Used Jeep Wrangler Prices can be high, in part, because new Wranglers are expensive. Jeep advertises the 2021 Wrangler starting at $28,575. But locking differentials and Dana 44 axles are exclusive to the Rubicon trim–beginning at $42,720. The V8-powered Rubicon 392 commands $74,995–that’s more than a new Hellcat!

The high price of new models drives many Jeep fans to the used vehicle market. This is one reason used Jeeps hold their value so well. A recent ISeeCars study found the four-door Jeep Wrangler Unlimited depreciates less than any other vehicle: losing only 30.9% of its value over five years. (The average car loses 49.1% of its value in five years).

The search engine iSeeCars conducted the above study. The company’s executive analyst, Karl Brauer, explained that high used Jeep Wrangler prices reflect the vehicle’s iconic design and durability. Brauer added Jeep has “maintained their iconic design, so even older models don’t appear dated.”

The CarGurus website tracks used Jeep Wrangler prices by individual model year. Most Jeep Wranglers depreciate predictably, losing between $1K and $2K in value every year. However, there are two significant anomalies in used Jeep Wrangler prices.

2017: The Lowest Used Jeep Wrangler Prices

Most used Jeep Wrangler prices fall by between $1K and $2K per year. So, for example, the current average sales price of a used 2020 Jeep Wrangler is $40,777, while the average for a 2019 model is $38,625. But there is a significant exception: the 2017 Jeep Wrangler’s average sales price is currently $32,103–that’s $3,246 less than a 2018 model.

The low 2017 prices may be due to the 2018 Jeep Wrangler redesign. The new 2018 Jeep Wrangler is called the JL, and many critics felt it improved over the outgoing JK. Autotrader recognized that Jeep engineers fine-tuned many of the things that make a Wrangler special with doors that are easier to remove, a windshield that’s simpler to fold down, and a hassle-free convertible top. Car and Driver dubbed the JL a “carefully considered improvement…of the family jewel.”

At the same time, critics agree that the JL only made incremental advances over the JK. This is because the Wrangler–with 80 years of lineage going back to World War Two–is a tried-and-true formula with little room for evolution. As a result, while many used SUV buyers opt for the redesigned Jeep JL, the final year of the classic JK boasts one of the lowest used Jeep Wrangler prices. And the 2017 Jeep Wrangler is one of Autotrader’s best used cars.

2006: The Highest Jeep Wrangler Prices

Used Jeep Wrangler prices continue to drop by $1K-$2K for each model year until 2006. The 2007 Wrangler currently fetches an average price of $15,732 while used 2006 Wranglers command a higher average value: $16,951.

There are several reasons that 2006 Wranglers may be worth more than 2007 Wranglers. One reason is that the 2007 Jeep Wrangler was the first year of the JK generation and 2007 Wranglers suffered from several issues that later JKs did not. For example, recalls, steering problems, and engine issues plagued the 2007 Wrangler. 

By comparison, everyone loves the 2006 Wrangler. Owner reviews for this final year of the Jeep Wrangler “TJ” swoon, Edmunds and Cars.com awarded the 2006 Wrangler 4.4/5 and 4.5/5 stars, respectively, and thousands of 2006 Wranglers are still on the road–hundreds for sale at any time. Finally, 2006 was the final year of the beloved inline six-cylinder 4.0L engine. By contrast, the Pentastar V6–an engine shared across many Chrysler products–powers the Wrangler JK. 2005 and later Wranglers with automatic transmissions–JK and TJ alike–sometimes suffered slippage issues. But many Wranglers buyers during these years opted for manual transmissions. As a result, current 2006 used Jeep Wrangler prices reflect everything that die-hard fans love about this classic 4×4.

Currently, 2006 and earlier Jeep Wrangler Rubicons with less than 70,000 miles are worth $15,000 to $25,000. But savvy Jeep buyers can find deals among available 1997-2006 Jeep Wrangler TJs.