When you’re truck shopping, price is a pretty big deal. So, you’re probably wondering to yourself, “Why are Jeep Wranglers so expensive?”
It’s a fair question – vehicles are a big investment and you want to get quality for your money. The good news is that it isn’t just a price tag for the name.
Jeep Wranglers actually have lots of features that drive up the price. Famous for their all-terrain driving abilities and loved for their strength, Wranglers are nothing if not tough.
The engines are strong and they tend to last for a long time in pretty rough conditions. Geared towards heavy-duty drivers with an off-roading focus, Wranglers offer a lot of value for the price point. It’s up to you to decide if the truck is worth the cost.
Contents
Here is Why Are Jeep Wranglers So Expensive?
It all comes down to what the auto has to offer – things such as:
- Off-roading capacity: If you like to go off the beaten path, you need something that won’t break right away. That’s the key reason people choose Wranglers – what you pay upfront, you save in shop fees and parts.
- Appearance: When you get a Jeep, you pay for that iconic ‘Jeep’ look. On its own, this adds value. The classic, boxy appearance that adds sturdiness and balance makes the Jeep stand out from the crowd.
- Sturdy and Functional: Built to last, these autos whether all types of elements. Getting a longer-lasting product always tacks on some extra price. Instead of incurring damage (and paying to get it fixed), you pay upfront for a solid item.
- Manual Transmission with Six Speeds: A critical feature to off-road driving and handling tough terrain, this adds to the cost as well. A tough engine means a tough truck.
- Diverse Functions and Setups: Whether two or four doors or soft or hardtop, there are lots of different ways to use the truck. The versatility adds value – and thus price.
These are the solid reasons for the markup on a Wrangler model. However, there are some other factors that lie outside of performance. These include:
- Labor Costs: Vehicle manufacturing is a major industry. It requires a lot of work costs to pay the employees. One of the factors in pricing the units incorporates the price of labor. Even when it is largely machine manufactured, there is still the price for the machines to operate.
- Transportation/Warehousing: Jeeps have manufacturing plants internationally. The cost of moving goods from place to place (especially when overseas) adds to the price you pay for your Wrangler.
- Market Value: This is another pricing consideration. Even if the cost of the Jeep Wrangler product went down substantially, there is still a market value for automobiles. A large part of price modeling responds to this system. Basically, they know roughly what you are paying for any truck and add pricing based on the value differential.
As you can see, there are two sets of influences on a Jeep Wrangler product pricing. Even with Jeep Wranglers being so expensive, they are usually in the range of other automobiles and still offer more value – depending on your lifestyle.
Common Jeep Wrangler Questions & Answers
01. Are Jeep Wranglers worth the money?
It depends on what you need from your vehicle. If you want to go camping and explore the great unknown, then it just might be the best car for your needs. They are sturdy and driveable, not to mention proven in difficult road conditions.
On the other hand, if you are getting a vehicle to move cargo or haul your family to the grocery store, it might not be the best fit.
They aren’t great for space inside for hauling around things and people. Urban driving strains the vehicle more than off-roading. In cases of city driving, an SUV may just be the better choice.
To get an idea of what driving a Jeep Wrangler on a daily basis (including some pros and cons), take a look at the video here.
How reliable are Jeep Wranglers?
Though some complaint of handling issues or trouble with comfort, the general consensus is that these are trustworthy vehicles.
Typically, as long as you handle it reasonably and perform the necessary maintenance on the vehicle, you should have no trouble keeping it in good condition over the long term.
Dependable in terms of function and starting, it takes a lot of neglect to get the components to fail. Of course, this means you need to perform regular oil changes, tire checks, cleanings (and everything in between).
The good news is that – assuming you don’t try anything crazy when off-roading – you get a really reliable vehicle. Basically, if you treat it well, it will return the favor.
What is the maintenance like for a Jeep Wrangler?
One of the top reasons people favor the Jeep Wrangler choice is the low annual average for maintenance purposes.
Even though it comes with a bit of a heftier bill upfront, within a few years of care you can easily come out on top. In the mid-range three digits, the yearly cost of caring for these trucks is way lower than comparable arrangements.
Just like with other automobiles, you want to swap out the filters and oil frequently. Basically, after you drive a few thousand miles, you want to change those systems over.
Other steps include tire rotations and making sure the system is properly balanced. Generally, you only need to do this once for every two oil changes.
Of course, there is other small stuff like changing out the air filter system and keeping the vehicle clean.
You need to keep an eye on windshield quality as well as brakes. Typically, this is much less frequent than with the other routine maintenance indications.
In fact, if you opt to take care of the maintenance needs at home, you can save a bundle. This way, you make your investment even more worthwhile.
To learn even more about Jeep maintenance, check out the video here for a helpful step by step tutorial.
What is the best Jeep Wrangler to buy?
It all comes down to your personal preference – and your budget. Depending on what you want to invest, there is a huge range of Wranglers.
Most favor the CJ5 and CJ6 options. They have a wide variety of newer features that add flare and function. If you are after the modern amenities while also getting the reliable values of the Jeep, these are good choices.
Some others prefer a more classic approach, though. In these cases, you may want to look at the Jeep JK auto. It’s a sturdy build that emulates the values of all the reasons people choose Jeeps in the first place.
Of course, if the budget is standing in your way and you definitely need a Jeep, take a look at some older products.
You can usually find a pre-2006 model for roughly five thousand dollars. If you are less specific about price, it can go all the way to the tens of thousands of dollars.
Higher price points give you options like the Sahara or other skews of the Wrangler. It all depends on what you want out of your Jeep and how much you are willing to spend.
The good news is that, for pretty much every price point, there is a Jeep Wrangler at the ready. Check out this handy video on everything you need to know about buying a Jeep Wrangler.
Final Thoughts
The point is that Jeep Wranglers might be pricey, but they are also valuable. With one of a kind features that meet the needs of the outdoor-focused lifestyle, they offer really irreplaceable value.
Provided they fall close to your budget, the amount you save can actually make them a profitable choice.
If you know that you’ll be trekking off-road, and you opt against the Jeep, you will owe your other truck some TLC.
Jeeps can withstand a lot more than other vehicles; and, if you are going to use them, they can save money in maintenance.
As long as you know that you are going to use the Jeep to its fullest, then it is well worth the investment.
On the other hand, if you are going to be sticking close to the city (and worry about price) it might be better to go with something lower key.
Only you know what you’re looking for out of your truck so take some time to figure out what you need. From there you can decide if the Jeep Wrangler (price and all) is worth it for your needs.
