While browsing Cars & Bids, something caught my eye: Jeep Wrangler JKs — built between 2007 and 2018 model years — are surprisingly cheap. In fact, they appear to be cheaper than any equivalent-condition Jeep Wrangler ever, save perhaps the Wrangler YJ — the “cheap Jeep” that the world has for years assigned to the bottom of the convertible-Jeep hierarchy. How low will JKs go? Will they ever be as cheap as the YJ? I think the answer is yes; I think it’s possible they will drop below the 4.0 YJ in the marketplace, though it’s unlikely they’ll be cheaper than the cheapest YJs. Here’s why.
First, we need to establish why the Jeep Wrangler YJ earned its place as the “Cheap Jeep.” It comes down to three things:
- The Jeep Wrangler YJ was considered by many rather ugly (“Real Jeeps have round headlights” was a common refrain after the YJ’s debut for 1987)
- The Jeep Wrangler YJ’s successor improved upon it in almost every way
- The Jeep Wrangler YJ was offered in quite high volumes
This all makes sense. It’s a vehicle that there are lots of, it’s been completely overshadowed by the TJ (which had the exact same powertrain, but a better coil-sprung suspension, and a tidier interior), and from a looks standpoint it leaves much to be desired (With that said, I personally have come around to the YJ, which is why I own one).
Jeep Wrangler JK is following the exact same formula.
The JK is a high-volume vehicle (much, much higher than the YJ) that’s very similar mechanically to its successor, which is either as good or better in every single area — ride, handling, off-road capability, interior quality, etc. There’s no area where the JK is better than the JL (save for maybe its frame, though that matters mostly to hard-core off-roaders doing big builds; also I prefer the JK’s manual transmission), just as there’s no area where the YJ was better than the TJ. And then there’s the styling.
I wouldn’t call the Jeep JK ugly, just as I would’t call the YJ ugly, though I understand why both are unloved by diehards. Willys Jeeps, since the beginning, had round taillights and upright grilles; the YJ creased the grille and added square headlights. As for the JK, it strayed from the traditional Jeep look with its lack of a “breadloaf”-shaped grille.
It all started with the iconic World War II Jeep grille, a stamped, structural piece that held up the fenders and hood, and that was attached to the cowl/firewall via a metal bar (technically that bolted to the radiator, which was bolted to the grille):
This same general setup continued onto the CJ-5:
And though the YJ and its successor the TJ Wrangler didn’t quite have the same bread-loafy-ness, they were at the very least trapezoidal (ish) in overall shape — wider up top and narrower where they met the frame:
This changed with the JK, whose plastic, for-the-first-time-non-structural grille (the JK and modern JL have hydroformed rails to carry the fenders) was pretty much rectangular:
It looks clumbsy. Combine that with the JK’s porkiness — a massive weight gain due to a significant increase in width and in safety offerings — and the Wrangler has aged poorly. It’s not ugly, but it’s just plain. Again, this is all in relation to the Jeep Wrangler JL, the JK’s successor, which has completely overshadowed it.
First, check out this nice grille — not only does it taper more as the grille goes to meet the frame, but it’s also got the headlights intruding into the grille slot s — just like many of the first civilian Jeeps (CJs):
Here’s a nice lineup of Jeep grilles from the JL’s brochure; it was pretty obvious Jeep saw the JL grille as a significant upgrade in terms of authenticity:
But it’s more than just the grille. The Jeep Wrangler JK was the first four-door Wrangler, and as such I always felt that especially the two-door’s design struggled to carry all that size. It always felt a little bit like a cube, and it always looked to me a bit slab-sided. The JL’s side character line really helped make it look a bit sleeker than its predecessor; the JL was truly a lovely and needle-moving styling update to the rather bland JK, without being too drastic:
Anyway, let’s have a look at some listing. We’ll check out only stock two-doors to limit the variables.
