Jeep Problems

While the various Jeep Wrangler Unlimited models suit individual tastes, the Sport, Rubicon, Freedom, Overland and Golden Eagle are so similar the best model comes down to which one you can afford and what features you can personally live with or without. Personally, I'd go for the Golden Eagle just for the name alone. 'Murica!

Jeep's Wrangler models are an unabashed throwback to their history making simple, rough and ready off-road vehicles. While they've become somewhat chic urban runabouts their fairly simple construction means they're fairly reliable when serviced regularly and looked after. However they're not the last word in refinement or could even be considered all that nice to drive around city environments with poor noise control, heavy steering, poor ride quality and turning circle.

The Jeep Patriot can tow 750kg of unbraked trailer (like a common box trailer, or small boat trailer), or up to a theoretical limit of 1500kg if the trailer is equipped with brakes.

Use a plastic trim removal tool to pop out the radio and air conditioning fascia panel by prying around the edge. Unplug the wiring connector, then remove the four Phillips-head screws holding the radio unit in. Slide it out, disconnect it and remove it from the car.

Among a field of popular, but fairly bland, Japanese options the Jeep Patriot seems like an interesting choice for those who can't afford or fit the Grand Cherokee into their lives. Unfortunately Patriots aren't the most reliable vehicle compared to the sturdy Toyota RAV4 or Volkswagen Tiguan, which are the small SUVs I'd suggest investigating.

If you look after it and get it serviced regularly there is no reason a Jeep Wrangler Unlimited shouldn't last several hundred thousand kilometres, though you will need to replace parts like shock absorbers, clutches and other wear items.

Jeeps tend to have a hit-and-miss reputation with reliability. Some people have nothing but trouble from the time they drive out of the dealership, while others can get hundreds of thousands of kilometres of faithful service from theirs. The Cherokee models, petrol and diesel, seem to prefer being used on long highway commutes rather than in short, stop-start city driving as my best friend's 2015-model diesel Cherokee has been a picture of reliability since he bought it and he regularly commutes several hundred kilometres per-day.

His diesel is serviced on-time, every-time which no doubt helps reliability.

A Jeep Wrangler Unlimited is rated to tow up to 750kg of unbraked trailer or a theoretical maximum of 2300kg if the trailer has brakes.

Firstly, you need to consult an engineering signatory in your state to make sure it is legal to lift the suspension on your Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, as some states do not allow this modification and you can be fined and have your car defected off the road if caught by police. Lifting Jeeps often happens by installing taller springs, and placing taller blocks between the chassis and body. The legal heights of the suspension and lift blocks differ from state-to-state.

The Jeep Wrangler Unlimited is 4751mm long.