How Do You Know Which Jeep Is Right for You?

A Jeep is a popular vehicle for those who are adventure-loving or thrill-seeking. However, even though Jeep is a great vehicle brand for those who love exploring the great outdoors, there are also plenty of model options that are perfect for city-dwellers and those who enjoy the comforts of home. There are many versatile options at your used Jeep dealer, but how do you know what one is best for you? Should you go with a rough and rugged option, a comfortable and luxurious one, or something in between?

There are so many different people and lifestyles, and Jeep makes a vehicle that is suited for each of them; you just have to know what you’re looking for. Unfortunately, unless you are an automobile enthusiast, it can be difficult to know the difference between each of these vehicles. So how do you know which one is right for you?

A Brief Overview of the Many Jeep Models

Perhaps Jeep’s most iconic vehicle is the Jeep Wrangler. This adventure vehicle has been around since 1987, with the most recent generation hitting the streets in 2018. The Wrangler design is based on the historical Willys Jeep of World War II and is widely known as being one of the most capable off-roading vehicles in the world. The Wrangler comes in a two-door and a four-door model (the latter known as the “Unlimited”), making it useful for both smaller and medium-sized groups. Every trim of the Wrangler comes with a standard 4×4 and proudly wears the Trail Rated badge, which is awarded to Jeep models that can pass through a series of tests, including traction, maneuverability, water fording, ground clearance, and articulation.

First introduced in 2007, the Jeep Compass is one of Jeep’s newer models. In the beginning, it did not hold Jeep’s Trail Rated badge, but it earned that status in 2011, making it yet another fully capable option for car shoppers. The Compass comes standard with front-wheel drive but can be optioned with 4×4 should you regularly find yourself in situations that require a tad more performance. Since it gets good fuel economy (for example, the 2015 model gets 27 MPG combined), this compact crossover makes a good commuter vehicle.

The Jeep Renegade is Jeep’s subcompact SUV, and it was introduced in 2015. While this vehicle still has plenty of 4×4 capabilities, its main focus is interior functionality. It is one of Jeep’s most fuel-efficient vehicles, with the 2016 model, for instance, getting 27 MPG combined. Drivers are able to adjust the cargo floor’s height, and shoppers have the option of adding a dual-panel sky roof that makes this subcompact Jeep feel incredibly spacious.

The Jeep Cherokee is another iconic automobile that was first introduced in the 1970s, although from 2002 to 2013, it was sold as the Jeep Liberty in the American market. The newest version of the Cherokee came about in 2014. This extremely capable compact SUV is ideal for families who want to safely and comfortably get around town while still having the option of taking some off-road adventures. As far as 4×4 capability, the Jeep Cherokee is one of the best in its class, and since the 2018 model gets a fuel economy of 24 MPG combined, you know this is the perfect SUV for those who want a capable yet multi-functional vehicle.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee is more than just an upgraded version of the Jeep Cherokee. Think of the Grand Cherokee as a luxury off-road vehicle. This full-size SUV experienced many transformations over the decades before the current version was introduced back in 2011. Jeep’s midsize SUV is as rugged and capable as other Jeep models, yet it also offers drivers and passengers many creature comforts. For example, both the first and second rows are spacious and comfortable, and the infotainment system is versatile and easy to use.

Which Used Jeep is Best for You?

If you’re looking to save a little bit of money on your Jeep, heading down to your local used Jeep dealer is a great way to go. Zimmer CDJR is one of the best used Jeep dealers in Kentucky and a good place to go to find your next vehicle. However, before you begin your car shopping adventures, you need to ask yourself what kind of lifestyle you and your new toy are planning to lead.

All of Jeep’s vehicles are extremely capable and come with great 4×4 abilities, but if you are a real off-roading junkie, you’re going to want to gravitate more towards either the Wrangler or the Gladiator. Since each of these vehicles come standard with the Trail Rated badge, you will be able to blaze through streams and puddles, up slippery slopes, and even over large and seemingly impassable objects. If your weekends are more likely to find you in the great outdoors than in the living room watching the latest game, then the Wrangler or the Gladiator is for you.

If you have a good-sized family and want to be able to drive the kids to soccer practice or dance class but also want to be able to enjoy some good old-fashioned holiday camping trips, then take a look at the Jeep Cherokee or Grand Cherokee. Because the Grand Cherokee has so much more interior space, it’s ideal for larger groups. The superior audio system, along with user-friendly navigation systems, makes it ideal for those who enjoy the comforts of modern living along with those backwoods adventures.

The Renegade and the Compass are the perfect vehicles for those who spend most of their time in the city but who still want to be able to get themselves out of any sticky situations they might find themselves in. Renegade and Compass drivers know that if they ever get caught on a snow-covered or icy road, their Jeep will be able to safely handle those conditions. And because the Renegade and the Compass are Jeep’s two least expensive vehicles, these are great options for those who want to own a Jeep but still want to spend as little money as possible.

Tips for Maintaining a Jeep

Whatever Jeep you choose to bring home, you’re going to want to take good care of it in order to ensure it lasts as long as possible. A well-maintained Jeep can easily last 20 years and beyond, and many Jeeps have seen more than 200,000 miles. So what do you need to do to give your Jeep this kind of long life?

Perhaps the most important thing you can do for your Jeep is to make sure you keep the fluids in good shape. This includes getting your oil changed regularly, which for a Jeep is typically every 3,000-5,000 miles for conventional oil and 5,000-7,500 miles for synthetic oil. Of course, this also includes changing your oil filter. Keeping your oil clean helps keep your Jeep running smoothly and prevents old muck from building up inside your engine.

When you are performing your oil change, you’ll want to check other fluid levels as well. This includes making sure levels are full and also that the fluids are still smooth and clean rather than clumped and gloopy. It is recommended that you check your washer fluid, your brake fluid, and your engine coolant levels. Check the oil and washer fluids by using the provided dipstick, and check your brake fluid and coolant levels by eyeing the fill-line through the transparent container. Make sure your vehicle is on level ground before doing this, or you may get inaccurate readings.

In addition to checking and maintaining fluid levels, keep your Jeep in tip-top shape by keeping track of your tires’ health. Regularly check your tire air pressure to make sure it is within recommended tolerances. Tolerances will be determined by your specific tire, so check your manual for that information. You’ll also want to rotate your tires every 5,000-10,000 miles or so and make sure your tread is kept up to safe and legal standards. To check your tire’s treads, you can take a penny and place it upside down in the tread of your tire. If you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, it’s time to get new tires.

Are You a Future Jeep Owner?

While it is impossible to say that everybody should buy a Jeep, there are plenty of people whose quality of life has improved since joining the Jeep family. If you enjoy the occasional adrenaline rush or you want to get a vehicle that can get you into, and out of, just about any situation, then maybe it’s time you got yourself a Jeep as well. Sometimes even just knowing that you could crest a sand dune or crawl down a cliff is enough to make you feel safe in a vehicle. Zimmer CDJR is your local used Jeep dealer, and we’re ready to help you find the best vehicle for you. Come find your perfect Jeep today!