Here’s a nice 2013 manual transmission JK with about 150,000 miles on its 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 on Cars & Bids:
Here’s a 2012 in a more desirable color, with roughly the same sale price:
Here’s a 2017 automatic with 136,000 miles on Bring a Trailer:
Here’s a nice 57,000 mile Pentastar-powered Rubicon model that sold for $24,000 on Bring a Trailer:
The Sahara trim below usually goes for less than a Rubicon, but with 12,000 miles on the odometer, this perfect JK sold on Bring a Trailer for a bit more than the above Rubi — $24,250:
All of these have the desirable Pentastar engine. 2007 to 2011 models, though, were saddled with the gutless, sometimes-oil-burning “minivan motor,” the 3.8 liter V6, with the automatic being a weak and under-cooled four-speed compared to the Pentastar’s solid five-speed. These 3.8-liter JKs — especially ones before the much-needed 2011 interior refresh — are even cheaper than the ones above. Here’s a basic Sport model with just 90,400 miles on the clock — sale price on Cars & Bids: $8,550:
Check out this 2007 Rubicon (that’s the big-dog trim level that usually commands a heavy premium) on Bring a Trailer with about 150,000 miles on it; it went for just only $10,250:
This low mileage (55,000 miles) 2009 automatic model sold for $13,250 on Bring a Trailer:
The best of the best 3.8-liter Wrangler is the Rescue Green Rubicon, and this one with under 85,000 miles went for $17,200 on Cars & Bids:
This amazing yellow Rubicon with no miles on it wet for even less on Bring a Trailer:
So it seems to me that good-but-not-amazing-condition JK Wrangler two-doors typically sell for between 8 grand and 15 grand, with 3.8s at the lower end and 3.6s at the top end. Extremely nice 3.8 Rubicons will go for maybe 18 and nicer 3.6-liter Rubicons look to go for around 20. Obviously, Bring a Trailer and Cars & Bids rarely represent the local marketplace, but in this case, based on what I’ve seen, they’re not too far off.
This, to be clear, is still way more than the Wrangler YJ on average, though it is worth noting that a “decent” Wrangler doesn’t sell for that much less than a JK two-door — usually around $7 grand for one in good shape with 150,000-ish miles — so still a grand or two under a JK:
The best versions of YJs can actually sell for more than the best JKs, but then you’d expect that, because low-mileage, well-equipped YJs are significantly rarer than low-mileage Jeep JK Rubicons:
But when you get into the four-cylinder YJs, you realize just how cheap YJs can get. You can get a really nice looking Wrangler for $5 to 6 grand:
And if you get an automatic, it’s usually even cheaper.
The gap between a four-cylinder and six-cylinder fuel injected YJ is big, and even though both the JK’s 3.8 and 3.6 are six cylinders (so you’re unlikely to have that same stigma of “oh, it’s a four-cylinder?”) the difference between those two powertrains is large enough (202 HP vs 285 HP, plus the latter is generally considered more reliable aside from some valve issues on early ones) to where I think 3.8-liter JKs will be the YJs of tomorrow.
Obviously, that’s just a hunch, and me pulling listings from Cars & Bids/Bring a Trailer isn’t exactly scientific, but the ingredients are there: Like the YJ, its looks leave something to be desired; it’s similar but significantly worse overall than its successor; it’s a relatively high volume vehicle (it’s actually much higher, which exacerbates the value drop); and one of its available motors is significantly less desirable, so you’ve got competition between models and within the same model
I, for one, welcome a future of beater Jeep JKs, because JKs are still great Jeeps overall. Will they ever reach “disposable” status like the XJ did? Time will tell.
JK is way better than JL since David didn’t work on its cooling so it actually works without overheating.
Source: my trouble free 2012 4 door wrangler with 98000 miles
Late to the party, but I don’t think the JK has ever elicited the same controversy as the YJ. It may be getting older and hitting the bottom of its depreciation curve, but it still fits the styling archetype enthusiasts and lay people consider to be Jeep’s trademark.
The Porsche 996 would be a better example of a model that has had its value suppressed for the same reasons as the YJ.
i will be eagerly waiting for them to become “cheap and affordable” so i can replace my 2014 amp’d willys wheeler jku 6spd with factory half doors. picked it up in ’15 with 17k miles for a little over $26k. 2015’s started at $32k. had 156k on it when i lost it to an inexperienced 17yr making a left turn. only trouble it gave me was leaking with the hard top (no biggie, pulled the carpet and drain plugs), replaced the radiator at 85k miles because yes they are crap, and the plastic oil cooler neck thing cracked under warranty. over all it wasnt a terrible experience because i always looked at it with the understanding its a jeep and thats part of owning and daily driving a jeep.
