2024 10:05:40 AM EDT
[#45]
Yes... You can depend on them to let you down at the worst possible moment.
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Posted: 4/18/2024 10:08:35 AM EDT
[#46]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By leafinthewind: Yes... You can depend on them to let you down at the worst possible moment. lol...but at least you won't be alone. |
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Posted: 4/18/2024 10:11:04 AM EDT
[#47]
Mine was my daily driver until COVID and I haven't had an issue with it.
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USA
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Posted: 4/18/2024 10:11:29 AM EDT
[#48]
2015 JKU wrangler.
I have done nothing but tires and brake pads, and fluids. Oh, the biggest thing was a stone put away chip in my windshield and it took about 7 years before it split. Full glass coverage. zero cost. Oh and I have not had my airbags replaced under recall. 
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Posted: 4/18/2024 10:12:01 AM EDT
[#49]
I've had jeeps for over 23 years and never had an issue beyond the AC going out in a Cherokee once.
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Posted: 4/18/2024 10:17:16 AM EDT
[Last Edit: klinc]
[#50]
LJ I had to put in a transmission but to be fair it had 200k+ miles on it. Engine was still running smooth and no issues (had to do a valve cover gasket but stupid easy on that engine and had high miles anyways).
14 JKU bought with 90k on it. Had to put an injector in it a couple weeks after I bought it, Oil cooler change (which is typical for 3.6s) along the way, and had to replace the thermostatic valve (thanks again EPA for this horseshit) for the trans and replace fluid. Have 140kish on it now and runs fine... and I have beat the shit out of it here and there. Everything suspension wise and been replaced between the body and the axles with nice expensive stuff. EDIT: Forgot valve cover gaskets not too long ago on the JK. A good bit more pain in the ass than the LJ was for sure. Pretty normal for the mileage though and got to it before it created an oil sludge mess all over the engine. |
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