Dealer visit checklist
2019 Jeep Wrangler checklist
Print it or keep it on your phone. Tick each item as you go so nothing gets missed.
Inspect the car
- Check every panel gap and look for mismatched paint (signs of past accident repair)
- Look at the tires: even wear, matching brands, at least 4/32" tread
- Check under the car and engine bay for oil, coolant or other leaks
- Start the engine cold; listen for knocks, ticks or squeals and watch for smoke
- Test every window, lock, seat, light, the A/C, heat and infotainment
- Test drive on city streets and highway: straight braking, smooth shifts, no pulling
- Ask for the service records and a vehicle history report
- Have an independent mechanic do a pre-purchase inspection (about $100–$200)
Known 2019 Jeep Wrangler problems to check
- Death wobble — a violent steering oscillation often triggered by worn track bars, tie rods, or steering stabilizers that can appear around 30,000–60,000 miles
- Soft-top and hardtop leaks around door seals and rear windows, especially after the top has been removed and re-installed multiple times
- 3.6L Pentastar oil consumption issues in higher-mileage examples; check for burning oil smell and monitor levels between changes
- Rust on the frame and underbody in salt-belt states accelerates faster than average due to the boxed frame design and off-road mud exposure
- Electrical gremlins including infotainment freezes and TPMS sensor failures on the UConnect 4 system
Ask: have these recalls been fixed?
- STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Jeep Wrangler vehicles.
- STEERING: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019 Jeep Wrangler and 2019 Ram 1500 vehicles.
- SEAT BELTS: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019 Jeep Wrangler and Ram 2500, 2019-2020 Ram 1500 and 2020 Jeep Gladiator vehicles.
- BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2020 Jeep Gladiator and Jeep Cherokee, 2019-2020 Ram 1500 Pickup, Ram 2500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Pickup, Chrysler Pacifica, Dodge Durango, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Wrangler, and Jeep Renegade and 2019 Dodge Challenger vehicles equipped with 8.4" or 12" radio displays.
- POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Jeep Wrangler and 2020-2021 Jeep Gladiator vehicles equipped with manual transmissions.
- POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Jeep Wrangler and 2020 Gladiator vehicles equipped with manual transmissions.
- POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2023 Jeep Wrangler, and 2020-2023 Jeep Gladiator vehicles equipped with manual transmissions.
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2024 Jeep Gladiator and 2018-2024 Jeep Wrangler vehicles.
Negotiate the price
- Know the typical price: about $24,500 for this model year
- Negotiate the out-the-door price, not the monthly payment
- Get the full price with every fee listed in writing before you sign
- Bring your own loan pre-approval so the dealer has a rate to beat
- Say no to add-ons you didn't ask for (paint protection, VIN etching, nitrogen tires)
- Negotiate your trade-in separately, after the car's price is agreed
- Be ready to walk away; another listing is usually a click away