If you’re looking for a used Jeep on the market, it can be a bit difficult to find one that has been well cared for and hasn’t been driven recklessly. It is important that you look under the hood and even crawl under the Jeep. Even if you are inexperienced in knowing what to look for, certain problems can be easily noticed with the naked eye.
When looking at used Jeeps, you need to take a close look at the Jeep. Do not take the seller’s word as the truth. You should look for dirt and debris that has lodged in the fenders and behind the tires. If you notice any giant lumps of mud, dirt, or clay stuck to certain parts of the Jeep, the chances are relatively good that it was pulled off the road at some point. Buying a Jeep that has been used off-road is not always a problem, however, vehicles that have been used off-road tend to sustain more damage than those that have been used primarily for on-road driving. It’s important that you know what you’re getting into before you buy a used Jeep.
Another area to inspect is removable covers or doors. Jeep Wranglers have a wide range of removable parts, look closely at these areas to make sure they are clean and in good condition. If the Jeep has a soft top, you’ll want to take a close look at the seals and zippers to make sure they’re in acceptable shape for a Jeep of that year. If the hood appears to be in good condition, it is a sign that the Jeep has been well cared for. After inspecting the top of the Jeep, you need to move on to the underside of the body. While you’re there, you’ll want to keep an eye out for rust or any damage that may have been caused by driving over larger-than-normal objects like rocks. If there is a large amount of rust on the underside of the Jeep, it is a sign that it has not been properly cared for or cleaned after off-road excursions.
You can also ask the landlord for any maintenance records. If the seller can’t provide them, he can always request the name of the mechanic from him to make sure the Jeep has had regular maintenance. If a seller can’t provide you with any maintenance records, chances are they didn’t keep them. The next step in the inspection process is to take the Jeep for a test drive. During this process, you need to speed up and then stop quickly, try it out at a variety of different speeds, and take a thorough test drive. At this time you should pay special attention to any strange smell, noise or anything else that does not seem right to you. If you notice a musty smell, it could mean that the Jeep experienced a leak at some point. If you hear strange sounds coming from the engine, it could mean expensive trouble is coming your way.
After the test drive, if you feel like it’s in relatively good condition, your next step would be to take the Jeep to your mechanic for an inspection. Your mechanic will be able to give you an idea of the overall mechanical condition of the Jeep and if they notice any issues you may have missed. Your mechanic can easily tell if the Jeep has been well cared for. He can also ask them if they feel the Jeep has been abused and driven off the road. Once your mechanic inspects the Jeep, you’ll have a better idea of whether that particular Jeep is right for you.