If you’re waiting for an old Jeep Wrangler’s price to drop so you can get it cheap, keep waiting.
These vehicles rank in at the number two spot for resale price on Car Edge, holding their value much better than the competition.
How much does a Jeep Wrangler depreciate in the first 10 years?
The Jeep Wrangler will retail about 55.42% of its value over the first 10 years (MSRP of $43,009). The MSRP ranges between $28,295 for a base Sport model to $49,495 for a High Altitude.
What makes the Wrangler such a trooper? Read on and find out.
How Much Will a Jeep Wrangler Depreciate?
The Jeep Wrangler’s slim depreciation mostly has to do with reputation. They say that an item is only worth what someone is willing to pay for it, and that is ultimately what determines the value of any vehicle on the second-hand market.
There are other SUVs that will hold up as well as a Wrangler, but few with the reputation that a Jeep has. We’ve all seen the World War II films with Jeeps chugging through forests and gliding across rivers — that’s an image that sticks with you.
This isn’t to say that Jeep always delivers. Every automaker has its model years to avoid and Jeep is no exception. The 2020 Wrangler in particular has earned low marks for reliability from Consumer Reports.
But that reputation goes a long way, and they get it right often enough that it doesn’t hurt their name too much when they do get it wrong. Those who have a bad experience buying a well-maintained used Wrangler are generally few and far between.
We can also consider that they really dominate their particular niche. If you want a Jeep Wrangler, you don’t want an Explorer or a Santa Fe. You want a Jeep Wrangler.
Still, this goes to show that you should always take the time to research not just your make and model, but model year when buying a vehicle. Jeep Wranglers may generally hold up better than other mid-size SUVs, but some Wranglers hold up better than others.
What Will a New Jeep Wrangler Cost?
There are literally more than a dozen available trim levels for a 2021 Jeep Wrangler. Any marketing guru will tell you to shorten that list, but it doesn’t seem to be hurting their sales any. In any event, let’s cover the big ones:
Sport
The lowest price you’ll get on a new Wrangler will be a no-frills two-door Sport model for $28,295. For many Jeep fans, the nuts-and-bolts simplicity of the Wrangler is part of the appeal, so this might be more than you need.
The Sport comes standard with a 3.6L V6 24v engine, or you can choose the 2.0L I4 DOHC DI Turbo for no extra charge, or, grab the 3.6L V6 eTorque for $1,500.
The main package to consider is the Trailer-tow and Heavy-duty electrical group, with 240-amp alternator, 700-amp battery, seven and four-pin wiring harness, and a Class II receiver hitch for $795.
Rubicon
The $38,940 Rubicon offers the same engine options and same overall performance as the Sport. Upgrades include off-road tires, heated side mirrors, and some styling differences like leather steering wheel and body-colored bumpers. Plus smart device integration.
Upgrade to the four-door and you can expect to pay $42,195. You can add an Alpine Premium audio system for $1,295, remote start for $495, and remote-proximity keyless-entry for $545.
High Altitude
The top-of-the-line $49,495 High Altitude comes standard with four-door, and offers generally the same engine options and performance as the other Wranglers, but with eight-speed automatic transmission, and the option of a 3.6L V6 Turbo Diesel for $4,500. Packages include the Cold Weather Group for $995 with heated front seats and steering wheel and remote start, and Advanced Safety Group for $795 with advanced brake-assist and adaptive cruise control.
Some key add-ons to consider for your Wrangler include the following:
- Sky One-Touch Power-Top ($1,900)
- Mopar hinge-gate reinforcement ($675)
- Integrated off-road camera ($595)
You’ll notice that most of the packages and add-ons have to do with performance. That’s because Jeep knows their ideal customer. You’re not buying a Wrangler for a sixteen-inch infotainment screen, you’re buying it for the rock-solid design and 9.7 inches of ground clearance.
Buy the Right One
As mentioned, Wranglers are great. Sturdy, reliable, with stellar resale value. But not all Wranglers are created equal. Do your research, read the Vehicle History, and make sure you’re not just buying the right car, but the right model year, as well.
Photos: Stellantis
