An orange 2019 Jeep Renegade is shown off-roading through a stream.

5 Reasons Why a Used Jeep Is Your Ticket to Adventure

Some people will only buy a new car. They like the idea that they are the first driver to handle that vehicle, but because they want to get there first, they end up having to pay a premium for that privilege. The smarter move is to buy a used vehicle. This is often a factor of supply and demand, as there are more used cars than new cars available, with the greater demand for new models. It is also a factor of depreciation, as motor vehicles lose up to half their value over their first two years of ownership, which is why you can often find a great deal on a used car, truck, or SUV. That’s why you need to check out the used Jeep dealer near you.

Few vehicles hold their value like a Jeep, and there are some great reasons for this. Jeeps are rugged and dependable, with an unmatched capability for off-roading. What’s more, a used Jeep is incredibly affordable, giving you the purchasing power to buy one of these amazing machines from the most diverse lineup of vehicles offered by any manufacturer.

A Diverse Lineup of Vehicles

Jeep has always been on the cutting edge when it comes to vehicle design. The Jeep Grand Cherokee was a line extension for Jeep that was largely responsible for the luxury SUV revolution of the early ’90s that has continued unabated to this day as more and more suburban families switched to SUVs for sedans and minivans. Similarly, the Jeep Gladiator was introduced for the 2020 model year and quickly won accolades as the North American Truck of the Year. This was due to the fact that it was a pickup truck with standard four-wheel drive that built on Jeep’s unique expertise in off-road vehicles, blowing the doors off of other midsize trucks that claim to be trail-ready.

The Wrangler is the most iconic model built by Jeep, harkening back to the vehicles that served with distinction in so many different wars. You can get a used two-door Wrangler or four-door Wrangler Unlimited and hit the trails. The previously mentioned Jeep Gladiator takes the Wrangler Unlimited and adds a very useful payload, improving the vehicle’s capabilities.

If you prefer a fun little SUV, the Jeep Renegade shares the same grille and round headlights made famous by the Wrangler in a sporty design that makes a great first car and is ideal for commuters who like to be a little out of the ordinary. The Jeep Grand Cherokee has aerodynamic lines with a luxurious interior. It is the flagship of Jeep’s more conventional SUVs that includes the Cherokee crossover and the Compass compact SUV. All three models share a physical resemblance that continues to their ruggedness, dependability, and performance.

A popular model at used Jeep dealers near you, a black 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee, is shown from the front.

Ruggedness

One of the first words that come to people’s minds when they think of Jeep is rugged. While many other vehicles look rugged, few, if any, can match the real test of ruggedness when you are driving in inclement weather, on a particularly challenging trail, or under less than optimal conditions. Jeeps were literally battle-tested, developed under fire, and pushed to the limits of their capabilities. No other vehicle has that kind of pedigree. The competitive advantages learned during these years have translated into the abilities we see in today’s Jeep, something that truly sets it apart from other vehicles. This ruggedness is one reason why used Jeeps tend to hold their value.

Dependability

There are few things worse than buying a used car and then discovering it is going to give you nothing but headaches. Some vehicles are designed to work great during the first three years of ownership. After that, they begin to experience issues with the tires, the transmission, the engine, and other key functions. The last thing anyone wants is to spend their money on a vehicle that will spend more time in the shop than on the road. The good news is that when you buy a used Jeep, you are getting a very reliable vehicle.

Jeep prides itself on the fact that there are Jeeps that were built decades ago that are still in use today, still taking people around safaris and off-road trails all over the globe. People wouldn’t be driving these old Jeep models if they weren’t dependable. Sure, if you have an issue with your used car on the road, you can always call a service station to pick you up and tow your car. You don’t have this luxury when you are out in the wild. This is why Jeep is synonymous with dependability. When you go the places a Jeep is capable of going; you have to know your used Jeep will get you there and back.

A red 2017 Jeep Wrangler Sahara is shown driving over a bridge.

Off-Road Capability

Jeep made its name going places other vehicles feared to tread. This continues today with the Trail Rated program. While many automakers like to stick cool badges and stickers all over their vehicles, a Jeep Trail Rated badge isn’t just a pretty decoration. It is given in recognition of the ability of a Jeep vehicle to pass all the rigorous tests included in the program. This includes traction tests, maneuverability challenges, the ability to ford creeks and streams, sufficient ground clearance to avoid damage from obstacles, and proper articulation.

In conducting the Trail Rated tests, Jeep has an eye towards making sure that your used Jeep can handle whatever nature may throw in its path. Jeep tests its vehicles in the frozen trails of Northern Michigan and the blazing deserts of Moab, Utah. These are some of the most hostile environments in America, so the engineers know that if a Jeep can pass its Trail Rated tests, it can handle the trails where you plan to roam.

Jeep’s off-road capability begins with a 4×4 system that is second to none. This came from years of development and includes specialized off-road differentials, heavy-duty solid axles, and a two-speed low transfer case. Not only will they give you the performance you need on the trail, but also, these Jeep 4×4 systems are designed to provide you with exceptional traction in mud, gravel, snow, sand, and even pavement.

Affordability

When it comes time to choose a used vehicle, you need to consider your budget. While most folks look solely at the price tag of the used car, they should also consider other factors like fuel economy and service record. You might think you are getting a great deal based solely on the purchase price, but once you have to pay for fuel, service, and repairs, you might find that your great deal didn’t turn out so great. That’s why buying a used Jeep will prove to be affordable, especially over time. Jeep’s unique combination of ruggedness, dependability, and capability make buying one used such a great value. You are going to find that your used Jeep is spending more time on and off the road than it is in the repair shop.

You are also going to find that a used Jeep gives you an excellent opportunity to get more Jeep for your money than if you buy new. First, you will find that those fancier trims are more affordable when you buy used. Second, there are more of those rare, special edition models available used that you could happen upon at your local dealership or online. Finally, Trail Rated Jeeps are more affordable when you buy them used. Buying a used Jeep boosts your purchasing power.

Buy a Used Jeep and Expand Your Horizons

There really is nothing like a Jeep. No other vehicle combines a Jeep’s capabilities with the creature comfort features built into every model. When you buy a used Jeep, you expand your horizons by getting a vehicle that has proven its capabilities at a very affordable price. This is why with Jeep, the only limits are the ones you place on yourself.