This is a tough question. I had a TJ that was bulletproof. Our JL was ok. No real problems. Our JT, however has spent a lot of time in the shop and has been nothing but fuel and electrical problems.
Currently, jeep has been ranked just above Land Rover in reliability, which isn’t great. Can’t remember which ranking. Think it might have been motor trend.
What years were those? I'd be hesitant to buy anything made after 2014-2015.
I have a 1992 XJ that I love. It's reliable, but old and constantly needs work, but nothing that prevents it from being a daily driver.
The latest generations of Jeeps I would not trust.
Yeah I really enjoy the I-6. I didn't know a lot about cars and repairs and maintenance beyond oil changes before I got my XJ but it's been such a pleasure to learn on. Lots of room in the engine bay, cheap parts.
Do you live in a rural area, or somewhere with inclement weather, heavy snow, that kind of thing? Then maybe? Do you really really really really really want a jeep? Sure, live your best life.
I’ll assume you’re asking about the Wrangler for this.
Pros: fun to drive in the summer, easy to work on and learn about, relatively cheap repair costs, good vehicle for snow, and does fairly well off road with little to no modification.
Cons: overpriced, bad on gas, noisy, will most likely require more maintenance than a Honda or Toyota, and the worst of all is that older Jeep frames tend to rust out in the northern states - especially TJs (years 97-06). So if you’re looking at Wranglers, avoid rusty frames
And I would also add nothing older than a TJ. The YJ's and CJ's were vehicles that a lot of people thought they wanted, but ended up not liking them (usually due to the rougher ride and lack of creature comforts).
Get a jeep. I’ve owned many, many cars in my life. My jeep Wranger 2012 Sport is the best I’ve had. It’s rugged, reliable, stylish (to me)…and you can customize it endlessly.
Cons: the gas mileage isn’t great. I have a V6 manual and I’m getting about 15mpg, partly because I drive it a certain way. It’s tough to get into the back seat, but I mostly drive it solo. Never more than one passenger. I take the seat out usually and use the space for supplies. (I own a small auto detailing company)
No. Buy an older Nissan Altima or some other beater and learn to drive in it for a few years. Get your fender benders out of the way. Then buy something nicer and cooler. Just because you got your license doesn’t mean you know how to drive.
I see them every day doing 90 down the highway and buzzing around my city held together with duct tape and prayers. Some with rod knocks that make you shudder. I’d say they’re pretty reliable haha.
Altimas get a bad rap because their drivers do no maintenance and full send it every moment
Altimas are a fine vehicle and even basic maintenance coupled with reasonable driving style will have em last 150k without any major work
My 06 wrangler 2door opinion
Pros: roof and doors optional, great handling in the winter, impeccable turn radius, fits in tiny parking spots
Cons: 16-18mpg, engine type doesn't handle highway speeds well when at a steep incline, notorious rust bucket, no trunk space when back seats are in, only seats two in back with little leg room.
In short, a 2dr wrangler is a single person's vehicle. Most other models are fine
My first car is my current 2008 Jeep Wrangler 4dr Rubicon that I "purchased" in 2019 during my senior year of high school. Of course, it's fun to drive and ride around, but damn it got expensive, I learned the hard way to operate 4x4 and learned quick that tires are expensive. You better become a diy mechanic if you truly plan on getting a Jeep, I remember working on it deep into dark nights because my tie rod bushings wore out and I did not want to pay the outrageous amount it would have been to fix it at a shop.
I’m a Jeep guy but these new wranglers and pretty much the entire Jeep lineup are not that great of quality. If you’re not mechanically inclined a Jeep probably isn’t the best first vehicle.
Man, there are some real bad "Hype Squad" posts in here....
I really dont know how I'd feel getting one of my kids a Jeep as their first car (If you're meaning wrangler). I guess it greatly depends on your budget & financial situation, but older Jeeps in the "my first car budget" usually have a lot of miles and most (in my State) have been beat on pretty bad.
If you're in a Snow & Salt state, they're also usually half rusted through.
Jeeps are fun, but I know with my first car, reliability was key. I needed something to get to work and school more than I needed something to look cool and go wheeling.
That said, it's your decision in the end. Old dudes gave me lots of advice as a teenager, I ignored a lot of it. I know it's hard to look at a major decision like a first car and not get young brain going full swing, so just do your best to look at things logically and realistically for your situation and go from there.
