Jeep has been a reliable brand of off-roading vehicles since the 1940s, and even today; they remain one of the most popular choices for thrill seekers, trailblazers, and 4×4 fans worldwide. But what kind of maintenance costs can you expect as a potential Jeep owner?
The fact is, yes, Jeeps are expensive to maintain, but if you want to keep them in great condition, and performing to their best, not to mention safe to drive, then the maintenance cost is going to be something you’ll have to consider when investing in a Jeep. In fact, Jeeps can generally cost around between $400 and $2,000 a year for general upkeep, depending on the age of the vehicle.
So whether you’re buying a brand new Jeep or taking on a second-hand one, chances are, at some point, you may have to fork out for repairs and wear and tear, especially if you use your Jeep as intended.
Jeep Maintenance – How Much is Required?
You’d be surprised at how much hardship and rough and tumble a Jeep can endure before it requires maintenance. However, for your Jeep to keep up its powerful endurance, it needs to remain in tip-top shape.
Funny enough, these beastly off-roaders don’t get called for ad-hoc maintenance like regular vehicles. However, the catch is when they do need to go in for a service; chances are the costs are going to be considerable.
Average Jeep Maintenance Costs
How much your Jeep will cost to maintain is difficult to estimate because, of course, it totally depends on multiple factors, such as age, model, usage type, and frequency.
To give you an idea, let’s see how the maintenance cost might increase as the vehicle ages.
| Years of Ownership | Estimated Annual Maintenance Costs |
|---|---|
| 1 | $400 |
| 2 | $450 |
| 3 | $550 |
| 4 | $750 |
| 5 | $900 |
| 6 | $1,100 |
| 7 | $1,550 |
| 8 | $1,700 |
| 9 | $2,000 |
| 10 | $2,150 |
| 11 | $2,200 |
| 12 | $2,540 |
As you can see from the table, most Jeeps aren’t going to need much work or cost too much money in the first couple of years of use. However, as time goes on, the average maintenance cost slowly creeps up until you can see that the older models might cost as much as $2450 per year just to keep up with general repairs and wear and tear.
When it comes to unplanned major repairs, I’d recommend you set aside around $500.00, just in case. Almost every Jeep will come up against at least one of these in its lifetime.
Why Are Jeeps So Expensive to Repair?
There are a few reasons why Jeeps cost more than the average vehicle to repair. The main one is because of the endurance they face, especially those that are purposefully used for heavy-duty, off-roading.
Imagine having to tow one of these colossal roadsters out of a ditch. The cost of that alone could easily bump your maintenance costs up by a few hundred dollars.
Other common problems that might push your bill through the roof are things like the dreaded death wobble, which requires immediate attention, or other mechanical issues such as electronic malfunctions, exhaust leaks, and faulty throttle sensors.
Costs By Model
Another thing that can determine the cost of Jeep maintenance is the specific model, something else to consider when you’re in the market for a new off-roader.
| Model | Maintenance Frequency | Average Yearly Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Compass | Twice a Year | $450 |
| Mid-Range Cherokee | Three Times per Year | $500 |
| Premium Wrangler | Three Times per Year | $800 |
Importance of Jeep Maintenance
These hefty powerhouses take some beating when they’re trundling through rivers, and plowing through snow, or clambering over rocky terrain. Thus, regular checks, even for minor repairs, is going to ensure your Jeep is constantly at the top of its game.
Also, having regular checks mean your car keeps its value for longer should you plan to sell it in the future. Hence, regular maintenance, despite the cost, is essential.
How To Keep Costs Down
While you can’t avoid regular maintenance on your Jeep, you can follow a few handy tips that might help keep the costs to a minimum.
- Regular Oil Changes – When oil breaks down over time, it can cause the engine severe damage, so ensure you make regular oil changes to prevent deterioration.
- Tune-Ups – Regular tune-ups can improve fuel efficiency, which can help to prevent future engine problems.
- Brake Inspections – Worn brake pads or leaking brake fluid can cause serious harm, let alone be a massive hazard to you and other road users. To prevent damage to the brake rotors and increase stopping distance, brake inspections are vital.
- Belts and Hoses – Proper maintenance of belts and hoses is crucial as these parts can become worn out over time if not replaced when necessary.
- Car Washing – Believe it or not, regular trips to the car wash can help keep on top of general maintenance, especially with off-roading, where large amounts of dirt can build up, eventually causing rust.
- Tire Pressure – Underinflated tires can decrease fuel deficiency, leading to premature wear.
The crux of the matter here is that although it might seem like a hefty outlay, the best way to avoid significant expense is by keeping on top of regular maintenance checks. As the saying goes, it’s easier to prevent than cure.
The Rundown
Maintaining a Jeep can be costly, but as long as you evaluate this into the overall investment and keep on top of regular maintenance, such as checks, and basic care, you can keep significant outlays to a minimum.
Don’t forget, the older the Jeep, the more chance there is of high service bills, something worth thinking about if you’re considering a second-hand Jeep. Lastly, we always recommend that you have the best insurance coverage possible that can help to cover the cost of any unexpected, nasty surprises at the garage.
