Used Jeep Wranglers hold their value better than anything on the road. Some recent model years are slightly less expensive than others.
The Jeep Wrangler is an American classic that can trace its lineage to the Willys Jeep that was instrumental in winning WWII. Now an integral part of Stellantis, the Jeep Wrangler is celebrating its 80th anniversary in 2021.
Stylish Jeep Wranglers are capable both on-road and off-road. American drivers love the Jeep so much that the vehicle has come to represent an entire lifestyle. Perhaps you can imagine yourself driving a Jeep Wrangler, but you wonder how much this iconic SUV costs.
Jeep advertises brand-new 2021 Wranglers starting at $28,575. The legendary Rubicon trim—with Dana 44 axles and locking differentials—begins at $42,720. The all-new V8-powered Rubicon 392 will cost at least $74,995.
The high prices of new Wranglers drive many Jeep fans to buy their 4x4s used. This keeps the prices of older Jeeps higher than other used vehicles. But even with most Wranglers holding their value, there are still some deals worth hunting for.
How Much Does a Used Jeep Wrangler Cost?
Obviously, pre-owned cars are not worth as much as new cars, as every vehicle depreciates—or loses value—every year.
According to a recent study of over eight million car sales, the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited reportedly holds its value better than any other vehicle. The Jeep beat out perennial favorites like the Toyota Tacoma, Dodge Challenger, and Porsche 911.
The study found that the average vehicle loses 49.1% of its original value by the time it is five years old. But the average Jeep Wrangler loses just 32.8% of its value in five years ($10,824 on average), and the Unlimited four-door model only loses 30.9% ($12,168).
The study was conducted by search engine iSeeCars. The company’s CEO Phong Ly said, “Jeep Wranglers are known for retaining their value for reasons including their ruggedness…Because of Jeep’s loyal following, their demand outstrips supply in the used car marketplace leading to high resale values.”
“Jeep Wranglers also have maintained their iconic design, so even older models don’t appear dated,” added iSeeCars Executive Analyst Karl Brauer.
The Car Gurus website tracks trends in vehicle prices. According to the site, used Jeep Wrangler’s lose approximately $2,000 for every model year. The average 2021 Wrangler is going for $39,772—in 2021.
The average 2018 Wrangler is only worth $33,191, the average 2015 is worth $26,097, and the 2013 model fetches $22,759. Totaling up all sales of all model year cars, the average price of an average used Wrangler is presently $23,840.
What is the Most Affordable Jeep Wrangler?
Used Jeep Wranglers may be more expensive than other used SUVs, but buying an older model is still cheaper than buying a brand-new vehicle. Car Edge specified that if you choose to buy a “Jeep Wrangler that is two years old, then you could save $9,025.”
In 2018, Jeep gave the Wrangler a comprehensive redesign, dubbed the Wrangler JL. Car and Driver tested the redesign and glowed over its performance off-road and on-road.
They also pointed out that the doors are still removeable, the windshield still folds down, and the soft top is even easier to remove and reinstall. The reviewers conclude that the newest Wrangler is a “carefully considered improvement…of the family jewel.”
With many Jeep fans clambering for the all-new Wrangler JL, the classic Wrangler (the JK) has slipped slightly in value. The average 2020 Wrangler JL commands a used price of $38,436, the average 2019 Wrangler is still worth $36,961 used, and the 2018 Wrangler JL holds its value with an average resale of $33,279.
The value of the 2017 Wrangler JK lags a bit further behind, with a current average resale of $30,663. A Jeep JK with low mileage may be one of the best values in used Wranglers available.
Earlier than 2017, current Wrangler values continue dropping $1,000 to $2,000 for every model year. Car and Driver points out that because of a mid-JK-generation automatic transmission and interior refresh, “there is a big difference between a 2010 and 2012.” But prices have not caught up with this pro-tip: the desirable 2012 Wrangler is only worth $1,000 more than the 2011 and $2,000 more than the 2010.
By the 2006 model year, average Wrangler resale values begin to increase. In 2007, Jeep was in the process of redesigning the Wrangler TJ to create the Wrangler JK. Jeep engineers tossed the fan-favorite inline-six-cylinder (I6) engine for parent company Mopar’s Pentastar V6. This may be one of the reasons that 2006 and older Wrangler JKs are holding their value. The average 2006 Wrangler TJ is currently worth $16,748, while the average 2007 Wrangler JK is going for $15,641.
Finally, many entry-level Jeeps have been upgraded by their owners with heavy-duty axles and locking differentials. These “homemade Rubicons” are often worth less money than used factory Rubicons but can prove to be just as capable while off-road.
Photos: Jeep