I still have mine factory ordered 2014 Amp’d Willys WHeeler W w/ 6 speed.
If we don’t like to use it as a 4WD 4 door convertible with manual then I’m trading it on a wagon (V90 cross road or A6 all road or E450 all terrain) since I put on 90 miles on it last year.
My GTI has heated seats, laser cruise control, working radio and uses half the fuel while being way more fun to drive.
JKs are trash. Comparing them to a YJ is disrespectful.
Source: the 2008 with blown motor that’s sitting in my garage.
Jeep and Harley guys talking about different one model looks from its predecessor are the same person.
Unloved seems harsh. My 12 JKU 3.6L is my 5th jeep and the most reliable, comfortable, and utilitarian of the 5. The 4 door jeep was a game changer. The aftermarket really exploded with the introduction of a 4 door jeep.
If people wanted a jeep with 4 doors and storage space after the XJ left they had poor choices until the JKU. I had a commander and my JKU has MORE space behind the second row of seats than the commander did.
I was just wheeling with a bunch of JLs Saturday and my JKU was right there with them.
How do y’all keep track of the names? YJ, JK, TJ, etc?
if you are into jeeps you just know, part of the cult knowledge.
It really isn’t any different than Miata drivers knowing what years an NC model is, or a C6 Vette.
This is so to hide how old your car is. JK Wrangler sound way cooler than 9 year old wrangler.
Same thing with luxury cars owners. They do not want to admit they cannot afford 2025 BMW so they call theirs E39 BMW to hide their cost and age. It is Mercedes that makes E class not BMW BTW
Are you seriously saying that older generation vehicles cost less than newer vehicles? This is going to revolution the used car market. How on earth does every single adult on the planet not know this already???
I like the slab sided look of the JK for what is probably deemed heresy: it gives off sinister G-Wagen vibes at a bargain price. What I absolutely abhor, as has been pointed out by others too, are the non-painted, black plastic fenders. Fenders should look integral to a vehicle, not like recyclable, flimsy packaging.
I love the black plastic fenders on my JK – the plastic serves a function; they are easily replaceable if they get ripped off while on a trail. The painted fenders are much more expensive to replace.
Appreciate the real world input!
…are you SURE the 3.6L Pentastar is considered more reliable than the 3.8? The 3.8 was infamous for being gutless, not really unreliable.
The Pentastar has a whole litany of chronic problems. Oil filter housings, camshafts and rockers are huge issues on those engines. Pretty much every single slightly old Caravan I see is clacking away, owner blissfully unaware that the camshafts are being eaten by failed rockers.
A stunning number of people in the 4wd club I’m in with 3.6 JKs and JLs have had their motors replaced or rebuilt. I can’t say the same for the 3.8 or 4.0 Jeeps.
0 problems with my 3.6L V6 for last 98000 miles that can safely merge onto highway and match pace of traffic
It may not be for exactly the same reason, but it looks like David has to clear his browser history at least as often as any other married guy.
I had the 2.5 four cylinder in a ’93 YJ w/ manual trans. Purchased new, power steering and brakes were the only options. How much faster would I have wanted it? None more faster. It was just right for what it was and I miss it regularly. If I wanted a Wrangler today, I’d go looking for a YJ or TJ w/ 4cyl and manual trans.
Maybe it’s “a take” but the i6 is loved as tough, while the v6 is viewed as weak expensive garbage. Or so I’ve been told.
I don’t think the JK will become ‘disposable’ like the XJ because crossovers happened the overall 4×4 market got smaller as you could get all the stuff you liked about a 90s 4×4 in a more ‘car like’ package, therefore the amount of choice in the older 4×4 market from this era is smaller. Also the JK is weird in that it has solid axles, something enthusiasts covet and it is reliable (by Chrysler standards). None of the ’00s Chrysler cost cutting is a problem with this car because the interior can be garbage as its an off-roader, you don’t expect it to be nice unlike say a 2nd gen Liberty/Cherokee (throws up slightly).
