Test driving a Jeep tomorrow, looking for some tips.

[glazener24]

Hey gang, I'm (hopefully) going to test drive a 2016 JKU tomorrow. As someone who has never owned a Jeep before, I thought I'd check in with the experts to ask if there's anything Jeep specific that I should be looking for. I've read a lot about death wobble, which I assume is an issue related to the suspension. What speeds should I expect to experience the death wobble at should it exist? I'm all ears if there's anything else I should know!

The Jeep in question is a 2016 with 29,000 miles on the clock. I've attached a few pics that I took at the dealership, let me know what you think! Thanks in advance, guys!

 

[jadmt]

death wobble can happen at any speed but most cases are at 50+mph when hitting a bump, if it has death wobble you will know as it is not just a little shake and bake. Fox shocks from a BDS lift so most likely it has BDS coils which are so so. the front upper and lower Tera flex alpine control arms are nice control arms.what does it have for trackbars front and rear if over a 2.5" lift should have a rear track bar bracket to raise roll center. has AEV savgre rims which are nice.

 

[Grenadiers]

What size tires? If larger than stock, has it been re-geared? At 29000 miles, it should ride like new. Is it from a Jeep dealership? If so, compare it to a new one.

 

[SoDakSooner]

The bumpers that are on it are EXTREMELY heavy. I had them. Not a fan of those. Roof rack is a cheaper one also. I had that too....lol. Sold all of them and picked up what I wanted. I'll agree those Alpine arms are nice. AEV wheels are good, Decent shocks.

I have not personally experienced death wobble. Normally occurs in a vehicle with an improperly set up suspension or with very worn components. You will know when you drive it.

 

[glazener24]

Thanks guys! Tires are 35's, not sure about the gearing. I read that the bumpers are heavy, but I kinda like them. I may end up pulling the rack off, I'm torn on whether I like it or not

Edit: I think that rack is made by Barricade, can anyone confirm?

Edit 2: Nevermind, I'm pretty sure it's a Smittybilt. I might keep it since I'd like to run a roof top tent in the future.

 

[kdeleon]

What size tires? If larger than stock, has it been re-geared? At 29000 miles, it should ride like new. Is it from a Jeep dealership? If so, compare it to a new one.

+1.

My 2016 has 36K with lots of trail miles and washboards (i consider this to be worse than rock crawling!). Still drives like new, i would expect that 2016 to drive new as well.

 

[NatersXJ6]

I’m at just over 70k, and I would say quality of drive is entirely related to quality of tires at this point. Mechanically, everything is still great... hoping I didn’t jinx myself...

 

[Smileyshaun]

how much are they asking ? sometimes with dealerships you will pay more for a used rig with goodies then you would for a new rig and just buy the goodies yourself

 

[glazener24]

They are asking $35,900. I was going to ask what you all thought of the price too. I haven't shopped around a ton, so i'm not sure what pricing is like on used Wranglers. Also, I went by to drive it just now. Apparently is off being detailed and won't be back until Monday.

 

[ratled]

There are several 2017 Rubi's on Carmax right with the same mileage or less for the same price. I know they aren't the Black Bears and fairly stock but they are one model year newer and you are not buying other folks stuff you may not want or worse, stuff installed that aren't working well or poorly installed.

Just a thought

GL

 

[American Jeeper]

I’d almost consider a JL for that price. I had three JK’s and loved them all, but you could get a brand new Jeep at a lower rate (if you finance) for a few grand more. Lots more to start with and build on.


There are quite a few ways the JK is better than the JL too, but many are cosmetic...

 

[glazener24]

I'd love to have a Rubi, i'll have to check that out. I wouldn't mind building from stock, but man some of this stuff is expensive. And to be honest, I'd probably go a very similar route as the one that I posted even if I did build my own.

Btw, what is up with the Black Bear thing? I read that it was a special edition, but the pics I see online say "Wrangler" on the hood and not "Black Bear". Not a big deal, I'd probably take those off anyway...I was just curious because I couldn't find anything online that matched that one.

 

[jadmt]

just go to the mopar site and plug in the vin# and it will tell you what equipment it came with and gear ratio etc. Looks like a previous owner added the Black bear. you can get a brand new Rubicon at Dennis Dillon for that price. Do a fly and ride. google dennis dillon jeep.

 

[Smileyshaun]

in my area you can get a new JL for 30k maybe a little less , lower interest rate , factory warranty ect ect .
Personally I don't like buying any vehicle that's been modified unless its a super good deal because I don't know how it's been modified , how well it was installed, has it been abused, will I have to rebuild the add on parts .
Buy once cry once .

do yourself a favor and test drive a new jeep , they made some good improvements.

 

[ratled]

I'd love to have a Rubi, i'll have to check that out. I wouldn't mind building from stock, but man some of this stuff is expensive. And to be honest, I'd probably go a very similar route as the one that I posted even if I did build my own.

Btw, what is up with the Black Bear thing? I read that it was a special edition, but the pics I see online say "Wrangler" on the hood and not "Black Bear". Not a big deal, I'd probably take those off anyway...I was just curious because I couldn't find anything online that matched that one.

A basic Rubi has many more options than the BB that was built off the Sport model. No disrespect to the Sport but it sounds like a Rubi is more for you
2016 Black Bear article