Three Reasons College Graduates May Want to Buy a Used Jeep Wrangler

Autotrader publishes a list of the 10 best vehicles for recent college graduates every year and this year there are two Fiat Chrysler vehicles that are making the grade. Autotrader says the 2012-2017 Jeep Wrangler earns a spot on the list that looks at both new and used vehicles. The vehicles are judged on their looks, their high-tech features, their fuel economy and their overall affordability.

“At Autotrader, our goal is to help people navigate the car-buying process through our extensive lists of vehicles that suit consumers’ various needs,” says Brian Moody, executive editor at Autotrader. “With this in mind, we came up with a list of cars that offer both practical and affordable features recent college graduates should consider if they’re buying a car.”

According to the editors of Autotrader, “The Jeep Wrangler has a well-deserved reputation as an off-road icon. Surveys have shown that it's one of the top dream cars in America and it's more within reach than you might think.”

Jeep Wrangler’s Iconic Status

There is nothing like a Jeep and the Wrangler is the best of the best. The Jeep Wrangler is the most recognized vehicle in the world and many view it as the most rugged and capable. Jeep sets the bar when it comes to off-road capability. Every generation expands on Jeep’s seven decades of 4x4 engineering experience.

Jeep Wrangler’s Affordability

Jeep switched to a new body style in 2018, which makes the older versions more affordable to buy. Most people can’t tell the difference between the 2012-2017 models and the newest versions, so your used Jeep still looks current while costing thousands less. The older versions may not have the latest in all the technology but they are still great off-roaders and are loaded with safety gear. One of the aspects that Autotrader considers is practicality. The Jeep is very practical, as most mechanics will tell you, most mechanical problems are typically easy to fix.

Jeep Wrangler Symbolizes Adventure

More college graduates are ready to strike out on a new adventure and chart their own path. In my opinion, the Jeep symbolizes the rugged individualist. The Jeep Wrangler is built to handle not just the road but also the Road Less Traveled. It sounds like a song out of Sound of Music but the Jeep can literally help you “Climb Every Mountain and Ford Every Stream”.

The Jeep Wrangler is one of the most customized vehicles in the world, so anything you don’t find on your pre-owned Jeep, you can easily buy or replace through Mopar. It is also easy to personalize. Mopar carries over two hundred different parts and accessories for the Jeep Wrangler, so the buyer can truly make it his or her own.

FCA is one of two automakers with more than one vehicle on the list. The other FCA vehicle is the 2012-2017 Fiat 500. Autotrader gave the Fiat 500 high marks for fun styling, affordability and being easy to park. Parking is a great thing for a new graduate to consider, especially if they are heading to work in a larger city.

According to Autotrader: “A Fiat 500 can be a great little city car for college grads with an eye for style. This Fiat is a breeze to drive and park on urban roads thanks to its small footprint.”

Autotrader is the most visited third-party car shopping site. It is considered an authority on automotive consumer insights and an expert in online and mobile marketing.

Follow Mary Conway at @maryconwaymedia and send her car news tips for future stories.