Considering a used Gladiator

[cabbage 13]

I recently joined the Gladiator forum as I’m looking into buying one used. I’ve owned a couple of CJ’s and Wranglers over the years, so I have a decent idea of what to expect—at least to some degree.

My main question is: what should I budget for potential drivetrain issues once it’s out of warranty? From what I’ve read here, those problems seem almost inevitable.

Would it make more sense to hold off until the end of the year, when dealers might be more motivated to move new inventory, and go that route with a warranty? I’m leaning toward used since I live in Florida and will probably keep the top off most of the time, plus I don’t want to stress over scratching it up on the trails.

looking at this one.
https://www.driversmartusa.com/used...port-s-1c6hjtagxll174035-drivers-mart-sanford

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[Jrgunn5150]

New ones are currently so cheap, used makes little sense.

Most of what's for sale used, people bought at 55-70k, and are desperate to pull 35-40 out of.

 

[cabbage 13]

I'm finding a good selection of 20s to 23s in the mid $20k range with under 60k miles on them.

 

[cabbage 13]

Additionally I'm finding it hard to locate a 2025 in any of the configurations I like with a soft top.

 

[oldironsights]

I purchased a 23 Sport "S" on 30Jun25 for just over $28k.
$14k in trade allowed me to pay the balance & get the title.
It was an Enterprise Rental Truck out of Texas.
It was & still is well maintained.

I could have had higher trims available for lower prices, but the black leather & vinyl or black, red or dark gray paint was not what I wanted.
Had to search longer for one in bright white with cloth seats to match my other "Jeep".
Living along the gulf coast, I had no desire for heated hot seats or steering wheel.

Best of luck in your search.

 

[MPMB]

I don't think you need to be too concerned about drivetrain stuff, as long as you stay up on maintenance.

Since the valvetrain issue is a "rare" issue and seemingly completely random, I'd keep $2500-3500-ish for a cam replacement if it happens to you. DIY would be under $1k, if you don't have any of the tools.

 

[cabbage 13]

I purchased a 23 Sport "S" on 30Jun25 for just over $28k.
$14k in trade allowed me to pay the balance & get the title.
It was an Enterprise Rental Truck out of Texas.
It was & still is well maintained.

I could have had higher trims available for lower prices, but the black leather & vinyl or black, red or dark gray paint was not what I wanted.
Had to search longer for one in bright white with cloth seats to match my other "Jeep".
Living along the gulf coast, I had no desire for heated hot seats or steering wheel.

Best of luck in your search.

 

[cabbage 13]

Thanks, yeah, I never will understand the reasoning behind black seats in a soft top, at least not here in FL or TX for that matter

 

[JeepNightHawk]

I really wanted to buy used , but new ones are so heavily discounted , I purchased new. Keep in mind , there was a refresh in 2024. You can buy a fully loaded 2023 and your screen is half the size of a base sport now. 2024 and newer has updated interior and nicer looking grill. You will also get bumper to bumper 3 years and power train 5 years with new.

 

[RenegadeBI]

Don't buy one imported from Canada! The warranty doesn't transfer to the US.

 

[cabbage 13]

Good to know, I was actually looking at one from Canada, although after spending too much time reading posts on this forum I'm actually looking at getting a Tacoma now. Two kids in college makes me want something more reliable. Might just go back to a CJ for my fun vehicle. At least I know what I'm dealing with there.

 

[cabbage 13]

And I bought a new Gladiator after the dealer made me a great offer and agreed to put a soft top on the gladiator I wanted. This dealer also offers a lifetime powertrain warranty and I paid extra for a systems warranty that covers everything until 100k.

Much to do to her but just had the Rhino liner put in today, and window tint to follow Friday.

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