Watch This Before Buying A USED Jeep Wrangler JK 2007 - 2018 

Just got my Jeep 2012 wrangler Sport unlimited I’m siked I’ve wanted one since I was a kid. I’m 40 now and my dreams have come true.

how can someone dislike the video this guy is so knowledgeable and does a great way of explaining everything

For those living in colder climates, the defrost wire on the rear glass is known for coming off the glass of the hardtop. Check that. Take out the carpet and check the floor plugs- any signs of water? Is the jack rusty? That's a sure sign that there is a roof leak.

Purchased a brand new 2008 Unlimited X off the lot in March of 2008. Still have it, it's a daily drive, and turning 264K. Drove it from Northern NY to Southern Cal last winter/spring and back. Here's what I've run into over the 12 year's I've owned it. Gas tank replacement due to fuel blowback in the fill tube when tank reaches full capacity (dealership replaced under TSB). This was a known issue with the 07-11 Wranglers. Water pump replacement at 100K due to pinhole leak at pump shaft (replaced for free as I have lifetime power-train warranty). Transmission cooler lines replaced at 105K due to crack & split (I paid as my mileage had exceeded the TSB for them). Door hinges are aluminum and had paint bubble @ 36K. Dealership stripped and repainted under warranty, but bubbling re-appeared at 150K. Replaced with aftermarket stainless steel hinges. Front windshield side plates started rusting at bolt holes and paint bubbling. Replaced with after market stainless steel plates & hardware. Front hood hinge showed signs of paint bubbling and rust then snapped. Replaced with after market stainless steel. Hardtop rear window gasket. Leaked from day 1. Dealership could not get it to leak, but over time, water & road salt caused some rusting inside the cargo compartment, and moisture to accumulate in the jack storage area (had to replace jack & crank arm due to rustout) and hidden compartment in cargo area would be damp due to no ventilation. Took three tries to get the correct OEM replacement on-line as the first two that were shipped (from different vendors) had a mislabeled part number from Chrysler. Side view door mirrors oxidized due to water infiltration, no drainage and would fall apart. Later model OEM and after market replacements now have a drain hole on the underside to prevent or mitigate the water/salt oxidation. Oil pan rusted from within @ 150K, and outside paint was keeping oil in (replaced for free under lifetime power-train warranty). I've gone through several tie rod assemblies due to the inability to accomplish front end re-alignments from rust due to road salt, and/or liquid brine/uria. Replaced the stock halogen headlight assembly with after market LED. Noticeable improvement when driving at night. Have replaced/upgraded other things, but I think the above covers the bulk. Still love my JK and with the lifetime power-train warranty it will stay with us till the Jeep or I fall apart! LOL

I have wanted a jeep since I watched clueless in 95...year 2020 and now 35 years old...i desperatly still want one, but i can't afford one. Looking at this just in case I can get a used one at some point in my life

A Wrangler was on my list of vehicles I had never owed but wanted before I die. Last year (2019) I decided to get serious about it, did my homework, and narrowed down my list of must-haves, nice-to-haves, and don't wants/deal killers. I decided I wanted a 2012 or newer for the Pentastar V-6, upgraded interior, and removable hard top "Freedom" panels. I wanted to do a mild retro Jeep theme with it, so a 6 speed MT was a must, and with just me and the dog riding in it I decided I wanted a 2 dr. For extra space I could (and do) simply pop out the back seat and leave it in the garage. A hard top was on my nice-to-have list but wasn't a deal killer if it didn't have it, although after having one a hard top would now be a must-have. With a dog, power windows were a must-have since I roll her passenger side window up and down more than my own, and it also needed working AC. I wanted no more than average miles, and preferably one that had never been modded. My price range was under $20k, which turned out to be a bit of a challenge given my list of wants. My Internet search went on for a couple of months and I was about to give up on some of my must-haves when I hit pay dirt at a big, off-brand new car dealer about a two hour drive away. I ended up buying a 2013 Sport S 2dr 6MT with 3.73 gears, tow package, hard top, power windows and locks, AC, and cruise, only 42k miles, bone stock, super clean, and almost like new top and bottom, inside and out. It showed no signs of ever being off road. I got it for $15.9k plus ttt ($17.4 out the door). According to my research that was a steal, I think because it was a foreign luxury brand dealer and, as oppsed to Jeep dealer, they didn't know what they had. I have since added the factory 430N sound system (with Nav), Kicker speaker upgrade, and the hands free package, for all of which it was pre-wired, plug and play. I've now had it for a year and a half, and out of forty motor vehicles I've owned in my life, usually several at a time, the Wrangler is so far in my top five favorites. It's given me zero problems in 18 months and 16k miles (knock wood). I've done some easily reversible mild aftermarket retro mods to give it more of a classic Jeepy "edge" without making it obnoxious or ruining its driveability, and now it's just the way I want it. It'll go anywhere I want it to go while still being comfortable and happy cruising at 80 mph on the Interstate (I took it on a 3,000 mile camping trip to the Black Hills last summer). It's perfect for my tastes and, even more important, the dog seems to like it, too. :)

