The Joy of Buying Used - Part 2 - Mileage

[howeitsdone]

I picked up my '23 mojave 3 weeks ago, pretty loaded, msrp $65k, for $52k with lifetime powertrain warranty included.

This is my point though. I just bought a '22 Mojave with everything but the cold weather package for $40k. So it's basically brand new still. There is a $12k delta between what you paid and what I paid. Fortunately I'm still under all the warranties, but if I had to spend $2,500 for an extended warranty that's still a $10k difference. A 2% APR difference isn't a concern at that point.

Should also note that location matters most due to various demand across the country. Buying in the SE is the absolute best value right now. I drove from Utah to Alabama for mine. There is a '21 Mojave as CPO with 8k miles in Georgia for $41k as well. That was my backup if the Alabama one didn't work out. But wasn't fully loaded.

Again, these things should see 200k easily when well-maintained. To me it's the modern 4.0, and we've seen countless of those go 300k+ when taken care of properly.

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[Zachanadandy]

This is my point though. I just bought a '22 Mojave with everything but the cold weather package for $40k. So it's basically brand new still. There is a $12k delta between what you paid and what I paid. Fortunately I'm still under all the warranties, but if I had to spend $2,500 for an extended warranty that's still a $10k difference. A 2% APR difference isn't a concern at that point.

Should also note that location matters most due to various demand across the country. Buying in the SE is the absolute best value right now. I drove from Utah to Alabama for mine. There is a '21 Mojave as CPO with 8k miles in Georgia for $41k as well. That was my backup if the Alabama one didn't work out. But wasn't fully loaded.

Again, these things should see 200k easily when well-maintained. To me it's the modern 4.0, and we've seen countless of those go 300k+ when taken care of properly.

The OP is talking 50-65k miles so not at all basically new. If the tires haven't been replaced they need to be. If the brakes haven't been done they're probably close. Tie rods, bushings, etc especially if it was wheeled. Those things will all add up. Even if we pretend 200k is normal life expectancy(it's not, yes many go that long, but many also have lifter failures right about where the op is looking), it's 25-30% used up. If he's getting it for $30k it's a deal. At $40k he's actually paying more than new when you factor in life expectancy.

 

[gladtohave]

My problem is my 2018 car only has 30k miles on the clock. So anything used that I look at with more than that seems like I'm going in the wrong direction. I'm hoping for a used diesel with 10k-20k max, or waiting for the 4xe and buying new.

Hmmm . You may be looking for a diesel with under 20k ? . My be wanting to sell mine W/19k miles . Pretty much loaded down Rubicon Never of road . How soon were you maybe going to be in the market . I do live in SoCal so probably a 10-12hour drive to boise
.

 

[Deleted member 57233]

Hmmm . You may be looking for a diesel with under 20k maybe . My be wanting to sell mine W/19k miles . Pretty much loaded down Rubicon Never of road . How soon were you maybe going to be in the market . I do live in SoCal so probably a 10-12hour drive to boise
.

Probably not until next summer for a used one. Lots of new diesels on the lots around here, so I'm going to wait and see how bad they want to move them. After that, I'll be looking at the ones with 10k or less which there seems to be a surprising amount of.

 

[JTGuy]

My 22 will have low miles on it when I trade it to get the 500HP Hurricane engine in 2 years. My mods are really about done now. I expect to take a big hit on it, the price to play. I have no idea what prices will do in 2 years but I'll be ready.

 

[Terminus33]

I bought my 2020 sport S at the turn of 2021 with 7 miles. It now has 108,000 miles and has only had the batteries swapped.

the brakes are starting to chirp so I'm thinking I should do that too.... lol

 

[pepeborja]

Thanks for the feedback.

I think the CARFAX report would show repeated stops at dealer for unscheduled maintenance and repairs. While not a sure bet, it is a good indicator for how it was maintained and what was maintained. The carfax can reveal a problem history or maintenance neglect. This is myfirst check.

The next check is a solid inspection of the underbelly. That will reveal battle scars, neglect on the drive train/suspension components, and corrosion problems. I'd say if the rig does not pass the underbelly check then it is not worth going further. I work on my TJ and know what to look for.

The next check is exterior condition for trail scars, dings, dents, corrosion and glass. The findings can be used to negotiate favorably or to justify a higher asking.

Then the interior. Here is where daily neglect shows up. Like the exterior condition, it can be a point for negotiation. A neglected interior = a neglected Jeep overall.

The test drive as described above is a must do and determines the next steps.