I’ve been watching the market for these here in New Zealand and they aren’t getting cheap, I haven’t seen one drop below $15k even with over 200,000kms – granted most are 4 doors, there aren’t that many 3 doors here.
I don’t know how the Jeep situation is in New Zealand, but I, living outside of the US, always take these prices with a grain of salt, because American cars are never as available and plentiful here. On the flip side though, there are surely cars in other markets that are coveted in the US.
American cars here normally get written off as uneconomic to repair (I don’t remember the last time I saw a Voyager or a 300C). So there aren’t that many old ones knocking about. Genuinely the only American cars sold here now are Jeeps, Mustangs, Corvettes and RHD converted pick-ups. Jeep does sell quite well comparatively.
We used to get a lot of XJs & WJs as used Japanese imports back when they were popular there. And these remain quite cheap, on the used market – like equivalent or cheaper than the US. Whereas Wranglers hold their value.
Our used 4×4 market seems to follow world-wide trends, in that they are all expensive.
I see! Here in Norway we have a small number of American cars, but still more than some other European countries. One thing people love here are American pickups and SUVs; F150s/Excursions, Rams and Silverados/Suburbans are available in modest numbers. Jeeps aren’t so common either, especially not old ones.
Off-road cars are crazy expensive too, and those that aren’t are eaten by rust.
One YJ variant that’s seeing plenty of demand is the Sahara, and that’s thanks to YJ Saharas being prominently featured in a certain dinosaur movie franchise…
That tie-in has incentivized a certain amount preservation within the YJ community, with Saharas that might otherwise have been destined for the scrapyard getting full restorations and new leases on life. That’s also driven up prices for Sahara-specific parts, like the foglights and seats.
I think my wife’s 2010 JK manual sport was superior to her 2021 manual sport Gladiator. It shifted 10 times better and the engine had much more torque off the line. The Gladiator is so “refined” that I can’t hear the engine and the clutch has no feel at all. Consequently I either stall it or rev the shit out of it when I start off. /rant off
JK used German transmissions and gladiator is way heavier and slower than wrangler
I stumbled into my 2012 JK 4 Door as it was my college roommates, and it was destined to rot on his family’s farm or be traded away for nothing after he got a new ride.
I’ve for years heard the whole “they ride terrible, they creak, unreliable” etc cries. I’ve put about 7k miles on it since I picked it up in January, and while it needed a good bit of TLC to make it emissions compliant in my county, it has been basically my new daily driver. I even took it to Niagara Falls and back (just under 4 hours each way) without issue, and I’ll say it was a nice comfortable ride.
It’s now at 289k miles, so I fully intend to take it to 300k and beyond, though it probably will stay off the road in winters to keep it from turning to dust.
I think the JKs are just at the bottom of the bell curve right now. Theyre a little too old for loans on most of them now, and they aren’t old enough to be classics. Remember though, the current crop of 18 yr olds were born in ’07. The nostalgia curve always comes around, so once that group gets to be in there mid 20s, they’re going to probably think back on the JKs they saw, or their parents had, and the price will start to creep back up.
I think you nailed it. My 2012 JKU was quite civilized for a Jeep. The interior was quiet enough that I could audibly identify new noises that cropped up and address them if I wished to.
Yes I am at 173K in my 2012 JKU 3.6 with very little issue.
As a reluctant JK owner(it was too cheap to pass up, I work at a dealership and I can buy at wholesale pricing), I can confirm that this is the dopey Jeep. It’s slow, shifts like shit and has the worst interior of any vehicle I’ve ever owned.
I still goddamn love the thing though. The top is never up, it doesn’t have a spot of rust and is fun to drive in a farm tractor kind of way.