One thing I'll mention is that even the rock rails on the stock Rubicon can be a literal life saver. Mostly we drive Jeeps because we want to get away from people. But, sometimes you're in the city. I was t-boned in an intersection by a loaded pickup and trailer. The truck hit me in the driver's door, but the rock rail stopped the truck from further crushing the side of my Jeep. I walked away with skinned shins. The force of the collision distorted the frame. Without the rail, I would have had a 1/2-ton pickup in my lap.

I got lucky. Found a diamond. 2017 JKU with some upgraded wheels and tires and a 2.5 inch lift in mint condition. Less than 30k miles for under 25k. From a dealership no less!! I’ve put almost 5k miles on it a month and a half and it’s been flawless. Time will tell 👍. Great video by the way. Always love hearing your opinions and watching you work with your son.

I’ve got an 07 rubicon with 173k miles no problems and it’s been wheeled it’s whole life, make sure to run 10w30 - 10w-40 oil DO NOT RUN FACTORY RECOMMENDED OIL IT WILL KILL THE 3.8 Chrysler was forced to run thinner oil that is not meant for the 3.8 if you run thicker oil it’ll be reliable for a loooong time. Maintain the fluids and wash it and it’ll last forever

In 2017 We bought a 2012 JK Sahara with 77k miles on it for our daughter when she got her license. Once we got it home we discovered none of the power outlets worked, all had blown fuses. The rear defroster did not work because the wires were disconnected from the grid on the window glass. The radiator cap and thermostat weren't working properly, and the gas cap was bad. All fairly simple to fix ourselves. On a positive note, We found that after replacing the PCV valve the oil consumption dropped considerably. All in all, with a little TLC, maintenance, and some minor repairs it has become a good reliable Jeep, we're up to 102k miles and I hope it lasts her through college.

So glad I watched this. I have the 3.8 litre engine in my wrangler and people are always telling me it’s a worse engine than the 3.6. Good to hear the 3.8 is known as a good one!

Hi TrailRecon. For first time buyers like me, warn them about the fact that the hood does not have a locking device. One would need to buy bolt hood locker or locking hood latches to protect against theft. Thanks for taking time to do this video. Keep up the good work.

I’m surprised you didn’t mention the 3.6 pentastar issues with the heads. 12-13’ was a common issue on the wrangler, ram, challenger, charger 300c. My wrangler had 55k miles and it got so bad that it stretched the timing chain, skipped timing and ruined the whole engine.

As far as the interior, if you want the "nicer" JK interior you need to buy one 2011 or newer. That said, if you set your search range for 2011 or newer, I would bump it up to 2013 since, as Brad mentioned, the 2012 and newer will have the 3.6L engine (better fuel economy and more horsepower than the 3.8L).

Have a 2004 TJ under 70k miles 5 speed 4.0 , nothing can stop it been thru flash flood and snow storms BEAST. Most of all metal front

I have a 2007 JK. Manual trans 6 speed. 250K miles. Bought new for $16k. Love it.

