Does Model Year Matter? Any to avoid yet?

[Dave-in-RI]

Looking for opinions (with reasons) about whether or not the model year matters with the first generation Gladiator, as I start used Jeep shopping. I’m not sure I want a “covid Jeep” (ie, supply chain shortages) based on nothing whatsoever, but also don’t know if Jeep actually made improvements / tweaks along the way to early problems. So is a $30k from say 2020 a better or worse buy than say a $40k 2022 or slightly higher $ 2023? Reluctantly looking for an automatic based on what I’ve read on the thread and my need for towing a boat (though loaded tow weight on trailer is only about 4,000 lbs, so maybe manual would be ok?) Still going to wait until the 2024s are on the lots, but need to be ready just in case my car doesn’t make it that far, ha.

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[Puch]

I have no facts to back up any opinion, but if I had to choose 2020-2023 and everything was equal (same options, model, miles etc..) I’d go with a 2020 and stay away from the main Covid years- 2021 & 2022.Maybe I would look at 2024, but I have other issues with Jeep that will keep me from buying another new one. Don’t get me wrong, the 2020 isn’t a jewel either, but I would feel more comfortable with that year.
I’ve had my share of issues with my 2020, but I think the lockdowns and part shortages from the other years could have resulted in QC issues that may not show up for awhile.
As far as my work is concerned, overseas electronic components went way down hill during that time. QC issues are still popping up with components made during 21-22.

 

[High Alextude]

I have no facts to back up any opinion, but if I had to choose 2020-2023 and everything was equal (same options, model, miles etc..) I’d go with a 2020 and stay away from the main Covid years- 2021 & 2022.Maybe I would look at 2024, but I have other issues with Jeep that will keep me from buying another new one. Don’t get me wrong, the 2020 isn’t a jewel either, but I would feel more comfortable with that year.
I’ve had my share of issues with my 2020, but I think the lockdowns and part shortages from the other years could have resulted in QC issues that may not show up for awhile.
As far as my work is concerned, overseas electronic components went way down hill during that time. QC issues are still popping up with components made during 21-22.

Pretty sure 2020 is when everything shut down during Covid. And that is when the delta variant was going around.

Anyways, no issues with my 2022. 20k miles, going strong.

 

[Jobofly]

No issues with my 2022. 23000 miles on it so far.

 

[Puch]

Pretty sure 2020 is when everything shut down during Covid. And that is when the delta variant was going around.

Anyways, no issues with my 2022. 20k miles, going strong.

2020 is when everything shut down. I should have specified 2020’s made in 2019. 2020 model year.

 

[Dave-in-RI]

2020 is when everything shut down. I should have specified 2020’s made in 2019. 2020 model year.

Right— and that’s what I’m wondering about. I never wanted to buy the first model year of any car regardless of make, but then the next couple years definitely would have subbed parts and time bombs as the supply chain race began, even if tweaks were made for first year design issues. But 45k vs 30k is 50% more money, and the early ones might have had the problems shaked out, ghosts chased, etc.. And 15k savings pays for a lot of repairs and tires etc., still coming out ahead. And while I’d steal a bikini 2024, I don’t think I can convince even myself that 65k with zero miles for a minor refresh is worth 100% more money (vs say $32.5k for a 2020), when what I really want is the 4xe yet to be released (and then back to first model year issues, ha). The only real solution is to win the lottery!

 

[sharpsicle]

Right— and that’s what I’m wondering about. I never wanted to buy the first model year of any car regardless of make, but then the next couple years definitely would have subbed parts and time bombs as the supply chain race began, even if tweaks were made for first year design issues. But 45k vs 30k is 50% more money, and the early ones might have had the problems shaked out, ghosts chased, etc.. And 15k savings pays for a lot of repairs and tires etc., still coming out ahead. And while I’d steal a bikini 2024, I don’t think I can convince even myself that 65k with zero miles for a minor refresh is worth 100% more money (vs say $32.5k for a 2020), when what I really want is the 4xe yet to be released (and then back to first model year issues, ha). The only real solution is to win the lottery!

It’s not really fair to think of 2020 as the first model year since the Gladiator is basically a reworked Wrangler. All the components and whatnot were first introduced in 2018 with the JL. By 2020, everything already had 2 years in the real world.

 

[Panthers65]

It’s not really fair to think of 2020 as the first model year since the Gladiator is basically a reworked Wrangler. All the components and whatnot were first introduced in 2018 with the JL. By 2020, everything already had 2 years in the real world.

Agreed, if you want to avoid "Covid" jeeps thats up to you, but newer jeeps will have a better change of being under warranty too. From what I've seen any issues that will pop up will do so in the first 36K anyways.

Specific parts to the gladiator are rare, from the cab forward its 100% JL Wrangler and they've been in production since 2018, the 3.6/3.8 drivetrain has been around much longer than that.

 

[bleda2002]

The 2020s are the most notorious for valve train issues in the gladiators. Also had leaky axle seals (spread in to later years as well) and the rubicons of that time frame couldn't lock the rear locker in 4h with out a software update. Not a high probability of problems either way but I'd personally avoid the 2020 unless it was an absolutely screaming deal vs a 21.

 

[OldSarge]

2020 gladiator owner with 40k+ miles including plenty of off road and very difficult trails. Zero problems so far. Was one of my favorite all time purchases.

I feel with any used vehicle, a pre-purchase inspection is a must.

 

[Dave-in-RI]

Thanks everyone. Great points about the “they’re 2018 wrangler parts”, and potentially warranty (vs others 36k miles already clearing the “if it was gonna break under warranty it would’ve happened by now”. Such a helpful group.

 

[chorky]

Double edge sword here. Like mentioned 2020's had some big issues with engine and charging/battery stuff. My 2022 JTR was at the height of covid crap. So stupid expensive thanks to inflation, and concerns about quality. I have a couple minor issues - like a bed that is not properly aligned on the frame, and one major issue, transfer case removal and reseal. But I will say I have bigger concerns about finding a quality technician at a local Jeep dealer to fix my JTR without screwing it up even more than I do have concerns about the factory messing things up. Don't get green though - I love the color 200% but the paint quality of the sarge green is the worse I have ever seen in a modern vehicle.

Just over 15K on mine, no functional problems thus far but also not stock anymore.

 

[Hootbro]

I would say get a middle to late 2021 model or later. The 2020 models had higher instances of misfire issue, rear window leak and the early aluminum steer boxes that had loose steering issues. Late 2020 to early 2021 models had the leaking rear axle issue with a few stragglers later. Vast majority of the 2020 models are fine but I would not buy one used unless I knew where they stood on those problems if at all.

Regardless, now is the time to be buying one used and you can pick up a pretty good deal if astute.

 

[Zachanadandy]

With the massive discounts right now, I can't see buying used unless you find a killer deal. My 2023 mojave had an msrp of $65k and I got it for $52k. A used 2022 similarly equipped with 32k miles on it was for sale at the same time (late October) and they were asking $49k. Not sure how far down they'd deal, but only a fool would buy used within a few grand of new price in my opinion. They even threw in lifetime powertrain at 20% off msrp. If you can find low mileage used for 30% or more off msrp then it's worth looking at.

 

[jeventures]

In my opinion and experience the first batch of 2020 is a great batch. I think Jeep put a lot of effort and pride into the release and the majority of the components are straight from the wrangler and thus not really a brand new vehicle when it comes to first year model issues. The models built end of 2019 also escaped the parts shortage and covid stresses. I’ve a late 2019 build with just under 50,000 miles of fun on it so far and I have yet to need any repairs.

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