How to Choose the Right Used Jeep Model for Your Needs

October 18th, 2024 by

A black 2020 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited parked off-road on a snowy road and angled left.

Jeep has a more diverse lineup of models than some people think. Whether you’re an extreme or occasional off-roader, want something for getting around town, or are looking for a vehicle that lets you explore America on long road trips, you can find something to suit your needs. And since Jeep vehicles are built to withstand rough riding and last for the long haul, you can look to used models to get an even wider range of choices that are priced affordably.

You can find all kinds of used Jeeps for sale near Cimarron Hills here at The Faricy Boys. Our Colorado Springs dealership is conveniently located and run by friendly folks who are all here to help you find the perfect Jeep for your particular needs and taste. Of course, you have to know what your options are if you’re going to decide which truck or SUV is right for you, which is why we’ve put together this guide to the nameplates you might come across in our used inventory. Once you know what’s out there, you’ll have the information you need to start browsing, either here on our website or in person on our lot.

Wrangler

The Wrangler is an iconic vehicle and is probably the first model that pops into your head when you hear the name “Jeep.” It’s legendary for its off-road capability and the perfect model to check out if you want to explore truly extreme trails and terrain. While all Wranglers have solid off-road chops with standard 4×4, you’ll want to keep an eye out for the Rubicon trim to ensure you’re getting a rough and tumble Wrangler capable of crawling over boulders, fording streams, and going anywhere you need to go.

One thing worth keeping in mind is that the Wrangler has long offered a wide range of trim levels to include something for every budget. This means that even fairly recent models might have spartan interiors that aren’t a good fit for everyone. The Wrangler has also continued to provide a manual transmission (aka stick shift) as an option while other vehicles left it aside, something that can be either a pro or a con, depending on your preferences. Because the Wrangler lineup has so much range, it’s a good idea to come up with a list of features that are must-haves before shopping so you can go in knowing what you’re willing to give up in exchange for a lower price and what missing features would be a dealbreaker.

Compass

Contrary to popular belief, not every Jeep driver is a diehard off-road enthusiast. There are plenty of people who mainly drive on paved roads but want a capable vehicle that can handle the occasional dirt road or gravel driveway and provides extra traction that comes in handy on rainy or snowy days. If that sounds like you, the Compass might be a perfect fit. This compact SUV is perfectly at home on the streets of Cimarron Hills and has a well-appointed interior with modern conveniences even on lower trims. If you do want to hit the trails now and then, look for the rugged Trailhawk trim.

Grand Cherokee & Grand Cherokee L

A compact SUV is great for tight spaces like narrow trails with lots of twists and turns, but it’s not the right choice for everyone. If you need a cabin with a little more breathing room for you and your passengers, consider the Grand Cherokee. This midsize model is more upscale than the Compass and has a backseat that can comfortably fit adults. On models from recent years, you can keep an eye out for the efficient 4xe plug-in hybrid powertrain for road trips across Colorado and beyond, an adaptable air suspension system for gliding over off-road obstacles, and the Grand Cherokee L variant, which has a longer body and offers three rows of seating instead of two.

Wagoneer & Grand Wagoneer

Not everyone who wants a capable vehicle wants to rough it, and there’s nothing wrong with that. If you’re looking for something that’s both strong and truly luxurious, you’ll want to check out the Wagoneer family. The nameplate was resurrected for the 2022 model year, so even the oldest used models have standard driver assistance features and other high-tech amenities. The Wagoneer is an upscale full-size SUV with three rows of seating and plenty of style inside and out. The Grand Wagoneer takes the luxury to the next level with a roster of premium features and goodies like genuine wood trim and a high-end audio system. Both models have a longer L variant available, which makes the interior even more spacious.

A white 2020 Jeep Gladiator driving to view used Jeeps for sale near Cimarron Hills.

Gladiator

Want to combine the rugged off-road action of the Wrangler with the convenient open cargo bed of a pickup truck? Then you’ll want to seek out a used Gladiator. It’s no coincidence that the front end looks so similar to the Wrangler––this truck has a similar level of capability and a go-anywhere attitude. The bed in the back can come in handy for carrying camping equipment, but it can also be an asset for everyday errands around Cimarron Hills, giving you an open space where even the bulkiest purchase can fit easily.

Cherokee

Since it was discontinued after the 2023 model year, the Cherokee (not to be confused with the larger Grand Cherokee) is currently only available as a used model. This small SUV is a good choice if you like the Compass but want the option to get more power. Look for a model with a V6 engine to get up to highway speeds easily for trips up and down I-25 and enjoy a solid towing capacity so you can bring a trailer along for the ride.

Renegade

Another model discontinued after the 2023 model year, the Renegade’s subcompact size makes it unique among off-road capable SUVs. While its tight interior isn’t for everyone, its small size makes it both affordable and extremely easy to maneuver in tricky situations. Whether you want a Trailhawk trim that can tackle the twistiest of off-road trails or an affordable model that makes parallel parking a piece of cake, the tiny Renegade has plenty to offer.

A black 2011 Jeep Patriot parked and angled left.

Patriot

The Patriot, which was discontinued after the 2017 model year, is a low-cost, pre-owned option that is great for buyers on a budget. While it’s by no means as capable as the Wrangler, it can tackle some light off-roading while also handling well on the pavement. It has the classic Jeep look on the exterior and a boxy body that makes the rear cargo area nice and spacious.

Liberty & Commander

When you’re shopping for a used vehicle, you need to keep the model year in mind, in addition to other factors like model and trim level. Even the most rugged vehicle will start to need special care at some point in its life, so you need to be prepared for the extra service necessary to keep it in good shape if you’re looking at a model that’s over a decade old. Because of that, most drivers should rule out the Liberty (last produced in 2012) and Commander (last produced in 2010). However, if you’re an enthusiast looking for an older SUV, the compact Liberty is an interesting nameplate that took the place of the Cherokee between 2002 and 2014, while the large Commander has three rows of seats and a stout towing capacity, with a recognizable Jeep front end.

We Can Match You With Your Dream Jeep

We hope that this overview helped you get pointed in the right direction. Here at The Faricy Boys, we believe in giving you all of the resources you need to make an informed decision so that you don’t end up with buyer’s remorse down the road. While our website can go a long way toward helping you choose a Jeep, we encourage you to head over from Cimarron Hills and work with us in person once you have an idea of what you’re looking for. Our friendly staff can answer any questions you might have, offer advice when you want it, and show you our inventory so you can see these models for yourself and even take them for a spin before you commit. Whether you want something big or small, bare-bones or luxurious, we can help you get behind the wheel of a Jeep that’s just right for you.