Some Jeep Buying Tips for beginners:
Believe it or not, I've come across a lot of folks who have bought Jeeps with little or no time spent checking it out. So, here are a few of the things I look at before considering a Jeep that I might buy. This is by no means, an exhaustive list, but hopefully it'll help you find a Jeep that will serve you well. After all of this, I'd recommend you take it to a mechanic/shop that you trust and have them check it out for you.
Jeep Motor/Under the Hood Basics:
The obvious...check the oil. Does it look foamy, watery or just plain black and nasty? It should look like dark honey and still be clear.
Run it, and listen to it. On a 4 Liter you'll probably hear some minor ticking, but other than that you should mostly hear a smooth motor and the fan. For some reason they are loud on the 4 Liter. If you hear any significant knocking our loud irregular ticking, at least look into it, if you don't drop the Jeep all together from your list.
Check all the fluids. Make sure they look clean, and regularly changed. Most times people who know what they are doing will change them right before putting the Jeep up for sale, but you never know what you'll find.
4wd Basics:
Pull it into 4 wheel drive, the lever should pull up easily.
Turn hard right and left. You should feel a bit of binding. This tells you the 4wd. is actually engaged.
See how easily you're able to get it back out of 4wd.
Pull the lever all the way up into 4 Low (only do this when you're NOT moving, and don't go more than 2 or 3 mph). The Jeep should crawl very slowly if 4 low is working.
Jeep Body Basics:
Look under the carpets, floorboards are one of the first places to rust, especially in the front driver's side.
Body Mounts: In the front, at the bottom of the grill, about mid way back, beneath the door and the rear of the Jeep on top of the rear cross member. Make sure the mounts are solid, and depending on the age and price of the Jeep that any rust is only surface rust. Also look above the bushing and see if the body itself is rusting around the bushing.
Driving the Jeep:
If you haven't owned a Jeep, you'll find them to be slow. They aren't quick. However they are very strong. When pulling out, power should feel strong and consistent. Again, not fast, but very strong.
Vibrations. Lots of people say Jeeps ride rough, and if you're not a Jeeper, I guess I can see that. But it shouldn't vibrate or shimmy. If it does, it could either be driveline vibration, or wheels or tires that are out of round or balance. Driveline Vibration is more challenging. You determine which it is easily. If the vibration happens only during acceleration, its most likely driveline.
Brakes. Do they feel mushy? Does the pedal go all the way to the floor? Another thing to try is driving 15 or 20 mph and gently, but swiftly put the brakes on. Does the Jeep pull one way or the other? These things may not be deal breakers, but they're definitely things to be aware of and factor into your pricing.
The steering should (assuming its a newer Jeep or a CJ with power steering) be almost effortless. And you shouldn't hear it wine. If it does, check the fluid.
