There are many reasons to want a used Jeep, such as saving money or getting a car with features that are no longer available. One issue with buying a used Jeep, or any used car for that matter, is the need for maintenance at some point. It’s a fact of automotive life that older cars have more wear and tear, but some wear better than others. At Sea View Auto Corp, we know Jeep, and we’ve put together a list of the most reliable Jeep vehicles to help you find the Jeep you’ve always wanted.
2017 Jeep Wrangler
There are some Jeep model years where everything works right and doesn’t require excess maintenance. The 2017 Jeep Wrangler is one of them, with an engine lasting more than 300,000 miles outside of normal wear and tear. Sure, you’ll need to replace parts as they wear down, but the block itself is solid and reliable.
Some known issues with the 2017 model year include transmission failures, oil leaks from the filter assembly, and computer problems. However, all of these issues happen under 100,000 miles, and the model has been around long enough that there are fixes for them. The oil filter assembly is easily replaced, and computer issues are rare. The transmission issue is uncommon, but a rebuilt or remanufactured transmission solves that, ultimately making the Jeep run better.
2018 Jeep Compass
The 2018 Jeep Compass looks like a smaller version of the Jeep Grand Cherokee of the same year, but it delivers off-road capabilities that rival the Wrangler. It’s not known for being a speed demon, yet that’s not what this small SUV is all about. The 2018 Compass is popular for its solid off-roading capabilities, including a drivetrain with selectable drive modes to meet the needs of pavement, or not-pavement, as it were. It also comes with a manual transmission on AWD models, giving the driver more control over the gearing through rough conditions.
Only one engine was available for the Compass during this model year: a 2.4-liter Tigershark four-cylinder paired with either a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic on Sport and Latitude trims. The remaining 4x4s and trim levels combine the engine with a nine-speed automatic transmission. For buyers who want a Compass for its four-wheel drive talents, look for a Trailhawk as it’s comparable to the Grand Cherokee Trailhawk in terms of capabilities. The 2018 Compass has a rock-crawling mode with a 20:1 crawl ratio and a Selec-Terrain system that adjusts for snow, sand, mud, and automatic traction.
2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
The 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee is known to last for 200,000 miles before serious issues start to pop up, but they’re easily overcome with a minor investment. The worst issue for the 2011 model year is the totally integrated power module (TIPM). If it fails, the Jeep won’t run, as the TIPM controls everything in the car. If you’re interested in buying a 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee, have it checked by your mechanic and get a car history report before you buy. The TIPM is a known issue, but many models from this year have run consistently without any problems.
Two engines were offered in the 2011 Grand Cherokee, a V-8 and a V-6. Both are known for their reliability and relatively low level of maintenance outside of oil and fluid changes. The luxury interior featured the latest technology for the era, and most of it has held up over a decade later. Buying a 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee isn’t as big of a risk as it seems, even for its age.
2020 Jeep Wrangler
The 2020 Jeep Wrangler is the youngest model on the list, and there are numerous trim levels, packages, and engines available for the model year. Reliability is all but ensured in a model under 5 years old, and the available engines are known for their durability and reliability. Any Jeep Wrangler from this era is one that can last for at least 200,000 miles and more when properly maintained. You also have the benefit of driving a newer Jeep that you can drive for as long as you’re willing to maintain it.
2004 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited TJ
The idea of an almost 20-year-old Jeep being dependable may seem strange on the surface. However, there are excellent reasons why the 2004 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited TJ is sought after. The Unlimited TJ model offered a longer body than the traditional Jeep but not as long as the four-door Wranglers that were soon to follow. It also has a drivetrain that enables it to take on just about every type of terrain without much effort while also being mainly mechanical rather than driven by a computer.
What makes the Unlimited TJ a reliable Jeep is the fact it has the 4.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine that dates back to the days when AMC owned Jeep. The AMC straight-six was first introduced in 1964 and used through 2006 in the Jeep Wrangler. A long crankshaft is at the heart of the engine, enabling it to deliver incredible torque that gives the Jeep the slow, deep power it needs to conquer any terrain.
Another factor in the engine’s reliability is the fact that millions were produced, making it easy to find parts and rebuilt engines to get more life out of the Unlimited TJ.
Come Check Out Our Inventory of Used Jeeps
That’s our list of the most reliable Jeeps made in the last 20 years. Did we miss one that you think belongs on the list? Let us know, and we’ll include it in our next update. In the meantime, come see us at Sea View Auto Corp to talk to one of our staff about our used inventory, or bring your current Jeep in for maintenance by our factory-trained technicians. We’re here to help you with all things Jeep and help you get the most out of your model.
2017 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon by Greg Gjerdingen is licensed with CC BY 2.0.
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