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Sun-Moon

(209 posts)
Sat Aug 2, 2025, 04:05 PM Aug 2

Please help a new Jeep enthusiast!

My inner kid is jonesing big time for a jeep wrangler-
Found a clean one 2015 Willy 2 Door- with a 43K. Sounds , looks good ,
Underneath I rubbed a bar in the center of vehicle and rust bits would come off.
Is this a major concern? I plan to take to a mechanic for a pre buy inspection- but if any DU ers have expertise in jeeps I’d appreciate any help- tips- recommendations etc.
thank you.

9 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies

marble falls

(67,529 posts)
1. Trust me regarding Jeeps, Consumer Reports is your friend. Also, search "recalls/complaints" for the year and model ...
Sat Aug 2, 2025, 04:08 PM
Aug 2

... you want.

bucolic_frolic

(52,013 posts)
2. Can't comment on the vehicle or rust other than
Sat Aug 2, 2025, 04:11 PM
Aug 2

there are Lanolin-based rustproofing sprays, in spray cans. But you need protective clothing, respirator protection if going the DIY route.

Old Crank

(6,081 posts)
7. A friend had a Cherokee
Sun Aug 3, 2025, 05:19 AM
Aug 3

It had the death wobble in spite of a bunch of suspension steering repairs. Went away with a steering damper installation.

Mike 03

(18,683 posts)
4. I don't know much about Jeeps but my brother in law, who is a former detective/sgt
Sat Aug 2, 2025, 04:29 PM
Aug 2

drove a black Jeep Wrangler (probably late 1990s) which he outfitted with a mobile data terminal and police radio. i thought it looked fantastic and the reason I mention is occupation is he was confident enough in its performance to use it for undercover work and law enforcement related travel. In my unprofessional opinion that shows a high level of confidence. He drove that thing into the ground. Now that I no longer have a dog I guess in theory I could get a Jeep now. Great though that Jeep was, it was not very big--not big enough to carry much stuff. There are probably big Jeeps and small Jeeps though.

Kali

(56,362 posts)
5. Get something else
Sat Aug 2, 2025, 05:23 PM
Aug 2

Sorry, not a fan. Get a Toyota.
Or at least be prepared mentally and financially to be constantly fixing/replacing stuff (buy a second/third for parts)

JMCKUSICK

(3,658 posts)
6. I love love love Wranglers,
Sat Aug 2, 2025, 06:27 PM
Aug 2

Three things I would highly recommend.
1. Take your time, there are tons of them.
2. Make sure the engine compartment is clean, no oil deposits etc...
3. Take it to a mechanic, and get firm answers.
No leaks, skid plate is a must if you do any off roading, any wiggles or shimmies, run and if it's from a dealer, get a Carfax, no exceptions. if they won't give you one, run lol.

Oh and lastly, if you can drive a stick/manual, do it because it's funner, better for off road and funner lol.

Emile

(36,883 posts)
8. I have owned two jeeps in my life, cj5 and a cj7.
Sun Aug 3, 2025, 08:22 AM
Aug 3

Both were rust buckets. Took the body off the cj5 and put a fiberglass body on it. Raised it 3", put bigger wheels, nerf bars and painted it red. New top and it was sharp. It had a small v8 in it. I gave that jeep to my son and he drove it through high-school and 4 years of college. The cj7 had a six cylinder and a hardtop. I used it mostly around the homestead.

Even though I had two of them, I don't recommend them. Once they start rusting, it's just a matter of time they look like shit. The mileage was terrible. It didn't matter between a v8 or six, 12 mpg is the average.

flvegan

(65,198 posts)
9. Sounds like it might be surface rust.
Mon Aug 4, 2025, 01:12 AM
Aug 4

Definitely get it checked out (I'd say that about any car) by a good mechanic. Find your local Jeep community, get some ducks and enjoy!

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