I’ve owned 3 Jeeps over the years, all manuals, all 2 doors. The first was a 2002 solar yellow TJ Sport. It was a great introduction to Jeeps It was bone stock and dirt simple to operate & maintain. It had a fabulous manual transmission and tonnes of capability and dependability, and it taught me that, after years of driving sports cars, driving a bit slower was a-ok. Unfortunately, my fiancé found it a little too scary on the freeway, and so in 2007 I traded it in for what felt like a much more civilized rescue green JK Sport. If this had been my first jeep experience, I would have quit right there and never touched another one with a ten foot pole. The hardtop roof leaked everywhere, the manual transmission was an absolutely abusive nightmare, it handled like a leaking barge and the engine blew up after just 53k kms (that’s just 32k miles in ‘merican). After Jeep replaced the engine under warranty, it continued to be troublesome, burning through 4 liters of oil between changes, plus that garbage transmission and clunky van engine took all of the joy out of driving a manual. In 2012, I’d had enough and bought a flame red Sahara with a tan leather interior. For me, this is the ideal Jeep. A truly wonderful, drama-free 6 speed manual, amazing capability off-road with a comfortable, quiet and ergonomically balanced interior, solid on the freeway, and with none of the death wobble, overheating transmissions or corrosion issues of some of the current versions. If I were in the market, I’d be looking squarely at 2012-2018’s, but I’m not, I’m waiting on my 2 door Bronco Badlands from the factory. Change is good
I’ve been wanting to buy a Wrangler for the better part of a decade now.
The problem is, no matter which generation, is by the time they get in my price range, they are also badly rusted out.
YJs are almost non-existent now (unless someone restored one).
TJs were horrendous even years ago, maybe JKs are a tiny bit better, but still, most frames are swiss cheese except maybe for the last few years.
Long story short, any of these under 10k will be very rusty in my area.
Maybe one day I’ll go down south to the Carolinas and buy a clean one.
I’d think there are enough around to make a trip south to get one pretty straightforward. For rare vehicles, it’s hard to go more than a few hours away to go look at a single car. But maybe with these you could schedule looking at a few on a given day in case the first one looks like crap?
Yes, that should be doable. The challenge is getting it plated.
If I buy at a dealership, easy enough, they should be able to get me temp plates.
If it’s a private party (more likely with my sub-10k budget) then it gets tricky. My state (NH) doesn’t do mail-in registration and in most states the sellers keep the plates.
Most times I’ve flown somewhere and drove a private party sale car home, the old owner has been nice enough to leave the plate on. I mail it back, or throw it away when I get home.
In the few instances they wouldn’t go along with my plan, I just drove it with no plate (maybe naively) believing as long as I kept it near the speed limit, a cop would understand with a bill of sale and title all dated that day or the day after.
I feel your pain about rust since I live in Maine. I’ve bought several vehicles out of state. Here I just get the VIN from the seller, go to the town office and get a “transit” plate. It costs $11.00, so even if I bail on the purchase, I’m only out a few bucks and time and travel fees. Which is always cheaper than replacing rusty parts and wrenching on a rusty vehicle. Just go a bit south and west and you should find a Jeep of your dreams. Good luck!
excellent help. Great points
I’m clearly in the minority here but I’ve always loved the look of the square (technically 5”x7” rectangles) headlights, which is why I’ve owned a YJ as my daily for the last 14 years. That said I do have an affection and appreciation for each generation (even the hoary-but-charming CJ.)
It’s amazing the red 4-cylinder ‘95 with 258k miles sold for $6000. I bought my first YJ back in ‘11 which was stock and “only” 100k miles for $5000.
I don’t like Jeeps, but although that one was lambasted back in the day for the square lights, it’s the last Jeep I remotely like, since it IS NOT available as a 4-door, and IS available with an inline-6 engine.
I sold my red ’95 with the 4 cyl and manual for $5700 in May 2023. I bought it for $500 in 2020 and it was a rusty mess. Took it down to the frame, sanded and POR15, replaced panels/floorboards that were rusty and painted with a rattle can in my garage. Wasn’t modified in any way. Miss the Jeep sometimes, but it was the right decision to let it go. Oh, and I had about $8000 in it when I sold it- this is not a business case.
I had a ’92, thought the headlights looked good.
Now jeep owners are all about ducks so if those are the people still going on about the shape of the headlights I think it’s safe to ignore them completely if you weren’t before.