Thinking about going anywhere or doing anything, well, a Jeep is the answer to your thoughts. It is the definition of ruggedness and aesthetics, all wrapped in a four-wheel drive.
The primary thought behind this initial military-operation car model is its ability to be driven on tough, rough, difficult terrains and conditions. Today, the term “Jeep” is now used for cars that meet this condition, serving as a generic name for the Jeep brand.
It is only right to know how long Jeeps last if you are thinking of getting the original Jeep brand.
How Many Miles Will A Jeep Last?
Owning a Jeep guarantees you on average 200,000 to 300,000 miles in good condition. This goes without saying that routine care and proper maintenance are required, as its absence can take miles away from its life expectancy. A way to do this is by following the manufacturers’ maintenance guidelines.
While the average miles a Jeep can last has been highlighted, some can have as much as 400,000 miles – the Jeep Cherokee and Wrangler.
How Many Years Do Jeeps Last?
If you are worried about how long your Jeep will serve you, here is a soothing answer to your fears. Using 15,000 miles as the average, yearly mileage, a Jeep’s life expectancy can fall anywhere between 13 to 20 years, which is more than decent.
This surpasses the 5-year mark when a lot of cars start developing faults and owners start looking into replacing them. Considering the functionality of this car, having this much longevity, with proper maintenance, is better than a lot of car brands could dream of.
Are Jeeps Reliable?
Possible mileage and life expectancies are good indicators of reliability. Jeeps have more than decent numbers compared to other car brands. Throw in routine maintenance, this maximizes your Jeep’s lifespan, consequently, its reliability.
According to RepairPal, an auto repair and maintenance information provider, Jeep has a reliability rating of 3.5 out of a possible 5.0, ranking 15th out of 32 car brands and 345 car models. The reliability rating also takes these repair criteria into consideration: cost, extent, and frequency.
While it is undeniable that Jeeps are one of the most reliable on and off-road use vehicles, some are more reliable than the rest. This is evident in the Consumer Reports 2022 rating of Jeep, in relation to other 31 car brands. This brand ranking reflects changes that come with introduced new models and how persistent problems are fixed in old models, which means all models of Jeep were crucial in the ranking.
The criteria include road-test performance, safety, customer satisfaction, and reliability. Jeep ranks last on this brand ranking, 32nd taking the bottom position.
It is important to note that this rating doesn’t reflect the reliability of each Jeep model specifically, but collectively. These are overall ratings, not specific, as some models have more efficiency and reliability.
The most reliable include:
- Grand Cherokee 2021 model
- 2010 Jeep Liberty
- 2009 Jeep Commander, with an average rating of 3 out of 5.
On the other hand, the Jeep models with the least reliability are:
- 2021 Jeep Wrangler
- 2016 Jeep Patriot
- 2015 Jeep Wrangler
Do Jeeps Have A Lot Of Problems?
There are some problems that come with negligence and non-diligence in car maintenance, and some come during a particular age or mileage of a car. But assuming you have routine maintenance which you follow, a Jeep is, however, more susceptible to problems at the 100,000-mile mark.
Although some problems are more peculiar to a model of Jeep, below are some common problems you might likely face with your Jeep:
1. Transmission Issues
This situation occurs when your gear gets stuck, with difficulties in changing it from a certain gear, or slipping out of gear. This makes driving the car difficult.
2. Electrical Problem
This is peculiar with Jeeps having more water contact especially if submerged in water. The effect of this problem can include the engine seizing and refusing to start. It also includes the loss of lightning capacity of the Jeep.
3. Death Wobble
Wobbling occurs when you hit a bump at high speed. The steering wheel wobbles violently, making it difficult to control the wheel.
4. Leaks
This can come in different forms and parts of your Jeep. It can be in the form of oil, power steering, and transmission fluid. It can also be from the radiator, rear main engine seal, transfer case, or exhaust. It is important to check for leaks and book a mechanic appointment if any of these is found.
5. Bad Struts and Shock
This causes the Jeep to bounce more than usual, making it more difficult on uneven terrain.
6. Clogged Fuel Injectors Interior Problems
Generally, a Jeep is more likely in need of serious repairs, 13% chance, compared to 12% for other brands according to RepairPal. In the chance of any of the aforementioned problems occurring, it is recommended to book an appointment with your mechanic as fast as you can.
Do Jeeps Hold Their Value?
If your motive for purchasing a car is from an investment point of view, owning a new car might not be the smartest move. Experian, a data-providing platform, highlighted that the value of a new car drops as much as 20% in its first year of purchase, with an additional 10% in the next four years. This totals about 60% value depreciation.
Just like any other car model or brand, Jeeps are also susceptible to depreciation. However, this is relative to Jeep’s model. In addition, Jeeps also have a better depreciation rate, typically selling for 80% of their purchased price, compared to the average resale value of other models at 58%.
The models of Jeep with high-value retention are the Jeep Wrangler and Liberty. The Jeeps model released in 2019 is believed to have the best value retention. Conversely, Jeep Cherokees and Compasses are considered to have lesser resale value.
More important, maintenance goes a long way in ensuring the residual value of your Jeep, so have a routine.
Final Thoughts
We have been able to explore this rugged-esque car brand-Jeep, during the course of this descriptive and informative article. Your Jeep is as reliable as the number of miles and years it can give, which averages between 200,000 to 300,000 and 13-20 years. However, comparatively, it isn’t as reliable as most car brands, although they have been considered to have a higher residual value compared to other brands.
While we hope this article has been able to answer most of your questions and concerns, we welcome your thoughts and questions if there are any.