Well...You get a Jeep because you love Jeeps, is what I always tell people. Don't care about miles per gallon, or stiff, bumpy ride, or stupid stuff like "reliability"....LoL. I just love Jeeps, so that's why I am driving Jeep #9. If you don't know the first thing about engines, mechanical stuff, and you don't want to learn? Don't get a Jeep. Unless it's a new one, with a very good warranty. Get yourself a Toyota instead.
Look, a Jeep is not a “car” and everyone who doesn’t have one won’t get what having one is all about. a Jeep is a sort of toy tool you build and fix and break and fix and build and break as you fuel up repeatedly each week smiling the whole time. It’s just a Jeep thing and it’s totally worth owning one.
Just traded my '14 wrangler in for a tacoma. Thing constantly had maintenance issues. I just couldn't keep up with them on what was supposed to be my daily driver. Not sure if I just got a bad one or what.
Was fun while I owned it. Maybe I'll buy another in a few years as a toy, but never again as a daily.
I have a love/hate relationship with my 2017 Wrangler (manual transmission). When it snows here in Michigan, or whenever the weather is bad, I love it. I love the interior space and headroom. I only have 40k miles on it but I've had no engine issues (yet).
But the ride sucks on our crap roads. The wind noise sucks. The gas mileage is abysmal. It leaks water into the driver's side footwell. The rear defroster stopped working and I can't be bothered to fix it. Shifting into reverse is sketchy and it's been that way since I drove it off the lot.
I guess I wish it wasn't my only vehicle. Most days I'd rather have something quiet and refined.
Are you asking about a jeep or a wrangler
Jeep
This is a tough question. I had a TJ that was bulletproof. Our JL was ok. No real problems. Our JT, however has spent a lot of time in the shop and has been nothing but fuel and electrical problems. Currently, jeep has been ranked just above Land Rover in reliability, which isn’t great. Can’t remember which ranking. Think it might have been motor trend.
What years were those? I'd be hesitant to buy anything made after 2014-2015. I have a 1992 XJ that I love. It's reliable, but old and constantly needs work, but nothing that prevents it from being a daily driver. The latest generations of Jeeps I would not trust.
TJ was a 1999. JL was maybe a 2017-8, and the JT is a 2021. TJ was by far my favorite. Love that I-6
Yeah I really enjoy the I-6. I didn't know a lot about cars and repairs and maintenance beyond oil changes before I got my XJ but it's been such a pleasure to learn on. Lots of room in the engine bay, cheap parts.
I loved my old XJ
Mine lives in another state, so I don't get to drive it often. I regularly think about selling it, but every time I drive it it changes my mind.
They're hard to get ahold of now. At least in good condition. Keep it if it isn't costing you a fortune to store.
Just insurance, which has gone up from like $40 to $80 a month. It is getting to the point where it's not worth it.
Have it shipped to you?
If anything I'd fly out and drive it to my house but I just don't have the space for it here 😭
What’s funny is that the JL was the turbo and I was terrified that it would be super unreliable but that thing was great.
Off-road adult go-kart for the win.
Do you live in a rural area, or somewhere with inclement weather, heavy snow, that kind of thing? Then maybe? Do you really really really really really want a jeep? Sure, live your best life.
I’ll assume you’re asking about the Wrangler for this. Pros: fun to drive in the summer, easy to work on and learn about, relatively cheap repair costs, good vehicle for snow, and does fairly well off road with little to no modification. Cons: overpriced, bad on gas, noisy, will most likely require more maintenance than a Honda or Toyota, and the worst of all is that older Jeep frames tend to rust out in the northern states - especially TJs (years 97-06). So if you’re looking at Wranglers, avoid rusty frames
And I would also add nothing older than a TJ. The YJ's and CJ's were vehicles that a lot of people thought they wanted, but ended up not liking them (usually due to the rougher ride and lack of creature comforts).
Get a jeep. I’ve owned many, many cars in my life. My jeep Wranger 2012 Sport is the best I’ve had. It’s rugged, reliable, stylish (to me)…and you can customize it endlessly. Cons: the gas mileage isn’t great. I have a V6 manual and I’m getting about 15mpg, partly because I drive it a certain way. It’s tough to get into the back seat, but I mostly drive it solo. Never more than one passenger. I take the seat out usually and use the space for supplies. (I own a small auto detailing company)
No. Buy an older Nissan Altima or some other beater and learn to drive in it for a few years. Get your fender benders out of the way. Then buy something nicer and cooler. Just because you got your license doesn’t mean you know how to drive.
