Some people think there is nothing like buying a new vehicle. They like the fact that the odometer has a number that is smaller than the size of their shoes. They also enjoy knowing that they are the first to truly own this vehicle. But in the end, most of these benefits are psychological. They make you feel good for a moment, but they aren’t worth the premium you paid just to be the first owner. This is why if you are looking for a great deal on a Jeep, you should consider finding a used Jeep dealer near you.
Jeep has built its reputation on building rugged vehicles. This goes back to the original Willys Overland vehicles that were some of the first four-wheel drive models. These were built with the intent of going anywhere and doing everything possible in a car. Today, Jeep still has that expertise, as shown by its Trail Rated models. These are specific Jeep models that have been put through a rigorous test to make sure they can do things like ford river beds, climb rock formations, and run through desert sand dunes without getting stuck. But Jeep is also more than this, with models that are built for family, luxury, and commuting. Best of all, you can find these Jeeps at an affordable price on the used market.
#1. The Jeep Wrangler
Probably the most iconic model in the Jeep lineup, the Wrangler comes in two different editions. There is the two-door Wrangler and the four-door Wrangler Unlimited. The Wrangler has standard four-wheel drive and evokes the original Jeeps that everyone knows and loves. It still has the recognizable vertical grille offset by two round headlights like those first Jeep models but adds modern touches, like advanced safety features, powerful engines, and the Jeep Uconnect infotainment system that allows you to integrate your smartphones.
The modern Wrangler appeared in 1986, replacing the Jeep CJ-7, with the latest generation appearing in 2017. This means that if you find a used Jeep Wrangler on the market, it will probably have the latest features. This includes the option of a manual transmission on some engines, which is fun if you enjoy handling a stick and clutch. There are also some models available with a turbo-diesel engine for greater torque and improved fuel economy.
If you want to get the most out of a used Jeep Wrangler, you should look for one that is Trail Rated. This means that it has additional features and systems to improve off-road performance, like a higher ground clearance and skid plates to protect the vital undercarriage. One thing all Wranglers have is the ability to remove the doors and the roof so you can get a true outdoor feeling while riding in your Jeep. This also helps set it apart from many off-road models from Jeep’s competitors.
#2. The Jeep Grand Cherokee
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is the luxury model in the Jeep lineup. This is one of the models that started the SUV revolution in America, which is still continuing. The midsize Grand Cherokee has two rows of seats with plenty of room for up to five passengers. A newer three-row model has been recently introduced, but it might be a bit before you can find one on the used vehicle market.
The Grand Cherokee was introduced in 1993, and two things set it apart from other available midsize SUVs. First, it featured a unibody chassis at a time when most SUVs were body-on-frame construction, placing an SUV body on the frame of either a midsize pickup truck or a full-size sedan. This gives the Grand Cherokee a smooth ride and makes it safer in a collision. Second, it offers drivers the option of four-wheel drive. This is different from the all-wheel drive option on many SUVs, as all-wheel drive is suited to providing on-road traction and doesn’t have the same off-road capabilities as a four-wheel drive system.
While the Grand Cherokee has the ruggedness and dependability that are synonymous with Jeep, it is more luxurious than other Jeep models. While this often translates into a higher price tag, you can probably find a great deal on a used Jeep Grand Cherokee. Jeep introduced the fifth generation of this model in 2021, which is why you are sure to find plenty of fourth-generation Grand Cherokees on the used car market.
#3. The Jeep Compass
Introduced in 2007, the Jeep Compass has staked out a position as one of the most popular subcompact SUVs. This model gets exceptional fuel economy, regardless of whether you choose one with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. As a result, the Compass is a great way to find your way to work every day.
The Jeep Compass is currently in its second generation of production, which began in 2018. The significant change was making the exterior more aerodynamic, with a similar grille to the larger Grand Cherokee. As a result, the Compass moves well in traffic. In addition, choosing to use a look more akin to the Grand Cherokee than the Wrangler signals that Jeep’s intent with the Compass is to make a more luxurious subcompact model. This is why the Compass has a very comfortable interior with plenty of room for up to five passengers.
The other major change with the second generation was the decision by Jeep to equip all Compass models with a standard 2.4-liter Tigershark I-4 gas engine. This is an efficient engine that provides solid performance, so you may actually get to enjoy your daily commute to the office.
#4. The Jeep Gladiator
The newest Jeep model is the Gladiator. This is like a cross between a Wrangler Unlimited and a pickup truck. It has standard four-wheel drive with a payload that can handle up to 1,700 pounds of cargo. This is why you can use it for work during the week and then enjoy a weekend of adventure hitting the trails in a Gladiator. As for its looks, the cab is a four-door crew cab design based on the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, so you know you’ve got plenty of room for up to five passengers.
The Gladiator is actually the return of a model that Jeep had marketed back in the ’60s and ’70s. The folks at Jeep realized that drivers were getting into using midsize pickup trucks for off-roading. This is why they brought back the Gladiator for the 2020 model year. Many of these first edition models are now becoming available on the used car market, giving you the opportunity to get a vehicle that has all the benefits of a Jeep with the capabilities of a midsize pickup truck.
#5. The Jeep Patriot
Sometimes, automakers discontinue a model even though there is nothing wrong with the vehicle itself. Such is the case with the Jeep Patriot, which made its debut in 2007 and said goodbye to the automotive world in 2017. The reason for this may have to do with the decision to shift emphasis to the production of the Jeep Cherokee, which had been reintroduced to the market in 2014. Whatever the reason, the fact that Jeep discontinued the Patriot only means that you are sure to be able to find an affordable deal on a used Jeep Patriot.
The first thing you are sure to notice about the Patriot is its striking resemblance to the Jeep Wrangler. The Patriot sports the same iconic grille and offset round headlights as Jeep’s flagship model. In addition, if you are looking for an affordable used vehicle for off-roading, you can find a used Patriot model with four-wheel drive and a Trail Rated badge. This means that the Patriot you are looking at has special features that make it ideal for off-roading, like skid plates, a locking rear differential, and an advanced transfer case that will come in handy on the trail. In addition, the Patriot provides decent fuel economy, making it a good choice for the daily driver. Since Jeep only made one generation of the Patriot, you don’t have to worry if the model year you are looking at may lack some of the basic features you expect in this model.
Make Your Adventure Dreams Come True With a Used Jeep
Finding a used Jeep is a great way to get a vehicle that is different from the run-of-the-mill models offered by other brands. Whether you are buying it for family, fun, or commuting, you are sure to find a Jeep model that provides you with these basic needs. The difference is that every Jeep is built for adventure as well, which is something vehicles from other automakers can’t claim.
