Is a Jeep Wrangler a Good First Car?

Buying a new car is an exhilarating experience — especially when we’re talking about a new Jeep Wrangler. But what if you’re considering buying your very first vehicle. Does the Jeep Wrangler make a good first car?

Our answer is Yes.

Several factors help us come to this conclusion, including affordability, ruggedness, and ease of maintenance. Now, let’s jump into details.

Table of Contents

• Safety Options
• Easy Maintenance
• Rough Terrain and Snowy Roads
• Durability
• Entertainment Options
• Gas Mileage
• Highly Customizable
• Cargo Room
• What are the Downsides of a Jeep?
• FAQs
• Conclusion

Safety Options

Sometimes the excitement of getting a shiny new Jeep makes us forget about the important things — like safety. Thankfully, new Jeep Wranglers have several safety features that make them an excellent choice for new drivers.

Forward Collision Warning

A built-in radar detects probable collisions. It then uses auditory and visual alerts to alert the driver of the danger. The system may even engage the brakes to mitigate the impact if necessary.

Collision Avoidance System

The collision avoidance system is another tool to help prevent accidents. If you accidentally drift out of your lane, you’ll get an auditory warning to straighten the steering wheel. The system will also nudge your vehicle back into its lane.

In combination with the Forward Collision Warning, the Collision Avoidance System will also help you prevent front-facing accidents when activated together.

The Rear-Park Assist System

Let’s be honest; parallel parking can be a challenge for new drivers (even some experienced drivers too!). But Jeep’s Rear-Park Assist system makes it a breeze.

With the Rear-Park Assist System, you will get auditory and visual alerts each time an object is near your car’s back. That means no more anxiety when parking or fear of scratching the vehicle.

Easy Maintenance

The last thing a first-time driver wants to worry about is high maintenance and repair costs. Fortunately for them, a Jeep Wrangler is not expensive to maintain.

A Wrangler’s annual maintenance cost is on par with the national average, and when you factor in its four-wheel drive and durability it becomes a great value.

Replacement parts for a Jeep Wrangler are where the costs really shine. On average, Jeep Wrangler parts are less costly than most comparable vehicles.

Not only are Jeep Wranglers affordable to maintain, but they are also easy and relatively affordable to customize. There are tons of unique ways to deck out a Jeep Wrangler and let your uniqueness shine, so if you have a young auto fanatic on your hands, this is a vehicle that they will enjoy driving year after year.

The bottom line — having a Jeep Wrangler means that you’ll have more cash in your pockets over the life of the vehicle when compared to similar autos.

Rough Terrain and Snowy Roads

Jeeps are synonymous with rough terrain and off-road driving, which also makes them shine for the new driver who finds themselves in a difficult situation. Wet roads, muddy terrain, and snowy highways will be no problem for a Jeep Wrangler thanks to their rugged build and four-wheel drive.

Durability

Let’s face it, new drivers are more likely to damage their cars than experienced drivers. So, aside from getting an affordable and comfortable first car, it has to be sturdy. The Jeep was first introduced in World War 2 and has maintained its rugged soul ever since. Its design is light yet robust and ready for everything — they were built to withstand harsh situations.

While we don’t want our teen drivers backing into mailboxes or fire hydrants, these cars are more resistant to harm than some of the other popular first-time vehicles (we’re looking at you, Honda Accord).

Entertainment Options

Many people enjoy singing their lungs out while cruising down the road, especially a new driver in their first vehicle.

Jeeps come with the Alpha nine-speaker premium audio system. It is a standard in every Jeep Wrangler and will satisfy your music-loving demands. You can also take the options up a notch if budget is not an issue.

Some models, for example, come with extra features like Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and a 5-inch touchscreen display.

Gas Mileage

A new Jeep Wrangler gets about 30 miles-per-gallon, which is respectable for an SUV. You won’t find many other vehicles with comparable durability and size with significantly higher gas efficiency (unless you start looking at hybrids).

Highly Customizable

Customizing your Jeep is a rite of passage for many first-time Jeep owners. And as a first car, you’re even more likely to want to make it uniquely your own. Thankfully, Jeep Wranglers are one of the most customizable cars on the market.

With a myriad of readily available accessories on the market, ranging from seat covers, trendy antennas, bike racks, and so much more, a new driver can easily turn a new Jeep Wrangler into their Jeep Wrangler.

After a few modifications, your Jeep will match your personality and look unique.

Plus, if you really want to give your Jeep some personality, tons of Jeep owners give their rides a cool and unique name — a perfect way for a new driver to bond with their first vehicle.

Cargo Room

Last but not least, let’s talk cargo. The Jeep Wrangler provides plenty of space for passengers and luggage.

It is perfect for road trips, camping trips, off-road adventures, and even mountain biking. So just get your gear in, hang your bikes on the rack, and enjoy your spring and summer breaks in style!

What are the Downsides of a Jeep?

It’s essential to consider both the advantages and disadvantages before purchasing a new car. Even though it’s a fantastic first-time car with plenty of pros, the Jeep Wrangler also has some cons to consider.

Construction & Gravity

Because of its design, Jeeps’s center of gravity is relatively high. That, together with the rear-wheel bias, can make it difficult to maneuver at high speeds.

New Models vs. Older Models

Some people prefer to stick with a used car (especially for a first car) because they’re more affordable. However, older Jeep models lack some of the safety features of newer ones. Plus, some of the older Jeep models are known to have certain reliability issues. Even though a new model may cost $30,000 and up, it’s an investment worth making in the name of safety and reliability.

There Are Cheaper Options in the Market

Although affordable, Jeep Wranglers aren’t the cheapest cars on the market, even when you compare them to other SUVs like the Chevy Blazer . So, if your budget is low and a Jeep is out of your price range, you may have to look elsewhere.

FAQs

Should I get a Used Jeep?

As mentioned before, if you want to save some money on your first car, you can definitely go for a used Jeep. However, keep in mind that older models do not offer the same safety functionalities as newer ones.

Also, keep in mind that used cars don’t usually have any warranty. And maintenance would be costly compared to newer models. So, these are two factors to consider before going ahead and getting a used Jeep.

When is the Best Time to Buy a Jeep Wrangler?

If you’re looking for a great deal on a Jeep Wrangler, there are certain times of the year when you can snag the best deal. These tend to be towards the end of a quarter (especially the end of the year). Want to go more in-depth? Check out our guide for the best times to buy a Jeep Wrangler

Conclusion

The Jeep Wrangler is a fantastic option as a first car for inexperienced drivers. Customizability, safety, durability, and affordability are some of the reasons that make it a great option for first-timers. And if that doesn’t do it for ya, then this might: they’re just flat-out cool.