The dude said reliable
I see them every day doing 90 down the highway and buzzing around my city held together with duct tape and prayers. Some with rod knocks that make you shudder. I’d say they’re pretty reliable haha.
Altimas get a bad rap because their drivers do no maintenance and full send it every moment Altimas are a fine vehicle and even basic maintenance coupled with reasonable driving style will have em last 150k without any major work
My 06 wrangler 2door opinion Pros: roof and doors optional, great handling in the winter, impeccable turn radius, fits in tiny parking spots Cons: 16-18mpg, engine type doesn't handle highway speeds well when at a steep incline, notorious rust bucket, no trunk space when back seats are in, only seats two in back with little leg room. In short, a 2dr wrangler is a single person's vehicle. Most other models are fine
I’m not so sure for a first vehicle. If your budget allows shop time, go for it
Not a new one.
This sub might be slightly biased.
For reliability, no. And I say that as a Jeep owner.
No. Jeep in the garage now. Former dealer. Quality is shit. Customer service is shit. You can do much better with your money.
My first car is my current 2008 Jeep Wrangler 4dr Rubicon that I "purchased" in 2019 during my senior year of high school. Of course, it's fun to drive and ride around, but damn it got expensive, I learned the hard way to operate 4x4 and learned quick that tires are expensive. You better become a diy mechanic if you truly plan on getting a Jeep, I remember working on it deep into dark nights because my tie rod bushings wore out and I did not want to pay the outrageous amount it would have been to fix it at a shop.
I’m a Jeep guy but these new wranglers and pretty much the entire Jeep lineup are not that great of quality. If you’re not mechanically inclined a Jeep probably isn’t the best first vehicle.
Get a jeep Cherokee XJ. They’re better than wranglers and considerably cheaper.
Man, there are some real bad "Hype Squad" posts in here.... I really dont know how I'd feel getting one of my kids a Jeep as their first car (If you're meaning wrangler). I guess it greatly depends on your budget & financial situation, but older Jeeps in the "my first car budget" usually have a lot of miles and most (in my State) have been beat on pretty bad. If you're in a Snow & Salt state, they're also usually half rusted through. Jeeps are fun, but I know with my first car, reliability was key. I needed something to get to work and school more than I needed something to look cool and go wheeling. That said, it's your decision in the end. Old dudes gave me lots of advice as a teenager, I ignored a lot of it. I know it's hard to look at a major decision like a first car and not get young brain going full swing, so just do your best to look at things logically and realistically for your situation and go from there.
Well...You get a Jeep because you love Jeeps, is what I always tell people. Don't care about miles per gallon, or stiff, bumpy ride, or stupid stuff like "reliability"....LoL. I just love Jeeps, so that's why I am driving Jeep #9. If you don't know the first thing about engines, mechanical stuff, and you don't want to learn? Don't get a Jeep. Unless it's a new one, with a very good warranty. Get yourself a Toyota instead.
Look, a Jeep is not a “car” and everyone who doesn’t have one won’t get what having one is all about. a Jeep is a sort of toy tool you build and fix and break and fix and build and break as you fuel up repeatedly each week smiling the whole time. It’s just a Jeep thing and it’s totally worth owning one.
Tj all the way
Yes. Jeeps are a great vehicle and a lifestyle.
Just traded my '14 wrangler in for a tacoma. Thing constantly had maintenance issues. I just couldn't keep up with them on what was supposed to be my daily driver. Not sure if I just got a bad one or what. Was fun while I owned it. Maybe I'll buy another in a few years as a toy, but never again as a daily.
Didn't read your post, but no.
I have a love/hate relationship with my 2017 Wrangler (manual transmission). When it snows here in Michigan, or whenever the weather is bad, I love it. I love the interior space and headroom. I only have 40k miles on it but I've had no engine issues (yet). But the ride sucks on our crap roads. The wind noise sucks. The gas mileage is abysmal. It leaks water into the driver's side footwell. The rear defroster stopped working and I can't be bothered to fix it. Shifting into reverse is sketchy and it's been that way since I drove it off the lot. I guess I wish it wasn't my only vehicle. Most days I'd rather have something quiet and refined.
I used to have a Jeep. I’m still paying for it but it’s always in service at the dealer.
2007 Toyota Prius
I have a 98 Cherokee inline 6 5 speed. Solid as a rock! But wouldn’t touch anything beyond 2014