The 07- 11 has lots hard plastics which are easily scratched. Mine is a very early 07 JKU rubicon with all the options (actually built in Fall of 06 I think)...and try as I might to avoid scratches on the inner door panels, there are small scratches all over the place. As the model years went on, the seats got better for some and worse for others. The early JKs had the Delphi alternators (better) and decent power steering pumps.
The biggest issue is the Auto transmission - not because of reliability, but because of the gearing and programming. It needs more gears to keep the 3.8 in its peak power zone longer. Since it only has four and the programming sucks, it amplifies the shortcomings of the 3.8. The auto NEEDs a cooler...if it doesn't have one, get one.
The 3.8 is a lesser powered motor...no one disagrees with that. I wish it had more power...but I also want more power with everything I own. I have the 6 speed and 4.10 gearing on 33s. It does fine - just a little slower and more shifting ...certainly not going to win any races with it.
Slow Off road, the 3.8 is fine. The Rubicons have a 4:1 transfer case..the others are 2 or 2.4:1 or something like that.
JKs allow folks to easily run 33, 35, 37...and 40...more so than any previous model year. And more folks are running these large tires...so of course more folks are going to want more power...
There are plenty of owners, including me that do not have oil consumption issues. You may have a hard time establishing if this motor burns oil or not. The internet amplifies problems and silences normalcy. My motor runs fine...as do most of my other friends that have/had the 3.8. There are a series of PCV that are more prone to burning oil than others. The PCV is an easily swapped part.
Do a Google search and you'll find the one that solves the issue (if it is not ring related - the other oil consumption culprit caused by a manufacturing issue). The motor seems to have spun bearing issues crop up as it ages, but based on a conversation with a teardown tech, many seem to be oil starvation related. Some oil consumption issues(like mine) were solved with the correct PCV and trying different oil mfrs/weights. M1 syth 5w20 burns up...conv or just about anything other synth does better. PP synth 5w-30 does the best.
Do I wish it had more power.. sure, but it is what it is. Hit 120k this week and I tow and work that little 6 cyl motor pretty hard.
As a first vehicle, there are safer and cheaper rides. If the 3.8 Jeep can be had for a reasonable price and the rest of it is in good shape...AND she WANTS it - go for it. If she wants to put 35s and have it be a freeway hauler into the mountains, the better typically more expensive option is a 3.6.
All model years have some leaking top issues...some JEEPs more so than others. Mine leaks, but I know where and how to deal with it (foam muckets and needs all new roof seals).
There is no primer under the hinges for most years until 15(? I think)...so you'll want to remove and prime all the hinges. The tailgate hinge wears out on all model years and should be replaced with a Moryde/equivalent. The rear axle flanges can be easily bent...mine have not however. The factory/oem ball joints aren't the greatest and tend to wear out prematurely.
There are some more issues with the 12- 13 motors than the later years involving sand in cooling and heads that need to be swapped.
As a model ages and gets closer to phase out, systemic issues tend to become less. If she has the coin, get a newer 3.6...she'll like the bigger motor and better transmission.
I have a unlimited mileage/year complete car service contract. It has paid for itself 3x over. My service costs for this Jeep are more than expected, but I don't think are too far out of line for a vehicle that gets used like a Jeep...Don't expect Corolla-like reliability on a vehicle that goes from high speed driving off road to rock crawling to freeway driving.
but here is the deal : All model years and vehicles have their warts. Some warts may be more common than others...just understand what the common issues are and balance that against the cost.
What's better? The devil you know or the one you don't? The Jeep JK is one of the highest selling vehicles in the US. It has the best aftermarket support (by far) and tends to have a very active ownership base...so there will be far more info about Jeeps JKs online than any other vehicle.
Hi Guys - the youngest daughter is wanting to get a Jeep as her first car (she has saved her own money). We have found a 2007 Wrangler Unlimited X hardtop. Auto, 3.8L, 4WD, etc. Looks to be all stock (we are going to look at it in a few hours). Also doesn't look like it has much (if any) trail time on it as it has street tread tires and no scratches or dents. My only experience with Jeeps is: 1) I hotwired a WWII Willy's when I was 8 and took it for a drive through a field; and 2) the middle daughter's first vehicle is a 1995 Wrangler YJ 4.0L that has been nothing but a PITA from a reliability perspective (new trans, new computer, etc).
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So, before I get into this mess again, with the 2007 (123K miles) - is there anything I need to look out for (like on the 95 YJ I learned that with bigger tires and stock gearing - they don't like to pass smog in SoCal due to the NOX requirement)? This particular daughter is now getting rid of the 95 as she is leaving for college and it has proven to be too unreliable to be trusted with her going to be so far away from home.
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As I mentioned before, this is her hard earned money that she has saved and we want her to have something reliable. She is dead set on a Jeep as she is getting into landscape photography and wants to be able to go out and take some pics (and go with us on trips). she's turning 16 so this will be her first car. She does intend to add stuff to it as time goes on: the typical lift, tires, wheels, suspension, gearing, etc.
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Any help, input, advice is greatly appreciated. Thanks.
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PS - it has a "Trail Rated" badge on it. does that actually mean anything specific to this vehicle or is that just a marketing angle?
sent via the cone of silence