Now, after doing the above and all CHECKS OK, the last question boils down about the reliability of the engine/transmission/electronics. I can handle the checks above but not this one and the reason I came to this here forum to ask about it. Are these 3 components a concern for a 50K or 60K mile jeep when buying it used?

The reason I did not want this to be a "new" vs "used" is because that varies with the market. Offers come and go and in the end is all about math and ability to support the habit. That topic is very important and deserves its own thread for those considering that question. The 15% MSRP offers are juicy for sure!

In my case, I am looking at a used loaded JTR for 2 reasons:
1) I don't drive a lot. My 99 TJ has 28K miles and only gets about a 1000 miles a year (bikini top, fair weather). I'd expect the TJ to do 2K to 3K a year unless we do a trip with it and leave the Acura home.
2) It is not a primary car. It is more of a pride and "toy", hence the desire for a "lease return" loaded with options. Being reliable as a daily driver or lasting 100K miles is not a primary concern. My concern is more about it becoming a maintenance money pit because I ignored sound advice on the idea.

As you can see the new vs used makes no sense for me. My plan is to use the $ delta to do a proper lift with wheels and tires and a proper front bumper. That Jeep bug will want its $10K due, making the idea of a new one in the low to mid $50s a bit more dicey.

I did not read any response to scare me away from that idea. Everyone encouraged due diligence in the selection process. It all makes good sense and I am greatful for the input.

Gracias!

 

[LouisvEarlleJT]

I’ve found that 10,000 miles per year seems to be a good cutoff point when considering used cars.

 

[Zachanadandy]

Thanks for the feedback.

I think the CARFAX report would show repeated stops at dealer for unscheduled maintenance and repairs. While not a sure bet, it is a good indicator for how it was maintained and what was maintained. The carfax can reveal a problem history or maintenance neglect. This is myfirst check.

The next check is a solid inspection of the underbelly. That will reveal battle scars, neglect on the drive train/suspension components, and corrosion problems. I'd say if the rig does not pass the underbelly check then it is not worth going further. I work on my TJ and know what to look for.

The next check is exterior condition for trail scars, dings, dents, corrosion and glass. The findings can be used to negotiate favorably or to justify a higher asking.

Then the interior. Here is where daily neglect shows up. Like the exterior condition, it can be a point for negotiation. A neglected interior = a neglected Jeep overall.

The test drive as described above is a must do and determines the next steps.

Now, after doing the above and all CHECKS OK, the last question boils down about the reliability of the engine/transmission/electronics. I can handle the checks above but not this one and the reason I came to this here forum to ask about it. Are these 3 components a concern for a 50K or 60K mile jeep when buying it used?

The reason I did not want this to be a "new" vs "used" is because that varies with the market. Offers come and go and in the end is all about math and ability to support the habit. That topic is very important and deserves its own thread for those considering that question. The 15% MSRP offers are juicy for sure!

In my case, I am looking at a used loaded JTR for 2 reasons:
1) I don't drive a lot. My 99 TJ has 28K miles and only gets about a 1000 miles a year (bikini top, fair weather). I'd expect the TJ to do 2K to 3K a year unless we do a trip with it and leave the Acura home.
2) It is not a primary car. It is more of a pride and "toy", hence the desire for a "lease return" loaded with options. Being reliable as a daily driver or lasting 100K miles is not a primary concern. My concern is more about it becoming a maintenance money pit because I ignored sound advice on the idea.

As you can see the new vs used makes no sense for me. My plan is to use the $ delta to do a proper lift with wheels and tires and a proper front bumper. That Jeep bug will want its $10K due, making the idea of a new one in the low to mid $50s a bit more dicey.

I did not read any response to scare me away from that idea. Everyone encouraged due diligence in the selection process. It all makes good sense and I am greatful for the input.

Gracias!

Getting 20% off msrp was too hard for me to pass up, especially when they offered to throw in the lifetime powertrain warranty. It's a second vehicle for me too but I like not having to do all the due diligence of insurrection and carfax. In my area used ones with 30-40k miles are going for what I paid so it was a no-Brainer for me.

 

[sharpsicle]

Now, after doing the above and all CHECKS OK, the last question boils down about the reliability of the engine/transmission/electronics. I can handle the checks above but not this one and the reason I came to this here forum to ask about it. Are these 3 components a concern for a 50K or 60K mile jeep when buying it used?

I think this has been sufficiently answered in this thread. The mileage by itself really means nothing for those three.

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