Which Years of Used Jeep Wagoneers Are Most Reliable?
The Jeep Wagoneer is an old-school Jeep vehicle known for its unique silhouette, extensive space, and overall versatility. However, the Jeep Wagoneer was only recently relaunched with the 2022 model after an extensive hiatus starting in 1993. If you’re after the most reliable Jeep Wagoneer year possible for a used car purchase, read on.
Most Reliable Years for the Jeep Wagoneer
The Jeep Wagoneer’s history can broadly be broken down into three generations, including the most recent relaunch. The most reliable Jeep Wagoneers tend to be those from the second generation, which extended between 1984 and 1991.
THE JEEP WAGONEER YEARS TO AVOID
This recent launch means there aren’t too many Wagoneers on the road, limiting information about reliability. Nonetheless, we’ll explore the available data and share our thoughts on the Jeep Wagoneer years to avoid.
That’s partially because they lack the issues and mechanical problems of the first generation of Jeep Wagoneers. They also featured major improvements to reduce costs and vehicle weight. That changed in 1985 and 1986, when the Grand Wagoneer had a larger chassis and suspension updates.
Regardless, many of these vehicles can still be found in excellent used condition, as they were cared for very well by their owners. If possible, try to get a used Jeep Wagoneer that is less than 30 years old; the line turned 25 in 1987. Put another way, avoid used Jeep Wagoneers that were made in 1980 or earlier.
Are Jeep Wagoneers Generally Reliable?
The Jeep Wagoneer is, by and large, not the most reliable vehicle type you can purchase. According to Edmunds.com, the Jeep Wagoneer has a reliability rating of 2.8 out of five, indicating that most users think that it is “okay” at best. This is also true for the most recent iteration of the Jeep Wagoneer, the 2022 relaunch.
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Other sources have similar things to say about this vehicle model. According to consumerreports.com, the Jeep Wagoneer demonstrates below-average reliability. With this in mind, you’ll want to pay very close attention to a given vehicle, including its maintenance history, whether or not it has been in any other accidents, and other factors before signing on any dotted lines. It may also be a good idea to take a used Jeep Wagoneer on a test drive before buying it.
Which Jeep Wagoneers Are the Least Reliable?
To really hedge your bets, do your best to avoid the least reliable Jeep Wagoneer models, namely those from the first generation. These include any Jeep Wagoneers released from 1963 to 1983.
There’s one big reason for this: page. Even if you find a used Jeep Wagoneer from these years in apparently good condition, the odds are that it won’t last very much longer without extensive care and maintenance. On top of that, skilled mechanics may have difficulty finding the right replacement components they need to ensure your used Jeep Wagoneer stays in excellent condition.
Overall, you’ll have an easier time with your Jeep Wagoneer if you buy a newer vehicle.
Are Jeep Wagoneers Expensive to Maintain?
If you purchase one of the most reliable Jeep Wagoneer years, keep in mind you’ll still need to spend money maintaining it. According to repairpal.com, that will run you about $691 per year.
Different repairs may cost much more than others. As an example, if you need to replace the AC evaporator, expect to spend well over $1000. Meanwhile, if your ignition switch needs to be replaced, you’ll probably spend a little less than $100.
This information just once again highlights the importance of getting a vehicle accident and history report from the used-car seller. Do not buy a used Jeep Wagoneer of any year without knowing whether it has demonstrated mechanical troubles in the past.
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Which Jeep Wagoneer is Most Reliable?
If you’re set on purchasing a used Jeep Wagoneer, the most reliable Jeep Wagoneer year is 2022. The 2022 Jeep Wagoneer, according to jdpower.com, has an overall score of 78 out of 100. Most of that score comes from a stellar driving experience and good resale value, while reliability is still only a little over average.
That said, the 2022 Jeep Wagoneer brings many of the aspects of the earlier Jeep Wagoneer models into the modern age, combining them with a slimmer aesthetic and high-tech features like safety cameras and more. If you’re after a used Jeep Wagoneer because of some of the reasons, the 2022 Jeep Wagoneer could be the best choice overall.
What Are the Most Common Jeep Wagoneer Problems?
Naturally, with such an extensive model history, there are many common Jeep Wagoneer problems you might encounter when you purchase one of these vehicles in used condition. For example, according to carsforsale.com, you might find:
- Problems with the paneling
- Issues with the stereo system
- AC control problems
- Transmission failures
- Brake issues
Some of these can be quite severe and dangerous, especially if they crop up unintentionally. Given that information, have a mechanic you trust look at a used Jeep Wagoneer before buying it. That way, you can have peace of mind when you finally drive it off the lot.
What Reddit Says About the Best Year of the Jeep Wagoneer:
The Wagoneer is certainly a Jeep classic, but what do people think of its best years in terms of reliability? Below are some takes by various Wagoneer owners from Reddit:
Here’s someone with a not-so-positive experience with the Wagoneer:
Comment
by from discussion
inJeep
Apparently, the Wagoneer doesn’t give a good first impression:
Comment
byu/Throwthiswatchaway from discussion
inwhatcarshouldIbuy
On a Reddit thread with a picture of a Wagoneer being towed:
Posts from the whatcarshouldibuy
community on Reddit
Here’s a more balanced opinion about the Wagoneer:
Comment
byu/FLsunshine85 from discussion
inJeep
Ultimately, the Jeep Wagoneer doesn’t seem to inspire confidence as far as reliability goes. The common theme is that the SUV can be comfortable and pleasant to drive, but it has simply way too many issues.
Is the Jeep Wagoneer Worth It?
A Jeep Wagoneer is an excellent choice if you want a vehicle with plenty of space, some off-roading capabilities, and that Jeep durability. That said, it’s also true that most used Jeep Wagoneers from earlier decades won’t be worth your time because of the likelihood of them breaking down or showcasing some other mechanical disaster in the near future.
WHAT TO DO IF A DEALER REFUSES TO CANCEL EXTENDED WARRANTY
Car buying can occasionally be frustrating, especially if you’re purchasing your vehicle through a dealership. We’re here to tell you how to navigate a situation in which a dealer refuses to cancel your extended warranty.
If you want to save money and have a car you can rely on for a long time to come, opt for a 2022 Jeep Wagoneer. That’s the most reliable Jeep Wagoneer year overall, and you can expect regular updates for the foreseeable future.
Final Thoughts
All in all, the 2022 Jeep Wagoneer is the standout pick in terms of reliability. But if you find a good used Jeep Wagoneer from a different model year, investigate it carefully and take it for a test drive. It’s definitely possible that you’ll find a gem hidden amongst the Jeep Wagoneers that weren’t taken care of as well as they should have been. If in doubt, have a mechanic inspect your used Jeep Wagoneer before you drive it off the lot.
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