There are lots of things to take into consideration when buying a used car, from mileage and aftermarket modifications to signs that the seller is trying to hide any significant mechanical problems.

The safest way to be sure that you’re not buying a lemon is to get an independent mechanic to give the vehicle the once-over. Any reasonable seller would have no problem with this, and if they say no then the chances are that they are trying to hide something!

Taking a careful approach to used cars is a good idea whatever type of vehicle you are buying, but it is probably even more important with Jeep models, given that they are designed for off-roading; an activity which can cause some serious damage to a Jeep’s bodywork and undercarriage.

Related: Jeep Hid These Easter Eggs In Their Cars And People Are Finding Them

12 Not Checking If There Are Any Recalls For That Jeep Model

jeep wrangler 4 door
Via motor1.com

If you’re in the market for a second-hand Jeep, there are some simple checks you can carry out to ensure that you don’t end up saddled with an expensive pile of rust. The first one can even be done online before you see the car; checking to see if there are any recalls for the Jeep model you want to buy.

11 Or The History Of A Particular Used Jeep

wide tires for jeep wrangler
Via nj.com

There are even ways of checking the very specific history of the used Jeep you have your eye on. Every vehicle has its identifying VIN, and a search on that number will tell you whether the Jeep has been involved in any accidents, whether it has ever been stolen and even whether it has ever had any major mechanical problems.

Related: 15 Rare Jeeps That Are Worth A Fortune Today

10 Failing To Check The Jeep's Exterior For Rust

jeep commander rocker panel replacement
Via jeepcommander.com

When the time comes to check over the car itself, not everyone is going to feel confident enough to look for and identify some potential problems, which is why getting a mechanic to check the car over is such a good idea. But everyone can spot rust, if its there, and it is important to check the Jeep’s exterior for any tell-tale patches.

9 And Not Looking For Rust Damage In The Jeep's Interior

jeep jlu bedliner interior
Via blog.choppedoctopus.com

It is just as important to look for rust in the interior of the Jeep, as a dishonest owner trying to hide damage from potential buyers might not have thought to hide rust patches under the floor mats in the trunk or cabin. If a Jeep has been taken off-road a lot, the interior can easily have suffered water damage.

8 Buying The Wrong Jeep Model For Your Needs

2019 jeep renegade trailhawk
Via autopublishers.com

The name “Jeep” sums up an image of the old military jeeps in World War II, but the 21st-century car manufacturer makes a variety of different vehicles, and you should make sure you are buying the right Jeep for your needs. There’s no point in buying a modified off-roading Wrangler when you would be better in a Cherokee SUV.

7 Failing To Look Underneath The Jeep For Off-Roading Damage

underneath a jeep
Via cars.com

If you’re in the market for a used Jeep it’s probably safer to assume that the vehicle has been used off-road, even if the seller insists that it’s only ever been used on city streets. That means that you need to get down on your hands and knees and check the underside of the vehicle for any damage caused by driving over uneven and rocky surfaces.

6 And To Check On The Condition Of The Jeep's Skid Plates

jeep xj skid plates
Via cherokeeforum.com

The condition of a Jeep’s skid plates is always a good indicator as to whether the vehicle has been taken off-road. Skid plates can be fitted to any part of a Jeep to protect it from off-road damage and several Jeep models have them fitted as standard on the front and rear of the vehicle, as well as one protecting the gas tank.

Related: 15 Little-Known Facts About Jeep’s 4X4s

5 Not Taking A Good Look At The Tires On The Jeep

jeep wrangler rubicon 2019
Via cerebral-overload.com

The wheels end up taking a lot of punishment when a vehicle is taken off-road, which is why it is especially important to give the tires on any used Jeep a thorough check. As well as looking for general wear and tear, keep your eyes peeled for any unusual bulges in the tire which can be a sign of an impact break.

4 Or Checking That The Jeep's Wheels Are In Good Shape

jeep wrangler
Via lovethytruck.com

If the tires on a second-hand Jeep have taken a bash while driving off-road, then there’s a good chance that the damage will have transferred to the wheels too. A mechanic will be able to check properly for problems like misaligned wheels, but sometimes the damage is so bad that even an amateur can spot it.

3 Not Investigating Whether There Are Any Leaks From A Used Jeep

car leaks
Via reddit.com

Any scrapes to the Jeep’s undercarriage may turn out to be simply a surface scratch, but there is always a possibility that something important has taken a hit and is leaking. Check for signs of leaks on the tarmac underneath the Jeep when you get the chance to give it a once over.

2 Failing To Spot Modifications To The Jeep Suspension

Jeep w350
Via pinterest.com

Serious off-roaders may even have made some after-market modifications to the Jeep’s suspension to improve its performance. This may seem like a good thing, as it is less likely to have sustained damage, but some modifications create their own problems, and significant mods can even affect the cost of insurance policies.

1 Deciding Not To Take The Jeep For A Test Drive

jeep compass trailhawk uk
Via carmagazine.co.uk

A lot of the problems on this list are much easier to spot if you take the Jeep for a test-drive. Any reasonable seller should be happy for you to do this, and if they say no then that should definitely set alarm bells ringing. Look out for a wobble, which can be a sign of wheel misalignment, or any new signs of leaks when you pull up the vehicle after a drive.

Next: 20 Mistakes To Avoid When Buying A Pickup Truck

Sources

Edmunds, Cars, Auto Trader, Extreme Terrain