Trail ReCon video .... Always Click “Like” 3 seconds in... Because I know its going to be good! 👍

Love the 5.11 t-shirt! Great video, as always!

Thanks for the tips. Used to live in Yucaipa in the late 90s when I was in the Air Force.

Great info and advice, Brad! I've been wanting to upgrade from my '16 Jeep Compass Sport to a JK but need to find a well cared for used model. Watching this video really helped and your mentioning taking a flashlight is a super tip! I lived in San Bernardino and now wished I had gone to Redlands to check out the Jeep models. I did find a really super nice Harley Davidson Fatboy though. Anyway, I'll take my notes and my flashlight with me tomorrow to check out the two used JK's I spotted today. Thank you, Brad! Here on the East Coast rust can be a huge issue.

Wow, I didn't expect this much detail! i've dreamt of having a Jeep since I was a teen, and this tutorial just brought me a little closer to making it a reality by making purchasing a used Jeep a little less intimidating. Thanks!

Great video. Subbed. An ultra common issue on the 2012 to 2018 is a leaking “oil cooler” unit. It is the plastic housing that contains the oil filter. Half of them develop a slow leak that winds up pooling oil in the valley of the V6, and runs down the back and off the transmission pan. Many folks hunt for a larger leak, as it is hard to notice (covered by upper and lower intake manifold). When buying your used JK - stick flashlight down and around the oil filter housing neck. If you see oil, it needs a new oil cooler unit! You could pass up a good deal thinking it might have a much more critical leak - since it appears that way with motor oil on the transmission. :)

Just came across this video while looking for a jeep and wanted to say how informative it is. A great style of presenting. Thanks 👍🏻

Hi from Australia. Just bought my first Jeep - a second-hand 2015 JK. Thanks for this advice video...it was very helpful when looking over the 'new family member'.

I am contemplating trading in my SUV for an off-road vehicle. I'm so new to this Jeep thing.

Definitely agree with your tip on checking the lifted Wranglers, we just bought a ‘13 Sport Unlimited with 88,000 miles from a dealer back in October. We got the added warranty as well and a good thing too. A few weeks later it started making strange grinding noises in 4WD, come to find out the front axle needed replacing (bad cv boot) it would have been a $1,200 repair, but it was covered @100% with warranty. We bought it to tow behind our Motorhome but also to do occasional off road trips too.

Looking into buying a jeep for the first time and doing lots of research. This has been super informative. Thank you!

Beautiful job! Thank you very much. I’m a paraplegic who lives in a rural community and a jeep makes sense to me. Most videos are very one sided? Ether hate or love. You summed it up nicely and completely biased.

Thank you. Very informative and well presented. Happy trails

I bought a 2018 JK Golden Eagle new, and that thing has been nothing short of a beast. It came with all kinds of upgrades that was specific to the Golden Eagle. This video has been great for me to anticipate some problems I might run into down the road. The jeep I have now is my first one and it definitely did take a little bit of getting use to. Great video!

Great video! I wish this video was around when I bought my 2011 JK Sport S a couple years, but still really helpful even now. I've been having that steering issue, and trying to figure out. Finally, with this video, I can get it resolved.

Also with the hard top all the bolts are there and no cracks from some torquing down the bolts too much. Awesome video for used purchase buyers! Definitely one of the selling points for me is how the Jeep feels driving.

Great advice Brad! I made the mistake back in the 80's of not checking the 4wd system on a Blazer I bought at a dealer. The first time I put it in 4x4, the front driveshaft grease fitting pulled a rubber hose (spliced for the transmission cooler line) off and dumped my entire transmission fluid load on the sand at the Salt River. I had to be towed of the hot sand and was able to fix it, but the transmission was toast! Live and Learn!

Damn!! I wish I would've seen this video before I bought my '14 JKU. Bought it back in Sept. Had 42k miles on it but was really rusty underneath on the frame like it was on the beach a lot. Also, just replaced a bunch of suspension components because the previous owner made some very poor choices when selecting their "upgrades". This video was great. Brad is extremely knowledgeable and is great at explaining.

