The Jeep Compass is one of the most well-rounded compact SUVs on the market, and buying a used example is a great way to save some money on a great vehicle. However, not everyone is comfortable purchasing a used vehicle. To make the shopping experience easier for you, we have put together a quick rundown of what to look for when you start visiting dealerships to find yourself a used Jeep Compass.
Before buying a used vehicle, it’s important to go over some of the specs, the performance expectations, the longevity, fuel economy, and some of the repairs you can expect to encounter. It is also a good idea to have a general idea of the model’s history and what years saw major changes. What exactly is it that you need to know about the Jeep Compass? Well, there are a few important facets that you should always check off the list when it comes to buying used, and we’ll go over that list as well as some of the issues you need to be aware of specific to this adventurous SUV.
Always Inspect Before You Buy
Before you buy any vehicle, there’s always the standard measure of going through the process to ensure that it’s up to scratch and doesn’t have any problems or permanent damage. For any used vehicle, it’s important to inspect it thoroughly before you commit to a purchase, especially when it comes to checking both the interior and exterior. Although buying from a reputable dealership is a good way to avoid any major problems, even the best dealerships occasionally miss things, and most used vehicles will have their quirks, from scratched paint to aftermarket parts.
It’s customary to scour through the vital components and ensure that the engine is running in proper order and turns over without any problems, that the transmission can shift into each of the gears naturally without grinding or stalling the vehicle, and that the steering and brakes feel solid and responsive. Exterior cosmetic damage isn’t as important when it comes to having a reliable vehicle, but many people are particular about their cars and will be annoyed by a large scratch or an obvious dent – so make sure you look the vehicle over carefully to make sure you will be happy with it down the road.
Vehicle History
Before you purchase any vehicle, it’s also important to go through the history of ownership and repairs. Again, this may not seem like a big deal, but if the previous owner took care of the vehicle and maintained it well, then you’re purchasing a vehicle well worth the price of entry. Fortunately, every reputable dealership will provide you with a free CARFAX vehicle history report for you to review – often right on the website vehicle listing. This report will not only list important information like the number of previous owners and any reported accidents, it will also list the vehicle’s maintenance history.
Now a good thing about the Jeep Compass is that it first hit the market just over a decade ago in 2007 and has only had two generations. This works out to the benefit of anyone interested in purchasing a used Compass because, unlike long-running models like the Honda Civic or Ford F-150, you don’t have to worry about searching through decades worth of vehicles and remembering the differences between dozens of different generations.
Fewer generations also mean less scouring dealership inventories trying to find an appropriate model year, mileage, and price that fit your budget. With vehicles with many generations, it becomes much more difficult to find a low mileage, used vehicle that isn’t too old or riddled with problems. That’s not to say that a used Jeep Compass doesn’t have options; it’s just that those options are much easier to sort through compared to some other models.
Benefits Of A Used Jeep Compass
The Jeep Compass has been made available in numerous different trims over the years, each one offering something a little bit different and a little more luxurious over its preceding relative. One of the benefits of buying a used Jeep Compass is that you do have access to a lot more trim levels than what the new model years may offer. For instance, the 2021 Jeep Compass is available only in four trim levels, which includes the Sport, Latitude, Limited, and Trailhawk.
While an argument can be made that fewer trims make it easy for SUV shoppers to find what they’re looking for, it is still good to have some choice. Having more options and choices with what kind of crossover SUV you want and what level of luxury you want from a used vehicle is always a good thing. You can even find unique options that are no longer offered, such as the 75th Anniversary Edition that was only sold for 2016.
That’s also not to mention that buying used means that you can get your hands on many of the older but rarer trims for much lower prices than the typical MSRP of a new vehicle. In fact, you can easily find an older top-trim Compass with all the options for several thousand dollars less than a bare-bones brand new model. Being able to drive off in a more luxurious vehicle while saving money is the number one advantage of shopping at a used car dealer.
Avoid the Hassle and Explore Your Options
The Jeep Compass is a typically highly rated compact crossover SUV, and doing your research by choosing a reputable dealer will avoid all the typical drawbacks that come with purchasing a used car. Giving the vehicle a thorough inspection yourself (or bringing it to a mechanic that you trust) will give you even more assurance that you are buying a high-quality vehicle that you will be able to depend on for years to come. Especially remember to ask for a CARFAX report and make sure that the vehicle has a history of regular maintenance and that there are no outstanding factory recalls.
If you follow these simple steps, then you are sure to find a used Jeep Compass that will keep you happy. And don’t forget about the option of Certified Pre-Owned models either. These are newer used vehicles with low mileage and extended warranties guaranteed by Jeep itself. While a CPO Compass will cost more than your run of the mill used Compass, they are well worth the added cost and are still much more affordable than a brand-new model. Many reputable dealerships will also offer their own used car warranty and support programs, giving you even more options for peace of mind when buying your used Jeep Compass.
Enjoy Your New Compass
While a Jeep Compass will set you up for adventure on and off the road, buying used doesn’t have to be an adventure itself if you follow our tips. Look for a reputable dealer that stands by its used cars. Thoroughly examine the SUV for both mechanical issues and simple aesthetic imperfections so that you know exactly what you are buying. Finally, make sure the vehicle has a clean CARFAX vehicle history report, and you will know that you will be able to count on it for years to come.
