I bought my first Jeep in 1974, an M38 that could run submerged. I sold it a years later cuz it cost soo much to maintain those submersible systems. Since then I've always had a 4x4. They always cost more to maintain than any sedan. Looking back on a few I kept accurate records for I spent $1000.00 a year on my YJ over 12 years. That includes oil changes, tires and 1 remanufactured engine.
With 45 years of 4x4ing, I rarely do anything in the driveway, even oil changes I pay a mechanic to do. That said, 45 years later I have never been stranded and only needed a tow once when the alternator failed. IF I had looked at the voltage gauge I could have had it replaced before the battery went dead.
I read all the doom and gloom about the parts you MUST carry if you wheel and hit my head on a brick wall. You only need those parts if you fail to maintain yer vehicle. Almost every part gives plenty of warning before it breaks unless you are an idiot on the skinny pedal. But yes you must be proactive, find a mechanic you trust, drive within yer vehicles capabilities, act like an adult and any vehicle will return the favour..... except a Lada, or a Vega, or.....
I think long term with any 4x4 expect to spend $1K a year all in.
Likely half that with anything strictly street driven.
The Wrangler disadvantage is even used they are expensive
The Wrangler advantage is even used they are expensive.
They might be the least practical vehicle out there unless you like, love
"There's no sense taking the driveway that's ten feet away when you've got a CJ."
My current TJR is much more expensive but I also put on double the mileage and tow a trailer half the time. It is my daily driver plus work vehicle. I average 25K miles a year. One of these days I'll add up the invoices, pretty easy since it is all on the business tax records.
edit...
I'm amazed, the year I replaced the engine was the high year, engine, tires, new lift, registration, insurance, was under $20K and that included gasoline for 25K miles. I average under $9K a year if i take out the lifts, highline, engine. $9K included gasoline.... which some months is over $800.00..... I need a Prius.
take out the gas, registration, insurance, I still average $1K a year on the maintenance, tires etc basic costs.