Thank you so much for making this video. It was my go-to resource when browsing used Jeeps. I checked everything in here and now own a 2010 Sahara

First off, Semper Fi and thank you for your service. Stumbled across your video as I am contemplating picking up a used 2011 Wrangler Unlimited Sahara with a manual trans. Already test drove it and love it. Will be testing again this week and didnt think to check the 4 Hi/Lo. Overall it passes the eye test. Its a 1 owner who never went off road and babied it. Thanks for the flashlight tip too. Never thought about it even though i got under the Jeep to check it.

This is exactly what I was looking for; I found his knowledge, tone of voice and pace to be perfect. I'm looking to buy my first used Wrangler, and needed some of the basics regarding the various models, options, etc. I realize his focus was more on being aware of the condition of the vehicles being considered. The one thing I still want a bit more info on is the package differences between Sport, Sport S and Sahara (I know the Rubicon will be more than I will need). Thanks - this was excellent.

I love this channel! Thanks so much for all the info and adventures.

Great information and walk around, I’m interested in buying a Jeep. You have probably saved me money and many headaches. I will start from the ground up and then go to a drive. Just wanted to say thank you for such a great video 👍

Great info and it is appreciated. Thanks for taking the time. I'm looking to buy a used Jeep Rubicon and will use your tips when doing my inspection. Thanks again! Stay Safe, Healthy, Strong and Blessed. Semper Fi!

Great simple guide, thanks for the tips.

I have to admit, I love that RED two door!! 😍 I've thought about getting a 4 door a couple of times but I couldn't ever part with DISTRACTION ♥️. You're definitely right on the older JK's, I did have to replace my manifold. Great video Brad!

Just the basics and no non-sense…straight to the point!!! I like this guy!

Good tips Brad! I'm eyeing a 2010 Sahara that's a mall crawler. So you know it's not been off road . 1st thing to go is the rim's and tires!

This is the video I was waiting for and that is going to help me the most . I'm going to get my first good used jeep in a couple months. This is the information I've been hoping for. Thank you. For someone on a tight budget like me this is the video you want to watch 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

Thanks for a very useful video, Brad. I have been thinking it may be time to trade my Jeep Liberty in on a JK. This video is going to be a big help.

Thank you so much! I've been looking to purchase one and have been so cautious. I did own a Grand Chrrokee but Wranglers are just a different breed. Great video!

This is an awesome video. Thank you for taking the time to call out all the great tips. I am looking to buy a used Rubicon and this is precious. Thank you.

Good stuff thanks for that! Love the FMF frame on the wall too..

Thanks for the points, awesome stuff to know.

Omg, that day I bought mine JK 2008 used, too late, some maintenance it needs, thank you so much for this excellent info, I love all your videos.

Thank you. Buying a 2009 tomorrow and now I will kinda go by your check list! Thanks

This was a great review, Brad. Thank you. I nearly pulled the trigger on a 2017 model that was in great shape. The color was just not what I envisioned for a blue paint, sort of glossed over powder blue. As soon as we are "free" again I'll be shopping around and will take my notes compiled from this video; and remember to take my flashlight as well.

Never had a JK or JL. Have 2 TJs and had a CJ. Common issues with those... Radiator and the radiator and also the radiator.

Brad, love your channel. Just ordered a 2016 Rubicon Hard Rock Unlimited, will be her Wed. Only 7K miles on it but your video gives me some additional items to look at.

just reached 200k on my wrangler and its oil filter oil cooler assembly is leaking. id say its held up pretty well overall

Love the red color. I'm getting where I like the matching color fenders/top on a 4dr Hard to believe that it has a 2.5" lift. Seems like the stock tires would look smaller than they do with that much lift. Looks good!

Very useful information. I had a CJ7 when I was in college and now am wanting to get an Unlimited Rubicon still researching.

