Jeep Wranglers can appeal to a variety of different customers and drivers, making it a popular choice on both the new and used market. Considering the vehicle’s capabilities and popularity, you’re still going to have to pay a bit to secure the SUV. Luckily, you can use several tips to help lower the actual price of the Wrangler.
Are you eyeing used Jeeps? Take a look at our guide below to learn how to secure a great deal on a used Wrangler. Sure, the process may take a bit longer, but you’ll ultimately appreciate the savings…
Find the Deals
Bargains on Jeep Wranglers, even used models, can be few and far between. That means you’ll have to strategize and adapt your car-buying strategy to secure the best possible deal.
For example, 2016 would generally be a good year to make the purchase. Gas prices aren’t expected to rise, putting less of an emphasis on fuel economy. Since the Wrangler is generally regarded as one of the more fuel efficient Jeep vehicles (the 2014 model delivered a 17 city/21 highway mile per gallon economy), the nameplate would typically fetch more money due to the impressive specs. That won’t be the case for the next year or so, as sellers won’t be able to use the economy specs as justification for bumping the price.
Jeep has also done a commendable job of keeping each of their vehicles fresh and new. The Wrangler has seen consistent updates since 2009, whether it be the inclusion of new safety features, a revamped exterior design, or the addition of innovative technology. Customers are going to predictably target those models that offer the most amenities, the most modern features, and the newest technology. Therefore, you’ll have to pay a bit more to secure a newer model. If you’re on a budget and you’re eying the most affordable Wrangler possible, you’ll want to target a model that is at least five years old.
On the flip side, it could also be a good idea to target a Wrangler that is a bit beat up. A Jeep with a faulty engine or broken mechanics will understandably sell for less than a fully-functioning Wrangler. Luckily, Jeeps are relatively easy to fix, and parts are both easy to find and inexpensive. Assuming the necessary repair jobs don’t cost too much, you may actually be able to secure a perfectly capable Wrangler for an incredible price.
Regardless, we suggest that you don’t limit yourself to one particular Wrangler or one particular dealership. Explore the market and see what’s out there. The Jeep Wrangler is a very popular vehicle, and you’ll come across plenty of used models as you’re shopping. There’s no use rushing into a decision, especially if it might hurt you financially.
Finally, keep a constant eye on a targeted used Wrangler. If the vehicle goes unsold for some time, you may be able to negotiate a better deal. According to CarGurus.com (via Jessica L. Anderson of Kiplinger.com), used cars typically see at least one price drop after having been available for 30 days. Is that seller not budging from their asking price? Wait a couple of weeks and you may find that dealer is more willing to meet your ideal price.
Do Your Research
The internet is full of automotive information, and you’ll be doing yourself quite the disservice by not taking advantage of this insight. Websites like KBB.com (Kelley Blue Book) and Edmunds.com will provide you with summaries of each Wrangler model, and you can get a better idea of how much the used Jeeps are typically selling for. Ebay is also a good resource for determining a fair asking price for the Wrangler. You can browse recently-purchased vehicles to understand how much each model has actually sold for.
Why is this information important? You want to secure the best deal possible. The price discrepancies between what you see online and what you see at a dealership could be in the thousands of dollars. In this situation, you’d understand that the vehicle should be avoided, or the price should at least be negotiated.
Furthermore, you can use these car listings as a haggling tactic. If you find a more affordable Wrangler that offers many of the same amenities, you can make it clear to the other seller that you’re prepared to take the deal. Play both sides, and you’ll end up benefitting financially.
Your research doesn’t end there. Once you’ve targeted a specific used Wrangler, you’ll want to gather as much background information as possible. You can receive a vehicle history report from a number of websites, and this information will clue you in of any previous accidents or issues. You’ll also be able to determine whether the seller has manipulated any of the advertised specs (which is a clear indication that the seller shouldn’t be dealt with).
Separate the Transactions
This is a relatively clever, albeit pretty obvious, strategy. As Anderson writes, you’ll want to separate each of your individual transactions, including the financing. By combining these fees, a dealer may look to charge a higher interest rate to compensate for a low-priced vehicle. You’ll also want to get each number in writing, assuring that you won’t lose out on a potential deal.
Visit a Mechanic
This strategy won’t necessarily help you secure the best possible deal on a Wrangler. However, it will certainly prevent you from getting a bad deal.
If you blindly purchase a Jeep Wrangler, you may not immediately recognize any debilitating issues. The best person to recognize any problems is a professional, so get the targeted Jeep into a mechanic as soon as possible. They’ll be able to identify anything that may be wrong with the vehicle, and they’ll clue you in on the potential cost of ownership (which takes into account future repair costs).
You can use this information in two different ways. If the issues prove to be too much to overcome, you can thank the seller and move on. However, if you believe the Wrangler is salvageable, use these issues to help lower the price of the Jeep. You can defend your logic by arguing that you’ll have to pay more to get the vehicle operating properly. You shouldn’t be responsible for these repairs, so see if the seller will foot the bill.
Follow just one of these helpful hints, and you’ll find yourself saving money on a used Wrangler (or at least avoiding a horrible deal). Of course, you could follow these tips precisely and still not come away with an advantageous deal. Car buying is a fluid process, so you shouldn’t try to rush it. Used our advice, and a great deal on a Wrangler will eventually fall into your lap. We understand that you want to get behind the wheel of the used Jeep as soon as possible, but you’ll be thankful when you’ve saved an extra thousand dollars.
