Why are jeeps so expensive?
Strong. That’s the kind of person you are. The wind in your dusty hair, crawling down a sickly mountain trail that hasn’t been walked for years. You like to be alone, owner of your destiny, captain of your soul.
Of course, that’s why you chose to buy a Jeep. You’ve been told it’s the only vehicle that will take you to those remote, hard-to-reach places in this world, and that’s exactly what you intend to do.
However, as you start racking up the miles on your new 4×4, you can’t help but notice that the cabin lacks luxury and the ride is quite rough. The parts are quite expensive and you can actually hear the engine on the radio!
It invites you to ask yourself…
See also: Differences between 4WD and all-wheel drive
Why are jeeps so expensive?
#1 – Supply and demand
Jeep Wranglers are very popular and Jeep knows it. Everyone loves the removable doors and the classic slotted grille on the front of the Wrangler. People like to buy Jeeps for their off-road capability, even if they don’t intend to venture outside of downtown.
Jeep, as a company, also keeps production volume low to ensure demand stays high. That way they can charge $40,000 for an average build and people will line up around the block to pay the exorbitant “dealer markup.”
Basically, if everyone wants something, why lower the price? A well-equipped Jeep Gladiator can cost almost $70,000! That’s quite a lot for a utility farm truck!
See also: The 19 Best Sports Cars Under $50,000
#2 – History
Part of the reason Jeeps are so expensive these days is due to the long and successful history of this car.
Used as a utility troop transport vehicle during World War II, the Jeep was intended to cross any terrain, carry .50 machine guns, and tow anti-tank weapons to the front lines. It was supposed to be light enough that one or two men could lift it and run it down the track if it ever got stuck.
The original “Willys” Jeep, as it was known then, was also designed to be easy to work with, which meant that all parts were readily available and fairly easy to use. Oddly enough, many Jeeps were sent to the military in boxes of discarded parts. The mechanics at the starting line were supposed to assemble the entire vehicle in one day to get it to the starting line!
What I also hear and see in Jeep circles is that there is a fairly loyal fraternity to these vehicles. When you buy a Jeep, you can greet other Jeep owners and say “Hi! You have a Jeep like mine! Hey buddy, isn’t it cool that we bought the same car? »
When you fill-up at the gas station, people may come up to you and ask you everything you know about your car. This is another reason why Jeep prices increase every year because you’re not just buying a car, you’re buying an entire experience.
It’s safe to say that the rich and interesting history of the Jeep Wrangler, as well as the brotherhood, has created greater demand for the Jeep brand as a whole.
#3 – Competition
While we’re talking about Jeep Wranglers, I’ll also mention that they are priced very high because they don’t have much competition. For the price, you can’t find a solid front axle, electronic sway bar disconnects, front and rear lockouts, and all-terrain tires on a factory vehicle.
So for those who value off-road performance, there’s really only one option on the market: the Jeep Wrangler.
When you look at the other models in the Jeep lineup, they all have the optional “Trailhawk” trim that offers a huge upgrade in off-road capabilities that can match any of the other SUVs offered on the market today.
How to get a good deal on a Jeep
As with most other cars, the best deals you’ll find will be on the used market. Typically you want to look for cars with less than 100,000 miles, full service history, clean title, and preferably “certified used.”
This way you avoid huge depreciation in the first two years of ownership and get a car that still has plenty of useful life left in it.
See also: 10 tips for buying a used car
Are Jeeps expensive to maintain?
The average maintenance cost for the Jeep Wrangler is $694, just $100 more than other SUVs in the segment. Although the average cost is higher, the probability of having to go to a mechanic is quite low on average.
That said, repairs on Jeep Wranglers are more difficult on average because there are more problems than a standard front-drive sedan, for example.
Now, if you plan on bringing your Jeep to MOAB for the Easter Jeep Safari Game (I know I am!) and you want to fight Pritchett Canyon, you can break a tie rod, your axles, your differential, maybe your gearbox. transfer and transmission.
Not to mention, if you need someone to get you out of a jam, you’ll spend at least $2,000 to get to the nearest gas station. Therefore, you will have to spend much more than $694 per year if you want to continue with this hobby.
Plus, if you’re going to own a Jeep, you better make sure it won’t be stored for too long! You should get the fat 35” tires, the gold rims, King Shocks, and make sure you don’t forget the swinging light bars!
Otherwise, why did you buy a Jeep, right? This is a case where you have to pay to play with the big 4X4 wood.
Jeep insurance costs
With progressive insurance, you’ll spend an average of $950 per year to insure a Jeep Wrangler. However, like all insurance premiums, your age, driving history, and the type of car you drive can affect this.
I will also add that almost all insurance companies will not cover accidents/damages from tackling ski slopes in the mountains. So make sure you don’t try to file a claim for a crooked rockfall or torn siding because your local insurance agent might raise some eyebrows.
In general, Jeeps are quite expensive to buy and it may cost you a little more each year to keep them running smoothly. However, when you compare its off-road capabilities to any of the other options in this class, there’s no question which one is the better choice.
Simply put, if you’re off-road and want to explore most of the time you’re in your vehicle, get a Jeep.
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