First, thank you for your service Marine. Like most we had always wanted a Jeep. So last year I started the quest for a used 1-3 year old Jeep Wrangler with less than 50K miles. I found that Jeep Wangler's hold their value really well in my area of the southeast, and for a few thousand more I could just but a new one. So, one year ago we bought the Jeep we have wanted for years. So far our '19 JLU Sahara with 14K on the 3.6L it hasn't any problems, and it's been more fun than we could have imagined. BTW, great video.

I love Jeeps always wanted one so now i am buying a used one this video will help me know what to look for. Thank you for the video. And if I diet little extra cash saved maybe come ask you for advice to help me with accessories and upgrades

The JK radiators are prone to minor cracking/seepage. Many folks on forums have had the issue even under 30k miles. If you smell faint hints of coolant after a drive, it's likely there is something to be concerned about.

Also some 2012 engines had issues in the first redesign year. Nice rundown though, and the info you gave is of great value, thank you !

Contaplating a 2014-2016 JK for my next car... Thanks for this video will defiaintly look for the items you mentioned!

One thing I look for is mouse droppings in the engine bay. If mice have been in there chewing wires, you could run into electrical problems now or even later.

The models changed over the years. From 2007 to I think 2010 models were X, Sport, Sahara, and Rubicon, which all had different wheels than the newer models. The models you stated were for the newer years. Also the interiors changed in 2011(?) to the newer interior (dash, door panels, seats).

Excellent video Brad, thanks for this. Very informative.

Went from an 04 TJ to a 2018 JK Sahara. Love them both!

After owning 2 rubicons the biggest issue I have run into are wheel sensors. Had to replace rear wheel sensors on both my 2011 and 2016 around 65k miles other than that normal Jeep stuff occasional leaking tops during really bad rains otherwise they were solid vehicles both had 90k miles when I traded them. I'll let you know about the gladiator in about 4 more years

Haha I dig the Van Halen poster in the background at 10:00 good video Brad!

Great video!! Thx! Moving from Temecula to Lake Arrowhead this summer and planning on getting a Wrangler!!

Thanks for the the tips mate, I learned alot from this video, it's nice to know what to spot when buying a wrangler!

Man, what a good video for someone looking to get their first Jeep! One other thing to note about the different models: the early JK's had an X package (as well as Sahara and Rubicon), the X is the base model, same as the Sport.

Good information Brad... A Jeep isn’t a Chevy Malibu, there’s a lot of unique pieces and problems to consider prior to a purchase.

I love watching your vids. Your tech vids and the Sedona, AZ stuff helped me so much! Did Broken Arrow and others. I have used your tech help often as well. Keep it up.

My spouse has always had the jk wranglers wasn’t until my spouse bought a brand new jl sport s I feel in love with the Wrangler I just bought a brand new 2020 rubicon 2 dr in yellow with the v6 manual transmission, just subscribed, I love it now we are a Jeep family

I am still driving the 1997 Jeep Wrangler TJ I purchased in late 1996. It is now heavily modified after all these years. But she is also my daily driven vehicle. My goal is another 30 years before I must part with her. By then, my ride will be in a cardboard box straight into a hot furnace.

Great video! My old 08 JK is going strong at 138k miles! Runs and looks like new! Mine used oil since 40k, so I have to keep an eye on it, but like I said, runs like new. 3.8's are notorious for their oil drinking problem. I've not had a water pump fail nor manifold crack.

Hay brad. Good job on the video. I just got my 2013 jeep wrangler sport 6 speed 4x4 . This is the second jeep that has been in my family . My dad bought one years ago it was a 77 cj7 .my 2013 is in great shape and does have very little issues . The radio is the one. But everything else so far is going great. I'm going to get a new set of mud tires in a couple of weeks and go have fun. Nice video

I love this video. This is my dream car and recently these videos have made its way into my algorithm (mind you i never get on RU-vid and think to search for videos about any car I’m a fashion girl) but anyway, your video is super informative and I’m extremely grateful For you and that this video made its way on my timeline. This is a sign that ill be getting this car very soon. Love and light

Hi Brad, great info. I have a used 2007 JKU Rubicon, and have been driving it on and off-road for 9 years. I have done some upgrades and a few minor repairs. It still looks new and I love it.

