Used Gladiators

[NWJLFan]

I have been considering a Gladiator since release but have yet to pull the trigger mostly due to prices. I am noticing a LOT of Gladiators for sale on used lots around me. Do any of you see the same? Any theory why? TIA

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[Killroy Was Here]

I have been considering a Gladiator since release but have yet to pull the trigger mostly due to prices. I am noticing a LOT of Gladiators for sale on used lots around me. Do any of you see the same? Any theory why? TIA

A good portion of those you see on the lots could be lease returns.
Also, have read that repossessions are running very high across the board in recent times due to folks not being able to keep up with car payments.

 

[CJ99x]

I have been considering a Gladiator since release but have yet to pull the trigger mostly due to prices. I am noticing a LOT of Gladiators for sale on used lots around me. Do any of you see the same? Any theory why? TIA

Some of us went back and upgraded trim levels after we bought our original rigs. I started Willys and then went to the Mojave. Was thinking about Rubi but fell in love with the ride of the Mojave.

 

[The Bean]

I sold my JT back in February. I didn’t need it anymore, and Carvana offered me more than I owed on it. There’s a lot of factors as to why you’re seeing used JT’s in your area in large numbers.

 

[Jefe1018]

Make sure the JT is right for you. A lot of people buy one when needing a full size truck (ie multiple car seats and travel trailers that may be too big to comfortably pull consistently).

Otherwise, what other people have said is also very spot on.

 

[Barnaby’sdad]

Other than the issues mentioned above…some people don’t have realistic expectations regarding interior sound levels (the top is removable for either configuration). This is an issue for some folks if you check out reviews online.

For folks that are rarely or never going to remove the top or freedom panes…it’s likely not worth the added road noise.

The Rubicon trim and others with off-road oriented tires are popular. In the case of my Rubicon, the steering/tracking was scary in stock form. Not exaggerating. On twisty roads, it was a white knuckle experience.

I addressed the above mentioned issue with a $200 steering stabilizer upgrade. Night and day difference. I GUARANTEE that there were folks that owned their JT for a very short time and unloaded it given the poor steering experience.

The Rubicon rides like shit, by typical ~$55K vehicle standards. I like it, as it “feels like a Jeep.” I guarantee there were folks that bought one thinking “It’ll grow on me,” and it didn’t.

I could go on and on. Great vehicle, I REALLY like mine, but it’s not for everyone.

 

[kennyglm]

I have been considering a Gladiator since release but have yet to pull the trigger mostly due to prices. I am noticing a LOT of Gladiators for sale on used lots around me. Do any of you see the same? Any theory why? TIA

maybe lease returns or repos

 

[kennyglm]

my local dealership told me before inflation that they would get the auction sheet from the banks and it would be half a page and now its 3 or 4 pages full of reposesions

 

[Glad Jeeper]

You have a very good question. Here is what I know.... You are from Washington state (Gods country) We see a lot of used cars. In a previous reply it states they are probably lease returns or repo's there is probably a high % of these coming up, along with rental returns coming through. A lot of the vehicles you are seeing are from the auction yards. Most are from Dave Smith Motors since the volume they sell and provide. He does not have room to put used or return vehicles on his lots. The used cars and trucks are cherry picked for his lots, the rest go to auction, not saying they are subpar vehicles. You can tell what type of "used" they are by asking to see a carfax report, lots of info on those reports. If they are rental returns, lease returns most these vehicles are not "optioned" up mainly base models of there trims. Good luck in your endeaver. My JTM is the best vehicle I have ever owned.

 

[LouisvEarlleJT]

It’s pretty universal. People with money (or who like debt) buy the highest trim with all the options and think they are buying a luxury vehicle due to the price.

after driving it for 2-3000 miles they realize they did not buy a luxury vehicle, hate the noise, hate the ride, and dump it on the used market.

 

[NWJLFan]

You have a very good question. Here is what I know.... You are from Washington state (Gods country) We see a lot of used cars. In a previous reply it states they are probably lease returns or repo's there is probably a high % of these coming up, along with rental returns coming through. A lot of the vehicles you are seeing are from the auction yards. Most are from Dave Smith Motors since the volume they sell and provide. He does not have room to put used or return vehicles on his lots. The used cars and trucks are cherry picked for his lots, the rest go to auction, not saying they are subpar vehicles. You can tell what type of "used" they are by asking to see a carfax report, lots of info on those reports. If they are rental returns, lease returns most these vehicles are not "optioned" up mainly base models of there trims. Good luck in your endeaver. My JTM is the best vehicle I have ever owned.

Really great opinion and information, thanks!

It’s pretty universal. People with money (or who like debt) buy the highest trim with all the options and think they are buying a luxury vehicle due to the price.

after driving it for 2-3000 miles they realize they did not buy a luxury vehicle, hate the noise, hate the ride, and dump it on the used market.

This is one I was already thinking. People buy Jeeps sometimes not realizing what they are getting. Jeeps are a very specific thing that some of us love dearly but it isn't for everyone. As soon as you figure out your $60K truck is not like an F150 I could see buyers remorse setting in.

 

[NWJLFan]

Make sure the JT is right for you. A lot of people buy one when needing a full size truck (ie multiple car seats and travel trailers that may be too big too comfortably pull consistently).

Otherwise, what other people have said is also very spot on.

What I really want is a combination Jeep and pickup truck. I love my JK and it trailers enough for me but when I need to go get lumber or run to the dump it just doesn't work. I think a Gladiator would be fully in my wheelhouse.

 

[snowbear]

For us, it's perfect. We don't have a trailer to tow but we can load up crap for the landfill, bring home larger items from the big box store, and go play in the dirt if we want.

 

[jebiruph]

I have been considering a Gladiator since release but have yet to pull the trigger mostly due to prices. I am noticing a LOT of Gladiators for sale on used lots around me. Do any of you see the same? Any theory why? TIA

Check the aluminum panels and hinges for bubbling paint. Some might be being traded in due to corrosion issues.

 

[Jeeperjamie]

Probably more than likely lease returns, we are almost 4yrs in from when they came out. If you have never driven a solid axle front suspension in vehicle then expect a harsher ride over IFS suspension. These thing don't ride like a Cadillac but with that said mine has never driven at any point even on 37's and a 2.5 inch lift where I felt unsafe in it and if you do find yourself feeling unsafe to drive it a steering stabilizer isn't going to help you fix that, 100% fact. I say if your on the fence, go rent one for a weekend and drive the crap out of it and see if you like it. I've owned multiple jeep wranglers and needed a truck so I got rid of my 2010 JKU for the JT Max Tow and don't regret it at all. Plenty of room and power for me and my towing needs and it drives and rides better than my old JKU and I can say that with 100% confidence because I knew what to expect when I bought mine.

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