I would check for cracks inside on a hard top. If they are not taken off carefully, they can bend in a funky way and the fiberglass will crack. Speaking from experience here! 😁

Love Jeeps, my first was a 1973 SJ, then 1994 XJ, now I own a 16 JK 75th Anniversary

Great tips. A lot of the advice from this video can be applied to any used vehicle purchase. Thanks.

Perfect entertainment on a Saturday night when it’s snowing and VERY cold out!! And I’m with you on the rear wiper. Never use it....my wife on the other hand.... Cheers.

I love how you always mention the know it all haters! Haha. any real RU-vidr knows exactly what your talking about. Always people that want to “school” the creator. So annoying. Nice job as always Brad!

Thank you so much for taking the time to make this video!

Thank you for the excellent video. I’m in the market for my first jeep.

2 door, 4 door it really just depends on what your looking for. Love the rhymes lol

The 2012 3.6 also has the camshaft tick, tick, tick. I had to replace mine along with the exhaust leak at 81,000.

I'm thinking about getting a Jeep for my next car in a couple of years. This video helped a lot if I should buy one or not. I know it's just a used Jeep in this video but this made me fall in love more with the Jeep. 🙂

Ive been watching your videos for almost 2 years know and i just noticed your 7th comm well i was 1st battalion 4th marines in the mid 90s semper fi marine

Thanks for this. Still very relavent today. Recently went with a 2016 with 39k miles, from South Carolina, every bolt and frame looks brand new underneath. It is a sport 2 door, all it had is AC, and the 3.73 gearing. It even has the steel wheels. I decided to wave a model with more options simply due to the fact that this one is like brand new underneath. Thanks for the help!

Great idea for a video. It was interesting when you mentioned about the radiator and water pump being prone to leak and failure as mine was leaking and luckily replaced under warranty. It’s a 2017 with 36k on it. You know by chance how hard it is to replace the water pump on these?

I bought a 100 k mile 2011 unlimited sport with the 3.8 L engine manual transmission 4 months ago. I love it. Much more rugged and simple compared to new vehicles I have

About 4 months ago I bought a 2012 Wrangler Rubicon JKU. Had 37K miles on it. Had very little body damage on it, but I love it!

Glad to see someone finally mentioned that the 3.8 is reliable. Most people jump on the 3.6 band wagon with out knowing what really makes a better engine. My 3.great as I call it, is reliable! I've driven countless 3.6s, and yes the horsepower is nice but at the end of the day my jkur on 40s isn't a racecar, and being on 40s I'm obviously not worried about mpgs. Honestly my biggest issue with the 3.6 is the oil cooler leaks. I myself have replaced a dozen or so, and I could only imagine having one start leaking in the middle of a trail. I'd rather not take my chance on that. I also agree that the interior is nicer on the newer ones, but being 6'3 300lbs the newer ones feel more cramped. I feel more comfortable in my 09 jk than in my gfs jl.

Mine is manual '07 and I would add look at the connections on the range selector (both at the top and on the transmission). If you regularly shift fm two to four high or low, the little orange plastic clips and the actual plastic interfaces are prone to failure. I have modified mine to eliminate the plastic interfaces.

I read somewhere the 2012 Jeep Wrangler was the most recalled version. What a great video!!! thank you

My 2010 JK had shifter bushing/clips fail. Twice. Once on the transmission shifter and once on the transfer case shifter. Luckily I had read about the problem and had spares with me. Other than that, I really had no trouble during the 120,000 miles I put on it. It was lifted 2 1/2 inches and had 34” tires. It made 8 trips from Ky to Ouray and Moab plus Sedona and as far north as Glacier National Park. I hope my JL holds up as good.

Hey, another thing to look out for. If purchasing a manual transmission, be sure to get a feel of the clutch even if it has low mileage. I bought mine a while back with 24k miles and the clutch slips a little. Didn't even think about it back then. Plus the extra weight of larger tires puts more stress on the clutch as well when accelerating hard. Now I have to think about a big $$ repair/replacement.